Known for its cutting-edge electric cars, Tesla’s Model 3 is reportedly facing serious rust issues in unexpected areas.
Matti Funderud, a Norwegian rust-proofing expert, has examined the Model 3 and discovered rust in places not commonly seen in traditional cars.
"The Tesla Model 3 rusts in ways that are unusual and surprising," Funderud explains to Boosted. "It’s important to remember that Tesla designs its cars in California, where rust isn’t a major concern."
Rust in Critical Areas
According to Funderud, rust issues on the Model 3 are especially severe behind the panels and inside the cavities.
"The rust often starts around the bolts securing the battery and spreads through the cavities," he says. "The bolts are treated, but they’re not resistant to rust."
This poses a challenge since the battery is held in place by 16 bolts, and rusted threads make it difficult to remove the battery, which could lead to serious maintenance problems.
Rust is also appearing under the hood and on exposed cables.
"The rust near the ABS unit is particularly concerning because it can impact road safety," Funderud warns.
The car’s paintwork is another area of concern. Funderud notes that the paint is especially weak around the front fenders, leading to rust at the edges when it chips off.
"The paint issue isn’t dangerous, but it’s definitely unsightly. Tesla doesn’t include the kind of wear protection that most other manufacturers offer," he says.
Even the bolts in the wheel suspension, both front and rear, show significant rust. "This makes dismantling difficult, and if cables are nearby, replacing the bolts becomes even more challenging," Funderud adds.
Comparison to Model Y
While the Model 3 appears to have significant rust issues, the Model Y seems to fare better in this regard.
"The Model 3 is more affected, but it’s too early to say for certain. We need more time to see how the Model Y performs in the long run," Funderud explains.
Despite the reported problems, the Model 3 has received praise for its rust protection, but Funderud believes this may be due to limited inspection methods.
"NAF (Norway’s equivalent to FDM) concluded that the Model 3 doesn’t rust much, but they didn’t check inside the ducts or under the hood," he points out.
