Buying a brand-new car often comes with the expectation of hassle-free ownership, but for one Tesla Model 3 owner, things took an unexpected turn just six days after delivery. Reddit user Heartvu discovered a significant crack in the windshield of their newly purchased 2025 Tesla Model 3, despite driving only 200 miles.
In the first instance, the owner was advised that windshield damage was not covered by warranty, with the owner readying himself for a $1,700 repair bill. Nevertheless, a question that was crucial to the origin of the crack disclosed that it was due to a stress fracture, and therefore it was covered by warranty.
Understanding Tesla’s Warranty on Windshields
If your windshield crack isn’t caused by a manufacturing defect, such as a stress fracture, windshild replacements are typically not covered by Tesla’s warranty. This distinction proved vital for the Tesla Model 3 owner, who initially assumed they would have to pay out of pocket.
The service center asked Tesla’s technicians to confirm that the crack was due to impact or stress, and they said yes, that it was a stress fracture. When that determination was made, Tesla stated that it would foot the bill for the replacement as per the warranty, saving the owner a pretty penny.
How the Owner Advocated for Their Warranty Coverage
The Tesla Model 3 owner’s experience highlights the importance of persistence and advocacy when dealing with warranty claims. They even had Tesla’s service app confirm the stress fracture diagnosis in writing from the service center after Heartvu documented their interactions with Tesla.
They had the right proactive approach so that Tesla did not carry out what wasn’t done on paper. They might have been left having to pay for a repair that wasn’t their responsibility, which, without the owner’s insistence on verifying the cause of the crack, they never would have.
Lessons from Other Tesla Owners
Heartvu’s story isn’t a singular entity. Another Tesla Model 3 owner reported a similar issue where a windshield crack was initially believed to be caused by impact. Further investigation found a manufacturing fault within the car which caused the windshield too much stress.
In this case, the crack was formed because the missing weld bracket did not align properly. Not only did Tesla replace the windshield at no cost, but also repaired the damaged bodywork. The takeaway for all Tesla owners is clear: If it doesn’t seem like the damage was deserved or warranted, always investigate the root cause.
A Reminder to Question Repair Costs
For anyone dealing with unexpected car repairs, the story of this Tesla Model 3 owner serves as a cautionary tale. Don’t take a repair bill as holy and never ask how the damage was made in the first place. This time, asking the right questions saved $1,700 for the owner, not much, but a nice chunk of change for a new car buyer.
In addition, Tesla’s customer service, which has long been criticized for its lack of transparency, requires Tesla owners to be on top of things. To be safe, always require that any warranty service coverage be written and keep records of every call with the service center.
The Importance of Tesla’s Stress Fracture Policy
Stress fractures in windshields are rare but not unheard of, especially in vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, where advanced engineering and design can sometimes result in manufacturing defects. These issues come under Tesla’s warranty policy, but the duty here is on the owner to be sure that the diagnosis is accurate.
It is a good lesson to know your Tesla warranty rights. To not miss the difference between an impact damage repair and a stress fracture, can mean the difference between a covered repair or an out of pocket expense.
