2008 Tesla Roadster: common problems and reliability

An average Roadster year.

1 owner complaint, most about vehicle speed control. 1 recall.

Should I buy a 2008 Roadster?

The 2008 Tesla Roadster has 1 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and traction control system.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

1
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Tesla Roadster vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Roadster years only. How we score it

Where owners report problems

vehicle speed control
1
traction control system
1

Recalls affecting the 2008 Roadster

wheels:hub

Campaign 09V178000

TESLA MOTORS, INC. IS RECALLING 345 MY 2008 TESLA ROADSTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2008 AND APRIL 22, 2009. THE REAR HUB FLANGE BOLTS ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE UNDER-TORQUED AND MAY BECOME LOOSE. A LOOSE HUB COULD LEAD TO DEGRADATION IN VEHICLE HANDLING, AND A RUBBING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is bifurcated between the original 2008-2012 Roadster and the announced next-generation model. The original Roadster is viewed as a historically significant, attractive, and fun sports car that established Tesla's brand.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Roadster. See the full Roadster owner picture and every model year.

Other Roadster model years

Compare every Roadster year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Roadster against its rivals

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