CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Tesla Model 3 has 19 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,036 complaints with NHTSA, including 103 crashes, 4 fires, 44 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance (289 reports).
2018 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.
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.
Muted pedestrian alert sounds can raise crash risk
A factory reset can mute the Pedestrian Warning System sounds on certain Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model X vehicles.
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.
Front Suspension Bolts May Loosen, Risking Crash
Certain front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen over time.
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.
Speed unit may not display in Track Mode, raising crash risk
Certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles may fail to show the speed unit (mph or km/h) on the speedometer while in Track Mode.
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.
Front seat belt fasteners may be loose, raising injury risk
Some Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have one or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the B-pillar improperly attached.
Most common 2018 Tesla Model 3 problems
Problem areas named in the 1,036 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 289 |
| Suspension | 192 |
| Unknown Or Other | 175 |
| Electrical System | 169 |
| Air Bags | 146 |
| Seat Belts | 105 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 91 |
| Service Brakes | 88 |
| Steering | 83 |
| Seats | 74 |
What owners report
Following Tesla's over-the-air deployment of FSD 14.1 Lite, the HW3 Autopilot computer in my 2018 Tesla Model 3 failed. FSD / Autopilot worked normally before the update and stopped working immediately afterward. Tesla Service diagnosed the vehicle XXX and verified the alerts APP_W207, APP_W462, APS_W182, APS_W188 and APS_W185. The technician attempted hard and soft resets and a firmware reinstall, and verified power and ground to the car computer. All attempts failed. The technician's notes state the secondary autopilot processor is no longer communicating and "a new car computer is needed." The failure has disabled Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure
I drove over a bump in the road and all of a sudden the car started making a very loud clunky noise in the front suspension. I was close to home so I turned around and drove it back home for inspection. I found the lower control arm on the suspension is completely disconnected because the bolt is backed out of the joint. The steering had occasionally made some creak sounds in the past but it never felt loose. Seeing the lower control arm disconnected could have severely limited the steering of the vehicle thus this seems like a serious safety issue. I have scheduled an appointment for repair with Tesla Service.
The front left and right lower link assemblies suffered premature structural failure and required immediate replacement at 74,068 miles due to a loss of steering stability. The repair was completed at a Tesla Service Center out-of-pocket for a total cost of $1,564.04
While driving, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own and began operating without my control. Despite my attempts to steer away from surrounding traffic, the vehicle continued to selfâpropel, crossed the median, and entered oncoming lanes, resulting in a headâon collision with another car.
This is to serve as a registered complaint in conjunction with the premature component failure and degradation of front lower lateral links and suspension parts under NHTSA investigation PE26006. In August 2026 while operating my 2018 Tesla Model 3 while driving at all speeds experienced a failure of the front suspension system. There was an intense creaking/groaning/clunking noises from the front wheels and/or front suspension that we felt extremely uncomfortable operating the vehicle fearing for the safety of the passengers. Upon taking the vehicle to the Tesla Service Center, technicians diagnosed the vehicle with severely degraded and failing front lower arms, compliance links, and con
2018 Tesla Model 3 questions
Does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 19 safety recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3: Headlights Too Bright, Can Dazzle Oncoming Drivers; Tire Pressure Warning May Not Stay On, Hiding Low Tire Pressure; Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver; Muted pedestrian alert sounds can raise crash risk; 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 2018 Tesla Model 3?
Based on 1,036 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (289), Suspension (192), Unknown Or Other (175).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 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.