Recalls · problems · safety

2020 Tesla Model 3: recalls and problems

21 recalls and 451 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is forward collision avoidance.

21recalls
451complaints
54crashes reported
2fires reported
33injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Forward Collision Avoidance156 · 35%
  • Unknown Or Other81 · 18%
  • Vehicle Speed Control69 · 15%
  • Steering46 · 10%
  • Suspension46 · 10%
  • Service Brakes46 · 10%
  • Electrical System41 · 9%
  • Lane Departure35 · 8%
  • Air Bags27 · 6%
  • Seats22 · 5%

What owners report

Steering

The steering assist reduced alert popped up on the tesla screen. while attempting to turn into a parking garage, a "steering assist reduced" alert suddenly appeared on the tesla screen, and the steering wheel locked up/became extremely heavy and unable to steer left or right. because the steering assist failed in active traffic at the entrance, the vehicle was temporarily stranded, exposing to oncoming traffic and

Suspension

Lower lateral link fronts and front lower compliance link assembly for both right and left. there have apparently been on going issues for the tesla model 3 suspension links. i first started hearing noises from the suspension last month, i was booked for a weekend service and then rescheduled for today. i stopped by for a formal comprehensive inspection and was informed that there is tearing in the suspension. i alre

Suspension

I own a 2020 tesla model 3. over approximately the past 2–3 weeks, the vehicle has developed a noticeable rattle/creaking noise coming from the left-front suspension area. the noise was not previously present and appears to be getting my attention as a potential suspension-related safety issue. i am concerned because my vehicle falls within the model-year range of tesla model 3 vehicles associated with reported fron

Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Air BagsCrash

The contact owned a 2020 tesla model 3. the contact stated that while driving 50 mph in traffic on a sunny day, the vehicle drove over a pothole, and the traction control and abs warning lights illuminated. the brake pedal was checked; however, fifteen minutes later the vehicle crashed into a 26-foot box truck. the contact stated that the box truck left the scene of the crash. the tire skid marks were 100 feet long.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2020 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2020 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Model 3. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.