2018 Tesla Model 3: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Body · WA · 1 injury

The exterior door handles are made of a thin metal top cover over a plastic door handle. The exterior door handle metal begins to peel, and does so in a manner that isn't clear to see. This has resulted in me cutting my hand on the door handle. I had to remove the metal from the door handles to prevent my family from also being injured. I asked Tesla to fix it, and they quoted $1,275 to fix the issue on all four doors.

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Body · 64,402 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. While a passenger was attempting to enter the vehicle, the contact sustained a cut to the hand, which was caused by the exterior door handle. The contact stated that over time, the edges of the flush door handles had degraded and become progressively sharper and posed a threat to anyone attempting to open the doors. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,402.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Body · GA · 1 injury

The door handles have a defect. The chrome peels off unexpectedly, outside of normal wear and tear, and may cause a deep cut to a person’s finger. It cut my son’s finger, causing bleeding. After researching, I found online that that this has happened to many other people.

Filed Mar 27, 2026 · Body · CA · 1 injury

The chrome trim on exterior door handle on driver side failed, peeling back to create a sharp, blade-like edge. When i tried opening the door, it sliced my finger causing bleeding and a trip to urgent care. Aparently many other consumers are facing the same problem. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 7, 2025 · Body · WA · 1 injury

Hello, I have a Tesla model 3 that I bought back in 2018 . On [XXX] when I sliced my finger while opening the door, because the chrome coating on the door handle started peeling. The cut was very deep ( see attached pictures). I contacted Tesla for resolution and they said that the car is not under warranty and I have to pay $340 for each handle to replace them. Apparently the peeling chrome happened to many other Tesla 3 owners and the company is aware of it and they told me that it might be caused by the car washing detergent (?!!) I think it was a defective design and the peeling chrome coating is a major health hazard. The child cand slice their fingers and if person has a bleeding issues and cut themselves while on the road it can be bad. I think it should be treated as a recall for bad design and should be fixed for free. I lost couple of days of work since I work in the Operating room and my finger was severely cut. I will wait for your response, thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 23, 2024 · Body · CA

The driver's side rear door handle is defective. The chrome wrap around the door handle is I believe aluminum that does not adhere properly to the plastic handle, resulting in the wrap coming loose and have caused cuts to the fingers of unaware passengers. Tesla has requested $350 to fix what is an obvious safety hazard. Others are discussing this online: [XXX] [XXX] The online reports always call out that it's the same door - rear driver's side - indicating to me an installation flaw. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 20, 2024 · Body · 30,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the chrome trim became loose on all four doors, which caused injuries to the contact and daughter while opening the doors. The vehicle was diagnosed by an onboard App, that determined that all four door handles needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that it was a known issue since the manufacturer had changed the chrome trim for the newer model vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and informed the contact that he had to pay out of pocket for the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed May 10, 2024 · WA

The rear-passenger door handle decorative chrome came detached in a strip from the middle of the underlying stronger material. It was *SHARP* and cut my wife's hand. Web searches showed others with the same issue, even one reporting being cut by it. Tesla said it was not a warranty item and cars break but did say it was odd to see it break in the way it did.

Filed Apr 3, 2024 · Body · MA · 1 injury

There are 2 separate issues with our door handles. The first issue is that they are slow to retract, and in the cold, the often remain in an open position. This has happened numerous times over this winter when my child gets in her car booster. The second issue relates to the method in which tesla adhered the chrome to the handles. There is a small seam on the bottom of the handle that peals off, This results in a VERY sharp metallic layer on the handle. I have now sliced my hand twice on this handle. (I’ve scheduled Tesla to replace this handle. Unfortunately this is coming at a cost to me as the consumer.

Filed Dec 29, 2023 · NY · 2 injuries

Me and my wife cut the finger on vehicle door handle. The thin chrome covering the handles has peeled off cousin hazard. Can you fix your website, I’m unable to upload photos.

Filed Feb 28, 2023 · WA

OEM Chrome on door handles is a thick metallic wrap over plastic. Over time the chrome wrap delaminated on 3 out 4 handles. This results in very sharp metal edge that presents a laceration hazard. Just wanted to share this in case others have this issue. It's not a serious issue but it definitely is unsafe and it might be good to warn others.

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Body · CA · 2 injuries

Rear left exterior door handle. Peeling chrome plating on the under side of handle creates a sharp ragged edge that cuts fingers. The ragged edge also prevents the handle from retracting completely into the door, which may affect secure closure of the door. Reported to Tesla, who declined to cover the repair and sent me an estimate of $270 for parts and labor to replace the door handle.