10 Common Tesla Charging Problems and How to Fix Them

This guide outlines 10 common charging issues faced during both AC (1–5) and DC fast charging (6–10), along with their causes and solutions.

AC Charging Issues (1–5)

Applies to: Wall Connector, Mobile Connector, NEMA outlets, public J1772 chargers

1. Charging speed is slow or limited

Causes:

·         Plug, cable, or outlet overheating

·         Use of low-output chargers

·         Battery temperature too low or high

·         Direct sunlight on connector

Solutions:

·         Use a Tesla Wall Connector if available

·         Charge in shaded or cooler areas

·         Use the preconditioning feature via Tesla app

·         Inspect and upgrade old power outlets

2. Charging does not start

Causes:

·         Plug or adapter not fully inserted

·         Faulty J1772 adapter or loose connection

·         Tripped GFCI or ELB

·         Charger not activated (e.g., RFID not scanned)

Solutions:

·         Reinsert plug firmly

·         Open and close charge port using the app

·         Check/reset GFCI or ELB breaker

·         Complete charger authentication process

3. Charging stops unexpectedly

Causes:

·         Overheat protection triggered

·         Power fluctuation or voltage drop

·         Loose connector or charger bug

Solutions:

·         Replug the connector securely

·         Restart the vehicle or charger

·         Use another charger if available

·         Update Tesla software

4. Charging is extremely slow

Causes:

·         Low-rated chargers (e.g., 3kW hotel charger)

·         Amps were manually set low previously

·         Cold battery during winter

Solutions:

·         Manually increase charging amps

·         Precondition the battery before charging

·         Use higher-output AC chargers if possible

5. Scheduled charging or amperage issues

Causes:

·         Conflicts between charger schedule and Tesla schedule

·         Low amps remembered at the same location

Solutions:

·         Set schedule on either car or charger, not both

·         Adjust amperage manually when needed

DC Fast Charging Issues (6–10)

Applies to: Tesla Superchargers, third-party DC fast chargers with CCS adapter

6. DC fast charging is slower than expected

Causes:

·         Battery temperature not optimal

·         Charging begins at high state-of-charge (SOC)

·         Tesla limits speed due to charging history

·         Third-party charger is load-sharing or underpowered

Solutions:

·         Start charging at 10–20% SOC

·         Precondition battery before arrival

·         Alternate between AC and DC charging

·         Prefer V3 Superchargers or certified fast chargers

7. Charging does not start at fast charger

Causes:

·         Poor CCS adapter contact

·         Communication handshake failure

·         Payment authorization issue

Solutions:

·         Reinsert CCS adapter firmly

·         Restart charger or car if needed

·         Verify payment status in Tesla app

8. Charging session stops midway

Causes:

·         CCS adapter or cable overheating

·         Power instability from charger

·         Software error in vehicle or charger

Solutions:

·         Allow adapter or cable to cool down

·         Try another stall or charger

·         Ensure vehicle software is up-to-date

9. Charging speed is capped with warning

Causes:

·         Tesla software applies limits to protect battery

·         Battery degradation from frequent fast charging

Solutions:

·         Begin fast charging only at lower SOC

·         Reduce frequency of DC fast charging sessions

10. Incompatibility with third-party fast chargers

Causes:

·         Faulty handshake between car and charger

·         Adapter not seated correctly

·         Charger firmware issues

Solutions:

·         Use Tesla-recommended CCS chargers

·         Reseat adapter and try again

·         Report issue to charging provider

Best Practices for Reliable Charging

·         Keep Tesla software and app updated

·         Avoid charging in extreme heat or direct sunlight

·         Use battery preconditioning in cold weather

·         Start DC charging at 10–20% and finish around 80%

·         Regularly inspect plugs, adapters, and outlets

·         Use a hardwired Tesla Wall Connector when possible