2018 Tesla Model 3 recalls & complaints

1. Electrical system — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

What could happen: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

2. Electrical system — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

What could happen: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

3. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

What could happen: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Tesla dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V00D000 (manufacturer code SB-21-17-008).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

4. Forward Collision Avoidance — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

What could happen: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

5. Electrical system — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

What could happen: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's numbe…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

6. Backup camera — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: The rear camera may not show an image when reversing. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

What could happen: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

7. Electrical system — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

What could happen: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

8. Electrical system — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

What could happen: The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

9. Seat belts

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.

What could happen: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Tesla dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 22V798000 (manufacturer code SB-22-20-004).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

10. Steering — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to…

What could happen: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

11. Suspension

What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

What could happen: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Tesla dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V235000 (manufacturer code SB-23-31-001).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

12. Electrical system — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance…

What could happen: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

13. Electrical system — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

What could happen: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

14. Forward Collision Avoidance — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

What could happen: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

15. Seat belts — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

What could happen: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

16. Wheels / tires — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

What could happen: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

17. Lights

What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What could happen: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Tesla dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V507000 (manufacturer code SB-24-17-003).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

18. Seat belts

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.

What could happen: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-2…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Tesla dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V389000 (manufacturer code SB-21-20-001).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

19. Visibility (wipers / glass) — software update

What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

What could happen: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MODEL 3.
2. This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-798-3752.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Most complained-about parts: Forward Collision Avoidance (202), Suspension (189), Unknown Or Other (175), Electrical system (168), Airbags (143).

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.