CarRecallWatchThe 2017 Tesla Model 3 has 16 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance (10 reports).
2017 Tesla Model 3 recalls
Headlights Too Bright, Can Dazzle Oncoming Drivers
Certain Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have low beam headlights that are brighter than federal limits allow.
Delayed Rearview Camera Image Raises Backover Crash Risk
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles running software version 2026.8.6 may show the rearview camera image late after the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
Tire Pressure Warning May Not Stay On, Hiding Low Tire Pressure
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not stay lit between drive cycles.
Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver
Some Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have a seat belt warning light and chime that do not activate as intended when the driver is unbelted.
Dashboard brake and ABS warning text too small to read easily
The instrument panel on these Tesla vehicles displays the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights in an incorrect font size.
Driver Misuse Risk With Autosteer Driver-Assist Feature
This recall covers vehicles with Autosteer, an SAE Level 2 driver-assistance feature.
Software may let vehicle run intersections or exceed speed limits
Certain Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta software, or with that software pending installation, may act unsafely around intersections.
Rear seat belt may not work properly in a crash
Some vehicles had their second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor incorrectly reassembled during service.
Power Windows May Pinch Occupants and Injure Them
Certain Tesla vehicles may have a power window automatic reversal system that does not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.
External speaker can drown out pedestrian warning sounds
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles from model years 2017 through 2022 have a Boombox feature that can play sounds through the external speaker while the vehicle is moving.
Rearview Camera May Lag When Reversing, Raising Crash Risk
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, and Model X vehicles from 2017 to 2020 may not show the rearview camera image right away when the car starts to reverse.
External speaker can drown out EV pedestrian warning sounds
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles have a Boombox feature that can play sound through an external speaker while the car is moving.
Seat Belt Chime May Not Sound, Raising Injury Risk
Certain Tesla vehicles may not sound the audible seat belt reminder chime when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt.
Vehicles May Roll Through All-Way Stops, Raising Crash Risk
Certain Tesla vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the "rolling stop" function to take the vehicle through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a complete stop.
Rear camera may fail, reducing rear view and crash risk
The rearview camera cable harness can be damaged by repeated opening and closing of the trunk lid.
False Braking Alerts Could Cause Sudden Stops
Some Tesla vehicles from 2017 to 2019 may have a communication error in their forward collision avoidance system.
Most common 2017 Tesla Model 3 problems
Problem areas named in the 27 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 10 |
| Air Bags | 7 |
| Seats | 6 |
| Seat Belts | 6 |
| Lane Departure | 5 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Suspension | 2 |
What owners report
My 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range (RWD) makes a knocking/thumping noise from the front driver-side suspension when turning the steering wheel at very low speed (under 5 mph) while the vehicle is pitched on an incline or decline â for example, entering or exiting a parking lot via its ramp. It does not occur when turning on flat ground. I first noticed the noise in fall 2025, a few months before taking the vehicle to Tesla. Tesla Service ([XXX]) took the car in for this complaint and on XXX replaced the front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links (both sides) and performed an alignment, at a cost of $1,886.78, at 44,486 miles. The noise was unchanged immediately after the repa
Seats Front passenger safety restraint system issue/ Service is required/Service is required
My Tesla repeatedly displayed a âPassenger Safety Restraintâ warning related to the front passenger restraint/airbag system. Tesla Service Center in Los Gatos, California attempted multiple repairs over several visits. The first repair identified a pinched and improperly routed passenger seat harness associated with the restraint system. Tesla stated the issue was repaired and tested. The warning later returned. Tesla then replaced the front right seat harness assembly and lap pretensioner. The warning later returned again. Tesla subsequently proposed and/or performed additional repairs involving the passenger airbag, Occupant Classification System (OCS), occupancy sensor components, and
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint against Tesla, Inc. regarding a software update failure that has disabled legally required vehicle functions on my Tesla for over two years. For more than 26 months, my vehicle has been unable to complete a software update through Tesla's over-the-air (OTA) update system. As a direct result of this failure, my vehicle's display screen does not function for the first several minutes of every drive. This prevents me from accessing my speedometer, turn signals, and other legally required safety features, rendering the vehicle non-compliant with federal and state motor vehicle safety standards during this period. I have made multiple documented at
I received an error about the occupant classification system and a safety restraint fault. These are due to known manufacturing defects. Addressing these concerns was expensive and also required a replacement of the front passenger airbag.
2017 Tesla Model 3 questions
Does the 2017 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model 3: Headlights Too Bright, Can Dazzle Oncoming Drivers; Delayed Rearview Camera Image Raises Backover Crash Risk; Tire Pressure Warning May Not Stay On, Hiding Low Tire Pressure; Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver; Dashboard brake and ABS warning text too small to read easily. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Tesla Model 3?
Based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (10), Air Bags (7), Seats (6).
How do I check if a recall on my 2017 Tesla Model 3 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.