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2017-2026 · 10 model years

Tesla Model 3 Problems by year

Owners have filed 4,267 complaints about the Tesla Model 3 across 10 model years, and it has 36 recalls. The 2022 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (774), while 2017, 2026 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the driver assistance, followed by the acceleration & cruise control.

Most complaints for its age2022774 complaints · 18 recallsSee the 2022
Complaints
4,267
Recalls
36
Crashes
427
Fires
22
Injuries
245
Deaths
17

Model 3 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
202618140Driver assistanceA
20250300-A
20242245281Driver assistanceC
202343012731Driver assistanceD
202277418574Driver assistanceD
202167722465Driver assistanceD
202045521542Driver assistanceC
201962322615Driver assistanceC
20181,039191034Driver assistanceD
2017271610Driver assistanceA

Most common Model 3 problems

Tesla Model 3 recalls 36

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

24V935000696,281 vehicles affected

Over-the-air fix

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire...

Seat belts: warning light / devices

24V376000125,233 vehicles affected

Over-the-air fix

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these...

Forward collision avoidance: external / pedestrian alert

24V1530006,557 vehicles affected

Over-the-air fix

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the...

Latest Model 3 complaints

2021 Tesla Model 3Other & unknown

1. Home address and navigation error My home address, [[redacted]] appears to have been relocated in the navigation system. FSD attempted 4 separate times to navigate to some unknown location. The first 2 times FSD tried to turn into a driveway or street . I had to straighten up steering or slow in traffic to avoid an unsafe turn. The 3rd time it tried to pass my driveway. I braked harder than i like to turn into my driveway and stopped to get mail. driveway is 1/4 mile long so I reengaged FSD to go home. FSD...

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immediately shifted to reverse. That forced me to disconnect FSD again and drive home. Only in one instance was traffic encountered. These disconnects cause slow downs. In heavy traffic they may cause other drivers to jam on brakes to avoid my car. 2. Unexpected reversing When I arrived in my driveway, FSD attempted to reverse so it could continue its incorrect navigation route. intervened for the 4th time and drove the vehicle to my house. 3. Incorrect speed selection On [[redacted]] where the posted speed limit is 40mph, FSD selected the following speeds: Initially 25mph subsequently 60mph. Finally 25mph again. These behaviors raise serious safety concerns. Are these problems related to FSD 14.3 Lite, navigation mapping or speed limit recognition? , INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11777084
2021 Tesla Model 3Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

Safety Complaint - Loss of Camera Systems and Driving Visualization Following Software Update - I am submitting this complaint regarding multiple safety-related system failures in my 2021 Tesla Model 3. My vehicle was operating normally before a recent Tesla software update. Following the update, I began experiencing intermittent failures involving the navigation system, camera systems, and driving visualization. Initially, restarting the vehicle temporarily restored functionality, but the problems progressively...

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worsened. The vehicle now experiences: Completely black rearview/backup camera. Black or unavailable side and other camera feeds. Loss of lane markings, surrounding vehicles, and road visualization. A frozen navigation map and unreliable vehicle positioning. Random system alerts, warnings, freezing, and loss of functionality. I have attempted restarting the vehicle's computer and reinstalling the software. Neither resolved the problem permanently. These failures affect important safety-related vehicle functions, particularly the rearview camera and camera-based driving assistance systems. I am concerned that a Tesla software update may have triggered or contributed to a failure affecting multiple vehicle systems. I cannot independently establish the cause, which is why I am requesting regulatory review. I am asking NHTSA to document this complaint, investigate whether similar failures have been reported in 2021 Tesla Model 3 vehicles, and determine whether this may represent a broader safety-related defect. I am particularly concerned about the complete loss of the rearview camera and other camera systems.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11777073
2023 Tesla Model 3SteeringDriver assistance

1. Full Self Driving computer complete system failure. Happens everyday. 8 days still has same problem. 2. Problem showed itself 30 minutes after taking possession of the car. Gave me a panic attack because the car was driving itself and then "TAKE CONTROL IMMEDIATELY!!" was on the monitor. This caused me to jerk the wheel while in heavy traffic on [[redacted]] and I hit the brakes and almost caused an accident because I thought the car was going to crash. 3. Problem has happened everyday/3-5 times a day since...

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taking ownership [[redacted]]. I checked the fault logs on [[redacted]] and there are over 100 incidents of the Full Self Driving computer overheating with system errors. 4.Car is currently as of [[redacted]] at the Norfolk VA Tesla dealership. And I am in a loaner. 5.There were no pre warning lamps or messages when I got the car. The problem appeared 30 minutes into my ride back to Hampton VA. It started with loud alerts and saying "TAKE CONTROL IMMEDIATELY". The photos attached are just a sample of how many times this problem has occured. The last photo is a log of faults. I was able to reach this data [[redacted]] and the faults happen frequent like this every day I have had the car. There are about 100 faults as of [[redacted]]. Tesla Norfolk Service Department has the car as of [[redacted]]. I feel they sold me a car with a DEFECTIVE CRITICAL SAFETY DEVICE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Steering · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11776730
2021 Tesla Model 3SuspensionBody, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH from a stoplight, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center, where diagnostic testing determined that the rear subframe fractured and the toe link and aft link failed, requiring replacement. The contact requested that the service center submit a goodwill claim to the manufacturer for repair assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via mobile application and telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Filed Incident Suspension · StructureNHTSA 11776246
2018 Tesla Model 3Suspension

The front suspension lateral link bolts to the right front side of my 2018 Tesla Model 3 RWD Long Range fell out and separated from the subframe which affected my ability to steer. My safety was put into risk. Thankfully I was going at a low speed and in a parking lot with no one close by so I was able to safely stop my vehicle without hurting myself or anyone else. The problem was confirmed by a local automotive repair shop. I did not receive any warning messages or any signs of this failure before it occurred. Tesla issued a service bulletin SB-23-31-001 but my vehicle was not covered in this recall. I had to pay $650.70 out of pocket to have this issue repaired.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11776206
2018 Tesla Model 3AirbagsSeats & seat belts

The passenger occupant sensor failed and was repaired under a recall, performed by a Tesla technician at my home on July 28, 2020. On February 3rd 2021 the same dashboard warning returned, and Tesla replaced the entire passenger seat. The warning returned a third time on October 5, 2026. The first available service appointment was October 29, a 24-day wait, during which the passenger airbag system could not be relied on to detect an occupant. On October 29, Tesla also replaced the passenger airbag. Tesla has not...

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given me a written diagnostic explanation for the airbag replacement, or confirmation of why the recall remedy consisting in a matched sensor/airbag combination has to be paid for by the customer. I am concerned that the recall remedy did not hold, failing three times, and that a safety-critical system was left in question for nearly four weeks. I have 20 years of experience in automotive seating and am willing to provide records. Records available: service invoices, estimate, and written communications with Tesla.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11776125

Questions about the Tesla Model 3

Which Tesla Model 3 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2018 (1,039), 2022 (774), 2021 (677). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2022 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Tesla Model 3 years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2017 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Model 3 years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Tesla Model 3 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the driver assistance (1,932), acceleration & cruise control (622), brakes (561) most often.

How many recalls does the Tesla Model 3 have?

NHTSA lists 36 recalls across all Tesla Model 3 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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