2020 Tesla Model 3 Problems & Owner Complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance 155 11 crash

“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:…”
NHTSA complaint #11709397, 2026 · crash

“In a private parking lot, within line of sight and ample time to respond to problem I used Tesla Smart Summon. Instead of taking an obvious route through the parking lot, it narrowly hit a parked car, then proceeded to drive over a parking barrier and into a wooded field towards me and a crowded food truck area. I was unable to cancel the feature in time to stop the car from the collision as it accelerated too fast and without any initial signs of an issue. Even after canceling through the app, the car tried to continue for a brief period. If anyone was in the area or we were closer we could h…”
NHTSA complaint #11634598, 2024 · crash

“I was driving on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey in the right hand lane. I was using basic auto pilot and needed to pass a pick up truck in front of me. I disabled auto pilot and went into the left lane. I re-engaged auto pilot and the vehicle took a hard right and hit the truck. I heard the audible chime once it made contact with the truck indicating that auto pilot disengaged. My car went back into the left lane and I took control. We moved to the shoulder and waited for state police to arrive. Luckily no one was injured. A police report was filed.”
NHTSA complaint #11547462, 2023 · crash

Unknown Or Other 81 12 crash 5 injury 1 death

“The contact's husband owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. According to a police report, while traveling at 70 MPH, the vehicle veered across three lanes of traffic and hit a light pole. The contact was wearing a seatbelt and the air bags deployed upon impact. The paramedics arrived at the scene; her husband was intubated and taken to the hospital. Her husband was pronounced brain dead due to injuries suffered in the accident and passed away two weeks later. According to the police report, witnesses stated that no effort was made by her husband to avoid or slow down prior to the collision. The contact…”
NHTSA complaint #11473666, 2021 · crash · 1 death(s)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11674516, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Car did not react to uncoming car and accident happened. Car was totaled. RECALL NO. 23V-838 involved as the car didn’t have the right safety controls and caused collision”
NHTSA complaint #11572492, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 69 18 crash 2 fire 10 injury 1 death

“my son-in-law went straight off country road and into a tree car burnt to ground was burnt to death date was [XXX] sheriff Spokane county investigating teal front suspension repaired 1 month before at local Tesla shop Spokane wa INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6”
NHTSA complaint #11533202, 2023 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while pulling into the driveway and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, accelerated unintendedly, broke through the garage door, and crashed into the vehicle parked inside the garage. The other vehicle moved away and damaged the garage. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact shifted into reverse (R), pulled out of the driveway and shifted into drive (D). The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that he hit the curb to stop the…”
NHTSA complaint #11529563, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact stated that while idling and waiting to pick up the elementary school kids in their vehicle, a 2020 Tesla Model 3 suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the rear of the contact's vehicle and trailer. During the incident, the contact sustained a lower back injury and the driver of the Tesla Model 3 suffered a chest injury. A police report was taken at the scene. No further information was available. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11430258, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 47 8 crash 1 fire 5 injury

“The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while pulling into the driveway and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, accelerated unintendedly, broke through the garage door, and crashed into the vehicle parked inside the garage. The other vehicle moved away and damaged the garage. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact shifted into reverse (R), pulled out of the driveway and shifted into drive (D). The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that he hit the curb to stop the…”
NHTSA complaint #11529563, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 displaye…”
NHTSA complaint #11750430, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 contac…”
NHTSA complaint #11693937, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Steering 45 7 crash 1 fire 4 injury 1 death

“my son-in-law went straight off country road and into a tree car burnt to ground was burnt to death date was [XXX] sheriff Spokane county investigating teal front suspension repaired 1 month before at local Tesla shop Spokane wa INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6”
NHTSA complaint #11533202, 2023 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“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 displaye…”
NHTSA complaint #11750430, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Braking and Stopping - Braking system - Improperly functioning braking systems. I experienced a problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, and/or any component of a Model 3 braking system. “Model 3 has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking when you apply maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control during heavy braking in most road conditions…Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking do not operate when driving at very low speeds (see Collision Avoidance Assist on page 128). Do not rely on these features to warn you, or to prevent…”
NHTSA complaint #11577318, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 43 3 crash 1 fire 1 injury 1 death

“my son-in-law went straight off country road and into a tree car burnt to ground was burnt to death date was [XXX] sheriff Spokane county investigating teal front suspension repaired 1 month before at local Tesla shop Spokane wa INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6”
NHTSA complaint #11533202, 2023 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“Driving home at 60mph when the right front wheel fell off the vehicle causing damages to the whole right side on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11419387, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“HERE IS A TERDSLA IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38998703?ROWNUMBER=0 THE FRONT WHEEL AND SUSPENSION HAVE SNAPPED OFF. BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND THE UPPER STEERING KNUCKLE BALL JOINT HAVE SIMPLY POPPED APART. IT IS COMPLETELY IMPOSSIBLE FOR THIS TO BE THE RESULT OF CRASH DAMAGE.. THE WHEEL AND TIRE ARE UNDAMAGED. TESLA BALL JOINTS ARE A LOAD OF OLD BALLS. GOOD HEAVENS TO BETSY WHY WON'T YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? YOURS IN DISGUST. KEEF”
NHTSA complaint #11395456, 2020 · crash

Electrical System 40 7 crash 7 injury 1 death

“The contact's husband owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. According to a police report, while traveling at 70 MPH, the vehicle veered across three lanes of traffic and hit a light pole. The contact was wearing a seatbelt and the air bags deployed upon impact. The paramedics arrived at the scene; her husband was intubated and taken to the hospital. Her husband was pronounced brain dead due to injuries suffered in the accident and passed away two weeks later. According to the police report, witnesses stated that no effort was made by her husband to avoid or slow down prior to the collision. The contact…”
NHTSA complaint #11473666, 2021 · crash · 1 death(s)

“The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving on the right side of the road at 35-45 MPH, on autopilot mode with a passenger in the front passenger seat, the vehicle drove off the road independently and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's face hit the steering wheel. The contact sustained a black eye with laceration, bruised ribs, head, neck and back pain, sprained left ankle, bruises on her thigh, may have sustained nerve damage on the right side of the face that hit the steering wheel and s…”
NHTSA complaint #11449119, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Braking and Stopping - Braking system - Improperly functioning braking systems. I experienced a problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, and/or any component of a Model 3 braking system. “Model 3 has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking when you apply maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control during heavy braking in most road conditions…Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking do not operate when driving at very low speeds (see Collision Avoidance Assist on page 128). Do not rely on these features to warn you, or to prevent…”
NHTSA complaint #11577318, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Lane Departure 35 3 crash 2 injury

“Car did not react to uncoming car and accident happened. Car was totaled. RECALL NO. 23V-838 involved as the car didn’t have the right safety controls and caused collision”
NHTSA complaint #11572492, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11748025, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“I was driving on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey in the right hand lane. I was using basic auto pilot and needed to pass a pick up truck in front of me. I disabled auto pilot and went into the left lane. I re-engaged auto pilot and the vehicle took a hard right and hit the truck. I heard the audible chime once it made contact with the truck indicating that auto pilot disengaged. My car went back into the left lane and I took control. We moved to the shoulder and waited for state police to arrive. Luckily no one was injured. A police report was filed.”
NHTSA complaint #11547462, 2023 · crash

Air Bags 29 9 crash 9 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving on the right side of the road at 35-45 MPH, on autopilot mode with a passenger in the front passenger seat, the vehicle drove off the road independently and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's face hit the steering wheel. The contact sustained a black eye with laceration, bruised ribs, head, neck and back pain, sprained left ankle, bruises on her thigh, may have sustained nerve damage on the right side of the face that hit the steering wheel and s…”
NHTSA complaint #11449119, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“1 DAY AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF MY MODEL 3, I WAS T-BONED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN BY A DRIVER WHO BEAT THE RED LIGHT DUE TO BEING DISTRACTED ON HER PHONE. I BLACKED OUT AS SOON AS I HEARD A BANG AND WOKE UP AFTER I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. AS I LOOKED AROUND THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I DID MY RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT NO AIRBAGS WILL BE DEPLOYED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AREA IF NO ONE IS ON THE SEAT, WHICH I UNDERSTAND. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHY DID NO AIRBAGS DEPLOY ON MY SIDE. THE CAR MIGHT NOW BE CONSIDERED TOTALED DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT. I A…”
NHTSA complaint #11320208, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11705237, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Seats 23 2 injury

“Back and buttocks area suffered electrical burns and pain from Tesla Seat Heaters (in heated seats) twice 1. Happened in 2024 on temperature level 3 2 Although I turned it down it happened again in 2025 on temperature level 2”
NHTSA complaint #11640654, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)

“I was burned on back and buttocks by Tesla car seat warmer”
NHTSA complaint #11585634, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 an…”
NHTSA complaint #11732996, 2026

Visibility/Wiper 22

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11722273, 2026

“I am reporting a spontaneous windshield crack that developed on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance under normal operating conditions. After exiting a routine drive-through car wash in Las Vegas on a hot day, I noticed a hairline crack in the windshield. It originates from the very bottom edge within the black ceramic frit area, curves upward, and spans across the glass. There are no impact points, chips, or pits of any kind. I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service, where the Service Manager visually confirmed it is a stress crack not caused by external damage. Despite this, they stated that Te…”
NHTSA complaint #11668723, 2025

“A crack appeared on the interior of the windshield, with no marks of any exterior impact and no external crack or other mark on either surface of the windshield. The crack originated directly from the windshield positioned camera/rear view mirror.”
NHTSA complaint #11580472, 2024

Seat Belts 19

“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 an…”
NHTSA complaint #11732996, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11707511, 2025

“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11686748, 2025

Structure 18 2 crash 2 injury

“While turning into a parking spot in a covered parking garage the car seemed to speed up and lurch. It hit the cement wall and pushed the car back with such force the air bags deployed. Thank God it was just a wall. The car is now at the repair garage and have not heard back regarding how much damage and if the car is going to be "totaled". When I mentioned this at a party we were at, a friend of mine said she had the same problem. There were no collision warnings. It happened in a split second. The parking garage was at my Doctors office so I was able to have my wrist x-ryed right then. No se…”
NHTSA complaint #11438921, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The door handles on the chrome version of the Tesla Model 3 begin to delaminate after several years of use. They delaminate along the door handle seam which creates an extremely sharp edge that can cut fingers. I've had the rear handle on my own model 3 rear door cut my kids finger when they tried to get into the back seat. Because the car is technically out of warranty Tesla will not cover repair without significant cost. There is no warning sign or notification other than when you reach to pull the handle and the sharp chrome edge cuts you, the one door with this issue now has the handle par…”
NHTSA complaint #11583196, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

“My Tesla Model 3 was involved in a 'fender bender' almost 9 months ago. It took 3 months just to get an appointment at a "Tesla Certified Collision Center" in my town (and I live in a fairly major city - Portland, Oregon). After the vehicle went to the shop it has now been there for OVER 5 MONTHS! This is a result of parts being incorrectly sent from Tesla, parts being unavailable from Tesla, parts being mislabeled and/or 'hidden' in their Ordering system and so many other unbelievable problems that Tesla has had. I have now been without the vehicle for over 5 months and still waiting on some…”
NHTSA complaint #11563954, 2023 · crash

Back Over Prevention 14 3 crash

“The contact's granddaughter owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while her granddaughter was reversing, the rearview camera failed to turn on, causing the rear end of the vehicle to crash into a cement post. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla-certified autobody mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visi…”
NHTSA complaint #11462762, 2021 · crash

“I WAS PARKING AT A TRADER JOE'S WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BY ITSELF WITHOUT GIVING ME ANY CHANCE TO BREAK TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH THE CURB. MY CAR GOT SCRATCHED UNDERNEATH.”
NHTSA complaint #11416389, 2021 · crash

“I BOUGHT A TESLA MODEL 3 ON 9/19/20. ON 9/23/20 I WAS WAITING IN MY CAR IN A LINE OF CARS AT A FAST FOOD DELIVERY WINDOW, STOPPED 8-10 FT BEHIND A LARGE VEHICLE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS WELL AS IN THE PARK MODE BECAUSE OF THE SLOW SERVICE AHEAD. AFTER A WHILE I REALIZED THAT MY TESLA HAD STARTED MOVING SLOWLY TOWARDS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. PUMPING THE BRAKE, TRYING TO CHANGE THE GEAR TO REVERSE DID NOT STOP THE CAR. THE SCREEN DATA DISAPPEARED AND A MESSAGE FLASHED SAYING THAT ALL SAFETY FEATURES WERE OFF. I OPENED THE DOOR WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO STOP THE CAR. IT DID NOT EVEN AFTER I GOT OUT…”
NHTSA complaint #11373812, 2020 · crash

Exterior Lighting 14

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11746953, 2026

“Suspension is grinding. I had it replaced once at Tesla and it began grinding again in less than 18 months. I took it to Tesla and was informed the lower control arm failed and the price had more than doubled from the prior replacement. No warning lights have come on regarding this issue. The original replacement was 3/7/2024. I noticed the grinding between 12-18 months later. Also, the rear brake light gets condensation in it somehow. I had noticed this about 1 year ago.”
NHTSA complaint #11754235, 2025

“I am writing this claim to report a headlight assembly passenger side has failed at 22,000 miles in a Tesla model three 2020 year”
NHTSA complaint #11621520, 2024

Power Train 8 2 crash 2 injury

“On August 2, 2023 at 0400, the Tesla M3 was charging in the garage using a home charger. Smoke indicative of an electrical fire likely originated from the vehicle and eventually triggered a smoke alarm in the kitchen. The driver was unaware the source of the smoke was the Tesla, disconnected the Tesla and moved it out of the house to protect the vehicleb assuming a fire was in the house, and called firefighters who searched the home without success for a source of the fire. The driver now believes the Tesla was the source as the garage access door was cracked open to feed the charging cable fr…”
NHTSA complaint #11536830, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“We had Model 3 with instance of unintended acceleration at the gate of a parking lot. This car was bought in May 2020. On December 6, 2020, she was on the way out of the parking gate and suddenly the car accelerated, hitting the side wall of the gate. The car flew over a two-way street, resulting in a compound fracture of her right hip requiring internal fixation and transfusion. The vehicle was inspected by the police. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11560002, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. While driving on the freeway, the car displayed a “Power Limited - OK to Drive” message, followed by “Power Reduced,” and then automatically limited my speed to 60 mph. This happened unexpectedly on a busy freeway, nearly causing an accident with a car behind me. The message advised that “exiting and re-entering the vehicle may restore operations.” I took the freeway exit and exited the car, re-entered, and resumed driving, but the error returned, reducing my speed further to 58 mph, and at…”
NHTSA complaint #11622202, 2024

Wheels 7 1 crash 1 injury

“Driving home at 60mph when the right front wheel fell off the vehicle causing damages to the whole right side on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11419387, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11730669, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11692513, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 6 3 crash 1 injury

“We had Model 3 with instance of unintended acceleration at the gate of a parking lot. This car was bought in May 2020. On December 6, 2020, she was on the way out of the parking gate and suddenly the car accelerated, hitting the side wall of the gate. The car flew over a two-way street, resulting in a compound fracture of her right hip requiring internal fixation and transfusion. The vehicle was inspected by the police. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11560002, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AT A DRIVE THRU FAST FOOD TAPPED THE PEDDLE AND THE CAR LAUNCHED AND HIT A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME”
NHTSA complaint #11387215, 2020 · crash

“I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A FULL STOP OUT OF THE PARKING LOT INTO THE FARTHEST LEFT LANE INTENDING TO TURN LEFT. THERE WERE A LINE OF CARS AHEAD OF ME. AS I WAS TURNING INTO THE LANE AND LET MY FOOT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. IT HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE TOOK OVER ON IT'S OWN. THE CAR HIT THE VEHICLE ONCE AND THEN CONTINUED MOVING AND IT THE VEHICLE AGAIN - SO TWICE IN ALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11324541, 2020 · crash

Visibility 6 1 crash

“The contact's granddaughter owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while her granddaughter was reversing, the rearview camera failed to turn on, causing the rear end of the vehicle to crash into a cement post. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla-certified autobody mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visi…”
NHTSA complaint #11462762, 2021 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11705132, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11518278, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 5

“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 easil…”
NHTSA complaint #11678986, 2025

“I am writing to report a repeated and potentially dangerous defect in my 2020 Tesla Model 3. On four separate occasions, the front trunk (frunk) latch has opened on its own, without any input from me. This has occurred while parked in my garage and poses a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds where the hood could flip up and obstruct the driver’s view. I am aware that Tesla has issued recalls for this exact problem involving the frunk latch mechanism on certain Model 3 vehicles. However, I have been told by Tesla that my VIN is not included in the recall, despite my car exhibitin…”
NHTSA complaint #11662321, 2025

“There is no manual door opener from the rear seats. In case of a power loss doors would not open. Only way the rear passengers can get out is climb to the front seats and get out through front doors. This is a serious situation in case of accident when power loss can happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11534800, 2023

Engine 2

“The Tesla is reflecting an error “DIR_a126” that is reducing the speed below the speed limit and with no rhyme or reason. Tesla services are not available and the problem is intermittent. Additionally, based on research it is found to not have consistent resolutions and reasonings”
NHTSA complaint #11599829, 2024

“I got a "power reduced dir_a126" error code that limited my speed to 55 mph. This is dangerous on the highway as 55 mph is significantly under 70 mph and cars were almost rear ending me.”
NHTSA complaint #11517983, 2023

Tires 1

“On October 29, 2022 the Michelin tire on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 that had 16,000 miles on it, suffered catastrophic tread loss while traveling at 70 miles per hour on California Route 110. The tire was the original equipment tire supplied with this vehicle when my lease began in January, 2021. The DOT number on the tire was B9 EL 04 EX 0419 and the tire size was 235/45R18 98W. The tread did not wear out, the tread delaminated from the tire and was lost on the side of California Route 110.”
NHTSA complaint #11501569, 2022