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Tesla Model 3 problems, repairs and warranty value

Review possible repair costs and submitted NHTSA records for the Tesla Model 3. Compare documented symptoms and manufacturer repair guidance, then choose your model year for its available records and repair estimates.

10model-year profiles
4,359submitted complaints
36unique vehicle recall campaigns
ElectricEPA powertrain choices
Animated diagnostic illustration for the Tesla Model 3

Model records

What changes the warranty calculation

The Tesla Model 3 records contain 4,359 submitted complaints across 10 matched model years. The median is 439.5 reports per matched year. NHTSA source snapshot: 2026-10-18.

The 2018 record contains 1,031 complaint reports, the highest raw count among matched years here; other years may tie. Vehicle sales and time on the road differ, so this comparison does not establish a failure rate.

EV traction battery replacement has the highest arithmetic midpoint for parts in the applicable planning estimates, at $16,000 before labor. Confirm the configuration and remaining factory coverage before using this broad estimate to compare a service contract.

139 recall/model-year entries. A campaign can cover several years; the unique campaign count removes that repetition. Missing model-name matches remain unavailable.

Problem research and repair guidance

Tesla Model 3: symptoms, affected vehicles and documented fixes

Match the symptom and the exact vehicle scope before arranging work. The imported catalogue is an editorial index of source documents, not an independent safety authority. Recall text is checked against NHTSA; each record links to the evidence that supports its scope and remedy.

5documented issue files
4vehicle systems

5 recall files · 0 other manufacturer files. These are editorial file counts, not distinct campaign totals, failure rates or a complete recall history.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Official safety recall2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023Campaign 24V051000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: recall 24V051000

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.

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."

Condition in the official record

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."

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: MODEL 3. Model years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.
  • NHTSA campaign 24V051000
  • The complete campaign lists 2,193,869 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Published recall 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.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: 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.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

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.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

Safety recall with harness retrofit2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK: recall 21V00D000

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

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.

Condition in the official record

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.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: MODEL 3. Model years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.
  • NHTSA campaign 21V00D000
  • The complete campaign lists 356,309 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Recall 21V-00D covers the identified 2017 to 2020 harness design and does not publish a mileage threshold.

Component in the source: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

Published recall 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.

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

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

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.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Official safety recall2021, 2022, 2023, 2024Campaign 24V554000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH: recall 24V554000

An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Condition in the official record

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: MODEL 3. Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
  • NHTSA campaign 24V554000
  • The complete campaign lists 1,849,638 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Published recall remedy

Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

SEATS

Official safety recall2026Campaign 25V410000

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: recall 25V410000

The seat may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

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

Condition in the official record

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

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: MODEL 3. Model years: 2026.
  • NHTSA campaign 25V410000
  • The complete campaign lists 48 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Published recall remedy

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

Consequence in the NHTSA record: The seat may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

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

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

TIRES

Official safety recall2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025Campaign 24V935000

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS: recall 24V935000

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

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."

Condition in the official record

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."

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: MODEL 3. Model years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
  • NHTSA campaign 24V935000
  • The complete campaign lists 696,281 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Published recall 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.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

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.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

Confirm who pays before authorizing work

A recall remedy follows the campaign and VIN eligibility. A service bulletin provides diagnosis or repair instructions; it does not by itself promise payment. Manufacturer warranty extensions and support programs have their own conditions.

Compare recalls, bulletins and warranty extensions →

Keep a current problem separate from future coverage

These files do not supply a shop quote. Ask for a diagnosis and written estimate, then check recall remedies or existing coverage. A new vehicle service contract generally excludes pre-existing conditions.

Prepare a useful description for the mechanic →

Each file retains its original source review date. Historical remedy wording can change; check the current manufacturer notice and NHTSA VIN lookup for your vehicle. The separately dated NHTSA counts elsewhere on this page use a different dataset and scope.

Read the evidence for this vehicle

What can the data tell you about Tesla Model 3?

No model-specific individual-repair price keys are retained for Tesla Model 3 in this library. Generic parts and labor estimates, public records and separate annual cost references may still be available.

Individual-repair price scopeGeneric inputs

Model-level range presence is a source-coverage check. It does not confirm that a repair fits every engine or model year.

EPA configuration match42 source rows

The mapped years for this model can include different equipment. Use the VIN and original specifications to identify the actual configuration.

Documented repair pathsCheck the source

Recall and communication counts describe records. They cannot establish a breakdown probability or current VIN status.

Price-key audit reviewed October 18, 2026; EPA source snapshot 2026-08-07. Individual-repair ranges and annual repair-budget references are different datasets.

Campaign-reference audit

One campaign can create many entries

1,200 selected recall files resolve to 780 distinct campaign IDs after compact references are normalized and checked against official NHTSA records. Files and campaigns are different counting units.

1200 selected recall files; normalized references checked against official NHTSA records

See the analysis, charts and method →

EPA configuration facts

Engines and drivetrains sold under this model name

FuelEconomy.gov lists 42 matched Tesla Model 3 configurations across the model years shown here. Trim, engine and drive layout can change which repairs belong in a warranty comparison.

Vehicle classMidsize car
Fuel choicesElectric
Drive layoutsAll-wheel drive and Rear-wheel drive
Engine rangeNo combustion engine
EPA efficiency range109 to 142 MPGe; 220 to 363 miles electric range
Transmission typesAutomatic

These are ranges across EPA configurations, not the specification of every trim. The VIN and original window sticker settle the exact equipment. Source: FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data, dataset updated 2026-08-07.

Possible repair costs

Major repairs for this powertrain

These estimates use parts benchmarks and modeled independent-shop labor rates for 50-metro reference, so you can compare models using the same labor assumptions.

RepairEstimated range
EV traction battery replacement$8,270 to $29,375
EV drive unit replacement$3,952 to $17,281
EV onboard charger replacement$1,635 to $8,187
EV thermal management repair$1,008 to $6,187
Strut and control arm repair$1,053 to $4,545
Infotainment display or head unit replacement$722 to $4,467
Compare a warranty quote with repair costsAll Tesla models