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2008 Tesla RoadsterProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2008 Tesla Roadster, most often about the traction control system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage2kTraction control system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 18, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Tesla Roadster has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Traction control system10
Vehicle speed control10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2008 Tesla Roadster recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Wheels: hub

Recall 09V-178 · May 26, 2009 · 345 vehicles

Risk. IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT ADDRESSED PROMPTLY, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Tesla.

Best & worst years

2008 vs. every other Roadster year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Roadster median. How we score

'08'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2008 Tesla Roadster, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Pedestrian alert soundsDP22005 · closed Aug 7, 2023
    Led to recall 22V-063
In owners' words

What Roadster owners report

Recent traction control system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE VEHICLE IS PRONE TO 'SUDDEN ACCELERATION' PROBLEMS WHERE THE DRIVER LOSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ENGAGES AND FORCES THE REGENERATIVE ENGINE BREAKING SYSTEM TO DISENGAGE. THE TESLA ROADSTER USES VERY AGGRESSIVE ENGINE REGENERATIVE BREAKING SO, WHEN IT IS…
Complaint 10277260 · Jul 18, 2009 · 1,800 miles

Own a 2008 Roadster?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.