What are the most common Tesla Semi problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023-2026 Tesla Semi has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Touchscreen flicker / shutdown forcing drivers to pull over, Megacharger network gaps strand trucks off-corridor, Parking brake valve module fails to engage — rollaway risk (NHTSA Recall 23V-205). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Tesla Semi reliable?
The 2023-2026 Tesla Semi has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Touchscreen flicker / shutdown forcing drivers to pull over and Megacharger network gaps strand trucks off-corridor and Parking brake valve module fails to engage — rollaway risk (NHTSA Recall 23V-205) and Lithium-ion battery thermal runaway after crash — 50,000 gallons of water needed. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Tesla Semi problems?
Repair costs for known Tesla Semi issues range from $0 to $1,500,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Touchscreen flicker / shutdown forcing drivers to pull over, typically costs $0-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Tesla Semi is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Tesla Semi. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2023-2026 Tesla Semi with 5 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2023 Tesla Semi Touchscreen flicker / shutdown forcing drivers to pull over?
Consider removing the 'I-80' reference unless a specific source documents I-80 incidents — verified reporting centers on Modesto, CA (Frito-Lay facility) with units towed to Lathrop, CA. Both are in California's Central Valley, not on I-80. Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2026 Tesla Semi Megacharger network gaps strand trucks off-corridor?
The Semi is designed around 750 kW - 1.2 MW charging, but as of mid-2026 only a handful of public Megachargers exist (Ontario, CA opened Mar 2026; Tesla targeting 37 sites by EOY 2026, 46 by early 2027). Fleets running outside the I-5/I-10/I-75/I-95 corridors must build private d… Repairs typically run $250,000-$1,500,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2023 Tesla Semi Parking brake valve module fails to engage — rollaway risk (NHTSA Recall 23V-205)?
On 35 early-build 2023 Tesla Semi tractors, the Bendix-supplied electronic parking brake valve module (PVM) may fail to transition to the park position when the driver presses the parking brake button, due to excessive internal air leakage in the supplier's spec. If the service b… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2024 Tesla Semi Lithium-ion battery thermal runaway after crash — 50,000 gallons of water needed?
On Aug 19, 2024 a 2024 Tesla Semi driven by a Tesla employee left I-80 near Emigrant Gap, CA, struck a tree, and the ~900 kWh pack went into thermal runaway. Battery temperatures hit ~1,000 F, fire/toxic smoke closed both directions of I-80 for 14-15 hours, and CAL FIRE used roug… Repairs typically run $250,000-$500,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2023-2026 Tesla Semi Heavy-load range collapse — 500-mile rating only on light freight?
Tesla advertises 500 miles at 82,000 lb GCW, but real fleet deployment tells a different story. PepsiCo runs Frito-Lay (chips, ~light) Semis on ~425-mile routes, but limits Pepsi soda runs (heavy liquid loads) to ~100 miles before recharging. NACFE 'Run on Less' (Sept 2023) recor… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
