Independent shop diagnosis. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Tesla, Inc.

What’s Wrong With My Tesla

What’s Wrong With My Tesla?

Enter your year, model, variation, symptoms, and alerts. Get ranked likely issues with practical next steps.

Options update from year + model. Unknown is fine.

Include when it happens (cold, charging, highway) and what you already tried. Symptoms or alerts (or both) are required.

Try an example

Copy exact alert text from the touchscreen or Tesla app when you can. Alerts alone are enough if you don’t have symptoms yet.

Common alerts

Optional: photo or screenshot of your car’s alerts. JPG, PNG, WebP, or GIF (max ~8 MB before shrink). HEIC from iPhone may need conversion to JPG/PNG if preview fails.

Not a substitute for Tesla Service or emergency care. If you smell smoke, see fire risk, or cannot drive safely, pull over and call emergency services.

Results

How it works

  1. Tell us the car. Pick year, model, and variation so context matches your generation.
  2. Describe what you feel or see. Symptoms or alerts (or both) — noises, behavior changes, and when they happen matter most.
  3. Add alerts when you have them. Exact warning text helps rank the right systems first; optionally attach a photo or screenshot of the alerts.
  4. Review ranked issues. Each card explains likelihood, why it fits, and sensible next steps.
  5. Refine with a follow-up. Add what you tried or a new detail to re-rank the same diagnosis.

FAQ

Why does my Tesla keep showing a 12V battery warning?

A low or failing 12V battery is a common cause of alerts, sleep issues, and unexpected reboots. Many Teslas use a conventional 12V pack that can degrade after a few years. Schedule a Service visit for battery health testing and replacement if voltage is unstable.

What causes phantom braking in Autopilot?

Phantom braking usually comes from Autopilot misreading shadows, overpasses, or camera glare as obstacles. Keep cameras clean, ensure software is current, and reduce Autopilot use in harsh sun or construction zones until Tesla Service reviews camera calibration if it persists.

My charge port won’t open or latch—what should I check?

Ice, debris, or a sticky charge-port door motor often blocks opening or latching. Try the app unlock, gently clear ice, and inspect the latch. If the port flashes red or won’t engage, avoid forcing the connector and book Service for the charge-port assembly.

Why is regenerative braking weak or inconsistent?

Regen often limits when the battery is cold, nearly full, or in Hold/Low settings. Warm the cabin and battery, confirm regen mode, and check for related alerts. Persistent fade after a warm drive may need a software check or Service diagnosis.

What does a tire pressure (TPMS) alert usually mean?

TPMS alerts typically mean one or more tires are underinflated, often after temperature drops. Check pressures cold against the door-jamb placard, inflate as needed, and drive a short distance. If the alert stays after correct PSI, a sensor or slow leak may need Service.

Why did my Tesla touchscreen freeze or reboot?

Screen freezes are often software glitches or thermal stress. A two-scroll-wheel reboot usually restores the UI. Update software when available and note any pattern with heat or charging. Recurring freezes with blank screens warrant a Service appointment for MCU diagnostics.

My door handles won’t present—is that serious?

Handles that stay flush often point to handle-motor wear, low 12V power, or ice. Unlock with the app or key card, try from inside, and clear ice carefully. Repeated failures can leave you locked out, so get the handle mechanism inspected promptly.

What does “Electrical system power reduced” usually mean?

This alert often points to low-voltage power problems, contactors, or thermal limits rather than a “dead” drive unit. Note other alerts, avoid deep discharges, and get Service or a qualified indie EV shop to pull logs before replacing major HV parts.

Should I use Service Mode alerts with this tool?

Yes—paste exact Service Mode or app alert names when you have them. Precise codes help rank the right systems. Still start with safe owner checks; high-voltage work belongs to trained technicians with proper equipment.