2024 Tesla Model 3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 217 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 9 Model 3 model years with reports.
Of the 2024 reports, 25 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 19 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, bumpersJul 7, 2026
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y and 2024 Model 3 vehicles. The vehicles were originally built for a foreign market and do not have knee air bags, may not be equipped with certain interior safety countermeasures, and may not have been tested for bumper impact resistance procedures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers, 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact," and Part 581, "Bumper Standards."
A noncompliant vehicle may have reduced occupant protections, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Tesla will repurchase noncompliant vehicles currently registered in the United States, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 5, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or resolutions@tesla.com. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-004.
Campaign 26V445000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareJan 7, 2025
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.
Campaign 25V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsDec 17, 2024
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."
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V935000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJul 24, 2024
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.
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V554000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, thoraxApr 19, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling one 2024 Model 3 vehicle. The driver seat side air bag module was assembled without a deflector that directs gas flow during deployment.
Without a deflector, the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Tesla service replaced the side air bag, free of charge. The affected vehicle was repaired April 12, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-13-001.
Campaign 24V284000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2026, crash, fire
Client left the road and the vehicle hit a tree by the roadside. The vehicle caught fire and client was incapacitated and unable to operate the door handle from the inside or unlock the doors. Bystanders attempted to open all four doors from the outside, but they were all locked. Bystanders noted that the handles themselves were functional and believe it was an electrical issue keeping the doors locked. Bystanders broke the windows and attempted to open the doors from the inside, but they were unable to access the emergency door release because the driver door panel was on fire in proximity to the emergency release. Bystanders began mechanically disassembling the door to get him out and he was eventually extracted by the fire rescue team. The inability to open the door delayed our client being extricated from the vehicle and as a result he suffered severe injuries, including the loss of both legs, due to severe burns. The vehicle is currently being held by Copart Miami South and is available for inspection. So far, it has been inspected by the insurance company and our experts. Warning lamps, symptoms, etc.: UNKNOWN. Vehicle is badly damaged, so we are not able to recreate/confirm the problem at this time.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 17, 2026
Tesla’s replacement of physical steering column turn signal stalks with capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel face creates an active safety hazard. First, the capacitive sensors frequently become entirely unresponsive. If a driver rests a finger near the buttons, the system triggers a timeout/lockout, rendering the signals non-functional for several seconds when pressed. They also fail to register inputs under normal pressure or when wearing gloves. Second, because the buttons rotate dynamically with the steering wheel, it is structurally impossible to signal by muscle memory during sharp or sequential maneuvers, like navigating roundabouts. To signal while the wheel is turning or when buttons fail to respond, the driver must repeatedly look away from the road to visually target the wheel. This defective layout causes delayed signaling, severe driver distraction, and elevates the risk of a collision.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Jul 21, 2026, crash
I am writing to report an accident involving my son who was driving Tesla 2024 Model-3 on July 18th 2026 approximately 10:15 AM EST. He was returning home from his volunteering with Emergency medical Service(EMS) when the vehicle's steering wheel suddenly froze. while attempting to maneuver the vehicle to safe location , it collided with a roadside barrier. fortunately , my son was not injured , but the vehicle sustained significant damage, including deployment of airbag and damage to front passenger side. this incident occurred at a speed of approximately 26 MPH
Electrical system, Jun 4, 2026
Rear passenger door electronic release did not work. Technician indicated rear door harness corroded making the door inoperable.
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2026
This car was designed without steering wheel stalks for control of the directionals. In their place it uses push buttons on the steering wheel. It becomes difficult to start the directionals when the steering wheel is turned because the buttons are no longer in a standard position and aren't easily located. This is especially difficult in traffic circles or when making rapid turns where directionals are needed. In addition if your fingers are kept rested on the buttons the system alarms and tells you they have been in place too long and the buttons stop working. I believe Tesla should offer an after market replacement returning to a much safer and standard steering column stalk which is and has been used on almost all cars for at least 75 years.
Electrical system, Mar 25, 2026
The vehicle's horn becomes completely inaudible during heavy rain, particularly during downpours. This is a serious safety concern as the horn is a critical safety device for alerting other drivers and pedestrians. The issue has occurred repeatedly since the vehicle had approximately 7,060 miles on it and continues at the current mileage of 28,617 miles.\n\nThe issue was first reported to the manufacturer's service center on February 20, 2025, at 7,060 miles. The service center documented the concern as the horn not working after rain. A Low Voltage Circuit Integrity Check and miscellaneous labor were performed (Invoice #3000S0012397168). However, the manufacturer's service center stated the horn was \"working as designed\" at the time of inspection and advised the owner to monitor the issue and record video. The problem was not resolved.\n\nThe issue has been reported to the manufacturer's service center on multiple subsequent occasions, but they have been unable to reproduce it because the horn functions normally in dry conditions. The defect only manifests during rain and downpours, making it difficult to demonstrate on demand at a service center.\n\nThis is a significant safety hazard. During heavy rain, when visibility is already reduced and driving conditions are more dangerous, the horn -- which is one of the most basic and essential safety devices on any vehicle -- is rendered completely nonfunctional. The owner feels powerless in dangerous situations when the horn cannot be heard. The horn is required safety equipment under FMVSS 571.108, and a horn that fails during adverse weather conditions represents a serious defect.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2026
Screen is black and no app access. No power to accelerate.
Electrical system, Nov 21, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a potentially dangerous defect in my 2024 Tesla Model 3. Unlike traditional vehicles that use a dedicated horn assembly, this model relies on the external speaker system as its horn. While this may function under normal conditions, during rain or heavy moisture the speaker becomes saturated with water, causing the horn’s output to become extremely quiet and ineffective. This is a serious safety concern. The horn is a primary means of warning surrounding drivers and pedestrians of danger, especially in poor weather conditions, where visibility is already compromised. Ironically, during heavy rain when a horn is most needed it becomes significantly quieter and nearly unusable. I have personally experienced this issue multiple times, and it poses a clear risk to myself and other road users. I believe this design presents a safety defect because: The horn does not function at full volume when wet. The speaker-based horn assembly is exposed to moisture and not adequately protected. Drivers may be unable to alert surrounding traffic during hazardous weather conditions. No warning is provided to the driver that the horn is impaired. I request that the NHTSA investigate whether the use of a speaker-based horn system without adequate waterproofing meets federal motor vehicle safety standards, and whether Tesla should issue a service bulletin, recall, or design modification to restore safe horn functionality regardless of weather conditions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am willing to provide photos, videos, or further documentation if needed.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2025
Tesla suddenly lost power without any warning or a chance to move to safer area. Had to call 911. Incident around 5pm Oct 23rd 2025 at intersection of E Pennsylvania Ave and Wallace Rd, Dowingtown, PA
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Oct 22, 2025, crash
On October 17, 2025, while Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was engaged, the vehicle made an abrupt, uncommanded steering input to the right, causing a collision with a tunnel wall. This crash appears to be the result of a critical vehicle hardware failure. In the 24 hours prior to the crash, the vehicle logged multiple critical steering errors, including EPAS3P_a086_dasMia, which indicates the Electric Power Assisted Steering system was "Missing in Action" and not communicating. Furthermore, the vehicle has logged daily, recurring hardware faults for the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM_a016_hardwareError) since it was purchased. The uncommanded steering action created an extremely dangerous safety condition resulting in a collision. All stability and traction control faults appeared at the exact moment of impact, not before, indicating the steering system failure was the root cause. The problem has been confirmed by the vehicle's own internal diagnostic logs. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Electrical system, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 11, 2025, crash
My Model 3 was T-boned in an intersection, hitting both the front and rear doors, as a result of a vehicle running a red light. The driver that hit us was speeding and didn’t hit brakes. The impact pushed the Tesla almost in a complete 360 on an adjacent street where the driver side of the car jumped a curb and stopped after hitting a pole slightly on the driver side. Red light etc all substantiated by police report. Airbags deployed on the passenger side from the seat and upper panels. Front airbags failed on both sides. There was also a delayed airbag deployment from the back of the driver seat that only ripped the seat but never deployed fully. The smell of fire / burning and debris was all that happened from the driver seat. I requested a crash report from Tesla which outlines the speed and airbag deployment. The report says that knee level airbags deployed but they never did. I crossed referenced crash test speed data and various complaints about Tesla airbags. The data reviewed seems to indicate that I experienced failed equipment which is currently under review. I’ve also reviewed various sources of information about 7 2024 Model 3 driver side airbag known issues, where Tesla only recalled one vehicle. I’ve been told that other recalls for this issue are u see evaluation and to keep checking my vin for details. I share this because serious injuries can be caused by this failure, especially when hit by an SUV. The vehicle was totaled, not drivable and towed from the scene. Please be cautious if you have a 2024 model 3 and demand that Tesla look into the airbag manufacturing issues promptly and issue relative recalls. The collision alert also failed.
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 21, 2025, crash
The contact owned a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on the freeway, the central touchscreen interface displayed a blank screen. The contact mentioned the autopilot engaged independently, causing the vehicle to merge to the left and collide with another vehicle in front of the driver's side. No air bags deployed. The contact stated that she sustained injuries on the left side of her wrist and arms, and a bruise on her right arm near her elbow and upper right thigh swollen on her neck, shoulders, and full back and both hands are swollen. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision garage. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer diagnosed and informed the contact to speak with a lemon law expert. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact stated the vehicle has been in the dealer over nine times. The manufacturer was notified and opened a case, then closed it. The approximate failure mileage was 9,611.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 21, 2025, crash
I was in a drive thru of a fast food restaurant and the car rapidly accelerated on its own and crashed into a wall. The air bags deployed and we were injured. We also narrowly missed hitting a pedestrian. The car hasn’t been inspected by anyone yet, however it is available if someone wants to inspect it.
Steering, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Jun 18, 2025
When driving vehicle over the past month, vehicle turn signals on the steering wheel fail to respond to commands and feel almost as if the controls are locked out by a steering wheel software fault. Upon further inspection, checking service mode, found the SCCM service alert to correlate with the exact moment of turn signal unpressability directly. No debris or liquid has ever entered the area, and this issue has gotten so bad that it happens 3-4 times over a 45min drive I cannot activate the turn signals at all when the failure occurs. There is no alternative way to activate them. The steering wheel is the only way to activate the turn signals and the fault does not permit me to use either turn signal when attempting to change lanes on the highway. Tesla reports that it's a normal software bug and to "deal with it" because there's nothing they can do to fix it. This is directly indicative of a known defective part, and this is a safety-critical defect where a recall must be issued to resolve. Numerous units are impacted through research of same failures. I cant use my turn signals when attempting to change lanes, and Tesla does not want to fix/refuses to address this issue. Even through a phone call from Paul from the service center in Orchard Lake, MI, reported that the condition is a "known defect with INTERAL DOCUMENTS" that confirm it, but he cannot share the doc with me, and "that the idea the issue of getting pulled over for not being able to use your turn signal is an imaginative concern." This, is inaccurate, as the inability to actuate turn signals is a safety-critical failure. the service center replaced my steering when and SCCM module, however the issue persisted after the visit, and the service manager of the West Bloomfield, MI service center called me 12 hours before my appointment to deter me from dropping the vehicle off, and then told me this would be a customer pay diagnostic for a warrantable safety failure.
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the vehicle lost electrical power and the main computer screen was black. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn left or right, and the brake pedal was soft while depressing the brake pedal. The contact was able to coast to a stop. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but was unable. The contact was able to get the main computer screen back online. The contact stated that the computer had several unknown warning lights displayed and a timer was activated and counted down and the vehicle shut off. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was blown fuse, and that the vehicle went into "Fail Safe Mode” and shut down all systems. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Electrical system, May 9, 2025
The horn on my 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance becomes severely muted, distorted, or inaudible when the vehicle is wet—especially during rain, which is when a functioning horn is most critical for safety. The horn sound in this vehicle is emitted through an external speaker (used for pedestrian alerts), not a traditional mechanical horn. This speaker is exposed to the elements and appears to degrade in sound quality and volume when wet. This presents a serious safety risk in conditions where visibility is already compromised, and the horn may be needed to avoid a collision. The issue resolves once the speaker dries out, but it is highly repeatable and affects the horn’s ability to fulfill its basic safety function. I believe this design may violate the intent of FMVSS 108 by failing to ensure a consistent and reliable horn sound in common real-world driving conditions. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this design and require Tesla to implement a more reliable solution, especially considering the horn’s essential role in preventing accidents.
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that whenever it rained, the horn was filling with water that was entering through the grill, and the horn would not function when needed. The contact stated that when the horn had dried out, the horn worked normally. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that water was leaking through the grill and causing the horn to malfunction. The dealer determined that the horn system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,500.
Vehicle speed control, Electrical system, Mar 12, 2025
See attached document for complaint
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system, Feb 21, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Feb 20, 2025
Turn signals on steering wheel don’t work sometimes. They also get stuck causing no signal to turn on.
Vehicle speed control, Electrical system, Feb 17, 2025
This is the 3rd or 4th time I have observed sudden unexpected acceleration when at a full stop at a light while using FSD Supervised (v13.2.7 just updated). It first happened 2 or 3 times on FSD v13.2.6 when mine was the lead car at stop lights. This time I was at a stop light but obviously not the lead car. The truck in front of me was blocking view of the traffic lights. Each time, I have hit the brakes immediately, so I don't know if the vehicle would stop on its own during these situations, but I have no issues with it safely braking at any other time. Other than this intermittent glitch, FSD has been flawless on the HW4 next generation computer, which may lead to driver complacency not expecting this. I am reporting for awareness & hopefully correction. I have MP4 video files of the incident, but I cannot upload them here.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2025
Turn signal capacitive buttons are incredibly hazardous for safe driving. They are failing to register inputs for me regularly as resting your finger on one as is natural in a normal driving position, locks the signal out for a period of time. I had to look down trying to work out why the signal button was not registering my intent to change lanes on a freeway causing significant distraction at a critical time. Manufacturer refuses to do anything as they say it is just normal for the vehicle.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2025
This vehicle has push button turn signals that have replaced traditional steering wheel stalks. These can be difficult and dangerous to use as the steering wheel is being turned especially when you are trying to signal direction in the now numerous round-abouts that are installed in Florida and around the nation. They are also dangerous to operate during night time driving. I believe Tesla should recall these vehicles and install steering wheel stalks similar to their older model cars and which have been in use on all the vehicles I have operated in the past 60 years. It is not a matter of just getting used to their operation. It is a bad design.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2025
Specifically when in somewhat cool and cold temperatures the Front Drive Unit is emitting abnormal high pitched sound that is intermittent at times and that is causing a distraction while driving and is very bothersome. Tesla acknowledged they hear it but nothing is being done about. Front Drive Unit should be replaced.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2025
Touch activated car signal buttons often cease to work or allow input preventing safe and legally required signaling to show intended path of car to pedestrians and other vehicles. Tesla say it’s normal behavior and won’t repair.