2020 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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Common 2020 Tesla Model 3 problems
The Tesla Model 3 has been a popular choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts since its introduction in 2017. However, like any other vehicle, it is not immune to issues and problems. Here are some of the most common problems with the Tesla Model 3 2020, based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Software Glitches: Tesla's over-the-air updates can sometimes cause unanticipated software issues, ranging from minor user interface problems to system breakdowns. To minimize the impact of these issues, it is important to keep your car's software up-to-date and communicate with Tesla's customer support.
- Autopilot Quirks: Autopilot, Tesla's semi-autonomous driving feature, can sometimes disengage unexpectedly or incorrectly assess driving conditions. To avoid potential hazards, it is recommended to keep your eyes on the road and follow Tesla's suggested instructions for using Autopilot.
- Charging Difficulties: Despite the growing availability of charging stations for electric vehicles, Model 3 owners may still experience charging difficulties, such as incompatibility with some stations or slower-than-anticipated charging times. To reduce these concerns, it is important to learn about charging networks, take advantage of Tesla's Supercharger network, and plan trips that include charging stops.
- Door Handle Malfunctions: The Model 3's flush door handles have been known to fail, making it difficult to open the doors. Possible causes include faulty sensors or a power outage. If you experience any door handle issues, it is recommended to contact Tesla service facilities for inspection and repair.
- Battery Degradation: Like all electric vehicles, the Model 3's battery may degrade over time, leading to reduced range and performance. To minimize the risk of battery degradation, it is important to avoid subjecting your battery to quick charging or extreme temperatures.
- HVAC and Climate Control Issues: Some Model 3 owners have reported problems with their climate control and heating and air conditioning systems, such as erratic temperature regulation or strange noises coming from the fans. If you experience any HVAC issues, it is recommended to contact Tesla's service department for inspection and repair.
- Phantom Braking Problems: Phantom braking issues have been reported in the Model 3, Model S, and Model X, where the car suddenly stops for no apparent reason. This can be a serious safety concern, and it is important to contact Tesla service facilities if you experience any phantom braking issues.
- Steering and Suspension Problems: Tesla has faced criticism for blaming drivers for failures of parts it long knew were defective, including suspension and steering components. If you experience any steering or suspension problems, it is recommended to contact Tesla service facilities for inspection and repair.
- Wheels Falling Off: There have been reports of wheels falling off Model 3 cars, including a 2020 Model 3 that lost a front wheel while driving on Autopilot at 60 mph. If you experience any wheel or suspension issues, it is important to contact Tesla service facilities for inspection and repair.
It is important to note that while these issues have been reported by some Model 3 owners, they are not necessarily representative of all Model 3 owners' experiences. If you own a Model 3 or are considering purchasing one, it is important to stay informed and communicate with Tesla's customer support and service centers to ensure a trouble-free and joyful driving experience.
Is Tesla Model 3 2020 reliable?
Reliability Survey, the Model 3 ranked eighth out of 15 cars in the electric car category. It scored 93.8%, a great score, and finished above rivals like the Polestar 2 and Kia EV6, but just below the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID 3.
Does Tesla Model 3 have quality issues?
Wind Noise and Panel Gaps
Some drivers of the Model 3 have complained about wind noise at greater speeds and of panel gaps that aren't uniformly spaced. Even though Tesla's manufacturing standards and reliability have increased over the years, there may still be inconsistencies on occasion.
What's the most common problem with Tesla?
The Most Common Breakdowns in Teslas
- Battery and Charging Related Issues. One of the key components in any Tesla vehicle is its high-capacity battery pack. ...
- Software and Firmware Glitches. ...
- Suspension and Air Suspension System. ...
- Door Handle and Window Failures.
How long does a 2020 Tesla Model 3 last?
For the Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla CEO Elon Musk mentioned that the battery pack is designed to last for 1,500 charging cycles, which equates to approximately 300,000 miles for Standard Range models and about 500,000 miles for Long Range versions.
2020 Tesla Model 3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Tesla Model 3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Tesla Model 3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2020 Tesla Model 3
The NHTSA has received 357 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Tesla Model 3. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2020 Tesla Model 3 vehicles.
2024-10-27
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- 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.
2024-10-23
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
2024-10-23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- 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.
2024-10-19
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- 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)
2024-10-18
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
2024-10-18
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-14
- 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)
2024-10-17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB5LF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hi there, it seems like a lot of model 3 Tesla owners year 2020 have been hit with a thousand plus dollars repair for the super bottle that controls the HVAC. Some at 37,000 miles. It looks like Tesla knows this is a faulty part they will cause issues. Thus they limit the warranty to 4 years only or 50,000 miles whichever comes first. Most cases was the four year warranty that runs out and the very next month we have issues with the super bottle replacement. It looks like they have now it started making a more sturdy part. So for us with older models we are hit with expensive repairs. If you do not change the super bottle the car drives on very limited speed limits which can be dangerous if you need to make a quick fast maneuver. Basically you're not able to drive the car anywhere but only to your neighborhood grocery store!! Not only that if you do not fix the car quickly it will start damaging surrounding parts costing you even more. I'd like to know if there is a possible recall that Tesla would cover the cost.
2024-09-24
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA5LF
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: When the seat moves forward I get a warning about the restraint error and turn the airbag off. When I slide the seat back the error goes away.
2024-09-04
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA7LF
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I am reporting a critical safety incident involving my vehicle, which occurred during rush hour on a busy highway with no traffic lights or stop signs. While waiting in the left turn lane at a center divide, my emergency autopilot braking system activated unexpectedly, causing my car's left front side to encroach into oncoming traffic. Despite my attempts to move the car, it became immobile. I attempted to reset the car by turning it off and on, but the vehicle’s computer system malfunctioned entirely. With oncoming traffic traveling at speeds of 70 mph, I had no choice but to exit the vehicle for safety. I left the car in the center divide. This incident was extremely frightening, and I am deeply concerned about the potential dangers posed by the malfunctioning autobraking system. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.
2024-08-29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA0LF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Concern: message appeared on the tesla screen "DIR_a126 Power reduced" Repair solution: Internal seal in battery coolant bottle was faulty and not letting coolant flow properly to rear drive unit. Tesla warranty: states that battery coolant does not need to be replaced for the life of the vehicle.
2024-08-26
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EC9LF
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger seat occupancy sensor malfunction which sometimes turns off passenger airbag even though adult passenger is sitting in the seat. Possible no airbag deployment upon crash. Car was brought into service center and sensor was replaced but same issue popped up again 2 yrs later. Car is out of warranty and service center refused to look at the car without first charging $1k. Intermittent airbag light, intermittent passenger airbag off indicator even with adult in seat and seatbelt on.
2024-08-21
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB8LF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: While driving I attempted a turn and heard many horribly loud clunking noises and was unable to steer car. I looked under the front of the car and saw the left front tire turned to the left (the right front tire was straight) and there was a piece on the ground which was determined to be the lower control arm. The two bolts were missing so it became disconnected. Thankfully I was in a parking lot at a slow speed so no injuries. The car was towed to a repair shop who analyzed the problem. There was no warning given on the car’s computer system, just sudden loud clunking sounds when the car became inoperable. One day later I located one of the two bolts in the driveway.
2024-08-20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-20
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EC2LF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: A few months ago after an update, my turn signal functionality was completely replaced by AI. This results in me driving either with the blinker engaged when I don’t want it to be, or not engaged when I want it to be. To correct the usually incorrect AI is distracting, and often causes even more incorrect blinker usage. I find this to be dangerous.
2024-08-12
STEERING,SUSPENSION,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-06
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB9LF
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Received several "Steering Assist Reduced" alerts when stopped in traffic last week, followed immediately by the failure of the power steering after each alert. Power steering resumed after a soft restart. Tried to make appointment at Tesla Service Center last Friday to get this addressed, but they said they had no appointments available and would not be able to diagnose my vehicle until today, August 12, 2024.. In the interim, the power steering went out again while on the freeway, forcing me to exit and restart the vehicle again. This is a clear danger to myself and my passengers. After receiving the results of the diagnosis today, they informed me that both the steering rack and harness would need to be replaced at the cost of nearly $5,000. The technician showed me some corrosion in one of the electrical connections where there had been water intrusion. I told him this was surprising since the car is relatively new and it would seem that Tesla would have sealed this connections to resist the relatively dry rainy seasons we experience here in Southern California.
2024-08-09
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-15
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB2LF
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving with the cruise control feature activated at various speeds, the brakes applied inadvertently. The contact also stated that the cruise control feature failed to operate as intended after dark, after deactivating inadvertently. Additionally, the contact stated that the front and rear cameras displayed phantom images and failed to work as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2024-07-27
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-27
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EAXLF
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Safety restraints are malfunctioning
2024-07-23
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-02
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA4LF
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I have taken my vehicle into Tesla to have the issue fixed twice. They don't know what's happening or how to fix it. My car is randomly taking the wheel and steering me into other cars / off the road. It happens once a month or so, I have a newborn baby I drive in the car and I don't feel safe driving. I've recorded the incident and Tesla Service said "that should not be happening unless I'm using auto pilot" which I never do. I've looked into lemon law but I did not purchase the car from tesla directly, I bought it from a used car dealership. I'm not sure what to do, I can't sell the car because I would still owe $10,000 after the sale. Please help anyway you can, I'm desperate for anything.
2024-07-18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-17
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB3LF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Found the front body controller to be internally faulted
2024-07-16
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-22
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EC0LF
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: While driving on cruise control at highway speeds (75-80mph) on I-80 the car braked VERY hard and unexpectedly MANY times. There were no other cars around me, weather clear, road straight. No obstacles noticed to cause this reaction. If a car had been behind me I would have caused him to rear-end me because there was no apparent reason for the severe braking. I reported four incidents of this type to the Tesla during the drive which I believe were date/time stamped so they could diagnose (using the "report" function). I matched these with my own observations which I also provided to the service department. I have had the car diagnosed by Tesla and they claim they could not duplicate the problem and/or fix the problem.
2024-07-15
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA9LF
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Got a front passenger safety restraint system fault issue that Tesla wants me to pay for repair.
2024-07-13
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-11
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB4LF
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Driving at highway speed (75 mph) using Autopilot & car rapidly applied hard braking. There were no obstacles, shadows or anything visible that should have caused this. It occurred twice over two days in different locations. If anyone had been behind me too close they would have collided with me. No other vehicle I’ve owned have done this with their implementation of adaptive cruise & lane assist. My car used to use radar and I never had this issue until vision based detection was implemented. It’s occurred numerous times over the years, but no this rapid of braking.
2024-07-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-07
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA5LF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: The Tesla is reflecting an error “DIR_a126” that is reducing the speed below the speed limit and with no rhyme or reason. Tesla services are not available and the problem is intermittent. Additionally, based on research it is found to not have consistent resolutions and reasonings
2024-06-13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-13
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB5LF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I was traveling on autopilot in left lane with autopilot engaged on 06/13/2024 on HW 101 at around 9:40am my car all of the sudden slammed on brakes and dropped speed from around 65mph to 30mph before I was able to react and recover speed. Reached out to Tesla on their app about this and they are sending me estimate of $275 to check it out
2024-06-12
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-11
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EC6LF
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Front passenger safety restraint system fault error Received. Airbag icons appeared and apparently safety airbags disabled. No passengers were sitting when error received. Contacted Tesla to report safety concern and was advised charges were due to vehicle outside of 50k warranty. Is safety equipment only valid to work under the warranty?
2024-06-04
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB5LF
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: An alert stated: "RCM_a056 Front passenger safety restraint system fault." Upon bringing car to Tesla service center, Tesla stated: "Confirmed concern through vehicle logs. Found vehicle needing passenger ocs retrofit to resolve issue. Customer declined repair." They wanted over $1,200.00 for a faulty seat sensor because they claimed they couldn't replace the seat sensor without replacing the entire airbag system on the passenger side. They explained to me that they changed the airbag systems in their newer Model 3s and refused to stock or replace components in their older Model 3s.
2020 Tesla Model 3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 19 recalls for different components of the 2020 Tesla Model 3.
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.
2024-02-27
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
2024-01-30
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
2023-12-12
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
- Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
2023-02-15
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
- Consequence: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
2022-10-21
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
- Consequence: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
2022-09-19
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Consequence: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
2022-04-18
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Consequence: The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
2022-04-12
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
2022-03-18
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
2022-02-04
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
2022-02-01
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
2022-01-27
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
- Consequence: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
2021-12-21
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.
2021-10-29
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
- Consequence: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
2021-10-25
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
- Consequence: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.
2021-10-25
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Consequence: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.
2021-05-25
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
- Consequence: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.
2021-05-25
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
- Consequence: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
Negative 2020 Tesla Model 3 car reviews
Positive 2020 Tesla Model 3 car reviews
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First day driving and loving it so far! Hand-free, regenerative braking, and cruise control.
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After a year and a half of ownership (but not too much driving due to the pandemic), I must say that this is the best car I have ever owned. It is an absolute joy to drive, and I find it to be both economical and environmentally friendly. Even though I don't have solar panels and my coop electrical supply is only moderately priced with no discount for off-peak EV charging, my auto budget is significantly lower now. I would happily recommend Tesla to anyone interested and even offer a test drive!
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The ability to save money, save the planet, have luxury, be in the future, and still be relevant. Enough said.
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Ignore the negative reviews, this car is the best I have ever had. No issues, fast, reliable. All the nonsense you read about build quality and issues is misinformation. Buy a Tesla, you won’t be disappointed. I own both a Model 3 Performance and a Model Y. With 30k on both vehicles, I have had zero issues. They are reliable, fast, and there has been no battery degradation. I don’t expect I’ll ever not own a Tesla.
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Congratulations on your first EV! It's great to hear that you had a positive experience test driving a used 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range at a used car dealer. It's even better that you were able to purchase a lease returned vehicle through Tesla at a better price and with a one year warranty. Your vehicle sounds like it's in great condition with little to no rattles or vibrations, and the steering is sound and firm. The premium stereo with immersive sound is impressive, although it's understandable that the wood strip on the dash wasn't to your liking. It's great that you were able to remedy that with a carbon fiber cover. It's also good to hear that you're proactive on maintenance and that Tesla Mobile Service is able to come to you for battery replacement. Your current 100% range of 288 miles is still impressive, even with some battery degradation, and charging to 80% for daily use is a smart move. The ultrasonic sensors are definitely a big selling point for buying used. Enjoy your new ride!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Tesla Model 3 problems:
How many people actually have issues with their Tesla? : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModel3/comments/17xvm4k/how_many_people_actually_have_issues_with_their/
Nov 18, 2023 ... 2020 Model 3 Performance 32k miles. I also had to get 2 tail lights replaced for condensation, but that was replaced for free under warranty.
2020 Tesla Model 3 Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/tesla/model-3/2020
Mar 16, 2023 ... A very reliable car with seat warmers and an excellent GPS. There are not many problems with the vehicle, just that the battery takes a little ...
Problems with model 3 : r/TeslaModel3
https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModel3/comments/13lvp24/problems_with_model_3/
May 19, 2023 ... 1 alignment · 1 cabin air filter change at Year 3. · 1 12V battery change at Year 3 (my own preventative measure) · 1 new set of tires · rotations ...
Most Common Problems With Tesla Model 3 and Its Solutions ...
https://pimpmyev.com/blogs/speed-style-carbon-fiber/most-common-problems-with-tesla-model-3-and-its-solutions
Oct 18, 2023 ... Wind Noise and Panel Gaps. Some drivers of the Model 3 have complained about wind noise at greater speeds and of panel gaps that aren't ...
2020 Tesla Model 3 Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-3/2020/reliability/
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Steering And Suspension · Body Hardware · Paint And Trim · Noises And Leaks · Electrical Accessories · Climate System · EV ...
Other years of Tesla Model 3
Are you having problems with your 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Austen Hauck 2024-10-07
I purchased a Tesla Model 3 with the intention of being environmentally conscious. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the Full Self-Driving package as it did not meet my expectations. Despite this, I attempted to obtain a refund, but encountered issues with Tesla's customer service. Ultimately, I decided to return the car under the CA lemon law. However, I am excited to try out the new VW ID4, which is currently the best-selling electric car in Europe.
Sebastian Reynolds 2024-05-24
Hey there! It seems like you're facing some problems. Let's see how we can help you solve them!
Lorenz Trantow 2024-05-24
The Tesla 3 is priced similarly to Mercedes and Lexus, however, its service quality is subpar due to the use of inexpensive parts.
Julius Okuneva 2024-02-21
Hey there! I got home at 10:02pm tonight and had a bit of a frustrating experience with my Tesla. Unfortunately, it didn't power up on my commute back home, which made my journey take a lot longer than expected. As a new owner of only 1.5 months, I'm feeling a bit regretful about my decision.