2018 Tesla Model 3 Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,036 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,762miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 1% of the 1,036 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,762 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The 2018 Tesla model 3 has no manual release for rear passenger doors. Rear doors often fail to open due to door panel alignment or actuator for door. Doors will feel like they are opening but will be stuck. passenger will be unable to exit the rear of the vehicle incase of fire, power loss or due to an accident with no ability to exit the rear of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11583984, filed 2024-04“The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving on a highway at approximately 70–80 MPH, the hood latch failed, causing the hood to unexpectedly open and strike the windshield, obstructing the driver's visibility. Both the hood and the windshield were damaged. No warning lights illuminated and no unusual sounds occurred prior to the failure. The contact was able to safely pull over to the shoulder of the road. The contact temporarily secured the hood using tools kept in the vehicle and drove to the residence. …”
NHTSA complaint #11749346, filed 2026-07, 58,700 miles“In several accidents and fires in model 3s it became apparent that when the electric door openers on the rear door fail the backup mechanical system is completely inadequate particularly for incidental passengers. Unlike the front seats which have a level to pull up to open the door the rear doors require a number of steps that are odd and certainly not obvious or intuitive leading to a very dangerous situation when a very fast exit is needed. The rear should have the same type of level to provide consistency for riders in an emergency situation. …”
NHTSA complaint #11628467, filed 2024-12Related service bulletins
- 10153420Jan 3, 2019On certain Model 3 vehicles, the hood latch might be out of alignment, causing a possible interference with the underhood storage unit.
- 10153803Dec 6, 2018For some Model 3 vehicles, the trunk lid might require more effort than expected to fully close.
- 10144254Aug 14, 2018On some Model 3 vehicles, the glove box solenoid might have been lubricated with incorrect grease, and might require excessive force to unlatch the glove box.
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2018 Tesla Model 3
204 complaintsSuspension
192 complaintsOther or unknown
175 complaintsElectrical system
168 complaintsAir bags
143 complaintsSeat belts
105 complaintsVehicle speed control
91 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsSteering
83 complaintsSeats
74 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
61 complaintsBody and structure
60 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology