Let’s be honest — Teslas are incredible machines, but they’re not issue-free. Whether you’re rocking a Model 3, Y, S, or X, there are a few quirks every owner faces sooner or later. The good news? Most of these issues are super simple to fix yourself, no service visit or hours on the forum rabbit hole required.
As DIYers ourselves, we put together the ultimate list of common Tesla problems and how to solve them. And if you want to protect your ride long-term, we’ll also show you where our DIY PPF, tint, and vinyl kits make a real difference.
Let’s get into it.
1. Phantom Draining
Battery dropping while parked.
Fix: Turn off Sentry Mode in safe spots, disable Always Connected, and reduce Cabin Overheat Protection. Bonus: Get off the app. The more you check it, the more it “wakes up,” wasting energy.
2. Software Glitches
Frozen screens, lag, Autopilot weirdness.
Fix: Reboot by holding both scroll wheels down for 10 seconds. If things still feel possessed, do a full power-off in the menu.
3. Model S Door Handle Reacting Like It Has Feelings
Handles not presenting.
Fix: Reboot the car, warm them in cold weather, and if it still acts up, Tesla service is your friend.
4. Charging Problems
Charging won’t start, or it’s way slower than it should be.
Fix: Check the cable, restart the session, clean the charge port, and confirm you’re on a high-power charger.
5. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LTE Being Annoying
Fix: Reboot, re-pair your phone, or move closer to a stronger signal.
6. Extra Wind Noise
Especially on older models.
Fix: Add door seals or trim kits and make sure everything is aligned.
7. Frozen Door Handles or Windows
Winter hits different in a Tesla.
Fix: Precondition with the app, use rubber conditioner or WD-40 on seals and in door handles before the cold season starts, and turn on remote defrost.
8. Autopilot Errors
Unexpected disengagements.
Fix: Clean those cameras — seriously. Recalibrate if you just had a software update.
9. Window Misalignment
Windows not sealing right.
Fix: Reset by lowering all the way down and all the way up.
10. Paint Chipping
Teslas have softer paint, especially in high-impact zones.
Fix: Protect your investment early with PPF. We offer DIY front protection kits, rocker kits, and full-body options for Teslas:
11. Key Card or Phone Key Not Recognized
Fix: Reboot, make sure Bluetooth is on, or remove/re-add your phone key.
12. Slow Software Updates
Fix: Strong Wi-Fi and more frequent driving help trigger the download.
13. Condensation in Lights
Fix: Light condensation is normal. Heavy moisture? Contact Tesla.
14. Suspension Noises
Clicks, clunks, and squeaks over bumps and turns.
Fix: Often control-arm related. Get it inspected if it keeps happening.
15. Premature Tire Wear
Teslas love chewing tires – especially if you go 0-60 in 2 seconds pretty often.
Fix: Rotate every 6,250 miles, align often, and keep pressure in spec.
16. Panel Gaps
Fix: Tesla can adjust under warranty. Aftermarket adjustment tools exist for minor tweaks.
17. Limited Regenerative Braking
Cold battery or full charge = low regen.
Fix: Precondition the battery or avoid charging to 100%.
18. Paint Stains
Bird droppings and bugs are brutal. Since they are acidic, they etch into your paint if not wiped off fast.
Fix: Clean quickly with a quick detailer or waterless wash, and install PPF to protect vulnerable spots like the hood and bumper before damage to your paint happens.
Final Thoughts
Teslas are some of the most fun cars to own — period. And once you know the common quirks and how to solve them, ownership becomes even smoother. If you ever want help protecting your paint, upgrading your interior, or installing your PPF or tint, the DIY Wrap Club community is here for you.
