Advertising As the temperature rises, a 2021 Tesla Model 3 owner shares her struggle with the Arizona heat. Is this a common challenge, and what can owners in hot climates do to cope? Kayla Zitzka, a member of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page, raises a question that many owners may have pondered: 'Is the AC just not great in the Tesla Model 3 or what?' Before Kayla tells her story, imagine the Arizona sun beating down mercilessly, a relentless 110-degree assault on everything in its path. Kayla approached her 2021 Tesla Model 3 with a sigh, the sleek black exterior shimmering with trapped heat. Despite her best efforts – tinted windows, roof shades, a windshield reflector, and even the "Cabin Overheat Protection" setting – the internal thermometer screamed 135 degrees. She slid into the scorching seat, the leather burning through her clothes. Immediately, she cranked the AC to full blast, a futile gesture she knew from experience. Today, she'd even tried cracking the windows and pre-cooling with the app, but it was like blowing on a bonfire. Twenty-five minutes later, her commute halfway over, the internal temperature had only grudgingly dropped to 85 degrees. "Is this AC just a glorified fan?" she muttered, wiping sweat from her brow. She'd only had the car a month, and this daily sauna was testing her patience. She'd set a timer for preconditioning before leaving work, but an early departure meant another sweltering ride home. As she pulled into her driveway, an hour after leaving work, the car still felt like an oven. The contrast between the outside inferno and the slowly cooling interior was maddening. Surely, a vehicle this advanced shouldn't struggle this much? Kayla says, "I have a 2021 Model 3, and the AC takes forever to cool the car down. I have tried cabin overheat protection and simply turning it on in the app in advance; neither has helped. The internal temperature was 135 degrees, and after driving for 25 minutes or more, it had only dropped to 85 degrees." Is the AC just not great, or what? I've had my car for a little over a month. I am in Arizona, and it is 110 degrees outside. Today, I cracked the windows and turned the AC on in advance, which didn't help. I have shades on the roof and one on the windshield while parked. My windows are tinted but not too dark. There isn't any shade where I park at work. I also have the cabin overheat protection on, which does nothing. I took pictures of the temperature when I got in the car and when I got home an hour later. I set a timer to precondition before I left work, but I got off early today, so I didn't get to see if that worked. Is there an issue with the Tesla Model 3's AC system? The Tesla Model 3 generally does not experience issues with cooling in high temperatures. However, some owners have reported problems, particularly in extreme conditions, such as those in Arizona, where Kayla resides. Tesla has implemented features like Cabin Overheat Protection to help manage cabin temperatures; however, factors such as battery health, ambient temperature, and individual preferences can influence the overall cooling experience. What is Tesla Cabin Overheat Protection? Advertising Tesla says, "Cabin Overheat Protection prevents the cabin from getting too hot in scorching ambient conditions. While not necessary to activate whenever you leave Model 3, the climate control system can reduce and maintain the temperature of your vehicle's cabin." "This can prevent the cabin from getting too hot after leaving it parked in the sun, making the vehicle more comfortable when you return. Cabin Overheat Protection may take up to 15 minutes to enable once you exit the vehicle. This feature is intended for passenger comfort and has no impact on the reliability of your vehicle's components." Tesla gives a warning: "Due to automatic shut-off, extreme outside conditions, or other potential inability to maintain the selected temperature, the inside of the vehicle can become dangerously hot, even when Cabin Overheat Protection is enabled." What Are Other Tesla Model 3 Owners Saying? John March says, "Open all windows and begin driving. Let the wind blow the hotter air out, and the radiator begins circulating. Roll up the windows, and it will start to cool. Set to auto on the low setting. Make sure it's recirculating. Air conditioning systems can only blow air 20-30 degrees cooler than the air they take in, so a hot car still in direct sunlight takes time to cool down. What about roof shades or window tints?" Kayla responds, "I tried cracking my windows, and it didn't do much. I drove with the windows down for a bit, and it was still blazing. I have sunshades on the roof and the windshield while parked. Shade isn't an option." I took pictures of the internal temperature when I got in the car and after an hour of driving. Mitch Drake - "I just had this issue. I tried cleaning the radiator, but it didn't make a difference. I submitted a service request to Tesla. They replaced my fluids and the radiator. It cost about $1,000. I also have a 2021 Model 3 and live in AZ. It made the AC feel like new!" Kayla concludes, "I'm miserable in the Arizona heat!" Reddit user TransportationNext87 says, "The Model 3 AC is crap when temperatures are over 100." "I live in Arizona. Our daily temperatures in the summer are always over 100. Parked in the shade, and the interior of the car is well over 100. In the sun, even with sun shade, it’s over 150 inside. I’ve noticed that the AC is worthless after it’s -00 degrees outside. The only way I get any relief is if the car is going freeway speeds for a while. That allows the AC to get “cool”. I have it set to 68 degrees on auto and recirculating. Windows are tinted, but not the windshield." What do Model 3 owners need to know if the cabin temperature is not cooling down? Factors Affecting Cooling Performance: Ambient Temperature: In extremely high temperatures (above 100°F or 38°C), the car's cooling system may struggle to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, especially if the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. Battery Health: The Model 3's battery management system may prioritize cooling the battery in hot weather, potentially impacting the HVAC system's ability to cool the cabin as quickly or effectively. HVAC System Issues: Problems with the refrigerant, compressor, or cabin air filter can compromise the cooling system's effectiveness. If you suspect any of these issues, it's best to consult Tesla service for inspection and repair. Kayla may have other issues with her Model 3. Like Mitch, she may need to have her radiator replaced and new fluids added. If owners experience temperatures exceeding the selected temperature repeatedly, they should contact Tesla service. Do You Live in a Hot Climate What is your experience with the Tesla Model 3 AC? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.