Tesla Model 3 Phase 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
460–476 PS
Performance AWD Elektro
3.1s to sixty — and brakes that don't deserve it
Legendary!Generations
Engine Overview
The Tesla Model 3 Phase 1 is available with 3 engine variants — from 283 to 498 hp.
The Tesla Long Range AWD (Electric, 346 PS) has the Model3-LR (Long Range AWD) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Tesla Performance (Electric, 476 PS) has the Model3-Perf (Performance AWD) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Tesla Standard Range Plus (Electric, 283 PS) has the Model3-SR (Standard Range RWD) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear bumper detaches in standing water (pre-May 2019) Affects builds before May 21, 2019. Water accumulates inside rear bumper fascia when driving through puddles. Weight of trapped water tears the bumper off. Tesla acknowledged the defect October 2020, covers under warranty. Design revised May 2019. Symptoms: Rear bumper fascia dragging or detached after driving through puddles or heavy rain from 8,000 km | High | |
| Flush door handle freezing and mechanism failure Flush handles freeze shut in winter. Internal spring and micro-switches fail mechanically over time. Tesla's fix: forcefully press to break ice. Preventive silicone lubricant recommended. Handle replacement $250-380 at Tesla service. Symptoms: Handle won't pop out when pressed, sticks or retracts slowly, unresponsive in cold from 80,000 km | Low | |
| Windshield stress cracking — no impact point Cracks appear without impact, originating from edge. Installation stress from missing weld on mounting bracket puts glass under tension. Stress cracks from edge covered under warranty. Replacement $900-2,000 due to embedded sensors/cameras. Symptoms: Crack from edge without impact point, spreading across glass over days from 48,000 km | High | |
| Panel gaps and body alignment — early Fremont production Affects 2017-2020 Fremont builds (VIN: 5YJ) primarily. Gaps far exceeding industry norms, documented by Munro & Associates. Tesla claimed 40% improvement by April 2018. Shanghai builds (VIN: LRW) from 2021 show significantly better fit. Cosmetic, no safety impact. Symptoms: Visible uneven gaps between panels, misaligned trunk lid, wind noise from poor fitment | Low | |
| Thin paint — 71-74 microns vs 110-150 industry standard Independent Finnish inspection measured 71-74 microns on door panels — industry standard is 110-150. The paint is soft and chips easily to bare metal. PPF recommended for front end. Later production marginally better but Tesla paint remains thinner than any competitor. Symptoms: Excessive stone chips on bumper and hood, paint to bare metal from minor contact, orange peel texture from 25,000 km | High | |
| Trunk and frunk water leaks (2017-2020) Affects 2017-2020 builds. Trunk lid seal misalignment and unwelded seams allow water in after rain. Tesla added drain holes to 2021 weather strips. Frunk seal adhesion also fails. Service can adjust trunk alignment. Symptoms: Water pooling in trunk after rain, wet trunk liner, water in frunk after washing from 16,000 km | Low | |
| Frunk latch misalignment — won't open or close properly Frunk won't latch shut or won't release to open. Latch mechanism and striker misalign, especially on early Fremont builds with wider body tolerances. Rubber seal warping compounds the problem. Actuator wiring can also corrode. Lubrication and striker adjustment usually resolves it. If actuator failed: $200-300 replacement. Service appointment often needed as frunk can be completely stuck. Symptoms: Frunk won't pop open from app or button, frunk pops but won't lift, frunk won't latch closed, warning that frunk is open when it's shut | Low | |
| Trunk lid struts lose pressure — lid won't stay open Gas-filled trunk struts lose nitrogen pressure over 3-5 years. Trunk lid no longer opens fully, droops down, or falls on your head. Tesla lists this as a DIY repair — two small screws per strut. OEM replacement $40-60/pair. Aftermarket power struts that fully open the trunk: $80-120. Takes 15 minutes. Symptoms: Trunk lid opens only partway, lid slowly closes on its own, need to push trunk open manually from 80,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 38 weaknesses have been documented for the Tesla Model 3 Phase 1 (2017–2023) — 18 engine-related and 20 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Suspension, Electronics, HVAC.
Model 3 (Model3-LR, 2018–2023) — Be Careful: 12V auxiliary battery failure, Rear induction motor bearing failure (2018-2020), Drive unit bearing whine. Power: 346 PS.
Model 3 (Model3-Perf, 2018–2023) — Be Careful: 12V battery failure (2018-2021), Rear induction motor failure (2018-2020), Drive unit bearing whine — accelerated by track use. Power: 476 PS.
Model 3 (Model3-SR, 2019–2023) — Be Careful: 12V auxiliary battery dies without warning, Drive unit bearing whine, Charge port door actuator failure — won't open or close. Power: 283 PS.
What to watch out for with the Tesla Model 3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Tesla Model 3 Phase 1 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee