We've all been there: you pull up to a Tesla Supercharger, eager to power up your vehicle, only to find a stubborn stall refusing to cooperate. Don't let a faulty charger leave you stranded or frustrated! Reporting a non-working Tesla Supercharger is a straightforward process, and by following these steps, you can help ensure the network remains reliable for all Tesla owners.
Step 1: Initial Checks and Verification – Is it Really Not Working?
Before you jump into reporting, let's do a quick diagnostic. Sometimes, the issue might be simpler than you think!
Check Your Vehicle's Screen: Your Tesla's navigation system and charging interface often display real-time Supercharger availability. A stall that's "out" or "unavailable" will typically be indicated. Pay attention to any error messages that appear on your vehicle's touchscreen. These messages can provide valuable clues about the problem.
Try Another Stall: Supercharger stations usually have multiple stalls. If one isn't working, simply try another! This is the quickest way to confirm if the issue is with a specific stall or the entire station.
Inspect the Charger and Cable: Take a moment to visually inspect the charger and the cable. Are there any obvious signs of damage, vandalism, or a loose connection? Sometimes, the cable might not be fully inserted. Re-seat the cable firmly into your vehicle's charge port.
Look for Physical Cues: Some drivers will leave a faulty cable hanging over the top of the charger or out of its holster as a visual signal to others. While Tesla's system often detects issues automatically, this can be a helpful indicator.
Step 2: Reporting Via the Tesla App – Your Primary Tool
The Tesla app is your most effective and direct way to report a Supercharger issue. Tesla highly recommends using it for any problems encountered before or during a charging session.
Sub-heading 2.1: Navigating to the Report Feature
Open the Tesla App: Launch the Tesla app on your smartphone. Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed (version 4.39.0 or later is recommended for full functionality).
Select "Charging": From the main menu (often found in the top-right corner), tap on "Charging."
Locate the Supercharger Station: You'll see a map or list of Supercharger stations. Find and select the specific station you are currently at.
Find "Report an Issue": Within the details for that Supercharger station, you should find an option to "Report an Issue."
Choose the Category: Select the most relevant category for the problem you're experiencing (e.g., "Charger not working," "Cable damaged," "Other issue").
Provide Details and Photos: This is crucial! The more information you provide, the better Tesla's team can understand and address the problem.
Specify the Stall Number: Most Supercharger stalls have a clear number (e.g., 1A, 1B, 2A, etc.). Include this in your report.
Describe the Problem: Explain what happened. Did it not initiate charging? Did it stop mid-charge? Were there any error messages on your car's screen?
Add Photos (if applicable): If there's physical damage or a specific error message on the charger's screen, attach photos. A picture truly is worth a thousand words here!
Sub-heading 2.2: Reporting via Charging History
Another method, particularly if the issue occurred during a recent charge session, is to report it through your charging history.
Open the Tesla App: Again, launch the app.
Go to "Profile" or "Account": Tap on your profile icon or "Account" in the app.
Select "Charging History": Navigate to your "Charging history."
Leave a Review/Feedback: For the relevant charging session, there should be an option to leave feedback or a review. Use this to report the specific issue with the Supercharger stall.
Step 3: Other Methods for Reporting – When the App Isn't Enough
While the Tesla app is the preferred method, there are other avenues you can explore if you're unable to use the app or if the issue requires more immediate attention.
Sub-heading 3.1: In-Car Voice Command
Tesla vehicles have a voice command feature that can be used to report bugs.
Press the Voice Command Button: Activate the voice command feature in your Tesla (usually a button on the steering wheel).
Say "Bug Report": Once activated, say "Bug Report" and then clearly describe the issue you're facing with the Supercharger, including the station location and stall number. While Tesla's systems automatically monitor Supercharger health, this provides a human-verified report.
Sub-heading 3.2: Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance
If you're stranded or the issue is critical (e.g., no other functional Superchargers nearby and your battery is critically low), contacting Roadside Assistance is an option.
Access Roadside Assistance via the App: On the Tesla app home screen, you can request immediate roadside assistance. Select "Roadside" and then the issue your vehicle is experiencing (e.g., "Charging" -> "Will not Charge").
Call Directly: For immediate assistance in the United States, you can call Tesla's Roadside Assistance at (877) 798-3752. Have the Supercharger station's name and the specific stall number ready. Keep in mind that "out of range" assistance (when your battery is depleted) is not a financially covered service, but they can still arrange transportation.
Step 4: What Happens After You Report It? ️
Once you've reported a non-working Supercharger, here's what typically happens:
Automated Monitoring: Tesla's Supercharger network is extensively monitored. Many issues are detected automatically by their systems. Your report helps to verify these issues and provides on-the-ground context.
Investigation and Repair: Tesla's service technicians regularly service Superchargers. Your report will be reviewed, and if a repair is needed, it will be dispatched to their team.
Network Updates: Tesla's navigation system will update to reflect the status of individual stalls, guiding other drivers to working chargers.
Step 5: What Not to Do
Don't Force Anything: If the cable isn't latching or the charging process isn't initiating, don't force the connection or try to manipulate the equipment excessively. This could cause further damage to the Supercharger or your vehicle.
Don't Vandalize or Tamper: It goes without saying, but never tamper with or vandalize the Supercharger equipment.
Don't Rely Solely on Social Media: While posting on social media or forums can raise awareness, it's not a direct reporting mechanism to Tesla's repair teams. Always use the official channels first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know if a Supercharger is working before I arrive?
You can check the real-time availability of Supercharger stalls directly within your Tesla's navigation system or in the Tesla app under the "Charging" section.
How to find the specific stall number of a broken Supercharger?
Supercharger stalls are usually labeled with numbers (e.g., 1A, 1B, 2A) directly on the charger post. Make sure to note this number when reporting.
How to troubleshoot a minor charging issue before reporting?
First, ensure the cable is fully inserted. You can also try unplugging and re-plugging the cable. If available, try a different stall at the same location.
How to provide photos when reporting a Supercharger issue?
When reporting via the Tesla app, after selecting "Report an Issue," you'll typically have an option to attach photos from your phone's gallery.
How to contact Tesla customer support by phone for Supercharger issues?
You can contact Tesla Customer Support at (877) 798-3752 (for North America). They are available Monday – Saturday, 4 AM to 9 PM PT.
How to report a Supercharger issue if I don't have cell service?
If you're unable to use the Tesla app due to lack of cell service, you can try using the in-car voice command "Bug Report" to describe the issue. Alternatively, once you regain service, you can report it via the app.
How to tell if a Supercharger is busy before I arrive?
The Tesla app and your car's navigation system display the number of available stalls at each Supercharger station in real-time, helping you avoid busy locations.
How to get assistance if my battery is too low to drive to another Supercharger?
In critical low-battery situations, you can contact Tesla Roadside Assistance via the app or phone. While out-of-range assistance may not be financially covered, they can help arrange transportation.
How to check for error codes on my Tesla when charging?
Error codes related to charging will usually appear directly on your Tesla's touchscreen display. Pay attention to these messages as they provide valuable diagnostic information.
How to know if Tesla is already aware of a broken Supercharger?
Tesla's Superchargers are electronically networked and monitored, so they often know about issues automatically. Your report helps confirm and prioritize repairs.
Here's a video on how to report a broken Tesla Supercharger:
