Tesla Model 3 problems
The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., introduced in 2017. The vehicle is marketed as being more affordable to more people than previous models made by Tesla. The Model 3 was the world's top selling plug-in electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, before the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV based on the Model 3 chassis, took the top spot. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to pass global sales of 1 million.
An upgraded Model 3 with revamped interior and exterior styling was introduced in late 2023 for countries supplied by the Shanghai factory, and in early 2024 in North America and other countries supplied by the Fremont factory.
History
In an interview for Wired Science recorded during 2006, Elon Musk presented the Model 3 as likely being affordable by most people able to purchase new cars, aiming for a $30,000 price point. In 2008 the car was stated to be a family car. In 2017 Tesla added that the Standard Range version of the all-electric car would have an estimated EPA-rated range of 215 miles (346 km), a five-passenger seating capacity, front and rear trunks, and promised sports-car levels of acceleration performance. Tesla said it would have a 5-Star safety rating and have a drag coefficient of Cd=0.225. This is lower than the Tesla Model S drag coefficient of Cd=0.24, which, in 2014, was the lowest among the production cars of the time.
Within a week of unveiling the Model 3 in 2016, Tesla revealed they had taken 325,000 reservations for the car. These reservations represented potential sales of over US$14 billion. By August 2017, there were 455,000 net reservations.
Industry experts were dubious when, in May 2016, Tesla announced its decision to advance its 500,000-total-unit build plan (combined for Model S, Model X, and Model 3) to 2018, two years earlier than previously planned, in order to accelerate its target for Model 3 output. As predicted, there were "production bottlenecks" and "production hell". In May 2016, Tesla issued US$2 billion in new shares to the stock market to finance the plan.
The company plans for the Model 3 are part of Tesla's three-step strategy to start with a high-price vehicle and move progressively towards lower-cost vehicles, while the battery and electric drivetrain were improved and paid for through the sales of the Roadster, Model S, and Model X vehicles.
On April 18, 2018, Tesla updated its production target to 6,000 vehicles per week by the end of June 2018, an increase from its previous target of 5,000 vehicles per week which was previously promised at earlier dates. On July 1, 2018, Elon Musk announced that Tesla had met its production goal of 5,000 cars in a week.
On February 28, 2019, Tesla announced the availability of the highly anticipated Standard Range trim priced at $35,000 (equivalent to $41,710 in 2023). However, on April 12, 2019, Tesla announced that the Standard Range model would no longer be available for ordering online, but only over the phone or in stores. Autopilot, previously a $3,000 option, was included in all versions of the Model 3 except for the Standard Range, while each version's price only increased by $2,000. In February 2019, the Model 3 passed the Chevrolet Volt to become the all-time bestselling plug-in electric car in the U.S. Model 3 sales surpassed the Nissan Leaf in early 2020 to become the world's all-time top selling plug-in electric car.
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Tesla Model 3 model years
Common Tesla Model 3 problems
The Tesla Model 3, while praised for its quick acceleration, expansive forward view, and capable Autopilot driver-assist features, has faced several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues range from recalls and reliability concerns to design flaws and quality control problems.
- Recalls: The Tesla Model 3 has had recalls for several issues, including brake calliper bolts not being secured to the correct specification, front seat belt top loops not being secured correctly, the user interface (UI) displaying vehicle speed without a unit of speed, the rear-view camera harness failing, and the front suspension lateral link being insufficiently torqued. These recalls address critical safety concerns and demonstrate the importance of ensuring that all remedial work has been carried out before purchasing a used Model 3.
- Reliability: In the What Car? Reliability Survey, the Model 3 ranked eighth out of 15 cars in the electric car category, with a score of 93.8%. While this is a great score, it still falls below some rivals like the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID 3. Tesla as a brand came 10th out of 32 manufacturers featured, with a score of 93.6%. This suggests that while the Model 3 is generally reliable, there is room for improvement in terms of overall brand reliability.
- Design flaws: The Model 3's near-complete reliance on the center screen to control its various features and functions has been a source of frustration for many owners. This can make it difficult to locate certain features and functions, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, the use of front cameras to control the automatic wipers has led to complaints about poor performance, with the wipers often laying dormant as the windshield becomes nearly opaque with spray from surrounding traffic.
- Quality control: Several owners have reported issues with the quality of materials used in the Model 3, including plasticky seat material, fixed and narrow headrests, and ultracheap, cardboard-like covers for the large bin under the trunk floor. These issues detract from the luxury price point of the Model 3 and suggest a lack of attention to detail in terms of quality control.
- Suspension and steering problems: The Tesla Model 3 has faced persistent problems with low-tech suspension connections, such as upper and lower control arms, and fore and aft links. These parts, while relatively inexpensive for Tesla, play a critical role in safely connecting a car's axle and wheels to its body and steering apparatus. Two more complex and expensive parts, half shafts and steering racks, have also frequently failed, leading to sudden power-steering outages and, in some cases, accidents.
In summary, the Tesla Model 3 has faced several common problems based on complaints from owners, including recalls, reliability concerns, design flaws, quality control issues, and suspension and steering problems. While the Model 3 is generally reliable and praised for its quick acceleration and capable Autopilot features, these issues highlight the importance of ensuring that all remedial work has been carried out and that potential buyers are aware of these common problems before purchasing a used Model 3.
What is the most common problem with Teslas?
Battery and Charging Related Issues
One of the key components in any Tesla vehicle is its high-capacity battery pack. While Tesla's battery technology has come a long way, issues related to charging and battery life can still arise.
Is Tesla Model 3 reliable?
Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable? Tesla came a respectable tenth (out of 32 brands) in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey. The pre-facelifted Model 3 (2019-2023) did quite well too, coming eighth out of 20 models in the electric car category.
What can go wrong with a Tesla Model 3?
Most Common Issues with the 2023 Tesla Model 3
- Suspension Problems: Some Model 3 users have complained of strange noises, including creaking, clunking, and other suspension-related sounds. ...
- Paint Problem: There have been reports of paint issues with Tesla Model 3s, including peeling and chipping.
What are the biggest Tesla complaints?
Contents
- 6.1 Autopilot.
- 6.2 Full Self-Driving.
- 6.3 Fire risk.
- 6.4 Sudden unintended acceleration.
- 6.5 Brake failures.
- 6.6 Stealth recalls.
- 6.7 Misleading safety ratings.
- 6.8 "Whompy wheels"
Percentage distribution of complaints by Tesla Model 3 years
We have researched Tesla problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Tesla Model 3 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Tesla Model 3 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Tesla Model 3 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Tesla Model 3 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Tesla Model 3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Tesla Model 3 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Tesla Model 3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Model 3 model years
A total of 307 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Model 3 model years
There were a total of 14 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Model 3 model years
There were a total of 155 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Model 3 model years
There were a total of 11 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3249 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Tesla Model 3 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Tesla Model 3 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Tesla Model 3 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA8LF
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. While driving on the freeway, the car displayed a “Power Limited - OK to Drive” message, followed by “Power Reduced,” and then automatically limited my speed to 60 mph. This happened unexpectedly on a busy freeway, nearly causing an accident with a car behind me. The message advised that “exiting and re-entering the vehicle may restore operations.” I took the freeway exit and exited the car, re-entered, and resumed driving, but the error returned, reducing my speed further to 58 mph, and at one point, down to 7 mph. This behavior makes the car unsafe for freeway driving, as the speed can drop suddenly, putting me at risk of a collision. This issue persists on city roads as well, with speed reductions happening within a mile of driving, restricting the speed anywhere between 7-60 mph. I scheduled a service appointment with Tesla on 10/12/2024, but the earliest available date is 11/1/2024. I contacted Tesla’s customer service to prioritize my appointment or perform a remote diagnosis, but they refused to accommodate my request. During my own online research, I found that the car log indicates a “RearDrive Inverter Sensor” detecting high temperatures, likely causing the speed restrictions, along with a non-functional powertrain pump. Although my car is under an 8-year warranty for the battery and drive unit, Tesla has sent me a pre-approval bill for the upcoming service, making me concerned they may try to classify these issues as non-warranty and charge me hefty amounts for repairs. Currently, I cannot safely use my vehicle, especially on freeways, and I have no other repair options outside of Tesla. This ongoing issue is urgent and impacts my safety and ability to drive the car reliably.
Tesla Model 3 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB7JF
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: I have a 2018 Tesla Model 3 that was involved in an accident on 10/12/2024. It has Enhanced Autopilot, which was the most advanced version of self driving when I bought the car. It was engaged in "Navigate on Autopilot" on the freeway. The car was following the freeway as it veered to the left, but then it stopped following the lines and crashed into the side of the freeway. The result of the accident was a total loss on the vehicle. I had shoulder and neck pain that have not required serious medical attention, but it was almost a week of discomfort and difficulty sleeping. My insurance company has deemed the vehicle a total loss and I will have to get a replacement. There were no warning alerts and the vehicle did not recognize that it was leaving the freeway lines. I was not going over the speed limit. The car did not prompt me to take over the vehicle because of danger. It just went straight towards the freeway guardrail. The car is not drivable due to the damage it sustained.
Tesla Model 3 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB6MF
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: My Tesla was operating in Full-Self-Driving Beta when it experienced a sudden uncontrolled accelration event. I was driving on [XXX] at approximatley [XXX] this morning. The road speed limit was 40 mph. The car display was correctly showing that the road speed limit was 40mph. The speed offset in the cars setting was limited to 5 mph max above the speed limit. While the car was driving it suddenly accelerated very hard from approximately 40 mph to over 60mph before I was able to stab the brake pedal and kick the car out of full self driving mode. There were no errors, warnings, or signs that anything was wrong with the car. I have also notified Tesla via the service request function in the Tesla App under the section for "software performance". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tesla Model 3 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA4PF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Side window spontaneously cracked. My car was parked and not being operated. I've watched video recorded by my car, and there was no one/thing around my car when the incident occurred.
Tesla Model 3 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB8JF
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I was driving (~42 m/h) my Model 3 Tesla on a freeway and the traffic in front of me suddenly slowed down. The driver in front of me (she was a new driver with a new car) braked hard and came to a complete stop even though the traffic in front of her was moving. I ended up colliding with her as a result. I would have expected the Tesla Forward collision system or the Automatic Emergency Braking system to have activated and prevented this crash. Further, it seems Tesla brakes behave differently when it is fully charged as the engine braking does not engage. In fact the car seems to accelerate instead. If the Tesla Forward collision system and the AEB do not work and prevent such accidents, what is the point of having these systems?
Tesla Model 3 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA1LF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 to start with. I bought my car in 2020, so just over 4 years later my MCU died.
Tesla Model 3 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA5LF
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I am writing this claim to report a headlight assembly passenger side has failed at 22,000 miles in a Tesla model three 2020 year
Tesla Model 3 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Tesla Model 3 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EC9NF
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact heard an audible chime. The contact stated that the message "Driver Side Safety Restraint System Fault" was displayed. Additionally, the passenger’s side air bag warning light intermittently illuminated and after a week remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the service App. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Tesla Model 3 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB9NF
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Tesla FSD almost caused a serious accident. My car was at a stop sign at a t in the road with cross traffic going 40-50mph. The car did not see a white car driving toward from the left as it pulled out. Instead of stopping before getting in front of the car, it pulled slowly into the lane and then errored out, stopping right in front of a car that was about to T-bone me. I had to take back control of the car and quickly accelerate before they crashed into me. Luckily the combination of me taking over and accelerating and the other car also slowing down drastically saved us from having a serious accident. Unfortunately I had a fresh cup of hot coffee in my left hand and the acceleration caused it to spill allover the left side of my face, neck and chest causing burns. None of this would have happened if I wasn't testing the free trial of "Full Self-Driving." This was only a block from my home and it couldn't even work properly for more than 2 minutes. Software is so far from being ready to be safely used it is going to kill people. I have dashcam videos of the whole thing and can provide to you.
Tesla Model 3 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA7KF
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Upper control arm unit is defective on most model 3's. This has been reported by thousands of Tesla owners. After 50,000 miles the upper control arm will fail due to being assembled incorrectly, which causes a hard time driving the car and causing a strange sound in the suspension which can cause a risk in driving and increase the likelihood of an accident.
Tesla Model 3 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA1LF
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: There have been recent reports of Tesla FSD accidents that are now under investigation by NHTSA relating to crashes that occurred under difficult visibility conditions. A video I recorded several years ago while driving into a fog bank in NW Washington, about an hour North of Seattle, is linked below. Seeing the fog bank ahead and with no traffic in front or close behind me, I let the car proceed into the fog until the system triggered a takeover alarm. Usually, at this point several years ago, when the driver wanted to disengage FSD, the driver did so by raising the gear selection stalk. Raising the gear stalk disengaged TACC ONLY in this incident, and Autosteering remained active. (see: [XXX] ) After disengaging TACC, the car was slowed by regenerative braking but still under Autosteering control. Turning the steering wheel finally disengaged Autosteering, but that occurred second and was delayed by the driver's confusion over why raising the gear stalk wasn't enough to stop the alarm. Applying the brakes would have disengaged FSD completely - but that wasn't wise with low visibility. I tried re-engaging FSD briefly while still in fog (not shown in this video), and the system refused. This brings to mind a previous documentation video where, with FSD engaged, turning the wheel disengaged *Autosteering, but *TACC remained active. Again, the driver was not initially cognizant that TACC was still active (see: [XXX] ). I believe a subsequent recall remedied this 2nd example, but perhaps the fog bank-type takeover alarm was not affected by that recall remedy. Finally, I have one more video documenting the ability of FSD to see under challenging conditions, in this case, light rain, heavy rain, and eventually hail. No alarms were triggered (see: [XXX] ). Note: I no longer own the vehicle associated with this VIN. See the firmware version shown in the video for approximate dates of these occurrences. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tesla Model 3 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB4LF
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: We were driving back from suffolk virginia along [XXX] - which has two lanes in both directions. It was a sunny day with clear skies. I had cruise control enabled. There were no other cars visible on the road in either direction in front or behind us. Suddenly and without warning the car slammed on the breaks - "phantom breaking". If somebody was behind us it could have easily been a crash. We continued our journey somewhat shaken, and 10 - 15 mins later it did the same thing in similar circumstances. We contacted Tesla who said we should press a button to record an event when it happened again. On a later day it did and we sent them the information. They contacted us back and said that nothing was wrong with car. Since then I feel the cruse control is basically dangerous, so I refuse to use it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tesla Model 3 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EC1LF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The 2020 and older models of the tesla has bad control arms an should be a recall they are charging us over $1,500 for an issue that happens to so many teslas
Tesla Model 3 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB9KF
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: I see in today's news that the NHTSA is investigating Tesla's FSD due to accidents in poor visibility, but the articles I've read are not discussing another visibility issue that may actually be more widespread. I already reported concerns with Telsa's FSD in incident 11618812, but I forgot to mention another issue I believe is crucial to the success or failure of Tesla's FSD, and I am surprised to find that nobody is talking about this serious flaw. Because Tesla's FSD relies on camera video only, the vehicle is blind in the dark. I live in a rural area, and on some roads without streetlights or other vehicles nearby illuminating the areas around the vehicle, Tesla's FSD falsely assumes that the side and rear facing cameras are obstructed because they cannot see in the dark. This was also an issue when my son and I drove home through the night from South Carolina. When we hit North Carolina on [XXX] in the middle of the night between cities and no streetlights, traffic was sparse so there was nobody behind or to the sides of the vehicle. Every few minutes, FSD falsely warned us that the cameras were obstructed, and alerted us that FSD's capabilities were limited. One point of view is that there was nobody there so my car was clear, and FSD could assume that everything is okay and suppress the warning, but what if the driver of the other vehicle at night failed to have their lights on? And how will FSD ever know that the camera is obstructed, or is in pitch dark? Take an average of the low light across multiple cameras? Is that risky? In my opinion, Tesla's FSD cannot rely on video alone and either needs to use LIDAR, night vision, or 3D radar to see more accurately around the vehicle in poor visibility conditions. The answer to low light, bright low sun, fog, or dust is probably the same solution. But we were all promised FSD, so will Musk upgrade the hardware in our cars at Tesla's expense, or expect all of us to pay for the upgrade to get what we were all promised? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Latest 5 recalls Tesla Model 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 111 recalls for different components of the Tesla Model 3.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Tesla Model 3 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-24
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
- Model: Tesla Model 3 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-24
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
- Model: Tesla Model 3 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-24
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
- Model: Tesla Model 3 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-05-28
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- Summary: 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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Tesla Model 3 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-05-28
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- Summary: 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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
Latest negative Tesla Model 3 car reviews
Latest positive Tesla Model 3 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2018
Finally! I drove down to the Denver Littleton Dealer that calls itself “Tesla”. In a frenzy, I picked up my new white Model 3 amidst the 3 or 4 people that were running this giant dealership and feverishly delivering over 100 Tesla's that day to customers. The pace was frenetic. Everything prior to this day was done via email, no faces, phone numbers or names to remember, only random updates on my online account without notifications. But, the young attendants were so friendly and welcoming that they made the experience much better. They patiently answered all my questions and even gave me a short introduction to the car's operation. After I paid for the car, I finally drove off in my Tesla 3 while my wife took pictures! So, what did I think of the car? I haven't had it in the snow yet, but other than the maladjusted turning signal and 4 stripped bolts on the rear license plate holder (and there is only one license plate on a Model 3), it is the best car I ever owned (and I've owned the very best BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, etc.). It is as stunning as the embattled Elon Musk is stressed out. No wonder every person on the planet is trying to defeat him. He just made the best car in the world. He and his car will be envied for a long time. And did I mention the acceleration?It's amazing how the 3 dual motor knocks you back in your seat twice, advancing steadily like a rocket on rails with the panoramic visibility of looking out of a fishbowl. Not a rattle could be heard. Although the process and delivery were frantic, impersonal, and distrusting, the 3 dual motor is indeed a game changer. The guy who designed this masterpiece can get away with a sketchy process and should be able to snarl at the SEC, quote dark poetry, or smoke a joint any time he wants to. I only hope that the service is there when I need it. It's been 1 1/2 years and 25K miles, and here are my complaints: Don't leave your 3 in a cold parking garage at the airport and come back a week later. The battery will drain to near zero, just like when you leave your phone out on a cold day. The radio sometimes locks up and comes and goes, but Tesla says they are working on a fix. The streaming and Bluetooth play is seamless. The Bluetooth unlock-car feature is slow, voice commands are sketchy, and the tires cost over 2K to replace and wear out quickly. The a/c in the summer is weak unless you turn up the fan all the way on hot days. The sound system is radical, and the service is seamless. Appointments are made through the app, and for most issues, they will come to my house. The acceleration of this car is remarkable. I was only beat twice on the highway by 2 modified WRXs (just barely). Summers are hot unless you buy dual sunscreens that fit into the 2 full-length roof window depressions. Charging at home through my 220V connection has been more than sufficient. I plug it in every night. Charging via the 110 adapter is very slow but is adequate overnight and keeps me from having to visit a charging station. The car sits pretty low, and I've scraped up the front underside bumper by not being careful. All things considered, I LOVED THIS CAR. Now that nearly 2 1/2 years have passed, and I've sold the car, I have a different opinion. It's still a great car overall.The range is actually 30% less than advertised for highway driving, unless you stay at 65mph. It's not very practical, is it? Additionally, the low sports car type clearance can be quite tiresome. What good is all wheel drive if you can't clear the snow? However, what bothered me the most is that the battery is as big as the car. Although it's still very fast, I chose to sell while the market is high, as I believe this will quickly become old tech and will be like a cell phone that becomes obsolete as the new tech comes out. Already there are 600v batteries that take 15 mins for a full charge. The A/C was only adequate at full fan speed which drains the batteries. It really made me miss a gas car, which I ultimately bought again. I did the math and the Tesla got the equivalent of 100mpg at current elec. prices, but has no or little maintenance. My CRV cost 1/3 of the price, will cost 1500 more per year in gas and has almost no maintenance. I'll pay the extra 1500. The bottom line is, would you want to own one of these when batteries go twice as far and weigh 50 lbs?
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Vehicle year: 2023
I am absolutely thrilled with my M3P! I have not experienced any leaks and the acceleration is truly remarkable - it feels like something out of a video game. While there may be more road noise than other luxury cars, I hardly notice it because there is no engine noise to speak of. In fact, I actually prefer being able to hear the road because it is so quiet otherwise. Without a doubt, this is the best purchase I have ever made. *Update Oct 2022* I am even more enamoured with my M3P, if that's even possible. I am convinced that the Model 3 will go down in history as one of the greatest feats of human engineering ever devised - a true legend.
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Vehicle year: 2017
Hey there! It's been 12 months and 10,000 miles since I got my dual motor long range model 3, and I have to say, I'm still loving it! The joy of driving a responsive, well-built car with incredible technology and acceleration is unbeatable. Plus, the front seat comfort is top-notch. And let's not forget about the Superchargers - they're everywhere and charge at almost 500 miles per hour, making long trips an absolute pleasure. The best part? The updates continue to be free, which only adds to the experience. The only downside, in my opinion, is that there aren't enough service centers. But overall, I'm still thrilled with my Model 3!
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Vehicle year: 2019
The car is fantastic! I absolutely love driving it for 144 miles every day. I have the AWD long range battery and it has been great so far, with no major issues. The self-driving feature is amazing and keeps improving with every update. Plus, not having to worry about filling up with gas or getting oil changes is a huge plus. Although there are some occasional weird noises, they don't last long and I've come to expect them from any car. However, the service could use some improvement. It can take a while to get a hold of or hear back from Tesla, and unfortunately, my car did come with a scratch when it was home delivered.
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Vehicle year: 2021
I've driven many cars with internal combustion engines before, but I have to say that the Model 3 has completely won me over. It's not that I'm an environmentalist, but the instant torque and impressive range of the long range version have made it impossible for me to go back to an ICE car as my daily driver. The center display is one of my favorite features, with built-in Spotify and other multimedia apps that are incredibly convenient and satisfying to use. The speaker system is fantastic, especially in the upgraded version. I've had no issues with panel gaps, loose windows, or the trunk, and the app has everything you need, including on-demand servicing. I highly recommend this vehicle!
Are you having problems with your Tesla Model 3?
Rudy Jones 2025-08-19
Vehicle year: 2020
I read and was warned about Tesla and their customer service. I didn't believe it, but unfortunately, my experience since July 2020 has proven otherwise. If you value good customer service, you may want to consider other car brands that are just as good at electric cars as Tesla, but with a stronger focus on customer care. I hope this information is helpful to you.
Dangelo Koepp 2025-07-24
Vehicle year: 2020
Tesla is a very innovative company. However, their website does not have a section for reviews. On the bright side, the car is incredibly fast! But it's important to note that it is a stripped-down EV without some features like an AM radio or a spare tire. Tesla's service can be slow, but they do offer satellite service, although it is not as good as SiriusXM. After the initial free trial, it will cost you an additional $120+ per year to keep the limited radio and full view GPS. Charging the car on a 110V line takes a long time, so it's necessary to have a 240-volt connector, which costs an additional $35 on a $50,000++ car. Tesla warns that the paint ($1,000 extra) is very thin, so it should only be softly hand washed. We bought the premium 4-wheel drive model, but we found out we had to spend a few hundred more for mats, little insert trays, a camera security recorder, and a garage door opener connection. The single console information display is not adjustable, which could be a concern for some drivers. Tesla's service can be slow, but they are working to improve it. Overall, Tesla is a great company with a lot of potential.The team at Tesla is lovely, but there may be some issues with the management. It appears that they may not be prioritizing their customers as much as they should. We initially purchased our Tesla based on positive reviews we saw on YouTube, but we now have some doubts about the authenticity of those reviews. Despite our negative experience with Tesla, we still enjoy driving an EV and are eagerly anticipating the release of a mid-size or SUV competitor from Mercedes. While the Tesla experience has been disappointing, we must admit that the car itself is a joy to drive!
Paris Swift 2025-07-06
Vehicle year: 2022
Although I had a negative experience with my Tesla, I am confident that the company will take the necessary steps to improve their quality control and customer support. My car was delivered with a power trunk that was not installed properly, causing damage to the car and making it difficult to use. However, I was able to get it fixed at a service shop. While the touch-up paint did not hold up well, I am optimistic that Tesla will find a more permanent solution. I believe that Tesla values their customers and will work to ensure that they are satisfied with their purchase. Despite the initial imperfection, I am still happy with my $72,000 investment in a Tesla car.
Guillermo Nicolas 2025-07-03
Vehicle year: 2023
I have owned many luxury cars in my life, but unfortunately, the standard 2023 model 3 was the worst auto purchase I have ever made. The online buying experience was a nightmare, and I had to wait a week for a simple response. Tesla's customer service was not up to par, and it was frustrating to deal with the build quality issues of the car, such as panel gaps and paint problems. However, after 5 weeks of ownership and a massive learning curve, I have to say that I love this car. It is the most fun I've ever had driving a car, and the rear wheel model 3 standard is the best buy for the money by far. The in-garage charging is awesome, and I no longer have to go to gas stations. I am actually starting to love the whole car!
Solon Runolfsdottir 2025-07-02
Vehicle year: 2021
Car rides well but unfortunately the Tesla service is severely lacking. However, I believe that with some improvements, Tesla could provide a better customer experience. It would be great if they could answer the phone more promptly and return emails more quickly. Additionally, scheduling a service call should be a more efficient process. I was also misinformed about the 5k Rebate by the sales person who sold me the car, which was disappointing. In the future, I would consider buying a car from a dealership that prioritizes customer satisfaction. Overall, I think Tesla has the potential to improve their service and I hope they take steps to do so.