AI DamageTesla Semi: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Tesla Semi across 4 model years: 3 owner complaints and 26 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Structure 67% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 33% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 33% of all complaints
- 4 Latches, locks, linkages 33% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 33% of all complaints
- Structure: 2 complaints (67% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Steering: 1 complaints (33% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (33% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 5.
- Latches, locks, linkages: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 1 complaints (33% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Electronic stability control | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and taken to a local dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred him to call NHTSA to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was unknown.
I made multiple attempts to resolve the issue from following the on screen directions of existing the vehicle to restarting the onboard computer before eventually reaching out to Tesla's Support Number. The truck could only move at a crawl (less than 5mph) and had difficulty getting onto the incline of the tow truck.
The driver door striker latch came loose and was close to completely disconnecting from the vehicle body. This led to a body panel gap and the possibility of the door opening while in motion.
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- On some Semi, the steering gear to reservoir return hose clamp may have loosened over time which may cause…
- Updated oil pumps that provide improved oil flow are available for the Torque Drive Unit (TDU) and…
- Some Semi trucks are equipped with a windshield washer nozzle that may not meet Tesla specifications
- Updated oil pumps that provide improved oil flow are available for the Torque Drive Unit (TDU) and…
- On some Semi, the manifold to HVAC A/C lines may rub against the steering column i-shaft, which may damage…
- On certain Semi, when the LH cabin door is repeatedly closed with a high amount of force, the fire…
- On certain Semi, the Torque Drive Axle (TDA) and Efficiency Drive Axle (EDA) maincase input bearings may…
- On certain Semi, the Torque Drive Axle (TDA) and Efficiency Drive Axle (EDA) maincase input bearings may…
- On certain Semi, the Torque Drive Axle (TDA) and Efficiency Drive Axle (EDA) maincase input bearings may…
- Brakes
- Brakes
- Brakes
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.