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
217 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2025, crash
While using Tesla’s Auto Park feature, the vehicle struck an obstacle without detecting it before or after impact. The system failed to log a collision event in its detection systems, giving no warning and providing no reasonable opportunity for driver intervention. Data retrieved directly from Tesla confirms that forward/side collision sensors did not activate, “Near Deploy” collision detectors remained inactive, and although a “Crash Algorithm Wake-Up” was triggered, the vehicle did not brake or attempt avoidance. This represents a potential systemic defect in Tesla’s Auto Park detection logic and/or related hardware that could result in collisions without driver awareness or system logging — a safety risk for any Tesla driver using Auto Park.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 12, 2025
I am filing an urgent complaint regarding multiple incidents involving my 2024 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) that caused major safety risks, personal property loss, and serious disruption to my life. [XXX] – While in a left-turn lane with Autopilot engaged, the car attempted to go straight. When I took over, the system malfunctioned severely. (Photo evidence available) [XXX] – Remote support failed; car towed to Tesla Upland Service Center. June 27, 2025 – Issued loaner vehicle. July 1, 2025 – Tesla claimed I must pay for repairs. I requested a written evaluation report, but to date it has not been provided. July 20, 2025 – Without consent, Tesla remotely locked my vehicle with my personal belongings inside, violating my property rights. Aug 1, 2025 – Tesla promised review and report but refused to unlock my car. Aug 12, 2025 – After 10+ days, still no report. Upland “options” included threats that my locked car in my garage could be deemed stolen, causing severe mental distress. Demands: 1.Full investigation into Autopilot failure and handling delays. 2.Immediate delivery of written evaluation report. 3.Accountability for delays, threats, and property rights violations. 4.Compensation for all losses and disruptions caused. Contact: [XXX] I request a written response within 24 hours. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Jul 22, 2025, crash
The contact owned a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph and making a right turn, due to a blind spot, another vehicle driving at full speed almost crashed into the contact. The contact quickly steered the vehicle away, avoiding a collision with the other vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The contact ultimately crashed into a nearby light post. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The light post had fallen to the ground. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a local Tesla dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed with a cause for failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,571.
Power train, Jul 19, 2025
The rear motor became completely disabled while driving. The rear motor suddenly made noise and locked up when I was driving about 10 mph. I received a red alert on my screen saying to pull over now and another alert saying the car is shutting off. The car suddenly stopped on its own before I could do anything. I then got a yellow warning message saying that the rear motor is disabled. I was luckily driving slowly in a parking lot when this occurred but if it happened on a public road, things could have gone much worse. I contacted Tesla support when it occurred but I cancelled the support request because the alerts went away once I exited the car. The vehicle drives normally but not sure if it will happen suddenly again.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2025
Newer Tesla Model 3s (2024+ Hihgland) removed the physical turn signal and drive shift stalks. This creates serious safety concerns: 1. Inconsistent or Difficult/Impossible Signaling: In certain turning maneuvers, especially while driving with a sharp wheel angle, such as on curves, roundabouts, or a turn immediately following another, it becomes physically difficult or impossible to reach and activate the appropriate touch signal. This failure to clearly signal intentions to other drivers increases the likelihood of collisions and endangers both the driver and others on the road. 2. More Frequent Signaling Errors: The touch buttons for left and right turn signals are placed side-by-side, with no tactile distinction. This can lead to frequent accidental activation of the wrong signal, especially in high-pressure or fast-response situations. Misleading or absent signals confuse surrounding drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of sideswipes, intersection crashes, or pedestrian strikes. 3. Delayed or Failed Emergency Shifting: The removal of a physical gear shift stalk in favor of an on-screen interface causes dangerous delays when quick, instinctive gear changes are needed, such as switching from Drive to Reverse to avoid a crash or recover vehicle control. Because there is no tactile control, blind muscle-memory responses are difficult or impossible, and looking away from the road to the display may be necessary, increasing the likelihood of a collision in time-critical situations where every second counts. Tesla has since reintroduced turn signal stalks in the updated Model Y (Juniper), and older Model 3s had them, proving this is a design choice, not a limitation. These changes reduce the ability to safely operate the vehicle under pressure and should be reviewed for compliance with safety standards.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2025
When driving in the rain or in wet conditions, the car’s horn cannot be heard at all. It is extremely muffled and can pose a serious hazard to the drivers if they cannot be heard.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2025
The horn is extremely quiet especially after driving in puddles or in the rain. The horn being a speaker on the front of the vehicle causes it to become clogged and practically muted when used in the rain or after driving through water. The speaker horn is extremely quiet and unsafe.
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.
Steering, Apr 30, 2025
I have continuous issues with my steering wheel with the turn signals failing to work. Because the buttons aren't physical buttons, more times than not, they are failing for me to be able to use the turn signal. This causes a major safety concern. I have mentioned it with a service ticket with Tesla, but they state there is no fix for this as of today.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 21, 2025, crash
Vehicle: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Date of Incident: [Insert Date] Location: Intersection of [XXX] Operating Mode: Tesla Autopilot (Engaged) On the above date, while driving with Tesla Autopilot engaged, the vehicle initiated an unexpected and improper right turn at the intersection of [XXX] This maneuver was not indicated in the planned navigation route, nor was it consistent with the legal road markings or signage in the area. The vehicle turned into a clearly marked “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” zone, without any driver input or confirmation. I attempted to intervene, but the turn happened abruptly and could not be safely overridden in time. This resulted in a collision, vehicle damage, and physical trauma to both occupants — including nausea and vomiting in my wife immediately after impact. Dashcam footage from the right repeater camera confirms the presence of multiple “Do Not Enter” signs visible at the point of the turn. We have requested the Tesla Event Data Recorder (EDR) logs to confirm that Autopilot was active and that steering input came from the system, not the driver. I am reporting this as a serious safety concern related to Tesla’s Autopilot system and its decision-making at intersections. If this had occurred in a busier traffic environment, the result could have been far worse. This type of navigational or perception failure should be investigated immediately. Both occupants are seeking medical treatment and continuing to deal with the emotional and physical aftereffects of this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Back over prevention, Apr 8, 2025
Lost all cameras including rear view camera. Tesla diagnosed that I need to replace AP4 computer. This seems exactly like the case of 25V002000 with circuit board failure. But my VIN was not included in this recall, which seems to indicate that Tesla does not have complete understanding of the scope of this failure.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 26, 2025
Multiple instances of phantom braking, car will suddenly slam on brakes without any indication of danger or anything to avoid. This has happened at least a dozen times and we are fearful that it will cause an accident. Vehicle will also alert lane departure and attempt to automatically adjust, turn to another lane while in the appropriate lane. Multiple incidents, at least 30 in 6 months of ownership. No collisions as of yet, concerned there could be.
Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2025
TURN SIGNAL BUTTONS JAMS OCCASIONALLY. VERY DIFFICULT TO REPRODUCE DUE TO THE INFREQUENT NATURE OF THIS ISSUE, BUT IT HAPPENS ABOUT TWICE A WEEK IN DAILY DRIVING. SEVERAL OWNERS OF THIS MODEL VEHICLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE ON THE FORUMS. DEALER/MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE OTHER THAN TO SAY THEY KNOW THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE. IN SEVERAL INSTANCES, THE TURN SIGNAL BUTTON JAMS AT VERY CRITICAL TURNS ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH CREATED A SAFETY HAZZARD. I HAVE SEVERAL VIDEO CLIPS OF THIS OCCURRENCE.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 22, 2025
While driving from Costco in Fountain Valley to Best Buy in Costa Mesa, I was using FSD for the entire route. Everything was running smoothly until we approached [XXX] near [XXX] (Costa Mesa, CA). At that point, the FSD system incorrectly directed the vehicle to enter a freeway off-ramp, effectively driving into an [XXX] exit ramp in the wrong direction. This created a highly dangerous situation, as the ramp was intended for vehicles exiting the freeway, not entering. Fortunately, I was able to take over control of the vehicle and prevent a potential accident, but this was a very close call. Incident Details •Date: [XXX] •Time: Between [XXX] •Location: [XXX] (Costa Mesa, CA) •Route: Costco Fountain Valley → Best Buy Costa Mesa •Navigation Mode: Full Self-Driving (Beta) enabled throughout •Conditions: Daylight, dry roads, moderate traffic What Happened •FSD turned the car onto a road segment that functions as a freeway exit. •The vehicle entered the lane facing oncoming traffic exiting from [XXX]. •I immediately disengaged FSD and took manual control to correct the situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2025
Tesla cars use loudspeaker that mimics the car horn when used. In rainy conditions this speaker becomes very muted and the horn is barely heard even when right next to the vehicle. When reaching out to Tesla they say this is a normal occurrence and the will sound normal again once the speaker dries out. This shouldn’t be normalized and poses safety concerns in rainy conditions.
Vehicle speed control, Electrical system, Mar 12, 2025
See attached document for complaint
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 6, 2025
Phantom braking occurred three times with this vehicle, all three times, the car abruptly stopped while driving for no reason: 10/30/2024 at 8:03am 2/10/25 at 7:47am 3/6/25 at 5:55pm
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Mar 5, 2025
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. This issue impacts: emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep/centering, assisting with parking, automatic high beams and wipers, cruise control/ adaptive cruise control, Vehicles built in GPS to be stuck at one location every time, has made my touchscreen not automatically brighten or dim, my auto dimming mirrors be too dim in most driving conditions, constantly fail to install system improvements and safety updates, and because my vehicle keeps trying to do this, it has caused increased battery drain as well. This has increased the safety risk of my vehicle tremendously... Tesla has not seemed to publicly acknowledge the issue yet either.
Steering, Suspension, Feb 27, 2025
Complaint: I took delivery of my new Tesla Model 3 on [XXX], and noticed it pulls hard to the right from day one. The steering shakes constantly, feels unstable, and loses traction—sliding sideways and lurching above 40 mph. It’s dangerous on highways; I’ve nearly lost control multiple times. Service wait times delayed my first visit over a month. Service History: Tesla Service, Dedham, MA, three visits: [XXX]: Techs confirmed pulling, performed alignment—issue unchanged. [XXX]: Pulling replicated, alignment redone—no fix. [XXX]: Supervisor test-drove, claimed no issues, said “normal operation,” and refused further action. Third-Party Input: On [XXX], Electrified Garage (Amesbury, MA), a Tesla/EV specialist, replicated the pulling, shaking, and instability. They suspect a suspension or steering defect (e.g., rack/control arm) and urged Tesla review, citing warranty coverage and parts limits. They called it a safety risk. Current State: The car’s unusable—shaking intensifies above 40 mph, slides unpredictably, and steering resists. I’ve stopped highway driving after near-misses. Tesla’s “normal” ignores this danger. Available for inspection on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.