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.
Social links
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
-
Vehicle year: 2023
This is my second Tesla Model 3. The new one has some interior upgrades, but it's still just as reliable and efficient as the first. I've been lucky enough to be part of the FSD beta program for over a year now, and it's been fascinating to see the improvements firsthand. While it's not perfect yet, it's still better than regular non-assisted driving. Tesla faces increasing competition, but so far, no one has been able to match their features or range at their price point.
-
Vehicle year: 2022
The Model 3 Performance is an amazing car that has it all. It's incredibly fast, yet quiet and comfortable. The seats are very comfortable, and the white interior looks stunning. It's so beautiful that it makes you want to keep it clean all the time. The dashboard is simple and clean, with a massive 15” touchscreen display that provides everything you need. With a full charge every morning, you're always ready to go for your daily commute. The driveability is beyond words, you really need to experience it for yourself. Tesla is definitely leading the way in EV vehicles, and it's easy to see why. *Updated review* The car is still fantastic, and I've driven it hard for 42,000 miles. It loves it! However, it does go through tires quickly, and I've already gone through two sets of Pirelli P-Zero's.
-
Vehicle year: 2019
This car truly feels like it's from the future! The level of performance, handling, technology, and overall experience leaves me smiling every time I drive it. It's hard to overstate how much of a difference it is to drive a Model 3 compared to a gas-powered car. My most recent cars have been BMWs and Audis, and they've been great, but this feels like a completely different experience. The car is quiet, the handling is intuitive and sharp, and the acceleration is responsive and mind-blowing. And when you don't feel like dealing with traffic, just turn on the AutoPilot and arrive at your destination feeling rested and great. If you're trying to decide between the different versions of the Model 3, I can offer you this helpful advice: just about the only meaningful differences between them are the range and acceleration. Even the Standard Range model is plenty fast - the instant torque and responsive motor make the Model 3 feel like a much quicker car than a comparable gas-guzzler. However, if you appreciate sports-car like acceleration, you'll be very happy with the AWD or the AWD Performance. This car is truly a dream come true because I didn't think I'd own such a high-performing car that is truly a good 5-10 years ahead of the competition. The amount of value you get for the money is amazing. So if you're considering a Model 3 - don't think, go out and try one. You'll be hooked instantly!
-
Vehicle year: 2018
Let me start by saying that this car is truly amazing and revolutionary. It's hard to put into words just how great it is. As someone who is fairly tech-savvy, I had heard a lot about Tesla and was excited to reserve the Model 3 back in April 2016. When the mid-range model was unexpectedly unveiled in October 2018, I was more than happy to hand over more money to Musk & Co. to get my hands on it. Coming from an old SUV, the transition to an EV was smooth and easy. If you're new to electric cars, it's important to have a reliable source of electricity to plug into nightly and to have a basic understanding of amps, volts, kilowatt hours, charging stations, charger types, and battery chemistry. But don't worry, range anxiety goes away after a few road trips, and with the extensive Supercharger network, it's always lower in a Tesla than any comparable EV. I've taken my mid-range model on 4-5 hour road trips with ease, and home charging is 1/4 the cost of gas per mile in my area, so the savings add up quickly if you drive a lot. Overall, I highly recommend the Model 3 to anyone in the market for a new car.I must admit, I feel a bit of schadenfreude when my coworker complains about the price of gas going up, especially since he drives a BMW that requires premium gas. As for the car itself, the driving and handling are simply amazing. While I may not be an expert in this area, my brother-in-law, who has owned and tinkered with a variety of high-performance cars, was blown away by the instant torque, precise steering, and great emergency braking. And this is just the 'slow' version of the car! But perhaps the best reason to own a Tesla is the AutoPilot feature. While some may scoff at spending $5K on a software unlock, it's money well spent. In its current iteration, AutoPilot is accurate and greatly reduces fatigue during stop-and-go traffic as well as long, boring stretches of highway with minimal traffic. I usually take over driving during heavy, flowing traffic, but I really don't have to. My only qualm is that I'm too impatient and want full self-driving capability NOW, but it's nice to know that my car can upgrade to that when it becomes available. I'd also like to see them reduce the alerts to grab the steering wheel as I truly feel that the system is fully capable of safe self-driving on highways in its current iteration, and that the nanny is there more to cover Tesla's butt (legally speaking). So, if you're in the market for a stylish, sporty, ergonomically beautiful small sedan, if you're considering buying a battery electric car (there is no worthwhile competition to the Model 3), if environmental street cred is your thing, if you spend lots of time on highways and/or want to dazzle your friends with AutoPilot, or if you want the safest car available today, then you should definitely get this car. Plus, it requires less maintenance and has a lower cost of ownership than comparable gas-powered vehicles.If you're looking for an inspiring vehicle made by a forward-thinking company headed by an iconic visionary with huge aspirations, the Model 3 is a great choice. It's not the cheapest car on the market, but it's bigger than you might expect inside and can comfortably seat five people. If you need more room, consider a Model S or an SUV. Keep in mind that you'll need the ability to install a level 2 charger in your home or routinely use a cheap/free level 2 public charger. If you don't, gas-powered cars may be a better option. Additionally, if you frequently take long road trips (600+ miles), the longer charging times may become inconvenient. Some downsides to the car include the light doors that require a firm smack to close properly, poor rear visibility due to the high boot, a large turning radius, and voice control for music that only works when there is a strong AT&T signal. Overall, the Model 3 is a great choice for those looking for an innovative and exciting vehicle.
-
Vehicle year: 2018
2021 update: Hi there! I just wanted to share that we still think our Tesla is hands down the best vehicle we've ever owned. The driving experience is amazing - the power, handling, and quietness are just unbeatable. We use it as our daily driver and it never disappoints. Plus, the Supercharger network makes road trips a breeze. Original Review: When we purchased our mid-range Model 3 in 2018, we were blown away. It's truly the best vehicle I've ever driven. The power is incredible and the electric/gearless design means there's never any lag when you hit the accelerator. It's hard to describe, but it's just so much fun to drive. And being able to charge it in our garage overnight is a game-changer. We start every day with a full
Are you having problems with your Tesla Model 3?
Kelton Osinski 2025-03-24
Vehicle year: 2023
I really enjoy driving this car! It's so fast, responsive, and stable on the road. The front seat is really comfortable for me, and the climate system and navigation (with some glitches) are pretty good. I also love the glass roof and simplicity of the design. However, there are some significant problems. The range of 353 miles in a charge is wildly inaccurate, which is a shame. During a trip from San Francisco to Park City, Utah, we found that our mileage equivalent was more like 220 a charge at times. Tesla explained that this could be due to speed, road conditions, etc. However, that's too large a span to be honest. The charge indicator tells you the mileage you have left based on their estimate - and it is way, way above the mileage it's capable of. At one point on our trip, the car indicated we could go 200 miles; however, we arrived at our destination with only 7% of a charge left, which was a bit of a nail-biter. There are a few chargers in Park City, but they are slow - 13 hours to charge. We had to charge twice a day (an hour each) to get enough road trip miles in. That definitely cuts into your travel time - and the uncertainty in mileage estimate adds stress. The front passenger seat is a bit awkward to enter and exit, and the back seat is extremely cramped. My son had a very hard time getting in and out. The key system is sporadic, which can be frustrating. Usually, I am able to unlock the car by having my phone on me - but quite often it refuses to open, and I have to use the Tesla app. We have ordered 4 new key cards, as the first two didn't work - and 3 of the 4 don't work. It is extremely difficult to get anyone on the phone to answer questions - so we made an appointment for service. They were going to charge us $60 just to make an appointment! We just showed up at a showroom instead and found a nice person who answered our questions, but did nothing to alleviate the range question. I have started looking for a plug-in hybrid.
Giuseppe Cormier 2025-03-02
Vehicle year: 2021
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. Upon receiving my car, I noticed that the trunk lid was not installed properly and had caused some damage to the paint. 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 provide a more permanent solution in the future. Although I had difficulty finding customer support, I am confident that Tesla will continue to improve their customer service and support departments. Despite these initial setbacks, I remain confident in the overall quality and value of my $72,000 Tesla.
Destin Satterfield 2025-02-17
Vehicle year: 2023
Hi there! I wanted to share my recent experience with my Model 3 (15 April 2023). I noticed a crack on my windshield (starting vertically from the center bottom all the way to the center and running horizontally) after a few days of driving to the grocery store and Kumon. I raised a service request from the Tesla mobile app and a technician came to inspect the issue. Unfortunately, Tesla has denied covering the windshield replacement under warranty, citing that the crack was due to some kind of impact. However, I'm not entirely convinced for a few reasons. Firstly, the point of impact was on the black portion of the windshield sitting behind the wipers. Secondly, there was barely a chip visible on the impact area (I couldn't even feel it by running my finger over it). Lastly, I noticed some uneven dashboard fittings (seen from inside the cabin) which could be creating tension on the windshield and causing the crack. I'm hoping we can find a solution that works for both of us, as I'm worried that even if I get it replaced, the new windshield may crack again due to a manufacturing defect. Thank you for your understanding!
Randy O'Reilly 2025-02-14
Vehicle year: 2020
We share the same level of excitement about the vehicle as the many raters who have given it a 5-star rating. However, we did encounter some issues with their Customer Interface online and on their phone app, which are unfortunately quite buggy. This was especially surprising given the company's strong focus on software. Additionally, it took us quite some time to find a person to speak with, which was a bit frustrating.
Ansley Batz 2025-02-10
Vehicle year: 2023
When I first received this car back in February 2022, I absolutely fell in love with it. It was like a little rocket ship and so much fun to drive. I ordered my favorite color combination, blue with white interior, and couldn't find enough excuses to take it out for a spin. Although I had a minor issue with the fit and finish, I thought it was something I could live with. I was thrilled that I no longer had to pay for expensive premium fuel and ridiculous German car service bills! However, as time went on, I started to notice some discomfort in my lower back and neck after long drives, which was something I never experienced with my previous car, an Audi A4. Additionally, the suspension was merely okay, bordering on rough sometimes. While wind and road noise were decent at lower speeds, they could become slightly worse than average at highway speeds. I also started to notice the poor fit and finish more, especially on the interior, as small creaks and rattles settled in and the windshield never completely defogged correctly. The car's range has decreased slowly but noticeably over time. At this point, I like the car enough to keep it, mostly because I fear I would not get a good trade-in due to oversupply in my area. I still love the performance, and the tech is great (I never had a problem with auto steer, but I don't abuse it). The sound system is pretty decent (though not as good as my old Audi's Bang and Olfusen set-up). However, my back should not feel punished when driving more than 100 miles, and I don't have confidence that the scratchy plastics and seats will hold up well over the long haul. The paint job is subpar, and the car just doesn't feel premium. I find myself missing my Audi, something I would have never guessed would ever happen when I first got that beautiful, shiny rocket ship. If I had to do it all over again, would I buy it again? Probably not, honestly. I would opt for a plug-in hybrid from a brand that holds its value, feels premium, and doesn't give me a back-up.