This file gathers the known defects of the Tesla Model 3, written and sourced by the community. Anyone can read; a free account lets you contribute. A defect earns the seal once enough reputable contributors have validated it.
1,757 owners in the United States reported problems with the automatic emergency braking of this car to NHTSA (model years 2017–2027), typically at around 10,000 miles. Most often named: adaptive cruise control (69%), automatic emergency braking (54%), warnings (18%). Reported consequences: 129 crashes, 2 fires, 56 injuries, 4 deaths.
638 owners in the United States reported problems with the accelerator and cruise control of this car to NHTSA (model years 2017–2026), typically at around 5,000 miles. Reported consequences: 120 crashes, 2 fires, 63 injuries, 6 deaths.
575 owners in the United States reported problems with the electrical system of this car to NHTSA (model years 2017–2026), typically at around 17,000 miles. Reported consequences: 64 crashes, 9 fires, 37 injuries, 2 deaths.
The lateral force exerted on the shoulder may exceed the allowable limit (3 kn) in a collision with a pole. As a result, the vehicle may not provide sufficient protection in the event of a side impact, increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle's occupants.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. 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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y and 2024 Model 3 vehicles. The vehicles were originally built for a foreign market and do not have knee air bags, may not be equipped with certain interior safety countermeasures, and may not have been tested for bumper impact resistance procedures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers, 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact," and Part 581, "Bumper Standards."
On certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor battery may drain at an accelerated rate. Identify and replace the affected TPMS sensor.
Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles were manufactured with High Voltage (HV) batteries containing cell modules that do not meet Teslas internal quality standards, potentially resulting in a reduction of range.
On some Model 3 vehicles, the RH front Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) might have been misrouted, which may cause damage to the WSS harness.
Sources: NHTSA (United States, public domain), Transport Canada (Open Government Licence – Canada), DVSA (United Kingdom, Open Government Licence v3.0), RappelConso and EU Safety Gate (France, Licence Ouverte 2.0).