Recently, an overseas netizen shared on a social media platform that their 2023 Tesla Model 3 spontaneously combusted from the inside while parked overnight. The fire erupted near the cup holder in front of the center console armrest, resulting in significant burning and deformation of the area. The flames also spread to the roof and sun visor. By the time the owner noticed the fire, it had already burned itself out.

Following the incident, the owner filed a claim with State Farm Insurance and transported the vehicle to a Tesla service center. Tesla indicated that the vehicle could be repaired, but they had not yet provided an estimate for the repair costs. The owner had purchased the car less than three months prior and still owed approximately $20,000 in car loans. Without gap insurance and facing a $1,000 deductible, the owner was left to shoulder the financial burden.

As for the cause of the fire, the owner suspected it might be linked to an unplugged Samsung phone that had been placed in the center console area, though they were not entirely sure. Among the online discussions, some netizens speculated that the fire could have been caused by third-party modified USB accessories, while others believed it might have been triggered by the battery of the Samsung phone.