Tesla Model 3 bumper falls off after driving through puddles. Photo: electrek
Tesla owners have reported a number of surprising bugs and flaws since the company’s inception. Ironically enough, the all-electric car company has had a few recurring, noteworthy problems, many of which have had to do with water.
Now, Tesla has admitted fault for a common problem where drivers lose their rear bumper panel after driving through puddles of water. The company, as reported by Electrek, was investigating the issue internally, despite employees questioning owners about the depth of puddles driven through, as if the bumper falling off could, in any way, be the driver’s fault.
In a service bulletin, Tesla wrote, “In rare instances, certain components on Model 3 vehicles built at the Fremont Factory before May 21, 2019, might be damaged when driving through standing water on a road or highway with poor drainage or pooling water. In these rare instances, the rear fascia might detach from the vehicle and harnesses and/or body fasteners/mounts might also be damaged. This document clarifies that damage caused during these instances is covered under warranty.”
I am of the opinion that @Tesla should issue a recall under warranty to fix this flaw for all vehicles affected (mine is one of them). A bumper ripping off from water pressure when driving through a puddle would pose a serious hazard to anyone following behind, @elonmusk.
— Mark Larsen (@yanquetino) October 19, 2020
On Twitter, users offered their insights on the issue, many of which stated that the issue deserved a recall. While the problem certainly does present a safety issue, it’s unclear whether Tesla would go to the lengths of a recall to prevent further incidents.
The flaw could affect all Model 3 units made up to and through May 2019, before Tesla redesigned the way the rear bumper panel was fastened to the car.
Although this and other problems have been arising and are sure to continue to arise in the coming years, the benefit of having lower total emissions from cars is well worth the risk.
Still, if the EVs can’t conquer water, Tesla probably has some kinks to iron out before it can claim its cars are as safe as they do.
