2022 TESLA MODEL 3

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    adas collision warning

    474 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    479
    incidents

    Mileage not reported in 95% of these reports - too few people reported an actual figure to show a reliable typical mileage.

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the vehicle inadvertently activated the brakes independently after an image appeared on the display screen. The contact stated that the brake failure warning light was illuminated. The contact rela…"~728 mi, complaint #1823771
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while her husband was driving 50 mph on cruise control, the vehicle began to decelerate independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated they continue to experience…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1843516
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the…"~1,200 mi, complaint #1816481
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The contact indicated that prior to the braking system activating, an audible beeping noise was…"~1,800 mi, complaint #1800857
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving with the Adaptive Cruise control activated or while using the Autonomous Self-Driving feature, the vehicle experienced phantom braking in some areas with a posted Speed Limit. The dea…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1841151
  2. #2

    adas adaptive cruise

    21 unsafe

    21
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Autopilot and Traffic Aware Cruise Control systems are basically unusable on two lane highways. Almost every vehicle that passes on the opposite side of the road triggers an alarm, disengages Autopilot/TACC, and results in an abrupt, jarring deceleration. This…"complaint #1791707
    • "This issue happens only on one side of an highway (I-76E), otherwise I have not noticed it elsewhere. When using cruise control or autopilot, the vehicle changes the max speed from like 65 to 45 or 50 mph (in [REDACTED ADDRESS]). It happens in 4/[REDACTED ADDR…"complaint #1795445
    • "Driving on a two lane highway with adaptive cruise control on, the car sometimes decelerates and sometimes even comes to a quick stop with brakes when a vehicle approaches from the opposite direction. Although it does not happen every time, tractor trailers tu…"complaint #1796813
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently downshift while in cruise control while passing semi-trucks driving in the opposite direction of traffic. The contact stated that wh…"complaint #1798657
    • "I was using traffic aware cruise control (TACC) on a two lane highway to maintain my speed. There was a car behind me and no cars in front of me. My car suddenly reduced it speed (braked) for no reason. I turned off the TACC at this point because its erratic s…"complaint #1804350
  3. #3

    steering electric assist

    17 unsafe

    17
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "The contact owned a 2022 Telsa Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 18 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right hitting an electrical pole. The contact stated neither the autopilot nor cruise control was set to on, and the vehicle failed to stop. The…"~21,372 mi, complaint #1967030
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently turned to the right and then to the left. As a result, the contact stated that he momentarily lost control of the vehicle and collided with a barr…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1902328
    • "The contact stated that while renting a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel suddenly turned left while accelerating. The contact attempted to gain control however the steering wheel seized. The veh…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1924925
  4. #4

    software or update

    14 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    15
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Recall 22V702 was issued for my 2022 Model 3 Tesla. It was said that the recall would be delivered OTA starting in October. This software update has not been made available and when I called Tesla, they said that they do not know when it will be available. It…"complaint #1855327
    • "Vehicle will repeatably go incorrect speed limit while on Autopilot or Fsd(beta), internal mapping data has incorrect speed limits, sometimes 65 in a 30, other times 25 in an unmarked 55. Speed limit may change multiple times within a short distance making it…"complaint #1883089
    • "complete shutdown or blanking screen while driving causing GOD knows what is working and what not. definitely driver won't know his/her speed, car systems status like blinker, auto pilot,...etc until the system comes back to become available. 1st time this hap…"complaint #1884493
    • "This incident happened as a result of the Smart Auto Summon feature failed in Tesla. I paid so much for the technology to work but it failed multiple times which is acceptable as I know the FSD and Auto Summon is in beta program but they way this incident happ…"complaint #1907998
    • "My tesla Model 3 has Full Self Driving software with FSD Beta testing enabled. Tesla refuses to update my old, outdated, obsolete, less safe software to newer, safer software. My car makes dangerous decisions, incorrect lane choices, random, sudden lane chang…"complaint #1913628
  5. #5

    adas lane keeping

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While driving on the highway with standard autopilot engaged and speed set, multiple times the car would apply brakes suddenly without warning. This typically would happen while cresting a hill. This is dangerous and could cause an accident if cars are followi…"complaint #1809429
    • "On a recent round trip between Reno and Salt Lake City on I-80 over the July 4th weekend I experienced several incidents (3 incidents driving from Reno to SLC and 5 incidents on the return trip) while using Tesla Autopilot where the car suddenly slowed from t…"complaint #1824096
    • "my brand new tesla model 3's adaptive cruise control is unsafe and unusable while driving on a two lane highway, I took a [REDACTED ADDRESS] trip last night and the entire time i was experiencing random hard breaking while driving. I have stopped using it sinc…"complaint #1825067
    • "TESLA MODEL 3 DUAL MOTOR-WITH AUTOPILOT ADDITION TO PURCHASE VEHICLE HAS REPEATEDLY DEMONSTRATED ABERRANT BEHAVIOR WHEN IN “AUTOPILOT” MODE. DURING FREEWAY DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAS “MISSENSED” LANE SPACING AND UNEXPECTEDLY ATTEMPTED TO DIVERGE OR SWERVE, EXI…"complaint #1875025
    • "Vehicle was being moved across the parking lot in Summon mode. It crossed a parking aisle and went into the next aisle, striking a parked vehicle with a passenger inside."complaint #1901502
  6. #6

    other

    1 stranded, 11 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Tesla model 3 2022 rear side windows shattered all of a sudden with no other accidents. My 6 year old girl was sitting in the car next to it and we are all in a shock . We are trying to find the right way to report to Tesla . We checked online and saw more blo…"complaint #1806609
    • "Hello. My name is [XXX] and I need to speak to someone from Tesla or somewhere about the horrible customer service and service that I have received by the Tesla dealership in Littleton Colorado who the supervisor is [XXX]. I refuse to pick up my car because I…"complaint #1815260
    • "I am not sure if this is the correct avenue to address this concern; however, I feel it is a valid concern. I purchased my Model 3 Tesla in March of 2022. After having it about a week I conducted a supercharge for the first time after charging it at home. Whil…"complaint #1853872
    • "2022 TESLA MODEL 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-702."complaint #1863116
    • "I had car seat professionals attempt to install my car seat into the Model 3. Upon reviewing the car’s user manual, it was clear that all the car seat instructions contradicted itself. 1. The instructions from the car manual instruct you to pull the single b…"complaint #1926480
  7. #7

    unintended acceleration

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "May 29,2022, while I was parking in front of La Fittness in Escondido, Ca, I was in zero speed, adjusting my parking to make sure I was in right spot, suddenly car accelerated with unbelievable speed and struck the car located in the parking lane on the other…"complaint #1825946
    • "While making a u-turn on a quiet culdesac at approximately 5 mph, the 1 week old brand new Tesla, suddenly speeded up at the end of completing the u-turn (in last 5% of u-turn). It jumped the curb and hit a tree. All these happened in a fraction of a second…"complaint #1835063
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while at a stop light with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a Dodge Ram. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was no reported injuries, fire or air bag…"complaint #1836938
    • "While I was driving the car Unintended acceleration and jumped . Cause an accident"complaint #1837069
    • " I am renting this Tesla Model 3 on monthly basis Rental from Hertz. ON SEP 5TH, 2022 I was at a stop sign fully stopped and all of a sudden the car started accelarating by itself. I try to call Tesla about it and their answer was as I am not the owner they w…"complaint #1841332
  8. #8

    airbag system

    12 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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…"~49,000 mi, complaint #2034400
  9. #9

    ev drive unit or inverter

    12 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "this vehicle has regenerative braking. It used to have an option to reduce the regenerative braking but software updates removed it. During recent snow and ice, when letting off the accelerator pedal the regenerative braking kicks in and causes the vehicle t…"complaint #1798207
    • "Drive Unit inverter failed. Yes my safety and the safety of my passenger and drivers behind me was at risk Problem was confirmed by Tesla repair center. They diagnosed this as the problem. No accident happened so no police, insurance reps, etc. Warning lamps…"complaint #1799764
    • "Got in vehicle in driveway and upon turning on there was a large thump in rear of vehicle, proceeded by a message to pull over safety indicating rear drive unit failure. Tesla replaced the rear inverter unit. Vehicle only had 3k miles. Similar experience hav…"complaint #1819816
    • "I recently got into a car accident with a Tesla. I was injured and my car crashed against a residence’s entrance putting myself and others in danger. The components or systems that failed are the regenerative breaking on the Tesla, the torque or force that i…"complaint #1836846
    • "My brand new model 3 stopped in the far left lane of the highway in Camp Pendleton this October 7th. There was 139 miles in range left (40% battery), and it clearly was not out of charge. It was towed to Tesla Santa Monica service center, and the battery slo…"complaint #1850574
  10. #10

    adas autonomous driving system

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the “Full Self-Driving Beta” allowed the vehicle to drive unsafe. The contact stated that while in the left lane going straight through an inte…"~31,945 mi, complaint #1913627
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while operating the vehicle in "Self-Driving" mode, the error message "Camera Malfunction" was displayed. During the failure the vehicle drove through red lights and erroneously steered the vehicle off…"~34,000 mi, complaint #2024635
  11. #11

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front driver's side seat belt warning chime was inoperable, failing to alert the driver that the front driver’s side seat belt was not secured while driving. The ca…"~35,400 mi, complaint #2118277
  12. #12

    suspension arms and bushings

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The right front passenger side suspension started squeaking at 22586 miles. Service center replaced lower lateral links on 7/1/24. Repair did not fix the squeaking sound. Service center could not replicate the issue until a test drive with myself and a tech on…"complaint #2033032
    • "Front and rear suspension bushings wear and rip at very low mileage "complaint #2057273
    • "I went to open the trunk on my 2022 Tesla Model 3 using the normal electric trunk button above the license plate. When I clicked the button, the trunk opened a few inches, made an abnormal noise, and then came crashing shut. At this point, I opened trunk manua…"complaint #2194991
    • "2022 Tesla Model 3 with approximately 19,373 miles. Third-party tire shop inspection on April 25, 2026 identified visible tearing of front lower control arm bushings on BOTH sides (bilateral failure). Rubber bushing material has separated from inner metal slee…"complaint #2200510
    • "Driving at low speed, the control arm became unfastened from the frame and the front driver's side wheel collapsed into the frame of the car."complaint #2205046
  13. #13

    backup camera

    4 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH in reverse, the Back Over Prevention camera lost connectivity and became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.…"~3,724 mi, complaint #1812271
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of camera and safety feature functionality for eight hours daily. The message "Adaptive Headlights Feature Unavailable" was displayed. The manufacturer was notified o…"~100,000 mi, complaint #2233357
  14. #14

    hv system fault reduced power

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Driving on freeway, very little traffic, no cars near me. Speed 73 mph. Sudden loss of power, coasting to stop making a lane change and seeking shoulder space. At about 30 mph power was regained. Sudden loss of power. ( electric motor, motor controller, batte…"complaint #1819173
    • "Brand New Model 3 Tesla stopped running on a highway, I 15. The car was purchased less than two weeks ago and has under 500 miles on it. SERIOUS danger to me and to others. No warnings. Just suddenly the speed started dropping quickly on the highway. The car w…"complaint #1820737
    • "While driving, car just cut down in speed and prevented being driven faster than 50 mph. A yellow turtle appeared. Went to charge the vehicle. Vehicle wouldn't accept charging anymore. Manufacturer confirmed vehicle at fault and repaired under warranty."complaint #1830182
    • "Vehicle stated it was in turtle mode and completely shut off in the middle of the road and was not able to drive. Park, reverse, neutral, and drive was not available. "complaint #1836312
    • "On 3/16/23 at 3:30 PM, my car came to a complete and sudden stop on the highway and would not move. The only warning was a slight lurch the car made a few second prior to shutting down. The car would not restart or go out of park. I sat on the highway wai…"complaint #1881688
  15. #15

    brake hydraulics

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The car brakes SEVERELY on two lane highways when passing another car. Mainly occurs when passing semi trucks. It is going to get someone rear ended if this is not fixed. The cruise control is not usable. "complaint #1791770
    • "While backing out of my garage the car accelerated uncontrollably and climbed the curb of my driveway. I tried braking without any success. A message saying, to the best of my recollection, "Automatic Braking Disabled" appeared on the dashboard. After climbing…"complaint #1821628
    • "on Nov 26, 2023. I parked the car in driveway. After sometime started car to go someplace. The car could not move front or back and gave metal rubbing sound. Called tesla road side and arrange a tow truck. Car was towed to tesla service center in Springfield,…"complaint #1947087
    • "Accelerating with no input braking unsuccessful resulting in running a stop sign across two-way traffic. Vehicle stopped after approx. 100 meters after running the stop sign. I have discussed with Tesla service to run a diagnostic report (not completed at this…"complaint #1960768
    • "I'm not quite sure what component was affected, some module of some sort got water in or near it that wasn't supposed to. It is available for inspection. Yes my safety and others was out at risk. Yes the problem was fixed by service center supposedly. Yes the…"complaint #2054499
  16. #16

    glass and windshield

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "My Model 3 rear glass has stress fractures. This can be a safety issue being it can block rear visibility. There is no warning when this can happen. Most likely due from sitting out in the sun then while driving the stress on the structural rear glass causes i…"complaint #1812113
    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, an object struck the windshield. The contact became aware of little holes on the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure…"complaint #1830079
    • "The car was parked and the. windshield spontaneously cracked, involving approximately half of the length of the windshield"complaint #1912256
    • "The vehicle was sitting in my driveway during a lower than normal temperature (18 defrees f). The car ha d ot moved at all due to snow fall around the area. The car was warmed up with the automatic function and a U shaped crack appeared in the windshield alm…"complaint #1962072
    • "What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The front windshield (Acoustic Glass) failed due to a spontaneous stress fracture. The crack originated from the edge of the glass without any external impact. T…"complaint #2200021
  17. #17

    infotainment head unit

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Touchscreen goes black while driving. It can be inspected, but Tesla has not fixed the issue in the last 2 months. How was your safety or the safety of other…"complaint #1814992
    • "2022 TESLA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DESIGN DEFECTS ON VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TESLA HAS 2 DESIGN DEFECTS WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON AUTO MODE THEY CANT BE TURNED ON WITH VOICE COMMAND AND THE TOP LINE OF THE LED SCREEN WAS ILLEGIBLE."complaint #1861037
    • "The Tesla computer and especially the USER INTERFACE IS UNSAFE. More accurate to say I hate the UNFRIENDLY user interface. I am surprised NHTSA OKed this computer interface. It needs a GOOGLE quality voice activation feature. The current one is deaf to mo…"complaint #1886677
    • "i was driving after dark on a country highway with my wife. She was choosing music while I was driving. An oncoming car went by and afterwards I flipped to high beams... at the exact same moment she tapped to play a song on the display. Turns out the skip/play…"complaint #2003175
    • "The center touchscreen/camera display system in my 2021 Tesla Model 3 is malfunctioning. The vehicle’s camera views do not work properly on the center display, including camera visibility needed for reversing and safe operation. The failed system is available…"complaint #2224088
  18. #18

    power windows and locks

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact leased a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the passenger’s and driver’s side windows failed to close completely. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the window rolled down and his hand outside the vehicle, the win…"~25,015 mi, complaint #1868284
  19. #19

    wheel or rim

    4 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle, the tire was abnormally low. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered a crack in the wheel, resulting in damages to…"~20,000 mi, complaint #2132719
  20. #20

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I live in Phoenix, AZ. My AC can’t get the car to cool below 92-94 degrees in the middle of the day when it’s 113 out. It is taking 63 days to secure a service appointment. It’s unsafe. My son almost passed out due to heat exhaustion. Meanwhile Elon (who is th…"complaint #2016705
    • "* The AC/Heat Pump Compressor and Supermanifold has failed at 64k miles. Vehicle is undrivable and parked at this time. * AC/Heat Pump Compressor and Supermanifold prevents the windshield from being cleared/defrosted/defogged, causing visibility issues and a d…"complaint #2067211
    • "When cabin heat is enabled, visible vapor/smoke emits from the front trunk area under the windshield cowl and is pulled directly into the cabin through the HVAC intake. The vapor has a chemical/sweet odor consistent with coolant or refrigerant. Smoke enters th…"complaint #2172695
    • "My 2022 Tesla Model 3 experienced a heat pump compressor failure at approximately 89,457 miles. Tesla Service Center diagnosed an internal failure in the heat pump system. The heat pump system controls cabin heating, windshield defrosting, and thermal manageme…"complaint #2182588
  21. #21

    control module

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was driving on the highway when the touchscreen lit up with multiple error messages including: - Steering assist reduced (Steering may require increased effort) - Traction control disabled (Drive with caution) - Stability control disabled (Drive with cautio…"complaint #2048492
    • "Tesla M3 RWD 2022 - 79750k miles. Touchscreen keep restarting throughout the day , in the morning when I am backing out of the garage, while I am driving, while I parked. It is dangerous specially while I am backing out of garage, car will stop sometime, becau…"complaint #2121172
    • "The central computer in my 2022 Tesla Model 3 failed unexpectedly. This is a critical component that controls essential vehicle functions, including safety alerts, battery management, regenerative braking, Autopilot features, navigation, and over-the-air updat…"complaint #2128865
    • "All safety and driver-assistance systems on my 2022 Tesla Model 3 failed due to an internal short in the vehicle’s computer, as confirmed in writing by Tesla’s technician. All cameras (rear, side, front) are non-functional, navigation does not work, and all AD…"complaint #2150263
  22. #22

    ev charging system

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Last night I plugged in the car (2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range) as I normally do and, via the Tesla app, scheduled the car cabin to be heated and the battery to be pre-conditioned by a specified time. When I entered the car at that time, the cabin had not heat…"complaint #1789495
    • "My tesla stopped on me in the middle of the interstate because the car thought it was not charged. Tesla assured me that the vehicle was fixed. A few weeks later the car started telling me again that it thinks it is not charged. Tesla is not providing no solu…"complaint #1943907
    • "Vehicle charging level changing automatically based on the new v11.1 software. Some of us need to have our cars at 90%-100% for daily use otherwise we will not have enough charge and can be stranded. The new update keeps reducing the max charge to 80%. Had I…"complaint #1977776
    • "The vehicle has a manufacturing defect in the charge port body seal allowing water intrusion into the vehicle cabin and near high-voltage charging components. This has resulted in dampness and potential mold growth, posing a respiratory health hazard to occupa…"complaint #2152391
  23. #23

    heater core and blower

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The heating system gave out on my 2022 TESLA Model 3 on the coldest day we've had here so far. -5F - Gave an error code on the screen VCFRONT_a447 - with message - Cabin climate control system requires service cabin heating / cooling limited or unavailable. -…"complaint #1787842
    • "Cabin heat and defroster not working. Blower works, but no heat, so windshield cannot defrost or defog - Car can be made available for inspection. Makes driving the car difficult and risky in cold weather. Tesla is aware of the problem. Nobody has inspected it…"complaint #1862176
    • "I own a Tesla 2022 Model 3 Long Range purchased in 2022 New and have been experiencing persistent issues with the HVAC units causing a persistent and prevalent smell of mold/must/vinegar that is causing myself and my passengers headaches and allergies. Tesla h…"complaint #2144524
    • "Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD in February 2025, I began noticing a persistent musty, mold-like odor coming from the HVAC vents whenever the air conditioning or defrost was on. The odor worsens when driving with the windows down. I reporte…"complaint #2146041
  24. #24

    lighting exterior

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " Less than a month after I purchased my car, the whole diver's side headlight assembly stopped functioning, no blinker, no headlight, no running light. It's been over a month and Tesla keeps moving my service appointment to a later date. Tesla states it'…"complaint #1794631
    • "My car is less than two months NEW. The headlight assembly, which includes blinker and running light, has been defective and not working for over a month. NO blinker, no headlight, no running light. This is a safety issue and can be issued a traffic citati…"complaint #1797348
    • "My car just made 50k and is out of warranty and the headlight fail. I contacted Tesla and they quote $1800 to fix it. When I went on the internet and found out that this is very common and seems to be a bad design. Can you do anything so they redesign an…"complaint #2063270
    • "I am filing a safety complaint regarding water intrusion into the rear tail lamp assembly of my 3-year-old Tesla Model 3. The rear tail light has progressed from minor condensation to active water accumulation and visible pooling inside the sealed housing. Th…"complaint #2178975
  25. #25

    instrument cluster

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Tesla alpha numeric data & instrument function icons are fearfully too small on giant screen. Returning Saturday nite on unlit Merritt parkway in CT suddenly began to rain. My eyes glued on dark winding highway, unable to look away to Tesla screen. My wife in…"complaint #1812993
    • "My 2022 Tesla model 3 has a major issue that should be widely addressed and because the computer screen has completely turned off although there was never any damage done to the vehicle. The cost to fix this issue is $3,052.30. I went on a three day vacation a…"complaint #2017262
    • "While driving, the center display intermittently goes completely black. When this occurs, I lose access to the speedometer and all driver information. The issue has been ongoing and progressively worsening. The vehicle was purchased new. The issue was reporte…"complaint #2160464
  26. #26

    seat mechanism

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The seat weight sensors are failing in my 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. I have been noticing this issue for several months now. I have owned the car since new (February 15, 2022) with 7 miles on the odometer. When I open the drivers door, the car powers up, s…"complaint #1864720
    • "Driver's seat weight sensor not working properly. Causes car to slam on the brakes when seatbelt is not on (for example in a driveway or automated carwash, potentially causing a crash) and can potentially leave car running indefinitely (draining the battery).…"complaint #1981247
    • "ISSUE BACK OF FRONT SEATS COLLAPSED BACKWARDS DURING A REAR END COLLISION. CAR TOTALED. On December 4. 2023 we were rear ended while stopped at red. The van that hit us was doing 40 MPH, when it hit the Tesla we were driving. The two front seat backs collapse…"complaint #2001517
  27. #27

    throttle and pedal

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The accelerator pedal snapped off without any warning while driving on the interstate attempting to pass a vehicle. As I pressed the accelerator pedal, all resistance in the pedal disappeared and vehicles regenerative braking immediately engaged despite my ef…"complaint #1881287
    • " The issue is not from my car, but someone that has the same vehicle as I. I was reading online that the acceleration pedal is made of some Sort of Plastic and the owners pedal snapped. I'll attach the link. When I inspected mine, I was amazed that inde…"complaint #1911568
    • "The accelerator pedal broke off completely while driving on the highway (this is the second time this has happened). Accelerator pedal felt as if it were stuck when going from full self driving to manual and pedal broke off when more pressure was applied. The…"complaint #1987336
  28. #28

    adas blind spot

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My Tesla has the latest update which includes the latest recall: 2023.44.30.5.1 08a3a7856854 I have discovered that the blind spot detection is intermittent, the red line indicator does not always work. This resulted in an accident where I changed lanes into a…"complaint #1956193
    • "teslas have blind spot monitor cameras that activate when the turn signal is activated as a turn left or right. there seems to be a noticeable delay on older cars with intel processors where the cameras take longer to display on the screen in split second manu…"complaint #2141654
  29. #29

    battery and charging

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owned a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was unoccupied, the vehicle independently started while parked in the driveway and caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The contact stated tha…"~33,000 mi, complaint #2233315
  30. #30

    cruise control conventional

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On a two lane road doing 60 mph, with vehicle on cruise control, it slowed rapidly to about 30 mph all on its own. When I say rapidly like right now-I was afraid the vehicle behind me would not be able to stop. Then accelerated back to the set speed. NO WARN…"complaint #1795702
    • "During a 30 mile trip on a two lane highway I activated the cruise control. A number of times the car made significant slow downs. They seamed to be associated with oncoming trafic. I then shut off the cruise control. Later on when I could see there where…"complaint #1898073
  31. #31

    fluid leak unspecified

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of an excessive amount of fluid underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle started to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, wh…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1907190
  32. #32

    hv battery and range

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, abnormal crackling and bubbling sounds were heard coming from underneath the rear seat. While driving later, an electrical arcing sound emanated from the same area. Whi…"~38,200 mi, complaint #2223555
  33. #33

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Both front tires are loosing chunks of tread toward the outside of the tire near the sidewall. I’ve never seen chunks of tread come off of a tire. These have quite about of tread life left as well. 235/40/R19"complaint #2053569
    • "I have experienced multiple tire failures on my 2022 Tesla Model 3, with at least 7 tires needing replacement due to air bubbles. These issues have occurred on both front and rear tires, and currently I have 3 more tires with visible bubbles and one tire is ac…"complaint #2125260
  34. #34

    trunk or liftgate

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "When switch is pressed on the trunk to close and when as the trunk starting to come down but want to cancel closing it won't stop. Its so hard and it hit my head. Other cars like Mercedes if we want to cancel closing and if we just touch trunk it goes back and…"complaint #2012222
    • "The power lift‑gate strut PN 1551489‑00‑B failed, bent inward, and shattered the rear glass on 16  May 2025. A known defect: Tesla superseded the part to PN 1551488‑00‑C in Oct 2023. Local Tesla Service center declined goodwill coverage to resolve the issue."complaint #2092773
  35. #35

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "When cruise is turned on the wipers turn on. This was their response. Hello Dominic, This is Ken from Tesla virtual service center. We have been getting some push back on the most recent update doing what you are saying regarding autopilot/autowipers. Our aut…"complaint #1795874
    • "On 10/9/23 and prior on 9/17/22 while driving the windshield wiper blades will activate while there is no rain or water on windshield It will go on for several minutes which impairs visibility through the front windshield making it difficult to drive "complaint #1934451
  36. #36

    wiring harness

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated there was wiring that was loosened from the ground unit. The camera was making an abnormal crackling sound when it was hot. The contact stated that the screen was pink or blank at times. The vehicle was…"~500 mi, complaint #1938996
  37. #37

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I took my car to Tesla service to have [REDACTED ADDRESS] home for the service, the car automatically pulled the to right several times with the final time pulling so hard, the car jumped the curb and damaged the car. Speaking with the Tesla service associate…"complaint #2109557
  38. #38

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "All has been reported in writing to Tesla Corporate and Tesla Service Center SoDo Seattle, WA. Has not been repaired to date, with multiple attempts to bring car in for service: Emergency brake failed to engage on two occasions, [XXX] it was first reported th…"complaint #2025312
  39. #39

    climate control module

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that after having a software update completed on the vehicle, while the defroster was activated, the windshield failed to clear up as needed. The contact stated that the heater also failed to operate as…"~83,000 mi, complaint #2067516
  40. #40

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The 2022 Model 3 Tesla does not have readily available emergency rear door release. Tesla's automated response to me was to locate the bolts and screws on the underside of the door armrest, then I need to remove the bolts and screw. Once that is done I can t…"complaint #2139844
  41. #41

    engine stall or no start

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "WHILE PROCEEDING TO TAKE OFF FROM TRAFFIC LIGHT GREEN SIGNAL LEFT TURN THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH WARNING SOUND AND SIGN ON THE DASH, THE CAR BARLY MOVED OUT OF THE WAY OF INCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST TIME H…"complaint #1971252
  42. #42

    horn

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The horn on the steering wheel rarely works UNLESS it is pressed directly in the middle. I have tried to honk the horn when there is a safety event but it rarely works. This is definitely a safety issue. This has been going on since I bought the car June 2022.…"complaint #2233352
  43. #43

    interior trim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Submitted Under 49 CFR §552.3 Request for Defect Investigation & Safety Recall Tesla Model 3 / Model Y: Interior High-Voltage Heater Fire Hazard, Missing Firewall, and Entrapment Due to Electronic Door Failures. My 2022 Tesla Model 3 experienced an interior f…"complaint #2152489
  44. #44

    mirror

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This car uses auto-dimming rear view and side mirrors. However, the rear view mirror is only able to be dimmed automatically, or be disabled in the settings. The issue is that the dimming is not based on a light sensor at all, it is merely timed to dim around…"complaint #2153550
  45. #45

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Tesla model 3 year 2022, making too much noise while driving noise."complaint #1858539
  46. #46

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While driving on 4 lane Pkwy at 45 mph then slowing down to move into left turning lane, my model 3 gave warning of "parking brake failure" and stopped working at the same time. This means it slowed down to a stop on its own. I was "manually driving" the vehic…"complaint #1938640
  47. #47

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Power steering and full power to the vehicle failed - these failures can be seen upon requested inspection. Power steering failed during operation - meaning that while i was driving the vehicle i was not able to change the direction of travel at a high rate of…"complaint #1794729
  48. #48

    steering rack mechanical

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "At low/no speed, turning the steering wheel to the extreme left or right produces a low-end creaking noise as if something is rubbing. "complaint #2051149
  49. #49

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "owner/I can not program tire monitor sensor by themself/myself due to no option to reset, I have to go to their service center, and they are rip off , it is unsafe to have tire monitor"complaint #1851963

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TESLA MODEL 3 directly.