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
I sold my C series MB to purchase this car and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations as my first EV. The interior is unlike any traditional car and the driving characteristics are unique, especially the regenerative braking. The acceleration is stellar and the suspension and steering are above average. It's hard to compare to any other car since, in many respects, you are driving an iPad. Nearly every control routes through the center screen, which was easy to adapt to despite my age (50's). The driving visibility is quite good. I've only had it for 5 months, but nearly every feature has improved through periodic over-the-air software updates. This is revolutionary and someday will be the standard. Right now, it's just really cool to receive updates that improve the interface and driving experience. I'm very happy to have this car and would buy it again and again.
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Vehicle year: 2019
I have to say, I absolutely adore my Tesla Model 3! In just 10 months, I've already driven it for 16k miles and I can't get enough of it. It's so versatile - when I feel like going fast, it's got the speed, when I want a more relaxed drive, it's got auto pilot, and when it comes to safety, it's simply the best car out there.
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Vehicle year: 2017
I bought my Model 3 without seeing or driving it first, and it was an amazing and thrilling experience. The pick-up is super smooth, and the window views are open and refreshing. I love exploring the remote updates, and the sound system is wonderful. The simple voice commands like 'Call' and 'Navigate to' are so convenient. Other Tesla owners have been incredibly helpful and welcoming, even referring to me as part of the 'Tesla Family'! I'm excited to discover more Easter Eggs and learn more about this amazing car. The drive is simply incredible, with great handling and easy turns. The 24/7 support is also a huge plus. The car gives a smooth and quiet ride, with excellent air circulation, and it comfortably fits 5 people. The charger installation was a breeze, and I only need to charge it about every 3 weeks. It only takes a few hours to charge for a 280-mile range. I even drove it from Los Angeles to San Diego on one charge with 100 miles left to spare! I highly recommend this car to anyone looking to say goodbye to petrol and never look back. I'll never buy another brand!
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Vehicle year: 2018
Update 6/6/19. Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my Tesla Model 3 Performance 2018 and how it compares to my previous car, a 2016 Lexus RX F Sport. I must say, I am blown away by how Tesla is pushing cars forward on so many dimensions. The software is the real game-changer here, not just the fact that it's electric. I truly believe that if Tesla made an ICE car, it would still be far more advanced than any other offering out there. The stereo system in my Tesla is the best I have ever had in a car, even better than the upgraded stereo from Lexus. The sound stage is invisible and completely immersive, and the full 5 bar graphic equalizer is phenomenal for standard equipment. I'm surprised this isn't mentioned more often! Another great feature is that there is no standard key - you can use your phone or a hotel door card instead. Replacement keys are only $5, which is amazing. The car requires almost no maintenance, and even if you don't follow the schedule, the warranty still holds. This is a major shift compared to other cars that require frequent routine maintenance. The seats are incredibly comfortable and fit me like a glove, even better than the Lexus. The configuration is very easy to use, especially compared to the Lexus which has settings divided all over the place in multiple systems. The dealer model is also very different - I picked up my car in just 30 minutes with only a few papers to sign, and there was no upsell at all! Finally, the app that runs the car is so fun to use and makes the Lexus app seem ten years old. Thanks for reading!Plus, there are third-party apps that allow you to integrate into workflows and Siri. You can even turn on your AC with a simple voice command. The performance of this car is simply beyond words. You have to experience it to believe it. It is incredibly fast and planted, and in some ways, even superior to high-end German cars. While some may feel more balanced in hard cornering, they don't have the same otherworldly acceleration. Additionally, there is a convenient phone charger and holder that makes your phone easily accessible. The autopilot feature is also really cool, as it offloads much of the effort of driving, especially in start and stop traffic. At $5000, it better be good, and it definitely is. The car keeps getting better and better. However, there are some cons to consider, such as the door handles, some cabin sounds when it's cold outside, and a learning curve since it departs from typical car metaphors. Tesla is also struggling with growth, so the cars change from month to month instead of every year. The UI takes a while to master, but it does become second nature. On the bright side, the car is incredibly fun, with built-in games like Asteroids and a Santa mode that reskins the interface for Christmas. Tesla has a fun vibe, unlike Lexus, which takes itself too seriously in all manners. I absolutely love this car!
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Vehicle year: 2020
I was blown away by how this car exceeded my expectations. It's amazing how it caters to my every need and desire. Despite having so many features, it's one of the most affordable cars to own. Driving it is an absolute pleasure, and I find myself looking for reasons to take longer trips. Even though I have the SR+ version, it still meets all my needs and has an outstanding sound system, the most comfortable seats, and luxurious interior. The acceleration and handling are excellent, and I'm confident in taking it on long road trips without any range anxiety. It's a fun journey no matter where you go. Even after 19 months of ownership, my love for this car hasn't diminished. It's still as practical as any car I've owned, and I'm still discovering new features. I've had no issues with it, and the only maintenance I've done is tire rotation.
Are you having problems with your Tesla Model 3?
Mike Ferry 2025-11-25
Vehicle year: 2020
My three-month-old Tesla Model 3 was unfortunately locked out, and had to be towed to the service center. Despite the inconvenience, the service center was able to resolve the issue promptly. Although there was a minor issue with the right passenger front window control panel, the service center was able to fix it quickly. While driving, I noticed some rattling and air gushing sounds, but the service center technician assured me that this is a normal characteristic of the car. Although I was initially surprised, I trust the expertise of the technician and am confident in the quality of my luxurious Tesla. While I have owned Toyotas for over a decade, I believe that my Tesla offers a unique and enjoyable driving experience. Although Tesla does not have a customer service number, I have found their online support to be helpful and responsive. Overall, I highly recommend Tesla to anyone looking for a high-quality and innovative vehicle.
Flavio Reichel 2025-11-21
Vehicle year: 2020
My friend and I were excited to purchase our new Tesla (2020 Model 3). However, when we went to pick it up (after driving 45 minutes), we had to wait for over two hours before being informed that the car wasn't there. Unfortunately, we had to wait for five days before it finally arrived. We purchased an adapter to allow the car to charge faster, but the salesperson there insisted that it was the right one, which turned out to be incorrect. After trying to contact Tesla to exchange the adapter, we finally got through to someone who assured us that we could return it to the place where we picked up the car and purchased the adapter for a refund. However, when we drove another 45 minutes to do so, we were disappointed to find out that they would not refund us for the adapter. The salesperson there recommended that we sell it on Ebay. Although it was frustrating to get a hold of customer service, we understand that they are likely very busy. Our general experience with Tesla has been positive, but we hope that they can improve their customer service in the future. We have recommended Tesla to friends, but we understand that they may consider other EVs that are gaining ground on Tesla due to our experience.
Marcus Zulauf 2025-11-20
Vehicle year: 2022
Tesla is attempting to charge me $300 to align a steering wheel that has been slightly askew to the right since we purchased the car three months and 3,000 miles ago. As an owner of over 50 new cars, I find it surprising that they would charge for this, given that we haven't curbed it, hit a pothole, or anything similar. I contacted Tesla to express my concerns and was disappointed to find out that this is considered maintenance and not covered under warranty. I am left wondering what other issues I may encounter with this vehicle that other car manufacturers would cover under warranty. Despite this setback, I will have the issue fixed and pay for it. This experience has been a learning opportunity for me and I will take it into consideration when making future car purchases.
Gust Monahan 2025-11-12
Vehicle year: 2018
Firstly, it's worth noting that this car has the potential to revolutionize your driving experience in every way. However, it's important to acknowledge that there are some significant issues with the build quality. Unfortunately, the vehicle is made up of many cheap plastic parts that are prone to breaking easily. On top of that, there have been some instances of parts failing, which can be frustrating to deal with. Despite these challenges, it's important to note that the customer service team is always available to help and provide support. While there have been some issues with warranty claims, it's important to remember that these are often due to normal wear and tear. Overall, while there are some challenges associated with owning a Tesla, it's important to remember that this is a cutting-edge vehicle that is pushing the boundaries of what's possible. If you're willing to be patient and work through any issues that arise, you'll be rewarded with a truly unique and exciting driving experience.
Jack Metz 2025-11-07
Vehicle year: 2021
Tesla voided my warranty due to dust in my AC repair. I live in Nevada where dust is a common issue, but I took all necessary precautions to prevent it from entering my AC system. When I asked Tesla how the dust got into the AC, they were unable to provide a satisfactory answer. As a confident customer, I believe that Tesla needs to take responsibility for their faulty product and provide better customer service.