A 2023 Tesla Model 3 owner's window shattered while closing the door due to a shorted puddle light. The car's telemetry identified the fault, leading to warranty-covered repairs. Community discussions highlight design and coverage concerns.
Richard Naldjieff experienced an unexpected issue with his 2023 Tesla Model 3 when the window rolled up prematurely as he closed the door, jamming against the frame and shattering the glass. According to his account in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club on Facebook, the incident occurred during normal door closure. Tesla's telemetry data revealed that a shorted puddle light had sent an incorrect signal, making the car believe the door was already closed and triggering the automatic window seal.
Naldjieff described the event: “My window on my 2023 Model 3 went up while I was closing the door, jamming it then shattering it. Is this covered under warranty? The car's telemetry showed that the puddle light shorted out, causing the car to think that the door was closed so the window went up prematurely. The puddle light, glass, and trim were replaced under warranty.”
This highlights the function of frameless windows in Tesla models, which lower slightly upon opening the door and rise to seal upon closing. The telemetry's precision aided Tesla's service team in confirming the hardware fault, facilitating quick warranty approval without disputes.
In community responses, opinions varied on coverage. Ali Ahmed reported a similar issue not covered by warranty, suggesting variations based on cause. Robert Chiste noted that aftermarket puddle lights might void coverage, while factory ones would qualify if under warranty. Scott Hunt criticized the design, stating, “Such a poor design. Cars with frameless windows should never use double pane glass. It breaks way too easily!” He pointed to the challenges of double-pane glass in frameless setups, which is heavier and less flexible, increasing shatter risk under stress.
The story, published on November 27, 2025, underscores how interconnected systems in electric vehicles can amplify minor faults, emphasizing the role of diagnostics and owner communities in resolving issues.