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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-TESLA-ROADSTER
2008 · Tesla

Tesla Roadster problems

1 safety recall. 1 owner complaint. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
9.4 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Roadster · cruise control
THE VEHICLE IS PRONE TO 'SUDDEN ACCELERATION' PROBLEMS WHERE THE DRIVER LOSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ENGAGES AND FORCES THE REGENERATIVE ENGINE BREAKING SYSTEM TO DISENGAGE. THE TESLA ROADSTER USES VERY AGGRESSIVE ENGINE REGENERATIVE BREAKING SO,…
07/18/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10277260.0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 09V178000 26/05/2009

TESLA MOTORS, INC

IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT ADDRESSED PROMPTLY, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Fix: TESLA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TESLA TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-888-3752.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Tesla Roadster reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 9.4 out of 10 based on 1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Tesla Roadster is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Tesla Roadster?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Tesla Roadster has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Tesla Roadster?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1 complaints on file, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Tesla. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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