Tesla

Tesla Model 3 reliability & recalls

NHTSA data · verified Jul 12, 2026 · How to read this →

Complaints 4,149 ≈415/model-year · tracked-EV median 62 unverified consumer reports

6 open NHTSA investigations

An investigation is a question NHTSA is asking, not a finding of a defect. It may close with no action, a manufacturer fix, or a recall.

Recall history

Most recent first. Every campaign below has a remedy on file with NHTSA. Expand a row for what NHTSA says and how it's fixed.

May 4, 2026 Back Over Prevention / Software Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

218,868 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

NHTSA campaign 26V283000 ↗
Oct 10, 2025 Electrical System / Propulsion System / Fuses, Relays, Contacts, And Shunts Drivetrain & motor Remedy available

12,963 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla Service will replace the battery pack contactors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-16-005.

NHTSA campaign 25V690000 ↗
Jun 18, 2025 Seats / Critical Fasteners Other equipment & body Remedy available

48 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-13-003.

NHTSA campaign 25V410000 ↗
Show all 34 recalls
Feb 14, 2025 Steering / Electric Power Assist System Other equipment & body OTA update

376,241 vehicles · Prompted by a NHTSA investigation

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.

NHTSA campaign 25V092000 ↗
Jan 6, 2025 Back Over Prevention / Software Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

239,382 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.

NHTSA campaign 25V002000 ↗
Dec 17, 2024 Tires / Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems Other equipment & body OTA update

696,281 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

NHTSA campaign 24V935000 ↗
Jul 24, 2024 Electrical System / Software Software OTA update

1,849,638 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 24V554000 ↗
May 28, 2024 Seat Belts / Front / Warning Light/devices Airbags & seat belts OTA update

125,233 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 24V376000 ↗
Apr 19, 2024 Air Bags / Side/window / Thorax Airbags & seat belts Remedy available

1 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling one 2024 Model 3 vehicle. The driver seat side air bag module was assembled without a deflector that directs gas flow during deployment.

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla service replaced the side air bag, free of charge. The affected vehicle was repaired April 12, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-13-001.

NHTSA campaign 24V284000 ↗
Feb 27, 2024 Forward Collision Avoidance / Warnings / External/pedestrian Alert Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

6,557 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 24V153000 ↗
Jan 30, 2024 Electrical System / Instrument Cluster/panel Other equipment & body OTA update

2,193,869 vehicles · Prompted by a NHTSA investigation

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 24V051000 ↗
Dec 12, 2023 Electrical System / ADAS / Driver Monitoring / Software Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

2,031,220 vehicles · Prompted by a NHTSA investigation

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V838000 ↗
Jun 19, 2023 Electrical System / Propulsion System / Traction Battery Battery & high-voltage Remedy available

26 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-16-005.

NHTSA campaign 23V434000 ↗
Mar 31, 2023 Suspension / Critical Fasteners Other equipment & body Remedy available

422 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-835.

NHTSA campaign 23V235000 ↗
Feb 15, 2023 Steering / Automated/adaptive Steering Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

362,758 vehicles · Prompted by a NHTSA investigation

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V085000 ↗
Nov 15, 2022 Exterior Lighting / Tail Lights Other equipment & body OTA update

321,628 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.

NHTSA campaign 22V844000 ↗
Oct 21, 2022 Seat Belts / Rear/other / Anchorage Airbags & seat belts Remedy available

24,064 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V798000 ↗
Sep 19, 2022 Visibility / Power Window Devices And Controls Other equipment & body OTA update

1,096,762 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V702000 ↗
May 9, 2022 Forward Collision Avoidance / Automatic Emergency Braking Driver assistance (ADAS) Remedy available

7 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y vehicles. The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla Service will correct the swapped terminals and recalibrate the cameras, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-17-007.

NHTSA campaign 22V317000 ↗
May 3, 2022 Equipment / Electrical / Infotainment / Video (touch)screen/monitor/unit Other equipment & body OTA update

129,960 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S, Model X, and 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating certain firmware releases. The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart.

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will improve CPU temperature management, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-009.

NHTSA campaign 22V296000 ↗
Apr 18, 2022 Electrical System / Instrument Cluster/panel Other equipment & body OTA update

48,184 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V263000 ↗
Apr 12, 2022 Forward Collision Avoidance / Warnings / External/pedestrian Alert Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

594,894 vehicles · Prompted by a NHTSA investigation

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V235000 ↗
Mar 18, 2022 Back Over Prevention / Display Function Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

947 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V169000 ↗
Feb 4, 2022 Forward Collision Avoidance / Warnings / External/pedestrian Alert Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

578,607 vehicles · Prompted by a NHTSA investigation

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V063000 ↗
Feb 2, 2022 Electrical System / Software Software OTA update

26,681 vehicles · Prompted by a NHTSA investigation

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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-22-18-002.

NHTSA campaign 22V050000 ↗
Feb 1, 2022 Seat Belts / Front Airbags & seat belts OTA update

817,143 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V045000 ↗
Jan 27, 2022 Steering / Automated/adaptive Steering Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

53,822 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V037000 ↗
Dec 21, 2021 Visibility / Rearview Mirrors/devices / Interior Other equipment & body Remedy available

356,309 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V00D000 ↗
Oct 29, 2021 Forward Collision Avoidance / Sensing System / Camera Driver assistance (ADAS) OTA update

11,728 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V846000 ↗
Oct 25, 2021 Air Bags / Side/window / Curtain Airbags & seat belts Remedy available

3 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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."

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V834000 ↗
Oct 25, 2021 Suspension / Critical Fasteners Other equipment & body Remedy available

2,791 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V835000 ↗
May 25, 2021 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Disc / Caliper Brakes Remedy available

5,974 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V387000 ↗
May 25, 2021 Seat Belts / Critical Fasteners Airbags & seat belts Remedy available

5,530 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): 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.

Remedy (NHTSA): 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V389000 ↗
Oct 10, 2019 Equipment / Other / Labels Other equipment & body Remedy available

89 vehicles · Initiated by Tesla

The issue (NHTSA): Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019 Tesla Model 3 vehicles. The driver-side sun visor may not have the required air bag warning information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Remedy (NHTSA): Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will inspect the visor and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 6, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-19-15-003.

NHTSA campaign 19V719000 ↗

What owners report

The top complaint categories owners submitted to NHTSA, by count. Bars show each category's size relative to this model's largest category.

Driver assistance (ADAS) 1,930 · 47%
Other equipment & body 1,191 · 29%
Software 711 · 17%
Brakes 555 · 13%
Airbags & seat belts 409 · 10%

Complaints are unverified consumer reports, not confirmed defects. One complaint can span multiple categories, so percentages are of the 4,149 total and may add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by model year

2017 25
2018 980 most reported
2019 591
2020 432
2021 647
2022 748
2023 411
2024 199
2025 108
2026 8

Raw counts — older model years have had more time on the road to accumulate reports. These are unverified consumer reports.

What this means

Every mainstream EV on the road carries recalls on its NHTSA file — a recall is the system working: a known issue gets documented and, almost always, fixed for free.

What actually matters is whether the remedies have shipped and whether NHTSA still has open questions. For the Tesla Model 3, all 34 recalls on file have a remedy available, and 6 NHTSA investigations are currently open (an open question, not a finding of a defect).

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?

"Reliability" is measured differently by different sources, and NHTSA doesn't publish a reliability score. What its public file — the basis for this page — shows for the Tesla Model 3 is 34 recalls, all with a remedy available, 6 open investigations, and 4,149 owner-submitted complaints — which are unverified reports, not confirmed defects. For predicted-reliability and owner-satisfaction verdicts, Consumer Reports and J.D. Power run large owner-survey panels; check their model pages for those ratings.

Does the Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 34 recall campaigns for the Tesla Model 3. All of them have a remedy available. The most recent was filed May 4, 2026 and involved Back Over Prevention / Software. A recall is how a known issue gets fixed — usually free of charge — so the presence of recalls isn't the same as an unresolved problem.

Does the Tesla Model 3 have battery problems?

NHTSA's file lists 1 recall classified to the battery / high-voltage group and 143 owner complaints (unverified consumer reports) that touch the battery. Owner complaints are unverified and one complaint can span more than one category, so treat the count as a signal of what owners raise, not a defect rate.