Model-year record

2020 Tesla Model 3
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.
Complaints filed
435
Reports to NHTSA, 2020
Safety recalls
20
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
122
EPA estimate
Known issues
Forward Collision Avoidance issues lead owner complaints (18% of 435 reports), followed by unknown or other (14%).
+ 12 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 435 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11709397, ODI 11547462, ODI 11470987, ODI 11467312, ODI 11737235.
Individual complaint reports(435)
Showing the 50 most recent reportsUnknown Or OtherJul 2026 · ODI 11751847Details +Close −
Car was sitting at a red light while in Full Self Driving (supervised). The screen showed at least four red lights. Suddenly the car started to move forward while the lights were still red. I was able to stop it from going further. This has happened before and I reported it then. If I had not had my foot near the brake pedal the car might have just run through the light.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJul 2026 · ODI 11750430 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
On July 11 at approximately 6:47 a.m., I was operating my Tesla Model 3 on Interstate 65 in Hart County, Kentucky, with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged during normal highway travel. Approximately one hour earlier, I had departed a highway rest area after sleeping from the previous day’s travel. Rain developed during the trip, but I observed adequate visibility, apparent roadway traction, and I was not impaired. I was traveling in the far-right lane of a three-lane interstate. The posted speed limit was approximately 70 mph; however, FSD limited the vehicle to approximately 65 mph and displayed warnings indicating that the higher speed was unavailable. While FSD remained engaged, the system initiated a lane change from the far-right lane into the center lane. After entering the center lane, the vehicle began displaying repeated warning messages and FSD disengaged multiple times. I attempted to locate settings related to the warnings on the touchscreen but could not identify an available adjustment. During the third disengagement, I perceived that the vehicle continued braking without releasing while steering resistance increased significantly. The steering wheel then rotated abruptly, and I was unable to regain normal directional control before the vehicle departed its intended travel path and struck a concrete median. The collision caused personal injuries and substantial vehicle damage. I have not been able to reproduce the condition. The incident was investigated by the Kentucky State Police. Based on the sequence of repeated FSD warnings, disengagements, continued braking, and abrupt steering behavior, I believe this event warrants investigation. I request that NHTSA review the vehicle’s Full Self-Driving logs, telemetry, Event Data Recorder (EDR) data, steering and braking commands, diagnostic records, and software history to determine whether a vehicle or software malfunction contributed to the collision. Almost like someone had control, into the wall -KM
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
SuspensionJul 2026 · ODI 11750088Details +Close −
Suspension defects, control arm noise, vibration, .
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJul 2026 · ODI 11748025 · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
On XXX at approximately 5:00 PM, I was driving my 2020 Tesla Model 3 on [XXX] from [XXX] toward [XXX], with Tesla FSD engaged. Near the area where the center divider begins/ends, the vehicle crossed the double yellow/divider area and entered the opposing traffic lane. There was no oncoming traffic at that moment, so there was no crash, but this created a serious potential head-on collision risk. The car also did several hard jerks that aggravated my neck and back that it has been consistently doing for a long time which cause worse ongoing headaches. The system/component that malfunctioned was Tesla FSD/Advanced Driver Assistance, including lane keeping/steering behavior. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle moved into the lane for oncoming traffic. I had to intervene and no longer feel safe using FSD. I have reported unsafe FSD behavior to Tesla multiple times before, but the issue has not been resolved. Tesla service has previously listed the concern as “FSD not working properly/test drive required” and/or general diagnosis, but I have not received a clear written resolution explaining why the vehicle crossed into the opposing lane or how Tesla will prevent this from happening again. There were no warning lamps or messages that I recall before the vehicle crossed into the opposing lane. If Tesla has vehicle logs or telemetry for the incident, I request that they be reviewed. I am reporting this because the vehicle may repeat this unsafe behavior and create a head-on collision risk. The car continues to behave unsafely and erratically. i have a log of some of the incidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- 1 injuries
Electrical SystemJun 2026 · ODI 11746953Details +Close −
The wiring in my trunk harness was severed due to the repeated opening and closing of my trunk. This caused my reverse lights to fail and my trunk latch to stop working. This issue is part of a known recall: Campaign 21V-00D. Tesla attempted to fix the issue in 2023 but the poor repair did not work. I took my Tesla to the dealer and they refused to remedy the issue unless I would pay $1300. I persuaded them to lower the feet to $300 but still feel that I should not pay anything because this issue was due to the recall.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Apr 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionJun 2026 · ODI 11746313Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clinking sound coming from the front of vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted, and a repair was pending on the lower lateral link. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V835000 (Suspension). The contact associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJun 2026 · ODI 11745633Details +Close −
Subject: Tesla HW2 FSD – Advertised Safety/Autonomy Features Not Provided Description: I am reporting an issue regarding my 2020 Tesla Model 3 equipped with Hardware 2 (HW2) and Full Self-Driving (FSD) package. Although the vehicle is listed and sold as “FSD capable,” Tesla has stopped providing FSD software updates for HW2 vehicles. My vehicle is stuck on FSD version 12.6.4 and cannot receive newer versions (v12.7, v12.8, v13, etc.). Tesla continues to advertise FSD as an evolving safety and autonomy system, but HW2 vehicles are no longer receiving the required updates to maintain or improve safety functions. This results in: • Safety-related features not being updated • Autonomy features advertised at purchase not being delivered • OTA updates being discontinued without notice • Tesla refusing to provide a hardware upgrade path (HW3) despite FSD being purchased on this VIN This creates a safety concern because the vehicle is operating with outdated perception and driving models while newer vehicles receive critical improvements. Tesla has not provided a remedy, timeline, or alternative solution. I request NHTSA to investigate Tesla’s failure to provide advertised and safety‑related FSD functionality for HW2 vehicles. Vehicle Info: 2020 Tesla Model 3 Hardware: HW2 FSD purchased on VIN (previous owner) Purchased used in July 2023 Current FSD version: 12.6.4 (no further updates)
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionJun 2026 · ODI 11743946Details +Close −
This was not an incident. Instead I’d like to report it as a design flaw. I discovered low speed noise and got it fixed at Tesla service center. Upper control arms and lower control links have both been replaced at ~70k miles and the cost to repair was over $2k at Tesla service center in Feb 2026. Later in May 2026 Tesla published a service bulletin acknowledging this is a design flaw
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Feb 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMay 2026 · ODI 11739307Details +Close −
The screen (which controls all functions of the vehicle) starts to go haywire. It's almost like there is a phantom touching the screen and pressing buttons. The screen will start zooming in and out - changing your navigation destination. The air controls will turn on full blast and then you are unable to shut them off because the screen will not respond. It becomes a giant distraction to the driver (imagine a screen that large malfunctioning) and tesla does not think this is a safety issue. We reported it to them. They couldn't replicate the issue (is what they told us and then let us know it was out of warranty and we could just replace the screen to a tune of almost $2000). There are no cracks or issues with the screen itself. I cannot upload the videos as they are too big to share but I can send them to an email address.
- Reported
- May 2026
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Forward Collision AvoidanceMay 2026 · ODI 11737235Details +Close −
Tesla was on Full Self Driving following a curve in the road were traffic lights. Lights were red Car should have stopped but did not. Ran red light with no attempt to stop or slow down.
- Reported
- May 2026
- Incident date
- May 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionApr 2026 · ODI 11734843Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while turning the steering wheel. The messages "Traction Control Disabled", "Lane Departure Avoidance Feature Disabled", "Automatic Vehicle Hold Disabled" and "Stability Control Disabled" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was discovered that the lateral link was not attached to the control arm due to a defective bolt. The contact was informed that the subframe and the front passenger’s side lower control arm needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V835000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was 46,124.
- Reported
- Apr 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Forward Collision AvoidanceApr 2026 · ODI 11733532Details +Close −
Driving S/B on Ann Arbor Saline Road. Had FSD on the Tesla engaged. Needed to make left turn onto Maple. Left arrow light to Maple was red. Traffic light to continue straight on Ann Arbor-Saline was green. Despite left arrow being red, Tesla did not slow and ran red light to make left turn onto Maple.
- Reported
- Apr 2026
- Incident date
- Apr 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsApr 2026 · ODI 11732996Details +Close −
2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, VIN [XXX] restraint control module fault codes RCM_a056 and RCM_a058. Passenger front seat occupancy sensor failure triggering "Service Required" airbag system alert. September 2024: fault code RCM a056: Tesla repaired this issue under the Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty (5 years, 60,000 miles) at Tesla Service Latham NY (326 Old Niskayuna Rd, Latham NY 12110). January 10, 2026: Fault code RCM_a058. Reported in writing through the Tesla app. Tesla scheduled a service visit for January 13, 2026. Technician assessed the vehicle in person and declined to repair, verbally stating the fault may be a one-time occurrence and to monitor and return if it continued. April 2026: Fault continues recurring. Tesla Service Latham issued estimate #XXX dated April 18, 2026 for $1,076.32 customer pay. Repairs include resistive occupancy sensor replacement and seat back trim cover replacement. This is a safety-critical system governing airbag deployment. Tesla has documented this failure mode in internal service bulletins citing electrical interference in the seat harness as a design issue. Tesla repaired this under warranty, dismissed a related restraint fault for the same seat when reported within months of the repair, and is now billing the owner for a safety system that failed due to a known design defect. A recall is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Apr 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
WheelsApr 2026 · ODI 11730669Details +Close −
Both front wheel and rear rims cracked under normal driving conditions. This is the third occurrence of rim failure on this vehicle. The most recent incident occurred in Ewing, NJ near Parkside Ave and Hillcrest Ave. There was no significant impact or major pothole at the time of failure. Multiple wheel failures indicate a potential structural durability issue. Cracked rims pose a serious safety risk due to the possibility of sudden tire pressure loss or blowout while driving. The vehicle has been operated under normal road conditions, and this repeated failure should not occur. The damaged wheels are available for inspection upon request.
- Reported
- Apr 2026
- Incident date
- Apr 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherApr 2026 · ODI 11728751Details +Close −
My wife was cleaning the interior and wiped the center main display of her model 3. While doing that somehow she managed to Turn the heat on set the fan/temp controls to HI and popped the front frunk to open. When she exited and closed all doors, it looks like the heat kept running at max for more than 24 hours in the garage. When I entered the garage it was hot in there and inside temp of the car was at 87f. Not sure if there was a fire hazard due to heaters over heat. Just wanted to bring this to your attention.
- Reported
- Apr 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherMar 2026 · ODI 11728266Details +Close −
The touch-screen only media center has an off-by-one error when using the media player for USB media. This results in unsafe conditions for the driver where the expectation of pressing "S" would navigate to music starting with "S", but instead navigates to music starting with "T". This creates momentary confusion for the driver, and pulls focus from the road. There is no mechanism to scroll through the music using non-touch related functionality. There is no warning to only use the media feature when stopped/parked. The manufacturer has acknowledged the issue, but refuses to provide any diagnostics or solutions without taking a downpayment for service.
- Reported
- Mar 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMar 2026 · ODI 11722273Details +Close −
My Tesla Model 3 was brought to Tesla Princeton Service Center on February 27, 2025 for a 12V battery replacement. During the service visit, Tesla also replaced the rear glass, citing the rear defroster as the root cause of the battery drain — a repair that was added without prior discussion and increased the total invoice from an original estimate of $180 to a final charge of $1,730. Upon picking up the vehicle, the rear backup camera, blind spot cameras, navigation system, Sentry Mode, and windshield wiper sensor were all non-functional. None of these systems showed any malfunction prior to the service visit. Tesla Princeton’s service advisor denied responsibility without performing diagnostics, and in a subsequent message admitted he could not determine the cause with certainty without diagnostics — which have still not been performed. The vehicle was discharged from a licensed Tesla Service Center in a condition non-compliant with FMVSS 111. I have escalated this matter to Tesla executive leadership in writing and am filing this NHTSA complaint to create a federal record of this safety violation.
- Reported
- Mar 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Forward Collision AvoidanceFeb 2026 · ODI 11720867Details +Close −
When adaptive cruise control is enabled (Autopilot, not equipped with Full Self Driving) car will sometimes brake hard as if there is an obstacle ahead, with the words "Curve Assist Active" flashing on the screen. Seems to happen most often on state highways, vs interstate. In one case last night car slowed from 65mph to 30mph, on a straight road, with no object ahead. Thankfully no cars were immediately behind or I would have been rear-ended. Happened 4 times in 500 miles of highway travel.
- Reported
- Feb 2026
- Incident date
- Feb 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2026 · ODI 11720709Details +Close −
Issue 1: While using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) at night on a two-lane road with a straight lane and a turn lane, the vehicle crossed the white lane markings and drifted into the adjacent lane. I had to manually intervene to correct many times. This happens regulary at night. I clean the lenses on the cameras but it doesn't reslove the issue. Issue 2: While using Full Self-Driving (Supervised), the vehicle positioned itself in the incorrect lane when entering a roundabout, selecting the wrong entry lane for my intended exit. This happens at day and night about 50% of the time. I report the issue via the Tesla feedback, but they do not fix it.
- Reported
- Feb 2026
- Incident date
- Feb 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringFeb 2026 · ODI 11715438Details +Close −
Sunday [XXX] downtown Sacramento, driving about 25 mph. Heard a loud bang—bolt sheared off front subframe. Steering felt lagging upon making a right turn vehicle proceeded in a very wide turn, pulled into parking lot. Wheel locked right as I exited [XXX] parking spot; steering went slack, brakes scraped rotor. Two witnesses saw hardware hit pavement. AAA tech removed tire: lower control arm bolt missing, no Loctite, subframe raw. Second bolt loose—single point of failure. Tesla missed this on six different service visits and during their one-twenty inspection before delivery. Recall 21V835 should’ve flagged it but service personnel assured me all clear on every visit . Vehicle towed to Tesla service center at 1104 Tinker rd, Rocklin, CA. Tesla shop manager Sal confirmed this failure as manufacturers defect, and poor assembly. Safety was seconds from total loss. Need probe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Feb 2026
- Incident date
- Feb 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Forward Collision AvoidanceFeb 2026 · ODI 11715176Details +Close −
Incident Date: Feb 1, 2026, 2:45 PM PST Location: Camarillo, CA (Pleasant Valley Rd & Village Commons Blvd) Description: The vehicle (Tesla Model 3, FSD Supervised) attempted an unprotected left turn. The system identified a gap but paused excessively before initiating the maneuver. After the pause—when the gap was no longer safe—the system proceeded to turn anyway, directly into the path of a speeding oncoming vehicle. The system failed to abort the maneuver after its own hesitation. It also failed to accelerate with the urgency required to clear the path. I was forced to manually override with emergency acceleration and steering into an oncoming lane to avoid a high-speed T-bone collision. This appears to be a "stale data" failure where the car executed an old plan that was no longer valid.
- Reported
- Feb 2026
- Incident date
- Feb 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionJan 2026 · ODI 11714618Details +Close −
The front suspension control arms on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 are squeaking and show premature wear. The noise occurs during normal driving and is accompanied by clunking, which concerns me about potential control arm failure and loss of vehicle control. My vehicle is only 40k miles and it’s a very common issue that Tesla gets to make money on. Kind of funny it happens to everyone right when the warranty ends. I am aware that this is a known issue affecting multiple Model 3 vehicles. Despite proper maintenance, the problem persists and may present a safety risk. I request that this be officially recorded as a safety complaint.
- Reported
- Jan 2026
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionJan 2026 · ODI 11711819Details +Close −
Vehicle made thunking noise when driving over uneven surfaces such as bumpy roads, speed bumps, or railroad tracks. Diagnosis at Tesla service center showed front upper control arms assemblies (left and right), lower lateral link, and front lower compliance link (left and right) required replacement. Of note: upper control arm assemblies were previously replaced under warranty in November 2021 at 28000 miles. This short interval indicates defective suspension components leading to cascading failures putting driver safety at risk.
- Reported
- Jan 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Forward Collision AvoidanceJan 2026 · ODI 11709397 · crashDetails +Close −
Vehicle Information: 2020 Tesla Model 3 AWD (Leased) Full Self-Driving (FSD) enabled Summary of Safety Issue: While Full Self-Driving (FSD) was engaged, the vehicle failed to detect roadside infrastructure and collided with multiple fixed objects, including a route sign board, a walkway sign board, and an underground electrical cable. The system did not provide adequate warnings or corrective action before impact. System jerk the steering confirmed system is engaged but did not break and drive to non-drivable area and not given any disengagement warning and totaled the car. Incident Details: • Date of incident: [XXX] • Location: On [XXX] {XXX] Piscataway, NJ 08854 • Road type: [XXX] • Weather/visibility: Clear • Speed at time of incident: <40 MPH (under the speed limit) Description: As soon as i trigger the FSD it immediately tried to navigated left or right and failed and unexpectedly veered into roadside infrastructure. The system did not slow down, steer away, or alert the driver in time to prevent the collision. The impact caused significant damage to public property and the vehicle is totaled. No injuries occurred. Evidence Available: • Photos of the scene and damage • Police report (number: [XXX] • Tow documentation • Tesla collision center estimate Reason for Reporting: This incident suggests a potential safety defect in Tesla’s FSD system related to object detection, path planning, and collision avoidance. The failure occurred without driver input and raises concerns about the system’s reliability in detecting fixed roadside objects. I request that NHTSA review this incident as part of ongoing evaluations of Tesla’s driver-assistance systems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Jan 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
Electrical SystemJan 2026 · ODI 11708507Details +Close −
After loading our two children ages 2 and 5 in to vehicle and securing in car seats, the car doors were closed and would not reopen. The children were unable to open the doors themselves. The trunk and other entries did not open. There was no obvious way to open the doors or the issue the car was experiencing. The battery cover would not open. Eventually after I searched the Internet I determined that the 12V battery died (no warning whatsoever, doors worked before loading children) and this caused all occupants to be detained in vehicle as the emergency release is the mechanical means of opening the door and this emergency release is not intuitive or obvious. Within 20 minutes I was able to use an arcane hot wiring method to unlatch a door with a spare 12 V source and a hidden 12 V port not immediately obvious either. Thankfully not in setting of an emergency, not a sunny or excessively warm day and had internet access to research this event. If any of the above were true, life limb and property loss would easily have occurred.
- Reported
- Jan 2026
- Incident date
- May 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlJan 2026 · ODI 11708226Details +Close −
The newer versions of FSD do not allow driver control of the max speed. The current versions allow you to set a maximum speed with a scroll wheel on the steering wheel.
- Reported
- Jan 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsDec 2025 · ODI 11707511Details +Close −
The car has message saying "Safety Restraint System issue" . There has been no event to cause this. No recent MVA or any stress or damaging incident to the seat belt or seat in general. Reviewing this on the internet, this is a common defect on Tesla's. The company won't fix it unless you pay them to do so which is crazy considering it is a defect in their safety system. And a well known one to them from my communication with their Tesla service centers which have a monopoly on fixing Tesla's. He said there would have to be a recall. So that is exactly what needs to happen from the NHTSA.
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringDec 2025 · ODI 11706691Details +Close −
Steering wheel covering delaminates and peels during normal use, creating loss of grip and distraction while driving.
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Dec 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherDec 2025 · ODI 11705882Details +Close −
I recently purchased a 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (VIN [XXX] internal systems and service records show that all recalls for this vehicle have been completed and closed. However, the NHTSA VIN lookup still shows seven open recalls. This is causing a major issue because I am participating in a California clean transportation incentive program (Replace Your Ride), which requires that all recalls be shown as closed specifically on the NHTSA website. Tesla states that the recalls are complete but has not updated the recall status with NHTSA. NHTSA customer service informed me that recall data can only be updated by the manufacturer. I am requesting that NHTSA notify Tesla’s regulatory or safety compliance team so they can update the recall reporting for this VIN. The outdated recall data is preventing my state incentive from being processed and is causing significant financial harm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsDec 2025 · ODI 11705237 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
Air bags did not deploy during crash. It is available for inspection upon request My face smashed into the steering wheel resulting in black eyes, swollen nose, cuts on my face and a concussion. Yes, the airbags clearly did not deploy during crash No No
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Electrical SystemDec 2025 · ODI 11705132Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk became inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk latch failed to open when the trunk release was engaged using the mobile application, the instrument panel, or the trunk release button. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The contact was informed by the dealer that the cable harness was not repaired and that a zip tie was placed on the cable harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after the dealer visit, the trunk failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,125.
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringDec 2025 · ODI 11703787Details +Close −
My Tesla Model 3 is experiencing premature suspension failures involving the lower lateral links and stabilizer links. These components were already replaced once, and they are failing again in less than 30,000 miles. This is not normal wear for suspension parts on a modern vehicle. These failures cause clunking, instability, and looseness in the front end—conditions that affect the vehicle’s ability to track straight and maintain control, especially over uneven pavement or during emergency maneuvers. This isn’t an isolated case. There are extensive reports from other Tesla owners across multiple models (Model 3 and Model Y in particular) showing the same premature wear on these suspension links. Many owners have parts failing even earlier. Once the car is out of warranty, Tesla charges thousands of dollars to replace these components, despite clear indications that the suspension was under-engineered for the weight of the vehicle. Tesla knows this is a recurring issue but refuses to issue a recall or goodwill repairs. A repeated failure of critical suspension links in such low mileage suggests a defect. These parts should not be wearing out this fast, and the resulting instability poses a real safety risk. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate these premature failures.
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Service BrakesNov 2025 · ODI 11701217Details +Close −
While driving my Tesla Model 3 with self-driving engaged in excellent conditions, the car suddenly braked to a full stop. There was no apparent reason to do so and the driver did nothing. The road ahead was free of traffic, and no obstacles, pedestrians or animals were visible. It was possible to resume driving by turning self-driving off. Tesla forums online show many instances of others reporting similar problems in various Tesla models over several years. A rear end collision will ultimately be the result of this flaw if it hasn’t yet occurred.
- Reported
- Nov 2025
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Service BrakesOct 2025 · ODI 11693937 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
The complaint was filed on behalf of the contact's daughter. The contact's daughter owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the contact's daughter stated that the brake pedal felt spongy and unusual. The contact's daughter stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floor; however, the vehicle still did not stop. The contact's daughter enabled the emergency braking system; however, the vehicle still did not stop. The contact's daughter beeped the horn to alert the nearby driver, and the dash cam independently activated. The contact stated that because of the failure, the contact's daughter's vehicle rear-ended the vehicle in front of the contact's daughter's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that after the crash, the emergency braking system failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed. The contact's daughter was treated at the local hospital on the following day. The contact's daughter sustained headaches, whiplash, and a concussion. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
- Reported
- Oct 2025
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
SuspensionOct 2025 · ODI 11692513Details +Close −
I am writing to formally report a critical safety incident involving my 2020 Tesla Model 3, where the bumper detached while driving through a puddle of water on Oct 9th, 2025. This occurred on a busy street, and fortunately, another driver alerted me just in time, averting a potentially serious accident. Following the incident, I arranged for my vehicle to be towed to a Tesla-authorized collision center and opened a claim with my insurance company. I have since learned that this issue is recognized internally by Tesla, as they have created a service incident regarding it, but have failed to communicate this to customers effectively. Tesla's lack of accountability is concerning. Despite repeated attempts to address this with their support and service teams, they have deflected responsibility and continue to downplay the seriousness of this matter, insisting I must rely on insurance to cover the costs. This situation raises significant safety concerns, not just for myself but for all Tesla Model 3 drivers. I urge NHTSA to take the following actions: 1. Investigate this safety issue regarding the bumper detachment on Tesla Model 3 vehicles. 2. Pressure Tesla to publicly acknowledge this known issue and take immediate corrective action to prevent future occurrences. 3. Ensure that affected customers are compensated for damages and repairs due to this defect. I appreciate your attention to this serious safety issue and look forward to seeing NHTSA hold Tesla accountable to protect all consumers and ensure vehicle safety. I have attached proof of diligent efforts on my part to get this resolved: - Claim number with Progressive - Communication with Tesla giving them proof of this issue - Earlier NHTSA bulletin acknowledging the issue and the Tesla internal service incident created for this issue. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
- Reported
- Oct 2025
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Forward Collision AvoidanceOct 2025 · ODI 11692281Details +Close −
Full Self Driving mode (with Hardware 3) consistently will enter the carpool lane when I am driving solo. In the vehicle navigation settings, I have, "use carpool lanes," unselected. It doesn't seem to use this input in it's decision to enter the carpool lane. Sometimes it is very quick to signal and then enter the carpool lane illegally that I can't respond quick enough to correct. However, it only seems to need 1 correction for it to ignore the carpool lane for the remainder of the trip. This then can/will repeat each new trip (it doesn't always occur for each new trip, sometimes it won't make an attempt to get into the carpool lane). I have sent Tesla dozens of recorded messages that it needs to be fixed. It will enter at an illegal point, crossing the solid line, this can sometimes be a dangerous maneuver as well as being illegal for a solo occupant. Also, I don't want to want to be ticketed. It's quite a stressful situation each time this occurs.
- Reported
- Oct 2025
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlOct 2025 · ODI 11692447Details +Close −
Incident #1 Vehicle sitting at a red light. After several seconds the vehicle operating under Tesla FSD suddenly started to drive as if the light had turned green, which it had not. I stopped it immediately. Incident #2 Vehicle was stopped a t a red light and started forward again as it the light had changed but had not. I noticed a flashing red light at the next intersection a few hundred feet away. So, I went around the block and tried again and it behaved the same. After a few seconds it started to go again. There was not another light near where the first incident occurred.
- Reported
- Oct 2025
- Incident date
- Sep 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsSep 2025 · ODI 11686748Details +Close −
I have been getting an alert: Front passenger safety restraint system issue/Service is required. It has come on when there is no one in the seat and goes away shortly after I start to drive. I contacted Tesla and they sent an estimate to repair it which includes a bunch of different bolts, Passenger Airbag, Airbag Harmiss Retaining Clip. Also replacing Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat while Servicing Supcomponents. List of parts for that is First Row Seat Harness Assembly-Right Hand, First Row - Seat Belt Reminder Sensor Box Clip, First Row Occupancy. All of this will cost over $700 . Aren't these items required safety equipment that they should responsible to maintain? I have seen that there are a lot of other people having the same issue, I think that there should be a recall on this that they shoud have to pay for.
- Reported
- Sep 2025
- Incident date
- Sep 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionAug 2025 · ODI 11682956Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while attempting to exit a parking lot, the rear sensors failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the rearview sensor failed to provide an audible warning, which resulted in the vehicle bumping into another vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,238.
- Reported
- Aug 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2025 · ODI 11681732Details +Close −
Summary Complaint – 2020 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) I am reporting a defect with the passenger side airbag system in my 2020 Tesla Model 3. Tesla Service identified the passenger airbag sensor as defective and quoted a $1,600 repair cost. This raises concern that the problem is not isolated, but may represent a broader safety defect affecting other Model 3 vehicles of the same year. Why this is a safety issue: - Airbags are federally required safety systems. A defective sensor risks non-deployment, delayed deployment, or incorrect deployment. - Tesla has already recalled 2020 Model 3 vehicles for airbag issues (twisted side curtain airbags – NHTSA Campaign ID 21V834000). - In 2024, a Model 3 recall was issued for a defective driver airbag module. - Other automakers (GM, Hyundai/Kia, Takata) have recalled vehicles for similar airbag sensor/module failures. Requested Action: I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Open a defect investigation into passenger side airbag sensor/module failures in the 2020 Tesla Model 3. 2. Require Tesla to issue a recall and provide free repairs if systemic defects are confirmed. 3. Ensure reimbursement for owners who have already paid out-of-pocket. Airbag integrity is essential. I urge NHTSA to investigate and protect the safety of Tesla Model 3 owners and passengers. Complainant Information: [XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Aug 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsAug 2025 · ODI 11680461Details +Close −
I am getting "Safety Restraint System Fault" on my car. This puts my family at risk if the safety features are faulty. When I contacted Tesla, they want me to drive 41(!) miles away and charge me almost $500.
- Reported
- Aug 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionAug 2025 · ODI 11680531Details +Close −
Front lower and upper control arms started generating noise around 100,000 miles. This was confirmed by an independent service center. So far, have spent $1400 on the lower control arms, only to find out that the noise is still there and the upper control arms need to be replaced as well.
- Reported
- Aug 2025
- Incident date
- Apr 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringAug 2025 · ODI 11680195Details +Close −
Subject: Urgent Complaint Regarding Power Steering Failure in 2019 Tesla Model 3 Hello NHTSA, I am writing to file a complaint regarding a very dangerous situation I recently experienced with my 2019 Tesla Model 3. While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph, the power steering failed unexpectedly. I struggled significantly to change lanes in order to exit the freeway, and it felt as though my vehicle was going to collide with other cars. After managing to get off the freeway, I nearly hit the guardrail while attempting to turn onto a side street, creating a hazardous situation. I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences; for instance, what if I had struck a pedestrian, or if the car had collided with another vehicle at high speed? I live on a winding mountain road, where I could have easily driven off a cliff. Turning the car off and back on temporarily resolved the issue. However, there are numerous complaints regarding steering rack failures with Tesla vehicles. Tesla has quoted me $2,700.00 to fix what appears to be a known manufacturing defect. They are aware of this potentially hazardous situation but are not taking responsibility for the repairs. This is a serious safety issue, and I urge Tesla to accept responsibility and cover the repair costs before someone is seriously injured or killed—if such an incident has not already occurred. Please let me know what further actions I can take to facilitate Tesla's resolution of this dangerous problem. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,
- Reported
- Aug 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Latches/Locks/LinkagesAug 2025 · ODI 11678986Details +Close −
Essentially, I find the lack of emergency, unpowered door release for the back doors a little concerning. There is no way to open the door in the event that all power to the door latch fails. Even in newer models (at least of 3/Y/Cybertruck, that i know of) the emergency release is buried under the cupholder liner in the rear seat. Here is a youtube video showing a homebrew retrofit. It seems like something like this should probably be provided to owners of this model of car. The internals of the door seem to make this feasible. [XXX] The front seats, on the other hand, have an easily accessed and intuitive emergency door release. I imagine that the rear seats differ from this model because of child safety locks. Just removing all emergency handles from the door seems like a pretty bad solution. I further understand that there are situations in which even an emergency door release will fail to open the door, and a glass break device is probably the ultimate recourse to this situation. But rear seat emergency egress really seems like a blind spot in NHTSA requirements at least. I shouldn't have to do an airline style safety briefing to my rear passengers in a consumer vehicle. Thanks for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Aug 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2025 · ODI 11677060Details +Close −
I received a proactive service alert from Tesla car stating: Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Issue. Tesla wants to charge me to fix this and said there may be issues with the restraint system, such as seats belts or airbags if I don’t pay out of pocket to fix it. This seems ridiculous I have to pay to fix this safety concern.. please issue a recall for this… seems a lot of people are getting this after researching on google and Reddit. Thanks
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJul 2025 · ODI 11674749Details +Close −
Vehicle must have thought a shadow line in the road from a bridge indicated a wall I was about to hit, as it slammed on the breaks in the middle of the freeway. Car behind had to swerve to avoid. On the same trip, several nags of 'keep eyes on the road' were incorrect, as my eyes were directly on the road, but phone was in hand functioning as a microphone taking voice memos. Car proceeded to shut itself down while in the middle of the freeway, causing me to go slower than traffic and put me in danger as cars behind me had to swerve or lane change to avoid me as I tried to pull off to the shoulder. These forced shutdowns from incorrect 'nag fails' are causing safety issues. Nag failures should not forcibly shut the car down. Not sure if this is being enforced by NHTSA, or why Tesla is choosing to disable their auto steer or FSD when drivers are detected to be failing nags - nags should be there to help drivers, and potentially the nag data/cab video can be used after the fact should a user failing nags be involved in an accident for insurance dispute resolution, but shutting the cars down themselves is causing issues.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2025 · ODI 11674516 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
Experienced sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) while parking the car. Was pulling into a parking spot at a very slow speed, approx 5 mph and the car accelerated to an extremely high speed on its own without any input from me. Tried to brake to stop the car but the car did not respond or stop or slow down. Due to the SUA event, the car crashed into the side of a building, all air bags in the car were deployed, and the car is a total loss per insurance.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Electrical SystemJul 2025 · ODI 11673796Details +Close −
Software update was pushed onto my car, after the update the car autopilot ECU no longer works. When the ECU finally failed these features were stuck or are completely broken/not working: - Auto dim rear view mirrors (these were stuck in dim mode, preventing me from seeing in rain or darkened environments such as at night or under shade, 0% visibility under these conditions when changing lanes or reversing) - Rear view camera completely stopped functioning, as did all cameras on the car - Forward collision warning no longer works - Autopilot (ADAS features in general) no longer functioning including lane keep assist - On screen navigation is locked in place where the car failed (screen shows location where the car ECU presumably failed). I am further unsure if the following features function as required: - Airbag deployment - AEB (Automatic emergency braking)
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJul 2025 · ODI 11673546Details +Close −
Steering rack failed
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2025 · ODI 11672010Details +Close −
While driving south bound on [XXX] in Torrance and intending to go [XXX] , the GPS suggests to take a left turn for the ramp. The left turn is illegal. The ramp is on the right side of the road. With FSD, I have to intervene and take control. This has happened multiple times in last 1 year, since the time the ramp on right side was opened and left side became illegal. GPS data is wrong. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.
Recalls(20)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · 23V838000Details +Close −
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.
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.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Electrical SystemDec 2022 · 22V235000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Electrical SystemApr 2022 · 22V063000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Electrical SystemJan 2022 · 22V045000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Electrical System · 21V00D000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Service Brakes · 21V387000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Seat Belts · 21V389000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air Bags · 21V834000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Suspension · 21V835000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Forward Collision Avoidance · 21V846000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Electrical System · 22V037000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Back Over Prevention · 22V169000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Electrical System · 22V263000Details +Close −
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."
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.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Visibility · 22V702000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Seat Belts · 22V798000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Steering · 23V085000Details +Close −
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
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.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Electrical System · 24V051000Details +Close −
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."
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.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Forward Collision Avoidance · 24V153000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Seat Belts · 24V376000Details +Close −
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."
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.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Tires · 24V935000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
13 NHTSA investigations on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond. ODI will evaluate the performance of FSD in degraded roadway conditions and the updates or modifications by Tesla to the degradation detection system, including the timing, purpose, and capabilities of the updates, and Tesla’s assessment of their safety impact. Tesla’s FSD is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that relies exclusively on vision-based cameras and the related FSD software to detect and respond to the roadway ahead, projecting a path forward based on traffic control devices, vehicles, pedestrians, and the roadway itself. When Tesla began transitioning away from using both cameras and radars to an exclusively camera-based approach, known as Tesla Vision, in mid-2021, it developed and implemented a degradation detection system that it deployed by a software update to existing and new Tesla vehicles. On June 28, 2024, the day after Tesla submitted the SGO report of the November 28, 2023 fatal crash listed in this document, Tesla began developing an update to the degradation detection system. At this time, ODI does not have information on when the update was deployed and which vehicles have the updated system. ODI discussed individual incidents and its initial findings during the PE phase of its investigation with Tesla. As part of those discussions, Tesla’s post-incident analysis indicated that the update to the degradation detection system, had it been installed on the vehicles at the time, may have affected 3 of the 9 incidents identified by ODI. Tesla also described internal data and labeling limitations that prevented a uniform identification and analysis of crash events with the subject system engaged. ODI believes this limitation could have led to under-reporting of subject crashes over portions of the defined time-period. Available incident data raise concerns that Tesla’s degradation detection system, both as originally deployed and later updated, fails to detect and/or warn the driver appropriately under degraded visibility conditions such as glare and airborne obscurants. In the crashes that ODI has reviewed, the system did not detect common roadway conditions that impaired camera visibility and/or provide alerts when camera performance had deteriorated until immediately before the crash occurred. Review of Tesla’s responses revealed additional crashes that occurred in similar environments and where the system either did not detect a degraded state, and/or it did not present the driver with an alert with adequate time for the driver to react. In each of these crashes, FSD also lost track of or never detected a lead vehicle in its path. In upgrading PE24031 to an Engineering Analysis (EA), ODI will gather further information on the updated degradation detection system, including the status of updating vehicles and scope of compatible vehicles, the system’s visibility degradation detection capability, and alerts or warnings to the driver. Lastly, ODI will conduct analysis on six recent potentially related incidents. These incidents can be found at NHTSA.gov under the following SGO report identification numbers: 13781-11937, 13781-13211, 13781-13569, 13781-13633, 13781-13693, 13781-13788. The crashes included in the failure report summary can be found at NHTSA.gov under the following SGO report identification numbers: 13781-8004, 13781-7181, 13781-7381, 13781-7767, 13781-7964, 13781-8977, 13781-9267.
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that Tesla has labeled as "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)." Tesla characterizes FSD as an SAE Level 2 partial automation system requiring a fully attentive driver who is engaged in the driving task at all times. Level 2 partial automation systems are designed to support and assist the driver in performing certain aspects of the driving task, requiring a driver to supervise and intervene as necessary. The driver remains fully responsible at all times for driving the vehicle, including complying with applicable traffic laws. ODI’s investigation will therefore focus, in particular, on whether certain driving inputs within the control authority of FSD forestall the driver’s supervision when they are unexpectedly performed. ODI has identified a number of incidents in which the inputs to the dynamic driving task commanded by FSD induced vehicle behavior that violated traffic safety laws. Although reports of this nature span a variety of behaviors, the reports appear to most commonly involve two types of scenarios. The first type of scenario involves a vehicle operating with FSD proceeding into an intersection in violation of a red traffic signal. The second type of scenario involves FSD commanding a lane change into an opposing lane of traffic. With respect to the first type of scenario, ODI has identified 18 complaints and 1 media report alleging that a Tesla vehicle, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface. Some complainants also alleged that FSD did not provide warnings of the system's intended behavior as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal. ODI has identified six Standing General Order ("SGO") reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection. Of these incidents, four crashes resulted in one or more reported injuries. At least some of the incidents appeared to involve FSD proceeding into the intersection after coming to a complete stop. ODI's pre-investigative work, including coordination with the Maryland Transportation Authority and State Police, indicated that the problem may be repeatable, given that multiple subject incidents occurred at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland. NHTSA understands that Tesla has since taken action to address the issue at this intersection. With respect to the second type of scenario, ODI has identified 2 SGO reports, 18 complaints, and 2 media reports alleging that a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, entered opposing lanes of travel during or following a turn, crossed double-yellow lane markings while proceeding straight, or attempted to turn onto a road in the wrong direction despite the presence of wrong-way road signs. Likewise, ODI has identified 4 SGO reports, 6 complaints, and 1 media report alleging that a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, proceeded straight through an intersection in a turn-only lane or executed a turn at an intersection in a through lane despite the presence of lane markings or signals. Complaints also alleged that FSD did not provide warnings of the system's intended behavior. Some complaints alleged that more than one of these failures occurred and, as such, the numbers are not cumulative. Some of the reported incidents appeared to involve FSD executing a lane change into an opposing lane of travel with little notice to a driver or opportunity to intervene. ODI’s review will assess whether there was prior warning or adequate time for the driver to respond to the unexpected behavior or to safely supervise the automated driving task. This review will assess any warnings to the driver about the system's impending behavior; the time given to drivers to respond; the capability of FSD to detect, display to the driver, and respond appropriately to traffic signals; and the capability of FSD to detect and respond to lane markings and wrong-way signage. NHTSA's review will also consider any updates or modifications to the system(s) that may affect the performance of FSD with respect to obeying traffic safety laws and signals. This assessment will focus, in particular, on the types of traffic safety violations described above, as most reports identified thus far have centered around those behaviors. While the behaviors under investigation appear to occur most frequently at intersections, NHTSA’s investigation will encompass any other types of situations in which this behavior may arise, such as when traveling adjacent to a lane of opposing traffic or when approaching railroad crossings. If other evidence received during this investigation involve other types of traffic safety violations, those may be considered as part of this assessment as well. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. The SGO reports cited in this Resume are listed below by report ID and are available for download at NHTSA.gov/laws-regulations/standing-general-order-crash-reporting. 13781-8739-1, 13781-8995-1, 13781-9623-1, 13781-10333-1, 13781-10872-1, 13781-10930-1, 13781-10939-1, 13781-10941-1, 13781-11069-1, 13781-11305-1, 13781-11579-1 Media reported allegations included as a separate attachment.
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the Standing General Order in place at the time required a report to be submitted within one or five days of Tesla receiving notice of the crash. When the reports were submitted, Tesla submitted them in one of two ways. Many of the reports were submitted as part of a single batch, while others were submitted on a rolling basis. Preliminary engagement between ODI and Tesla on the issue indicates that the timing of the reports was due to an issue with Tesla’s data collection, which, according to Tesla, has now been fixed. NHTSA is opening this Audit Query, a standard process for reviewing compliance with legal requirements, to evaluate the cause of the potential delays in reporting, the scope of any such delays, and the mitigations that Tesla has developed to address them. As part of this review, NHTSA will assess whether any reports of prior incidents remain outstanding and whether the reports that were submitted include all of the required and available data. The SGO reports cited in the Opening Resume, can be found at NHTSA.gov/SGOCrashReporting under the following SGO 2021-01 report IDs: 13781-11020-1 13781-10844-1 13781-10843-1 13781-10530-1 13781-10160-1 13781-10159-1 13781-10157-1 13781-10146-1 13781-10122-1 13781-10098-1 13781-10097-1 13781-10096-1 13781-10095-1 13781-10094-1 13781-10093-1 13781-10023-1 13781-10022-1 13781-10021-1 13781-10020-1 13781-10017-1 13781-10016-1 13781-10015-1 13781-10014-1 13781-10013-1 13781-10012-1 13781-6047-1 13781-9930-1 13781-9917-1 13781-9928-1 13781-9925-1 13781-9924-1 13781-9923-1 13781-9922-1 13781-9835-1 13781-9834-1 13781-9833-1 13781-9832-1 13781-9831-1 13781-9830-1 13781-9829-1 13781-9827-1 13781-9818-1 13781-9780-1 13781-9779-1 13781-9778-1 13781-9777-1 13781-9775-1 13781-9774-1 13781-9773-1 13781-9772-1 13781-9771-1 13781-9770-1 13781-9728-1 13781-9688-1 13781-9715-1 13781-9714-1 13781-9713-1 13781-9712-1 13781-9711-1 13781-9710-1 13781-9709-1 13781-9696-1 13781-9695-1 13781-9694-1 13781-9693-1 13781-9692-1 13781-9691-1 13781-9690-1 13781-9687-1 13781-9686-1 13781-9342-1 13781-9319-1 13781-9019-1 13781-8910-1 13781-8732-1 13781-8712-1 13781-8310-1 13781-7897-1 13781-7895-1 13781-7835-1 13781-7798-1 13781-7797-1 13781-7758-1 13781-7757-1 13781-7756-1 13781-7755-1 13781-7667-1 13781-7399-1 13781-7398-1 13781-7397-1 13781-7396-1 13781-7395-1 13781-7394-1 13781-7393-1 13781-7389-1 13781-7388-1 13781-7387-1 13781-7386-1 13781-7385-1 13781-7383-1 13781-7187-1 13781-7186-1 13781-7185-1 13781-7184-1 13781-7181-1 13781-7023-1 13781-6399-1 13781-6389-1 13781-6388-1 13781-6387-1 13781-6386-1 13781-6379-1 13781-6378-1 13781-6377-1 13781-6375-1 13781-6214-1 13781-6172-1 13781-6155-1 13781-6154-1 13781-6122-1 13781-6120-1 13781-6118-1 13781-5800-1
On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to Tesla, Summon is a short-distance SAE Level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by Tesla as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify Summon incidents resulting in crashes. ODI's analysis indicates that almost all Summon reported crashes involved minor property damage claims with no reported incidents involving a vulnerable road user, injury, fatality, or major property damage as indicated by an air bag deployment or vehicle tow away. Out of millions of Summon sessions, a fraction of 1% resulted in an incident. Almost all those incidents took place where, typically early in a Summon session, the system or person using the app failed to fully detect or respond appropriately to vehicle surroundings resulting in minor impacts. Incidents took place when app users did not have a complete 360-degree view of the surroundings in the app to assess situational awareness. This limited the app user’s ability to determine whether an impact was imminent during initial vehicle maneuvers such as reversing in close proximity to an obstacle or a curb. ODI found that the impacts most often occurred with parking gates, adjacently parked vehicles, and short parking bollards. During this investigation, ODI identified two Summon crashes related to camera blockages. In both crashes, Summon attempted to navigate a snowy parking lot with snow partially or fully obstructing the forward-facing cameras. Summon did not detect the camera blockage and the vehicles collided with unoccupied parked vehicles while navigating the parking lot. App users in both instances did not command a vehicle stop or pause despite the obstructed camera visible in the camera stream in the app. On January 15, 2025, Tesla released Over-the-Air (OTA) Software (SW) Update Action numbers 578998 and 579185 for vehicles in service to implement a camera blockage detection condition. Both OTAs improve camera blockage detection mechanisms. Additionally, on January 20, 2025, and January 30, 2025, Tesla identified additional system requirements associated with camera visibility checks and released OTA SW-578752 and SW-580322, respectively. These firmware updates reduce false negative camera blockage detections due to snow or condensation. In its investigation, ODI identified one Summon incident where the vehicle did not yield for a gate arm blocking a garage exit lane and the app user did not command a vehicle stop or pause, resulting in an impact. On February 6, 2025, Tesla deployed OTA SW-578839 to improve vehicle reaction to dynamic gates. This OTA update upgraded vehicle perception systems through a high-fidelity occupancy determination network, which uses data from vehicle sensory systems to improve reconstruction of field objects with high accuracy. On November 20, 2025, Tesla further improved vehicle performance by adding object detections from a separate neural network through OTA SW-580514. Owners of the affected vehicles received all six OTA SW updates. Tesla also released these SW updates to production vehicles. See online public file for detailed descriptions of all six OTA SW updates. Due to low incident occurrence and low incident severity, this preliminary evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete online public file.
On October 17, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031) of Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) to assess: the ability of the FSD system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other FSD crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are similar in nature to the four SGO-reported crashes identified in the opening document, and if so, the contributing circumstances for each of those crashes; and any updates or modifications by Tesla to the FSD system that may affect the performance of FSD in degraded roadway visibility conditions, including the timing, purpose, and capabilities of any such updates, and Tesla’s assessment of their safety impact. Tesla’s FSD is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that relies exclusively on vision-based cameras and the related FSD software to detect and respond to the roadway ahead, projecting a path forward based on traffic control devices, vehicles, pedestrians, and the roadway itself. During this phase of the investigation, ODI reviewed the materials provided by Tesla detailing any actions taken, or changes, modifications, and updates made that may relate to the alleged defect. ODI reviewed information related to Tesla’s transition to a vision-only perception system, and its deployment of the strategy in vehicles. ODI’s findings include information on limitations of the vision-only perception system and updates made in response to known subject crashes. When Tesla began transitioning away from using both cameras and radars to an exclusively camera-based approach, known as Tesla Vision, in mid-2021, it developed and implemented a degradation detection system that it deployed by a software update to existing and new Tesla vehicles. On June 28, 2024, the day after Tesla submitted the SGO report of the November 28, 2023 fatal crash listed in this document, Tesla began developing an update to the degradation detection system. ODI reviewed certain public statements, including those made during an April 2025 earnings call, in which Tesla stated that it had developed a breakthrough “direct photon-counting” capability that eliminates the degradation that the camera-based system experiences when glare is encountered. At this time, ODI does not have information on when the update was deployed and which vehicles have the updated system. ODI has discussed individual incidents and its initial findings with Tesla. Based on Tesla’s post-incident analysis, the update to the degradation detection system, had it been installed on the vehicles at the time, may have affected 3 of the 9 incidents identified by ODI. Review of Tesla’s responses revealed additional crashes that occurred in similar environments and where the system either did not detect a degraded state, and/or it did not present the driver with an alert with adequate time for the driver to react. In each of these crashes, FSD also lost track of or never detected a lead vehicle in its path. Tesla also described internal data and labeling limitations that prevented a uniform identification and analysis of crash events with the subject system engaged. ODI believes this limitation could have led to under-reporting of subject crashes over portions of the defined time-period. Available incident data raise concerns that Tesla’s FSD system fails to detect and/or warn the driver appropriately under degraded visibility conditions such as glare and airborne obscurants where the camera-based system performance degrades significantly. In the crashes that ODI has reviewed, the FSD system did not detect common roadway conditions that impaired its visibility and/or provide alerts when camera performance had deteriorated until immediately before the crash occurred. ODI is upgrading this investigation (PE24031) to Engineering Analysis (EA) 26002 to further evaluate this matter. The crashes included in the failure report summary can be found at NHTSA.gov under the following SGO report identification numbers: 13781-8004, 13781-7181, 13781-7381, 13781-7767, 13781-7964, 13781-8977, 13781-9267.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system, which Tesla described as an SAE Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of Tesla’s Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer. In describing the safety defect, Tesla’s Defect Information Report (DIR) explained that “the prominence and scope of the system’s controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse,” and Tesla committed to the deployment of a multipart remedy aimed at improving system and engagement controls and reducing mode confusion. EA22002 (upgraded from PE21020) was opened to investigate whether Tesla’s Autopilot contained a defect that created an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and involved extensive crash analysis, human factors analysis, vehicle evaluations, and assessment of vehicle control authority and driver engagement technologies. The work conducted in these investigations aligns with Tesla’s conclusion in its 23V838 recall filing. During EA22002, ODI identified at least 13 crashes involving one or more fatalities and many more involving serious injuries in which foreseeable driver misuse of the system played an apparent role. Tesla filed Recall 23V838 to address concerns regarding the Autopilot system investigated in EA22002. Following deployment of the remedy in Recall 23V838, ODI identified concerns due to post-remedy crash events and results from preliminary NHTSA tests of remedied vehicles. Also, Tesla has stated that a portion of the remedy both requires the owner to opt in and allows a driver to readily reverse it. Tesla has also deployed non-remedy updates to address issues that appear related to ODI’s concerns under EA22002. This investigation will consider why these updates were not a part of the recall or otherwise determined to remedy a defect that poses an unreasonable safety risk. ODI is therefore opening this Recall Query investigation to further evaluate the adequacy of the remedy for recall 23V838.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the DP20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number: 11528471.
On March 21, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting a “recall of all Tesla cars” produced from 2013 to the date on which the petition was filed due to what Petitioner considers to be the increased likelihood of pedal misapplication. Attached to the Petition is a paper authored by Petitioner. According to Petitioner, the differences in the operator controls between the subject Tesla vehicles and internal combustion engine powered vehicles promote driver pedal misapplication, leading to sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) incidents. To fix this alleged defect, Petitioner argues that the subject vehicles should be equipped with measures that require: (i) occasional removal of the driver’s foot from the pedals; and (ii) application of the brake pedal before fully stopping the vehicle. ODI evaluated the allegations by, among other things, reviewing the Petition and supporting technical paper, and analyzing Tesla’s response to ODI’s Information Request. ODI is denying this Petition. ODI has not found evidence that warrants the opening of a safety defect investigation into the Tesla vehicles as described in the Petition. The use of regenerative braking controlled by the accelerator pedal, or one-pedal driving, is common across most light vehicle manufacturers of electric vehicles and Tesla vehicles are not unique in this respect. Further, ODI identified only a handful of collisions potentially within the scope of the alleged defect; and corresponding vehicle data demonstrated that the subject vehicles responded appropriately to control inputs by their drivers. Moreover, ODI is unaware of any evidence to suggest that Petitioner’s proposed interlock would have prevented alleged SUA events as apparently described in the Petition and supporting materials. Accordingly, the Agency is denying the petition. As with all potential motor vehicle safety risks, NHTSA will continue to review any new information or incidents as they are submitted to the Agency.
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded PE21020 to EA22002 on June 8, 2022, to extend work and deepen the PE21020 crash analysis, to supplement that analysis with additional data, and to perform vehicle evaluations to understand how Tesla’s Autopilot system may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver’s supervision. To support this work, ODI collected additional crash information and assessed vehicle control authority, driver engagement technologies, and related human factors considerations associated with partial automation via analysis of peer vehicle data and hands-on vehicle evaluation, assessments from NHTSA human factors subject matter experts, and reviews of related publications dedicated to partial driving automation. Autopilot is the simultaneous use of the features that Tesla calls Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer. TACC is a type of adaptive cruise control that, like traditional cruise control, maintains a set speed but also slows or accelerates as necessary to maintain the vehicle’s following distance from a vehicle in front. As designed, Autosteer detects lane markings and the presence of other nearby vehicles and objects to keep the vehicle in its driving lane. Autopilot is characterized by Tesla as an SAE Level 2 (“L2 system”) partial driving automation system that provides driver assistance through steering, propulsion, and braking within a specified driving environment under direct supervision of the driver. L2 systems should be designed to support the driver’s need to monitor the system in response to the constantly changing driving environment and, if necessary, take over the dynamic driving task. To ensure sufficient driver engagement, vehicles with L2 systems should employ driver engagement systems and usage controls that are appropriate and sufficient for the L2 system design and driver expectations. ODI completed an analysis of 956 crashes reported up to August 30, 2023. In approximately half (489) of those crashes, ODI found: 1.) that there was insufficient data to make an assessment; 2.) the other vehicle was at fault; 3.) Autopilot was found to not be in use; or 4.) the crash was otherwise unrelated to EA22002. Of the remaining 467 crashes, ODI identified trends resulting in three categories: collisions in which the frontal plane of the Tesla struck another vehicle or obstacle with adequate time for an attentive driver to respond to avoid or mitigate the crash (211), roadway departures where Autosteerwas inadvertently disengaged by the driver’s inputs (111), and roadway departures in low traction conditions such as wet roadways (145). ODI observed this pattern across all Tesla models and hardware versions. Crash and human factors assessment showed that Autopilot controls did not sufficiently ensure driver attention and appropriate use. At the same time, peer analysis and vehicle evaluations established that Autopilot invited greater driver confidence via its higher control authority and ease of engagement. This mismatch of weak usage controls and high control authority was evident in these crash categories, which included indications of driver disengagement from the driving task. This mismatch was also evident in roadway departures when the system was engaged in low traction conditions outside of Tesla’s recommendations.Additional information regarding NHTSA’s crash analysis is available in the EA22002 file. ODI reviewed these findings with Tesla during several conversations in Quarter 4 of 2023. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system. Tesla’s DIR described the functionality of this system, stated that the prominence and scope of the system’s controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse, and described a remedy to improve the effectiveness of driver warnings and to reduce mode confusion. ODI completed an extensive body of work via PE21020 and EA22002, which showed evidence that Tesla’s weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilot’s permissive operating capabilities. This mismatch resulted in a critical safety gap between drivers’ expectations of the L2 system’s operating capabilities and the system’s true capabilities. This gap led to foreseeable misuse and avoidable crashes. During EA220002, ODI identified at least 13 crashes involving one or more fatalities and many more involving serious injuries, in which foreseeable driver misuse of the system played an apparent role. ODI’s analysis conducted during this investigation, which aligns with Tesla’s conclusion in its Defect Information Report, indicated that in certain circumstances, Autopilot’s system controls and warnings were insufficient for a driver assistance system that requires constant supervision by a human driver. Given Tesla’s recall (23V838) of all vehicles equipped with Autopilot for insufficient controls to prevent misuse, ODI is closing EA22002. Concurrent with that closing, ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ24009) to assess the effectiveness of the 23V838 remedy. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
On February 16, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22002) to investigate reports of unexpected deceleration while driving with the adaptive cruise control system engaged in Model Year (MY) 2021 – 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured by Tesla. The subject systems include Autopilot (all versions), Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC). These complaints have been colloquially referred to as “phantom braking”. ODI opened PE22002 to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to assess any resulting safety issues in the subject vehicles. The alleged defect is an unexpected and unrequested vehicle deceleration triggered by the subject system during subject system engagement. The alleged defect does not occur when the subject system is not in use and is separate and distinct from Automated Emergency Braking (AEB). During vehicle operation, AEB is actively monitoring in the subject vehicles regardless of subject system and its intervention is accompanied by audible and visual collision warnings. A Vehicle Owners Questionnaire (VOQ) trend originating in November 2021 prompted ODI to open PE22002. VOQ narratives reported unexpected brake activation while using TACC, Autopilot or FSD. The trend grew from 99 by the end of 2021 to 314 by February 16, 2022, when PE22002 was opened. ODI sent Information Request (IR) Letters to Tesla on May 4, 2022, and July 11, 2024, to request salient data to quantify vehicle production, field incidents, and the physical parameters of the phantom braking reports. ODI also requested information pertaining to Tesla’s internal assessments, problem resolutions, and their assessment of the alleged defect. Typically, the complaints to ODI and Tesla allege a 10-20 mph speed reduction at highway speeds over a 1-3 second time period.No collisions were identified. Drivers reported seeing no vehicles ahead in the travel lane that would have triggered the deceleration. Many complaints reported the conditions taking place on higher speed roadways in sunny conditions with shadows on the roadway. Complainants typically applied the accelerator to override the unexpected deceleration, and subject vehicles did not come to a complete stop or steer out of their travel lane. ODI analyzed data provided by Tesla in addition to consumer complaints submitted to ODI. Tesla’s complaint and field data exhibited some behavior that aligned with the transition from a radar-vision fusion system to vision-only in mid-2021. VOQ traffic coincided with public events such as Recall 21V846, the opening of PE22002, and several related media publications. In February and March of 2022, Tesla released firmware updates 2022.4.5.1 and 2022.4.5.17 respectively to target aspects of the subject system programming that affect unexpected deceleration. Incident traffic has dissipated substantially in the past years, with 45 incidents reported in 2024, 19 in 2025, and 3 since the beginning of 2026. The conditions reported, while concerning to the drivers, did not alter the vehicle’s lateral positioning in their lanes and did not cause significant loss in distance between the subject and following vehicle to lead to a collision. Complaint traffic to both NHTSA and Tesla reported the same conditions- vehicles traveling with the subject system engaged at higher speeds decelerating suddenly with no commensurate vehicle or obstacle ahead in the same lane. In view of these points, and a low demonstrated hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-023) on December 21, 2021, to evaluate the driver distraction potential and use frequency / circumstances of in-vehicle game-play functionality referred to as ?Passenger Play? in certain model year (MY) 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3, S, X, and Y vehicles. Distracted driving can result in an increased risk of a crash. PE21-023 was prompted by the receipt of Vehicle Owners Questionnaire (VOQ) 11439598 from the owner of a 2021 Model 3 on November 6, 2021. ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Tesla on January 20, 2022 and received Tesla?s response on March 4, 2022.On December 24, 2020, Tesla introduced Passenger Play to vehicles equipped with the Intel Atom processor (receiving an aftersale software update) via its 2020 holiday release. Passenger Play permitted occupants to play specific games selected by Tesla for primarily turn-based play style and limited gameplay motion with the transmission in Drive and the vehicle in motion. Under these conditions, a notification would display on the screen and the screen area devoted to the game would reduce from 100% to accommodate vehicle controls and driving task data readout. Specific changes varied among models. On December 21, 2022, Tesla voluntarily disabled Passenger Play capability with Firmware Release 2021.44.25.1 in response to NHTSA?s request. Tesla reported a month later that a 97% completion rate was achieved though Tesla?s Over the Air (OTA) update. ODI opened PE 21-023 to evaluate the driver distraction potential of Tesla Passenger Play while the vehicle is being driven including aspects of the feature, frequency, and use scenarios.Based on the analysis conducted, PE21-023 has been closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. Furthermore, it does not foreclose the Agency from taking further action, if warranted, or the potential for a future finding that a safety-related defect exists through additional information the Agency may receive.See attached Closing Report for a detailed summary of the investigation findings.
On August 13, 2021, NHTSA?s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-020) to assess the performance of Tesla?s Autopilot system (a system characterized by Tesla as an SAE Level 2 driving automation system designed to support and assist the driver in performing the driving task) available in Tesla vehicles. The investigation opening was motivated by an accumulation of crashes in which Tesla vehicles, operating with Autopilot engaged, struck stationary in-road or roadside first responder vehicles tending to pre-existing collision scenes. Upon opening the investigation, NHTSA indicated that the PE would also evaluate additional similar circumstance crashes of Tesla vehicles operating with Autopilot engaged, as well as assess the technologies and methods used to monitor, assist, and enforce the driver?s engagement with the dynamic driving task during Autopilot operation.PE21-020 is upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to extend the existing crash analysis, evaluate additional data sets, perform vehicle evaluations, and to explore the degree to which Autopilot and associated Tesla systems may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver?s supervision. In doing so, NHTSA plans to continue its assessment of vehicle control authority, driver engagement technologies, and related human factors considerations.The attached Detailed Summary further describes NHTSA?s review to date and the basis for upgrade to an EA.
Crash-test ratings
2020 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
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- Rollover
2020 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD NHTSA source
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Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Standard Range Plus | — | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 148 | 132 | 141 |
| Model 3 Standard Range | — | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 138 | 124 | 131 |
| Model 3 Long Range | — | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 136 | 123 | 130 |
| Model 3 Mid Range | — | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 128 | 117 | 123 |
| Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (18in) | — | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 124 | 116 | 121 |
| Model 3 Long Range AWD | — | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 124 | 116 | 121 |
| Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (19in) | — | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 119 | 112 | 116 |
| Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (20in) | — | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 118 | 107 | 113 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
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2020 Tesla Model 3: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Owners filed 435 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Tesla Model 3. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
The most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (18% of complaints) and unknown or other (14%).
How many recalls does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have?
20 recalls have been issued that affect the 2020 Tesla Model 3, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Tesla Model 3 between 113 and 141 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.