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2018 Tesla Model 3 Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 1,032 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Tesla Model 3, most often about the driver assistance (22% of complaints, typically around 27,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Model 3 model year since 2000 and has 19 recalls.

Complaints1,032
Recalls19
Crashes reported102
Fires reported4
Injuries reported44

Most common 2018 Tesla Model 3 problems

  1. Driver assistance

    224 complaints · 22%

    Half of these problems showed up before 27,000 miles. Parts named most often: adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, warnings, assist.

    The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds with the forward collision avoidance adaptive cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly in the middle of the highway. The contact stated that the failure…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2023, at 27,000 miles
    While driving on a highway Tesla suddenly hard braked out of nowhere. My speed dropped from 70 to 30 in a couple of seconds. There was an 18 wheeler behind me and it could have been a deadly collision if I hadn't intervened. This is a known Tesla but that someday would kill someone.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2021, at 28,200 miles
  2. Suspension

    190 complaints · 18%

    Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.

    Another Model 3 with a busted suspension that was not caused by crash damage. Https://poctra.com/2018-Tesla-model-3/id-axdy8oz8lq7lefql/houston-tx/photos all you have to do is go to the poctra website which has archived photos and details of more than 4000 wrecked teslas. A huge number of those cars have broken…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 20,000 miles
    The car accelerated suddenly on autopilot causing the car skid and fall into a ditch oat 80 MPH in utah. The damage was to the body but the accident could have been worse as it almost went into the other lane
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 20,000 miles
  3. Other or unspecified

    175 complaints · 17%

    Half of these problems showed up before 14,500 miles.

    The rear camera does not work. At first it was intermittent, now it is permanent. I have documentation of many instances with photos. I could upload only one.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2021, at 14,500 miles
    Aeb system does not function at low speeds reliably. Car was traveling at 12mph and car was stopped in front of my car. Car made no alerts or no attempt to stop the vehicle from a rear end collision which ultimately resulted in damage to my front end. I never know when the system will or wont work and have no…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 14,000 miles
  4. Electrical

    168 complaints · 16%

    Half of these problems showed up before 26,500 miles. Parts named most often: adas, 12v/24v/48v battery.

    Several ongoing issues with touch screen failure (black outs) malfunction, has been repaired more than 3 times continues to be issue * ongoing accelerometer malfunction * all of sudden receive error message stability control disabled * --regenerative braking disabled * --automatic emergency braking is disable *…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 24,500 miles
    The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH with the autonomous self driving function engaged, the vehicle would intermittently brake. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while on autopilot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2022, at 28,000 miles
  5. Air bags

    143 complaints · 14%

    Half of these problems showed up before 19,500 miles. Parts named most often: sensor, air bag/restraint control module, srs malfunction warning lamp/light.

    My wife is 5 feet tall and weighs 90 pounds. When sitting in the front passenger seat, the passenger side airbag indicator displays off. This means the passenger side airbag safety system is not available to her. The occupant classification system is failing at all times when she is in the front passenger seat..
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 20,000 miles
    Multiple times, the passenger airbag indicator on the dashboard showed the airbag was not activate despite the passenger seat being occupied by a 112 pound person with a buckled seat belt. There is no active notification that the airbag is deactivated in the presence of indications of occupancy of that seat. This…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2021, at 19,000 miles
  6. Seat belts

    105 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.

    The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message was displayed alerting the driver to a passenger safety restraint fault. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular failure. The air bag warning…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2023, at 60,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the front passenger's side restraint warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a seat belt restraint failure. The contact was informed that the front passenger's side wiring…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2025, at 60,000 miles
  7. Speed control

    90 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 10,000 miles.

    The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning and crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bag failed to deploy. There was no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The contact…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 9,999 miles
    In order to cancel cruise control or autopilot in a Tesla Model 3, the primary mechanism is to push the right stalk upwards as far as it will go. However, pushing the same stalk upwards only part of the way will cause the car to shift into neutral. This can cause a driver to put the car into neutral while it is…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 9,500 miles
  8. Brakes

    89 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 5,000 miles. Parts named most often: electrical.

    I have had a series of escalating incidents (see attached pdf) that have each involved the vehicle disabling automatic emergency braking system (ABS), traction control, partial steering control, regenerative braking (for electric vehicle), and most recently experienced complete loss of steering function while…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 4,500 miles
    This is a complaint about a new development in the Tesla autopilot experiment. Electrek which is a very influential Tesla publicity publication has just released a highly irresponsible article and video. Https://electrek.co/2019/09/19/Tesla-autopilot-v10-commute-without-driver-intervention/ this even shows the Tesla…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 5,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2018 Tesla Model 3 recalls

  1. Lights: headlights

    NHTSA 26V507000 · August 4, 2026 · 20,349 vehicles

    Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed october 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-24-17-003.

    Full defect summary

    Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 model 3 and 2020-2023 model y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

  2. Wheels and tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

    NHTSA 24V935000 · December 17, 2024 · 696,281 vehicles

    Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect summary

    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."

  3. Seat belts: warning light/devices

    NHTSA 24V376000 · May 28, 2024 · 125,233 vehicles

    Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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."

  4. Driver assistance: external/pedestrian alert

    NHTSA 24V153000 · February 27, 2024 · 6,557 vehicles

    Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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."

  5. Electrical: instrument cluster/panel

    NHTSA 24V051000 · January 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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."

  6. Electrical: software

    NHTSA 23V838000 · December 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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.

  7. Suspension: critical fasteners

    NHTSA 23V235000 · March 31, 2023 · 422 vehicles

    Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect summary

    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.

  8. Steering: automated/adaptive steering

    NHTSA 23V085000 · February 15, 2023 · 362,758 vehicles

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.â owner notification letters were mailed april 15, 2023.â owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.â tesla's number for this recall is sb-23-00-001.

    Full defect 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.â 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.

  9. Seat belts: anchorage

    NHTSA 22V798000 · October 21, 2022 · 24,064 vehicles

    Risk: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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.

  10. Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls

    NHTSA 22V702000 · September 19, 2022 · 1,096,762 vehicles

    Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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."

  11. Electrical: instrument cluster/panel

    NHTSA 22V263000 · April 18, 2022 · 48,184 vehicles

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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."

  12. Driver assistance: external/pedestrian alert

    NHTSA 22V235000 · April 12, 2022 · 594,894 vehicles

    Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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."

  13. Backup camera: display function

    NHTSA 22V169000 · March 18, 2022 · 947 vehicles

    Risk: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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."

  14. Driver assistance: external/pedestrian alert

    NHTSA 22V063000 · February 4, 2022 · 578,607 vehicles

    Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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."

  15. Seat belts: front

    NHTSA 22V045000 · February 1, 2022 · 817,143 vehicles

    Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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."

  16. Steering: automated/adaptive steering

    NHTSA 22V037000 · January 27, 2022 · 53,822 vehicles

    Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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.

  17. Visibility and wipers: interior

    NHTSA 21V00D000 · December 21, 2021 · 356,309 vehicles

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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.

  18. Driver assistance: camera

    NHTSA 21V846000 · October 29, 2021 · 11,728 vehicles

    Risk: Unexpected activation of the aeb system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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.

  19. Seat belts: critical fasteners

    NHTSA 21V389000 · May 25, 2021 · 5,530 vehicles

    Risk: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect 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.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2018 Tesla Model 3

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
By NHTSA owner complaints: driver assistance (224 complaints, typically around 27,000 miles); suspension (190 complaints, typically around 20,000 miles); other or unspecified (175 complaints, typically around 14,500 miles).
How many recalls does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have?
19 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 4, 2026 (lights). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2018 a bad year for the Tesla Model 3?
It is the most complained-about Model 3 model year since 2000, with 1,032 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Tesla Model 3 years

Tesla Model 3 problems by year