Repair / Service planning
Tesla Model 3 repair guide: where to go and what to expect
Start with safety and the exact alert. Then choose the repair channel based on warranty, mobility, damage type and whether Tesla-specific diagnostics or structural work are involved.
Choose the right repair path
| Situation | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| Car is safe to drive; routine fault or maintenance | Tesla app service request. The app may offer Mobile Service or a Service Center based on the concern and location. |
| Warning says stop, vehicle cannot move, flat tire or lockout | Roadside Assistance. Follow the touchscreen alert and avoid driving when the vehicle says not to. |
| Collision or structural/body damage | Tesla Collision Center or Tesla Approved Body Shop, plus your insurer. |
| Non-warranty maintenance or conventional wear item | Tesla Service or a qualified independent shop familiar with Tesla procedures. |
| Possible warranty defect | Tesla Service so coverage and vehicle diagnostics can be evaluated. |
Prepare a useful service request
- Photograph the full alert, damage or symptom.
- Write when it started, whether it is intermittent and what makes it better or worse.
- Include the software version and approximate state of charge when relevant.
- Attach a short video for noise, vibration, screen or powered-component problems.
- List previous related repairs and any recent tire, charging or accessory work.
Tesla says the app may run diagnostics before offering appointment times. Available options can include Mobile Service, a Service Center or a Collision Center, depending on the work and location.
Review the estimate before approving work
Tesla requires an estimate to be reviewed and confirmed before service is performed. Open Tesla app → Service → View estimate. Check labor, parts, taxes, diagnostic charges and each separate concern.
- Ask whether the repair is expected to be covered by warranty.
- Do not assume an initial charge means coverage has been denied; some repairs require inspection first.
- Ask what happens if diagnosis reveals additional work.
- Save the final invoice and confirm the service record appears in the app.
Warranty or customer-pay repair?
Tesla's current general summary lists four years or 50,000 miles for the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty. Battery and Drive Unit terms vary by configuration. The warranty supplied with the specific vehicle is authoritative, so check Specs & Warranty in the app rather than relying on a generic model-year assumption.
Tesla states that warranty service must be performed at a Tesla Service Center. For non-warranty repair or maintenance, owners may also use a preferred non-Tesla service center, but damage caused by improper third-party repair is not Tesla's responsibility.
When an independent shop can make sense
Tires, alignment, glass, cosmetic work and some mechanical repairs may be practical outside Tesla when the shop has the correct equipment, service information and EV experience. Ask whether it knows Tesla lift points, torque procedures, TPMS setup and high-voltage safety boundaries.
After a collision
Do not rely on appearance alone: underbody, suspension, battery enclosure and sensor damage may not be obvious. Tesla says its approved body shops are factory trained and equipped to restore structural integrity and finish to vehicle specifications. Coordinate towing destination and repair authorization with the insurer before non-emergency transport when possible.
Keep a repair record
Retain the original complaint, photographs, estimates, messages, invoices, alignment sheets and parts warranties. A clear record helps if a symptom returns and supports a future buyer's confidence.
Official references
Related: Annual maintenance cost → · Low-voltage battery alerts →