2018 Tesla MODEL 3 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING Failure Complaint (#b0bdb5)

2018 Tesla MODEL 3

• Date of Incident: Mar-21, 2024
• Date complaint filed: Apr-14, 2024
• Failed components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING

I have a 2018 tesla mode 3. It is one of the early model 3 on roads. I have had around 10 issues in the car over the past 6 years of ownership; and most of them were fixed during warranty. My car has no accidents, no water damages (only hand washed), single driver driven and well maintained. Around a month ago, i got an alert in the car “condition detected with controller”. Tesla service did remote check and stated that vcfront (front body controller) needs to be replaced for $900. I took the car for this fix and then heard that vcfront controller is fine, but i need a replacement of harness and steering rack for $4200, as they see corrosion. I told them that i have no issues with driving or anything else, as $4200 is around 25% of the value of the car. I was advised, pay for this amount or take the car. I got my car without fix. My concern include (i) if this is corrosion issue (model s 2018 and before also had the same issue and there was a recall), then is it their part quality or design quality issue or is it a normal car’s aging issue? (ii) i see malpractice of charging exorbitant $4200 for something i do not see any issues in driving or anything else, and importantly, not sure how are my future repairs going to look like $$ wise. I have request for nhsta – can i show my car to any entity like yours (and not tesla service) to get an advise whether (a) this is a corrosion issue by manufacturer or normal car’s aging issue (b) is it critical car to replace one or both parts (c) is this a malpractice to burden owners with this high cost of maintenance, once it is out of warranty? (please note that tesla never offered extended warranty for my car)

Vehicle VIN Info