2020 TESLA MODEL 3

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    adas collision warning

    135 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    136
    incidents

    Mileage not reported in 89% of these reports - too few people reported an actual figure to show a reliable typical mileage.

    • "WHEN I SLOWED DOWN ON A CITY STREET, AND TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CAR SPEEDED UP BY ITSELF. AND THE BRAKE DIDN'T RESPOND WHEN I STEPPED ON IT. THE CAR GLIDED INTO A POWER POST."~1,250 mi, complaint #1640988
    • "SEE ATTACHED FOR DETAILS. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED AT LEAST TWO UNEXPECTED HARD BRAKING INCIDENTS IN OUR 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 EQUIPPED WITH AUTOPILOT. IN ONE INCIDENT, JUST AS AUTOPILOT WAS ENGAGED, THE TESLA BRAKED SUDDENLY FROM 65 MPH TO 50 MPH. OTHER DRIVERS…"~2,300 mi, complaint #1663508
    • "MY WIFE AND I LIVE ON A TWO-LANE STATE ROUTE IN THE COUNTRY. WE WERE HEADED HOME FROM THE FARMERS' MARKET THIS MORNING AROUND 10 A.M., HEADED DOWN A HILL WITH THREE CARS BEHIND US. THERE WAS AN 18-WHEELER HEADED UP THE HILL. I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND TRA…"~5,665 mi, complaint #1688237
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while utilizing the ADAS features including the Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle independently applied the brakes while driving at highway speeds. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicl…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1856521
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving in the rain with the autopilot engaged the vehicle accelerated without warning and was incontrollable, flipped two times, and hit the curb. The contact sustained neck injuries and medical…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1763557
  2. #2

    suspension arms and bushings

    20 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    26
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 3,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "YET ANOTHER TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD WITH A POPPED OUT BALL JOINT. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/42415580/PHOTOS/2020-TESLA-MODEL-3-NJ-TRENTON THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS A CLEARLY DEFINED GOUGE AROUND THE FULL CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE. THIS PROVES T…"~1,300 mi, complaint #1700192
    • "HERE IS A 2020 MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37237764?ROWNUMBER=6THE FONT SUSPENSION GIBLETS HAVEALL FALLEN TO BITS. BOTH FRONT WHEELS ARE SPLAYED OUT IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS WHICH WOULD PROBABLY MAKE IT A LITTLE HARD TO STEER.…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1687942
    • "HERE IS A TERDSLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38868112?ROWNUMBER=3 THE FRONT LEFT HAND SUSPENSION HAS FALLEN TO BITS. THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM (MADE FROM CAST MONKEY METAL) HAS SNAPPED LIKE A PRETZEL. THIS IS NOT COLLISIO…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1723191
    • "TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.AUTOAUCTIONMALL.COM/USED-CARS-FOR-SALE/2020-TESLA-MODEL-3-CO51960570 FRONT WHEELS AND SUSPENSION FALLEN TO BITS. TOP BALL JOINT POPPED APART.. LOWER BALL JOINTS BOTH SNAPPED. STEERING ARM AND LOWER FORE-LINK B…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1710133
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while turning the steering wheel. The messages "Traction Control Disabled", "Lane Departure Avoidance Feature Disabled",…"~46,124 mi, complaint #2202089
  3. #3

    airbag system

    23 unsafe

    23
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, she encroached into the right light and was T-boned by a bus. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact did not sustain any injuries and a police report was not…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1877273
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving on the right side of the road at 35-45 MPH, on autopilot mode with a passenger in the front passenger seat, the vehicle drove off the road independently and crashed into a tree. The a…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1790579
  4. #4

    other

    11 unsafe, 1 broken, 8 annoyance

    20
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WE ARE AN CAR MEDIA IN CHINA. WE LEASED A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE PLUS ON MARCH 15, 2021, FOR PROGRAM SHOOTING. ON MARCH 18, WHEN A TEAM MEMBER TRYING TO CLOSE THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT COVER IN FRONT OF THE CENTRAL ARMREST BOX WHILE OPERATING, THE COV…"~1,600 mi, complaint #1738151
    • "AREOSHIELD UNDERNEATH CAR GET WET FROM RAIN PUDDLES AND THEN WHEN WET RIPPS OFF FROM NORMAL DRIVING. I THINK DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE WET FABRIC. *TR"~2,350 mi, complaint #1664873
  5. #5

    software or update

    18 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    19
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle. There was a warning message to take control of the vehicle displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The m…"~9,800 mi, complaint #1814515
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while reversing or driving forward, while depressing the accelerator pedal and adjusting the seat, the vehicle independently shifted to park abruptly. There were no warning lights illuminated. A so…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1842226
  6. #6

    unintended acceleration

    18 unsafe

    18
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 2,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I TOOK DELIVERY OF MY TESLA AT THE BEGINNING OF APRIL 2020 - I HAVE NOT BEEN OUT MUCH BECAUSE OF LOCKDOWN. ON ONE OF MY EARLY JOURNEYS THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED. I WAS SHOCKED BUT THOUGHT I HAD INADVERTENTLY DONE SOMETHING EG CRUISE CONTROL OR HEAVY FO…"~500 mi, complaint #1668659
    • "I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A FULL STOP OUT OF THE PARKING LOT INTO THE FARTHEST LEFT LANE INTENDING TO TURN LEFT. THERE WERE A LINE OF CARS AHEAD OF ME. AS I WAS TURNING INTO THE LANE AND LET MY FOOT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY IN…"~1,200 mi, complaint #1663151
    • "FIRST OF ALL, I WAS PULLING THE TESLA OUT OF OUR GARAGE. I WAS COMPLETELY OUT MANEUVERING THE CAR TO MAKE IT PARALLEL TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STREET WHEN SUDDENLY, I FELT THE CAR MOVED EXTRA BACKWARD. FORTUNATELY, IT DID NOT HIT THE NEIGHBORS' PARKED CARS. TH…"~2,100 mi, complaint #1644379
    • "THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND JUMPED FORWARD AND HIT ANOTHER DRIVER THAT WAS STANDING OUTSIDE IN BETWEEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOOR. THE HOOD OPENED AND OBS…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1747111
    • "The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while pulling into the driveway and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, accelerated unintendedly, broke through the garage door, and crashed into the vehicle parked inside the g…"~9,600 mi, complaint #1905871
  7. #7

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    15 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Front passenger seat seat belt gives me an error saying front safety restraint system fault. Tesla says it's not a problem and will not fix it"complaint #1812390
    • "The driver seat occupancy weight sensor has to be replaced twice now. The car does not recognize someone is in the driver seat. It is unclear whether the airbags would deploy if I was in an accident as the car is unsure if someone is even inside. When I get ou…"complaint #1854667
    • "seems like a common issue that keeps coming back again after repairs. this is my first seat belt error message so I will take my car in for warranty work and hopefully it is covered. "complaint #1928978
    • "After receiving fault RCM_a094 I discovered that the seatbelt wiring harness had detached. When I took the vehicle in for repair, I was told it was caused by the wire being "tugged" on. Since I have never used the seatbelt in any capacity other than how it was…"complaint #1976847
    • "Many Tesla owners have received notifications about a "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". It seems that there might be a defect with the car, given the number of people impacted and the severity of not having proper safety restraint. I am very car…"complaint #1977340
  8. #8

    adas autonomous driving system

    15 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE BETA RELEASE AUTOPILOT. A RANDOM MODEL 3 VIN HAS BEEN USED TO BE ABLE TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THIS COMPLAINT APPLIES TO ALL MODELS OF TESLA. HERE IS A VIDEO OF A PROUD BETA TESTER. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=PQ-RGY1V8UG THI…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1733750
    • "The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 60 MPH on autopilot, she lost control of the vehicle due to an unknown reason. Once his wife lost control of the vehicle, she had run the vehicle into a fence. The ai…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1777607
  9. #9

    adas lane keeping

    13 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    15
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THE AUTO STEER IN MY TESLA MODEL 3 FAILED TODAY WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNING ON A CURVY DOWNHILL ROAD. I BELIEVE IT'S BECAUSE THE LANE MARKINGS ON THE RIGHT SIDE ENDED JUST BEFORE THE CURBING STARTED. THE CAR SUDDENLY TURNED RIGHT AND HIT THE CURB BRUSHING THE RIG…"~750 mi, complaint #1634321
    • "JUST PURCHASE THE AUTO PILOT, WHEN COMING TO A STOP, SOMETIME IT PASS THE WHITE LINE. WHILE GOING STRIGHT,WHEN SIGNAL TO CHANGE LANE TO BYPASS THE SLOW CAR, IT MERGE INTO LEFT TURN AT THE STOP LIGHT. WHEN THE VHEICLE IS GOING AROUND A LEFT CORNER, IT VEER TO T…"~11,121 mi, complaint #1698333
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH at night with self-driving assist mode, the auto high beams lights engaged three times within 20 seconds. The contact stated that the driver ahead of him then decelerated and v…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1962662
  10. #10

    backup camera

    9 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "I GET REPEATED WARNINGS THAT THE DOOR PILLAR CAMERAS ARE BLINDED. WHEN I CHECK IT IS CONDENSATION BETWEEN THE CAMERA AND THE PILLAR GLASS. THEY ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THIS LAST YEAR BY REMOVING A SEAL FOR BETTER AIR CIRCULATION. THE PROBLEM REMAINS. IN COLD WEA…"~8,500 mi, complaint #1727843
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the rear camera would intermittently fail to operate as needed. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical Sy…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1797992
  11. #11

    ev drive unit or inverter

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "SO REGARDING THE CAR BRAKES THEY ARE VERY HARD TO FULLY DEPRESS AND I BELIEVE ITS BECAUSE OF THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING. FOR EXAMPLE WHEN GOING EAT HIGHWAY SPEED AND YOU NEED TO PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL HARD IT LITERALLY FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS REFUSING TO LET YOU US…"complaint #1638407
    • "The car has regenerative breaking where the car is supposed to slow down when you lift your feet off the accelerator. Since a new update, some times (10%), when you lift off the accelerator the car does NOT slow down and will maintain speed. This inconsistent…"complaint #1839492
    • "The Rear Drive Unit of our Tesla failed on our Tesla Model 3 2020 (2 years at the time of incident). It is no longer available for inspection as it was replaced by Tesla. We had our drive unit fail for our 2020 M3 driving in the middle of what is considered…"complaint #1966559
    • "The Tesla is reflecting an error “DIR_a126” that is reducing the speed below the speed limit and with no rhyme or reason. Tesla services are not available and the problem is intermittent. Additionally, based on research it is found to not have consistent resol…"complaint #2005403
    • "My Motor Control Unit failed. No reason given by Tesla Service Center. It simply just died. They cannot find a reason, and they also said I didn't do anything to cause the MCU to fail. Service Center agrees this is a rare event. Likely got a really faulty MCU…"complaint #2035078
  12. #12

    infotainment head unit

    6 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THIS CAR FORCES THE DRIVER TO LOOK AWAY FROM THE ROAD FOR A FEW SECONDS(AT LEAST 10 SECONDS OR MORE) TO ADJUST COMMON THINGS LIKE ADJUSTING MIRRORS, CHANGING AC FUNCTIONS,SETTING WIPER SPEED. AS WEATHER CONDITIONS CHANGE FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION ON A LONG DRI…"complaint #1631445
    • "FROM THE MOMENT I DROVE MY BRAND NEW TESLA OFF THE LOT - THE SCREEN - THE ONLY WAY TO CONTROL ANYTHING ABOUT THE VEHICLE - WOULD FREEZE; BLACK OUT; AND TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESET ITSELF. WHILE IN THIS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE STATE: THE AUDIO SYSTEM WOULD EMI…"complaint #1708841
    • "Tesla pushed an update (v. 2021.44.25.2) to my Model 3 a couple of days ago that has dramatically altered the usability of the car, and potentially has safety implications. There was no warning prior to the update being applied that such changes to the car's u…"complaint #1784882
    • "This is a general complaint: The new control panel user interface V11 is unsafe. It now promotes/requires distracted driving to use. The previous version was a bit busy, but most all needed controls were on the screen or one touch away. With V11, one must…"complaint #1788387
    • "Activating FSD Beta Version 2023.27.7 switches the Display brightness to AUTO and to a brightness that is higher then the level set by the driver. In a darkened vehicle at night the Auto setting was too bright and a distraction to safe driving at night. I the…"complaint #1943577
  13. #13

    steering electric assist

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MODEL 3 MAKES A VERY HIGH PITCH NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. IT DOES HAPPEN WHEN YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND STAND STILL ON HOLD. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING NOR WHILE IN PARK."~2,000 mi, complaint #1698184
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and became firm. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. T…"~43,272 mi, complaint #1937110
  14. #14

    steering rack mechanical

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "HERE IS A TERDSLA IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38998703?ROWNUMBER=0 THE FRONT WHEEL AND SUSPENSION HAVE SNAPPED OFF. BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND THE UPPER STEERING KNUCKLE BALL JOINT HAVE SIMPLY POPPED APART. IT IS COMPLETELY IMPOS…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1725925
    • "HERE IS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37237764?ROWNUMBER=40 THE FRONT WHEEL HAS GONE WHOMPY. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE POPPED OUT BUT WORSE STILL THE STEERING ARM HAS SNAPPED OFF FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE. LOOKS…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1701982
    • "HERE IS A TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39653751?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=19 ALL 3 BALL-JOINTS ON THE FRONT RH STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE POPPED APART. THIS IS HAPPENING SO FREQUENTLY ON TESLAS THAT IT IS OBVIOUS THEY ARE USING PO…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1740345
  15. #15

    suspension struts shocks

    1 stranded, 8 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "HERE IS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39123018?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=1 THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS FALLEN TO BITS. THE WHEEL IS DISPLACED BACKWARD SO THAT THE TIRE IS RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME AND THE BATTERY. THE TRE…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1728316
    • "THIS IS MIND BOGGLING! HERE IS A 2020 MODEL 3 TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37712955?ROWNUMBER=3 IT HAS NOT BEEN IN A COLLISION, NO AIR-BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED AND THERE IS NO SIGN OF ANY IMPACT TO THE BODYWORK. THE FRONT SUSPENSION…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1715166
  16. #16

    adas blind spot

    5 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Tesla model 3 has side repeater cameras that work as blind spot monitor cameras and provide visuals for safe lane changes. However, my model 3 suffers from a manufacturing defect in the camera assembly which causes the visuals to wash out at night due to light…"complaint #1793292
    • "The vehicle's side cameras (those near the wheels) have a defect that lets internal light shine through 3 holes in the PCB of the camera. Since the side cameras are mounted in the same assembly as the side blinkers, whenever the blinkers are on (hazards or tur…"complaint #1793720
    • "When I signal to change lanes the side cameras show the blind spot. At night the camera is blinded by the light from the turn signal due to a fault in the camera, Tesla has a fix but want hundreds of dollars to repair. "complaint #1811933
    • "The blind spot warning is non-functional, plus the camera image system is defective in low light conditions as the image displayed is obscured by the glare of the turn signals"complaint #1812213
    • "The turn signal is attached to the left and right side blindspot camera. When using the blind spot camera at night, the turn signal light “bleeds” into the camera blocking your view. So it becomes a safety issue when switching lanes at night, especially on a d…"complaint #1851280
  17. #17

    control module

    6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the safety features independently deactivated. The contact purchased and replaced the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed wit…"~80,000 mi, complaint #2236236
  18. #18

    adas adaptive cruise

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The car braked from 65 mph to 35 mph with no obstructing traffic, the car has done similar things on many occasions however. On the occasion of the most recent occurrence, I noticed that the car indicated a change in the posted maximum speed for that location…"complaint #1795728
    • "The car exceeds the speed limit with adaptive cruise control/autopilot, despite all the available settings being set to strictly obey the speed limit. Driving on the highway in a 60mph zone enabling autopilot will set the speed to 60mph, as expected. If the sp…"complaint #1813405
    • "The Tesla lane assist and adaptive cruise control failed while I was driving on the highway (I-295 in DC). I have not paid for the full self driving, so I was using the autopilot every Model 3 uses by default. The car skidded into the barrier on the side of th…"complaint #1821619
    • "The ADAS system for the car includes automatic steering, which only works at the speed limit detected or less. The car incorrectly sets the speed limit in many instances as much as 30 mph under the limit. It isn’t safe to drive the car at such a different sp…"complaint #1874470
    • "When driving in "Autopilot" mode which uses adaptive speed control, the car suddenly slows down without any warnings. This happens even when there is no vehicle in front of the car and therefore slowing down is not expected. This has happened several times whi…"complaint #1966606
  19. #19

    glass and windshield

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My front windshield has chipped and then cracked twice in about 6 months. I heard a pebble hit the windshield the first time, but it sounded very small and I did not expect it to chip/crack. The second time I didn’t even hear anything hit it. My friend has the…"complaint #1771190
    • "MY ROOF GLASS CRACKED FROM INSIDE OF THE GLASS THAT IS SANDWICH TO IT. THEY REPLACE THE ROOF GLASS FOR FREE. A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHEN I PULL INTO A PARKING LOT AT AN ANGLE, THE WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED FROM INSIDE OF THE GLASS JUST LIKE THE ROOF GLASS. NO DAMAG…"complaint #1843029
    • "Rear windshield developed a stress crack. No incident was involved, it just suddenly appeared. It ran about 1/3 of the rear window. I was concerned the glass would fall in on infant passenger seated in a car seat in the back seat. This appears to be a common…"complaint #1901854
    • "Spontaneous shattering of side window, rear driver's side. Car was parked in driveway at the time."complaint #1924567
    • "A crack appeared on the interior of the windshield, with no marks of any exterior impact and no external crack or other mark on either surface of the windshield. The crack originated directly from the windshield positioned camera/rear view mirror. "complaint #1979759
  20. #20

    wiper and washer

    5 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "LIGHT SOURCES SUCH AS TAIL LIGHTS OF OTHER VEHICLES, TRAFFIC LIGHTS, AND LIT SIGNS, ALL HAVE AN ARTIFACT EFFECT - VIEW OF THE LIGHT SOURCE HAS A DOUBLE THAT EXISTS RIGHT ABOVE THE ORIGINAL SOURCE WITH A SLIGHTLY DIMMER BRIGHTNESS WHEN VIEWED THROUGH THE WINDSH…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1742716
  21. #21

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The 12 volt battery on my T2020 Tesla Model 3 failed without warning last week when I entered the driver's side and closed the door. There was a very brief warning on the control screen that the "12 volt battery should be replaced soon." Then the screen went…"complaint #1850100
    • "The car broke down completely saying that "Electrical system failure". It is immobile. This is dangerous as I was driving on the freeway and it suddenly started showing lot of warnings. Warning included "12v power system failure", "Electrical system failure".…"complaint #1851148
    • "12v battery failed without warning. Car was parked. Was unresponsive. Could not unlock the car. Able to open trunk and passenger side door only. Drivers side would not open. Touchscreen black no power to Do anything car essentially dead with no warning.…"complaint #1910023
    • "On August 2, 2023 at 0400, the Tesla M3 was charging in the garage using a home charger. Smoke indicative of an electrical fire likely originated from the vehicle and eventually triggered a smoke alarm in the kitchen. The driver was unaware the source of the s…"complaint #1916582
    • "After loading our two children ages 2 and 5 in to vehicle and securing in car seats, the car doors were closed and would not reopen. The children were unable to open the doors themselves. The trunk and other entries did not open. There was no obvious way to op…"complaint #2162622
  22. #22

    door latch and hinge

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "BOTH FRONT DOOR AT THE BOTTOM HAS SHARP EDGE THAT SLICE MY LEG WHEN I WORK OUT OF THE CAR. AT 65 MPH ON FREWAY WITH MINOR ROUGH SURFACE, VEHICLE ZIG ZAG SWAY BACK AND FORTH. ONLY ON MINOR ROUGH ROAD FREEWAY SURFACE"complaint #1698317
    • "The door handles on the chrome version of the Tesla Model 3 begin to delaminate after several years of use. They delaminate along the door handle seam which creates an extremely sharp edge that can cut fingers. I've had the rear handle on my own model 3 rear d…"complaint #1983666
    • "I am writing to report a repeated and potentially dangerous defect in my 2020 Tesla Model 3. On four separate occasions, the front trunk (frunk) latch has opened on its own, without any input from me. This has occurred while parked in my garage and poses a ser…"complaint #2093891
    • "Essentially, I find the lack of emergency, unpowered door release for the back doors a little concerning. There is no way to open the door in the event that all power to the door latch fails. Even in newer models (at least of 3/Y/Cybertruck, that i know of)…"complaint #2118079
    • "The front passenger door intermittently becomes “unclosed.” When this occurs, the vehicle displays “door open” and the passenger door window rolls down and up repeatedly. The window cycling continues until the door is slammed firmly shut. Once the door is secu…"complaint #2236113
  23. #23

    lighting exterior

    3 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT. DUE TO THE FAILURE, CONDENSATION FORMED INSIDE THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO BE DIM. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPRESSED A CONCERN T…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1667856
  24. #24

    power windows and locks

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, all four windows slightly went down independently, wiggled and made clicking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the sound had become u…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1893610
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated he was not able to operate the rear windows in the vehicle. The contact referenced his concerns about regulation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard: 571-6; not allowing him to open or close the rear…"~44,300 mi, complaint #1869668
  25. #25

    wiring harness

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk became inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk latch failed to open when the trunk release was engaged using the mobile application, the instrument pan…"~69,215 mi, complaint #2157457
  26. #26

    brake hydraulics

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SPEED FORWARD WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I LET GO MY FOOT AND SLAMMED THE BRAKE ONCE MORE. IT TOOK A SECOND TO RESPOND"~1,740 mi, complaint #1687867
    • "The complaint was filed on behalf of the contact's daughter. The contact's daughter owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as in…"~49,000 mi, complaint #2140549
  27. #27

    interior trim

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT FOLDED OVER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE PEDALS. ON ONE OCCASION THE FAILURE CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE…"~600 mi, complaint #1735929
  28. #28

    heater core and blower

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The problem is my car has been in the shop six times for an issue that Tesla claims it is unable to fix. I started smelling a burning smell (smoke coming from my air vents anytime the air is on) and brought it in. The first three times they were unable to find…"complaint #1872865
    • "cabin heat not working, vehicle’s defroster is also not work well enough to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards regarding windshield visibility. error message on the vehicle’s user interface saying that heating and air conditioning are limited o…"complaint #1951529
    • "Issue with heater and cooler where it suddenly stops working. Not even fan turns on. It makes the car unsafe to drive and transport a baby. This is a kwon issue"complaint #1972869
  29. #29

    wheel or rim

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive to his destination. The contact stated he parked the vehicle, he not…"~28,500 mi, complaint #1806392
  30. #30

    climate control module

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Hi there, it seems like a lot of model 3 Tesla owners year 2020 have been hit with a thousand plus dollars repair for the super bottle that controls the HVAC. Some at 37,000 miles. It looks like Tesla knows this is a faulty part they will cause issues. Thus th…"complaint #2033127
    • "My wife was cleaning the interior and wiped the center main display of her model 3. While doing that somehow she managed to Turn the heat on set the fan/temp controls to HI and popped the front frunk to open. When she exited and closed all doors, it looks like…"complaint #2193023
  31. #31

    hv system fault reduced power

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I got a "power reduced dir_a126" error code that limited my speed to 55 mph. This is dangerous on the highway as 55 mph is significantly under 70 mph and cars were almost rear ending me. "complaint #1889047
    • "Concern: message appeared on the tesla screen "DIR_a126 Power reduced" Repair solution: Internal seal in battery coolant bottle was faulty and not letting coolant flow properly to rear drive unit. Tesla warranty: states that battery coolant does not need to…"complaint #2020688
  32. #32

    seat mechanism

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SEAT WILL RANDOMLY START MOVING FORWARD, BACK, UP OR DOWN WITH NO INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AND CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF MIRRORS OR REACH PEDALS. NOTIFIED TESLA AND PROBLEM CONTINUES TO HAPPEN OCCASION…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1716665
  33. #33

    throttle and pedal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "WHEN I SHIFT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND USE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO MOVE THE CAR FORWARD AND IT WORKS FINE. WHEN I RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE CAR ACCELERATE AND REQUIRES ME TO BRAKE. THIS OCCURS AT LOW SPEED. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO TESLA AND THEY S…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1643348
    • "AT A DRIVE THRU FAST FOOD TAPPED THE PEDDLE AND THE CAR LAUNCHED AND HIT A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME"~10,000 mi, complaint #1718504
  34. #34

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On 9/3/23 we were traveling from Moab UT to Green River UT and the cruise control was engaged at highway speeds. We were not using the "Autopilot" functionality. Without warning, the car suddenly decelerated under what felt like hard braking. There was no w…"complaint #1926885
  35. #35

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ISSUE OF POPPED BALL-JOINTS WHICH IS AFFECTING ALL MODELS OF TESLA CARS. HERE IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF A BALL-JOINT THAT HAS POPPED APART FOR NO GOOD REASON. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39240789?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=3 IT I…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1732378
  36. #36

    ev charging system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CHARGING PORT, PLASTIC TIP OF ONE OF THE CHARGING PINS BROKE OFF AND WAS STILL INSIDE THE PORT. IT WAS OBSTRUCTING THE CHARGING HANDLE, NOT ALLOWING IT TO FULLY SEAT. THE CAR WAS SHOWING AN ERROR MESSAGE SAYING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CHARGING CABLE. I FOU…"~5,286 mi, complaint #1691893
  37. #37

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The 2020 Model 3 uses a fiberboard front skid plate, that is intended to protect coolant lines that protect the battery. When wet, the fiberboard front skid [REDACTED PLATE] and exposes the coolant lines to damage from road debris, which could lead to a batte…"complaint #1852568
  38. #38

    paint and clearcoat

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The paint on the car is chipping all over. "complaint #1785575
  39. #39

    tire failure

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On October 29, 2022 the Michelin tire on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 that had 16,000 miles on it, suffered catastrophic tread loss while traveling at 70 miles per hour on California Route 110. The tire was the original equipment tire supplied with this vehicle whe…"complaint #1865241
  40. #40

    trunk or liftgate

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The back trunk seal fails at the rear of the vehicle allowing water to spill into the trunk and deep trunk and cause flooding. I have had it repaired multiple times and the technician says that is a known issue but all they do is add more seal. This is known o…"complaint #1971788

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TESLA MODEL 3 directly.