Tesla Model 3 tire blowout problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Tires · VA

I have two Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Tesla-specific tires, size 275/35ZR20, that have developed nearly identical extensive splitting and separation along the inner shoulder where the tread meets the sidewall. (I believe I had the same issue with the other 2 on the front since they were leaking and were replaced about 4 weeks ago. The tires were disposed of by the tire shop) Both tires were manufactured in 2021 (DOT date code 4221, and 3321) and have under 15,000 miles of use. The separation follows the circumference of the inner shoulder, with both tires exhibiting significant rubber separation and what appears to be exposed reinforcing material. These are summer-only tires that are removed from the vehicle during the colder months and stored indoors, wrapped, and inflated to approximately 10 PSI while off the vehicle. I am concerned that two tires with the same manufacturing date have experienced nearly identical failures in the same structural area despite relatively low mileage and seasonal use. This condition presents a significant safety concern because continued separation could potentially result in sudden tire failure or loss of pressure while driving, particularly at highway speeds and it is not visible Both damaged tires have been photographed and are available for inspection. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether these failures are associated with a potential tire manufacturing or construction defect.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Tires · FL

On [XXX], the Walmart Auto Care Center on Thomasville Rd in Tallahassee, FL installed four Goodyear Reliant All-Season tires, size 235/45R18 94V (standard load), on my 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (approximately 75,000 miles). The vehicle's door placard specifies 235/45R18 at 42 PSI cold, and the original-equipment specification for this vehicle is 235/45R18 98 XL (extra load). The installed tires carry a lower load index (94 = 1,477 lbs per tire) than the vehicle requires (98 = 1,653 lbs per tire). The tires were delivered underinflated at approximately 35-37 PSI instead of the placard-required 42 PSI cold. After I inflated them to 42 PSI, the right-rear tire initially would not hold pressure and dropped to approximately 31 PSI, indicating a bead-seating or valve defect from installation; it later accepted 42 PSI but requires monitoring. My normal commute involves sustained highway driving at 70+ mph. Operating at highway speeds on tires rated below the vehicle manufacturer's specified load index, combined with underinflation and a suspected bead/valve installation defect causing pressure loss, creates a risk of heat buildup, tread separation, or sudden blowout and loss of vehicle control. Walmart did not correct the installation: staff attempted to install only three of the four correct replacement tires and later told me to purchase an additional tire at my own expense. I declined both. No crash, fire, injury, or police report resulted. The tires remain on the vehicle pending resolution. This complaint documents the safety hazard created by the incorrect tire fitment and defective installation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Suspension, Wheels · FL

Both front tires on my 2024 tesla model 3 performance developed structural bulges on the inboard sidewall at under 19,000 miles. The tires are the original equipment pirelli p zero 235/35r20 delivered with the vehicle on 12/07/2024. On 08/05/2026 at 18,951 miles, tesla service in doral, florida inspected and road-tested the vehicle for a metallic rubbing noise that increases with speed and also occurs at low speed at full steering lock under acceleration. Tesla's own repair notes on invoice 3000s0017877728 state that the noise was duplicated on the road test and appears to originate from deformed front tires. Tesla took no alignment measurement and the invoice contains no camber, caster or toe readings. The same invoice records tire pressures of 40.2, 39.9, 40.6 and 39.9 psi, so underinflation is not a factor. The failures are symmetric: same axle, same inboard face, both sides, at the same time, which is not consistent with isolated independent road hazard impacts. The bulges are on the inner face and are not visible during a normal walk-around inspection. Tesla states it provides no warranty coverage for tires and declined any vehicle-side diagnosis. A sidewall bulge is a sudden blowout risk, and two of them on the steering axle of a high performance vehicle capable of highway speed is a safety defect concern. Other tesla owners have reported the same inboard sidewall bulge pattern at low mileage on 20-inch wheels, some as early as 7,000 miles. I request that the federal safety agency review whether front suspension geometry or the tire and wheel package on this vehicle contributes to premature inboard sidewall failure. The vehicle remains under its 4-year/50,000-mile basic vehicle limited warranty.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Suspension, Wheels · TX

The tesla service center in Ridgepoint drive in Austin TX has repeated safety issues and almost cost my wife her life in the tire inspection and undercarriage check after a full service including full tire failures after 4 tire checks and in building service center.

Filed Apr 12, 2026 · Wheels · NJ

Both front wheel and rear rims cracked under normal driving conditions. This is the third occurrence of rim failure on this vehicle. The most recent incident occurred in Ewing, NJ near Parkside Ave and Hillcrest Ave. There was no significant impact or major pothole at the time of failure. Multiple wheel failures indicate a potential structural durability issue. Cracked rims pose a serious safety risk due to the possibility of sudden tire pressure loss or blowout while driving. The vehicle has been operated under normal road conditions, and this repeated failure should not occur. The damaged wheels are available for inspection upon request.

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Suspension, Wheels · NJ

I have experienced multiple tire failures on my 2022 Tesla Model 3, with at least 7 tires needing replacement due to air bubbles. These issues have occurred on both front and rear tires, and currently I have 3 more tires with visible bubbles and one tire is actually leaking air. Most of these tires failed within 2,000-6,000 miles of use, which is far below normal tire lifespan of 25,000-40,000 miles. Despite repeated service visits, no alignment or suspension inspection has ever been performed by Tesla to determine why this keeps happening. The tires are just replaced at my cost, with the problem recurring again and again. Despite the pattern, Tesla service advisors continue to blame road conditions or driving habits. I want to be clear: I actively avoid potholes, drive cautiously, and have never experienced anything like this with any previous vehicle. Something is clearly abnormal here. In addition, I have noticed strange clicking and popping noises while driving, which seem to come from the chassis or steering area. It worries me that there may be a deeper mechanical or build quality issue. The vehicle often feels unstable, and I am genuinely concerned that a failure of a suspension component, battery mounting, or other structure could lead to a fire or loss of control. No warning lights have appeared, but the pattern of repeated air bubbles showing in my tire after just driving not even 1,000 miles and abnormal noises makes the vehicle feel unsafe to operate.

Filed May 5, 2024 · Tires · FL

Continental 235/40/r19 This is what I sent to Consumer Affair website: My personal experience reflects exactly the same as the poor rating of this brand. Tire has separation at 32k miles on the Tesla 3. I first noticed a thumb thumb sound. I ignored but it got worse then the vibration inside cabin started to occur. I pulled the tire off and inspected. My God i have a tire separation with steel wire sticking out and a big hump. I got mad after i found out that Tesla wants nothing to do with it (heck they don't even a have no. to call for an expensive car, shame on you Tesla) and Continental does not have a warranty. Spending time searching for another tire to buy i find out it is expensive for EV tire. I was frustrated and angry that i have to deal with a defective tire with no warranty from Tesla and Continental for low miles (plenty of thread left on tire). I decided to call Continental. The experience was horrible with them hung up on me and a run around. They told me to take to Discount tire to have it inspect. Dt agreed tire is defective and expect me to pay $250 with pro rate covered by Continental. I already found the same tire for $225 so i tell D.t take a hike. I called Continental back and [XXX] broke loose. I got a lot of run around, hung up with the rep. then manager and they won't do the tire pro rate more than 30%. I got fed up with lot of cussing I went back to D.Tire and settled with another Continental tire that is cheaper. I was pushing my luck driving with the tire that will blow anytime. The [XXX] Tesla does not have a spare tire on an expensive car (shame on you Tesla). I had no choice to replace a tire out of my pocket of $150 for the same brand as that is the only one with similar thread pattern very reluctantly as I had NO other choice or take a risk driving and NO spare tire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 7, 2023 · Wheels · CA

On 3/11/23, around noon time, I drove on I-280 N bound, just past Edgewood Road. It was nice weather, no wind, nothing extra loaded in the car, smooth clean road surface. All of a sudden I saw black pieces flying at my left side of the car through the window, I heard some noise and the car started unbalanced. I pulled the car slowly to the shoulder ... It was a left rear tire blowout! This car was only for 4 months, and drove ~2700 miles. NO warning sign beforehand and no damage on the tire, the rim and the tire cover after carefully examining the Tesla Test Center at 680 El. Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA. Attached are four photos taken on 3/11/23. New tire was replaced on 3/14/23 at SC site, CA. It was charged $441.67 (receipt is not included here)

Filed Mar 13, 2023 · Tires · 80 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire line: P Zero, Tire Size: 235/35/R20, DOT Number: (Not available). The contact stated while driving 65 MPH an hour after purchasing the vehicle brand new, the rear passenger's side tire experienced a blowout, and the rim was severely damaged. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center, where the rear passenger's side wheel and tire were replaced; however, the rear driver's side tire experienced a blowout a week later. The vehicle was towed to the Tesla Service Center. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged for the repair. The tire was not replaced. The tire and vehicle failure mileage was approximately 80.

Filed Mar 18, 2022 · Tires · FL

Pirelli PZero 235/35/R20 tires on the entire car, was driving when front left tire blew out after 4500 miles, had the car towed back to Tesla dealer and tire replaced. Now after 2 months, rear left tire has bubble on the sidewall after only 5400 miles with no indication of previous damage. I believe this to be a defective tire and an immense safety hazard.