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2020 Tesla Model 3 Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 451 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Tesla Model 3, most often about the driver assistance (40% of complaints, typically around 10,000 miles). It is 5th of 10 Model 3 model years by number of complaints and has 21 recalls.

Complaints451
Recalls21
Crashes reported54
Fires reported2
Injuries reported332 deaths reported

Most common 2020 Tesla Model 3 problems

  1. Driver assistance

    181 complaints · 40%

    Half of these problems showed up before 10,000 miles. Parts named most often: adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, warnings, assist.

    The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and using self driving feature, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and continued to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2022, at 10,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle. There was a warning message to take control of the vehicle displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2022, at 9,800 miles
  2. Other or unspecified

    81 complaints · 18%

    Half of these problems showed up before 1,500 miles.

    We are an car media in china. We leased a 2020 Tesla Model 3 standard range plus on march 15, 2021, for program shooting. On march 18, when a team member trying to close the storage compartment cover in front of the central armrest box while operating, the cover did not close successfully and popped up…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2021, at 1,600 miles
    When I slowed down on a city street, and turned into a parking lot, the car speeded up by itself. And the brake didn't respond when I stepped on it. The car glided into a power post.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 1,250 miles
  3. Speed control

    69 complaints · 15%

    Half of these problems showed up before 1,500 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cruise control.

    I made a right hand turn from a full stop out of the parking lot into the farthest left lane intending to turn left. There were a line of cars ahead of me. As I was turning into the lane and let my foot of the accelerator pedal the car accelerated rapidly into the back of the vehicle ahead of me. It happened very…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 1,200 miles
    Slowed down to make a left turn and the car suddenly speed forward when I put my foot on the brake. I let go my foot and slammed the brake once more. It took a second to respond
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 1,740 miles
  4. Brakes

    48 complaints · 11%

    Half of these problems showed up before 1,500 miles.

    When I slowed down on a city street, and turned into a parking lot, the car speeded up by itself. And the brake didn't respond when I stepped on it. The car glided into a power post.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 1,250 miles
    Slowed down to make a left turn and the car suddenly speed forward when I put my foot on the brake. I let go my foot and slammed the brake once more. It took a second to respond
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 1,740 miles
  5. Suspension

    46 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 2,000 miles.

    Here is a 2020 Model 3 in the junkyard. Https://www.iaai.com/vehicledetails/37237764?rownumber=6the font suspension giblets haveall fallen to bits. Both front wheels are splayed out in opposite directions which would probably make it a little hard to steer. Iwould you please issue an immediate recall for these tent…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 2,000 miles
    Model 3 makes a very high pitch noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. It does happen when you put the vehicle in drive and stand still on hold. It doesn't happen while driving nor while in park.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 2,000 miles
  6. Steering

    46 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 2,500 miles.

    Here is a 2020 Model 3 in the junkyard. Https://www.iaai.com/vehicledetails/37237764?rownumber=6the font suspension giblets haveall fallen to bits. Both front wheels are splayed out in opposite directions which would probably make it a little hard to steer. Iwould you please issue an immediate recall for these tent…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 2,000 miles
    Model 3 makes a very high pitch noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. It does happen when you put the vehicle in drive and stand still on hold. It doesn't happen while driving nor while in park.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 2,000 miles
  7. Electrical

    42 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 14,000 miles. Parts named most often: adas.

    The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 60 MPH on autopilot, she lost control of the vehicle due to an unknown reason. Once his wife lost control of the vehicle, she had run the vehicle into a fence. The airbags deployed upon impact. The contact's wife did not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2021, at 14,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle. There was a warning message to take control of the vehicle displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2022, at 9,800 miles
  8. Air bags

    30 complaints · 7%

    Parts named most often: sensor.

    The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving on the right side of the road at 35-45 MPH, on autopilot mode with a passenger in the front passenger seat, the vehicle drove off the road independently and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2022, at 55,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, she encroached into the right light and was t-boned by a bus. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact did not sustain any injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact managed to drive the vehicle away from…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2023, at 22,000 miles

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

2020 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. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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."

  10. 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."

  11. 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."

  12. 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."

  13. 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."

  14. 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."

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. Air bags: curtain

    NHTSA 21V834000 · October 25, 2021 · 3 vehicles

    Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect summary

    Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard numbers 214, "side impact protection" and 226, "ejection mitigation."

  19. Suspension: critical fasteners

    NHTSA 21V835000 · October 25, 2021 · 2,791 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 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.

    Full defect summary

    Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 model y and 2019-2021 model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

  20. Brakes: critical fasteners

    NHTSA 21V387000 · May 25, 2021 · 5,974 vehicles

    Risk: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect summary

    Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 model 3 and 2020-2021 model y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.

  21. 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 2020 Tesla Model 3

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
By NHTSA owner complaints: driver assistance (181 complaints, typically around 10,000 miles); other or unspecified (81 complaints, typically around 1,500 miles); speed control (69 complaints, typically around 1,500 miles).
How many recalls does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have?
21 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 2020 a bad year for the Tesla Model 3?
It is 5th of 10 Model 3 model years by number of complaints, with 451 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