Rear Trunk

Opening

To open the rear trunk, ensure Model 3 is in Park, then do one of the following:

  • Touch the associated Open button on the touchscreen.
  • Touch the rear trunk button on the mobile app.
  • Press the switch located under the rear trunk's exterior handle (a valid key must be detected).
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CAUTION
Before opening the rear trunk in an enclosed area (such as a garage), ensure the opening height of the rear trunk is properly adjusted to avoid low-hanging ceilings or objects (see Adjusting Opening Height of Powered Trunk).

Model 3 must be unlocked or detect a key before you can use the switch to open the rear trunk.

Rear of vehicle with zoombox showing detail of the switch on the rear trunk exterior handle
Red icon of vehicle with doors open

When a door or trunk is open, the touchscreen displays the Door Open indicator light. The image of your Model 3 on the touchscreen also displays the open trunk.

To open the rear trunk from inside the vehicle in the unlikely situation that Model 3 has no power, see Interior Emergency Trunk Release.

Adjusting Opening Height of Powered Trunk

You can adjust the opening height of the powered trunk (if equipped) to make it easier to reach or to avoid low-hanging ceilings or objects (for example, a garage door or light):

  1. Open the trunk, then manually lower or raise it to the desired opening height.
  2. Press and hold the button on the underside of the trunk for three seconds until you hear a confirmation chime.
    A button on the underside of the trunk with an image of a car with a its trunk open
  3. Confirm that you have set it to the desired height by closing the powered trunk, then reopening it.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Depending on configuration (such as wheel selection), your vehicle's rear trunk can open up to approximately 2 meters. Adjust the rear trunk height to prevent it from coming into contact with low ceilings or other objects.

Closing

  • Touch the associated Close button on the touchscreen.
  • Press the switch located on the underside of the rear trunk
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Warning
Before driving, ensure that the trunk is securely latched in the fully-closed position by lifting up on the bottom edge and confirming there is no movement.

Accessing the Cargo Area

To access the cargo area inside the rear trunk, pull up the strap at the rear of the cargo cover. You can then fold the cargo cover forward or remove it from Model 3.

Secure all cargo before moving Model 3, and place heavy cargo in the lower trunk compartment.

Rear trunk with arrow pointing upwards from cargo cover strap

Rear Trunk Load Limits

Distribute the weight of cargo as evenly as possible between the front and rear trunks.

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CAUTION
Never load more than 40 kg in the lower compartment of the rear trunk or more than 130 kg on the upper compartment. Doing so can cause damage.
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Warning
When loading cargo, always consider the vehicle's Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Mass (TPMLM) (see Specifications). The TPMLM is the maximum allowable total mass of the vehicle including all passengers, fluids, and cargo.

Interior Emergency Trunk Release

An illuminated mechanical release located inside the rear trunk allows you to open the rear trunk from the inside if Model 3 has no electrical power. This mechanical release also allows a person locked inside to get out.

Button with icon of car with trunk open and a blue arrow pointing left
  1. Firmly press and hold the illuminated button in the direction of the arrow to release the latch.
  2. While pressing the button, push the rear trunk open.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
The button glows for several hours after a brief exposure to ambient light.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Do not allow children to play inside the trunk or become locked inside. An unrestrained child could suffer serious injury or death in a crash. A child could suffer heat exhaustion or death if trapped in the vehicle, especially without climate control on.