NHTSA lists 19 safety recalls and 1,040 owner complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model 3. It has 4 open investigations that name this model year, not counting audit queries.
Recalled components: electrical system, seat belts, forward collision avoidance, backover prevention and rearview camera, and 5 more. Most-described problem: suspension part problems (102 complaints, 10%). Most-reported area: forward collision avoidance (204 complaints, 20%).
Fewer complaints than a typical Model 3 year
The 2018 drew 157 owner complaints in its first three years, against about 284 for a typical Model 3 year. It is not picked as a best year: it is next to a partial model year with few sold.
Years to avoid: 2022. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoid
19 safety recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Fails federal standard 105 · 2,193,869 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-003.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
2,031,220 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-23-00-008.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
Fails federal standard 101 (controls and displays) · 48,184 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-008.
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Fails federal standard 141 (pedestrian alert sound) · 594,894 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-003.
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Fails federal standard 141 (pedestrian alert sound) · 578,607 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-003.
Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 817,143 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Seat belts: front. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-002.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
53,822 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-001.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.
356,309 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: sensing system, camera; Electrical system: wiring, rear compartment/trunk; Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices, interior. Tesla campaign SB-21-17-008.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 125,233 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-008.
Risk: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
24,064 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-20-004.
Risk: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
5,530 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Seat belts; Seat belts: critical fasteners. Tesla campaign SB-21-20-001.
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
Fails federal standard 141 (pedestrian alert sound) · 6,557 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-006.
Risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Fix: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
11,728 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 947 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-004.
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Fix: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Fails federal standard 108 (lighting) · 20,349 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-17-003.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
362,758 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-23-00-001.
Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Fix: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-835.
422 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Suspension: critical fasteners; Suspension: front. Tesla campaign SB-23-31-001.
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
Fails federal standard 138 (tire pressure monitoring) · 696,281 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-018.
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Fails federal standard 118 (power windows) · 1,096,762 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-013.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 10 investigations that name the 2018 Tesla Model 3, not counting audit queries; 4 are still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Lower lateral link detachment
Preliminary evaluation PE26006Open since Jul 29, 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 156 complaints alleging a suspension failure in model year (MY) 2018-2020 Model 3 and MY 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Suspension (front, control arm, lower arm).
FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Engineering analysis EA26002Open since Mar 18, 2026
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Preliminary evaluation PE25012Open since Oct 7, 2025
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… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS, driver monitoring, software).
Unexpected brake activation
Preliminary evaluation PE22002Closed Jun 29, 2026 (opened Feb 16, 2022)
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… NHTSA's full summary
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts
Preliminary evaluation PE24033Closed Apr 3, 2026 (opened Jan 6, 2025)
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS, autonomous/self driving).
FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Preliminary evaluation PE24031Closed Mar 18, 2026 (opened Oct 17, 2024)
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… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
Autopilot system driver controls
Engineering analysis EA22002Closed Apr 25, 2024 (opened Jun 8, 2022)
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… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recalls 23V-085 and 23V-838, listed above.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system.
Tesla passenger play
Preliminary evaluation PE21023Closed May 26, 2023 (opened Dec 21, 2021)
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-vehiclegame-play…NHTSA's full summary
Preliminary evaluation PE21020Closed Jun 8, 2022 (opened Aug 13, 2021)
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… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. A recall query is a review of whether a recall covered the right vehicles or whether its fix works. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
Defect petitions: requests for an investigation
NHTSA has 1 open defect petition that names the 2018 Tesla Model 3. A defect petition is a request from the public for an investigation, which NHTSA reviews before deciding whether to open one. The petition itself is not an investigation.
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… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Speed control.
What owners report
Owners have filed 1,040 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Model 3. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Suspension parts (struts, ball joints, control arms)102 · 10%
Median 27,800 miles at failure, from 28 reports with mileage
Most named: adaptive cruise control (132); automatic emergency braking (117)
Suspension194 · 19%
Median 20,000 miles at failure, from 57 reports with mileage
Electrical system168 · 16%
Most named: adas, autonomous/self driving (4) · Median 26,200 miles at failure, from 42 reports with mileage
Air bags144 · 14%
Most named: sensor, occupant classification (3) · Median 19,500 miles at failure, from 20 reports with mileage
Seat belts105 · 10%
Speed control92 · 9%
Median 10,000 miles at failure, from 33 reports with mileage
Brakes88 · 8%
Unknown or other175 · 17%
Median 14,300 miles at failure, from 35 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Tesla Model 3 recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2018 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2022 Model 3 drew the most (666) and the 2018 drew 157.
Owner complaints
2018: 1,040 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Tesla Model 3
Model year
Complaints
2017
27
2018
1,040
2019
624
2020
455
2021
675
2022
774
2023
430
2024
224
2025
127
2026
31
Safety recalls
2018: 19 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Tesla Model 3
Model year
Recalls
2017
16
2018
19
2019
22
2020
21
2021
22
2022
18
2023
12
2024
5
2025
3
2026
1
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 1,040 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, the problems described most are suspension part problems (102), phantom braking or false collision alerts (62), and backup camera problems (34). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 open investigations that name the 2018 Tesla Model 3, not counting audit queries: lower lateral link detachment (PE26006, opened Jul 29, 2026), FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions (EA26002, opened Mar 18, 2026), traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged (PE25012, opened Oct 7, 2025), and 1 more. It has closed 6 others. An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect. NHTSA is also reviewing 1 defect petition that names it: sudden unintended acceleration (DP23002, opened Jun 29, 2023). A petition asks NHTSA to open an investigation and is not one itself.
How do I check if my Model 3 has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Tesla fixes safety recalls for free, often with an over-the-air software update.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: MODEL 3.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.