At the shop, Tesla body and structural issues have a recognizable signature. 191 documented complaints across 14 year-model entries from 2013 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. 2018 Tesla Model 3 tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 3 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Tesla vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair exposure averages $1,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. For trucks especially, get under it with a flashlight. Frame rust on rust-belt vehicles tells you everything you need to know about how it was kept.
ProblemsByVin TESLA / BODY
14 model-year entries · 2013–2025
Tesla body problems
191 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Tesla vehicles for body issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See body across all makes →
Complaints
191
Recalls
2
Year-models
14
Avg fix
$1,500
27crashes
1fire
17injuries
3fatalities
Worst-affected Tesla model-years for body Top 14 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
2018 Tesla Model 3
39 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
29 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,500 critical
2014 Tesla Model S
17 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2019 Tesla Model 3
15 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2020 Tesla Model 3
14 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2013 Tesla Model S
14 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2021 Tesla Model 3
13 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2023 Tesla Model 3
12 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2020 Tesla Model Y
12 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2022 Tesla Model 3
7 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2021 Tesla Model S
7 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2022 Tesla Model S
5 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2022 Tesla Model X
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,500 severe
2025 Tesla Model Y
3 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
Active recalls — Tesla body 5 on file
Tesla, Inc
A loose applique can detach from the vehicle, creating a road hazard for following motorists and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will apply adhesion promoter and pressure sensitive tape or replace missing applique as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-12-006.
Tesla, Inc
The second-row seat may not properly restrain occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla will replace the vehicle, free of charge. The recall was completed April 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Tesla, Inc
A detached light bar can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will replace the cant rail assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-10-001.
Tesla, Inc
Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will test the roof trim adhesion, and, as necessary, apply primer, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-20-12-005. This recall has been superseded by Recall 24V615 (SB-24-12-008).
Tesla, Inc
Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will test the roof trim adhesion and reattach the trim pieces as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-12-008. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-710 will need to have the new inspection and remedy completed.
Common questions
How many Tesla body complaints are on file with NHTSA?
191 complaints across 14 model-year entries from 2013 to 2025. 2 active recall campaigns cover body issues across the Tesla lineup.
Which Tesla model has the most body complaints?
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 leads with 39 complaints in this category. Next: 2024 Cybertruck (29) and 2014 Model S (17).
What does it cost to fix Tesla body problems?
Independent shops average $1,500 for body repairs across the Tesla lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Tesla body recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover body on Tesla vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Tesla.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.