CarRecallWatchThe 2020 Tesla Model 3 has 21 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 453 complaints with NHTSA, including 54 crashes, 2 fires, 33 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance (216 reports).
2020 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.
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.
Curtain airbag may twist and fail to protect in crash
Some Tesla Model 3 vehicles from the 2020, 2021 and 2023 model years may have a left and/or right side curtain airbag that was not properly secured to the roof rail.
Front suspension bolts may loosen, risking crash
Certain Tesla vehicles may have front suspension lateral link fasteners that loosen over time.
Loose Brake Caliper Bolts Can Damage Tires and Raise Crash Risk
Some Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have loose brake caliper bolts.
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 2020 Tesla Model 3 problems
Problem areas named in the 453 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 216 |
| Unknown Or Other | 82 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 69 |
| Steering | 47 |
| Suspension | 46 |
| Service Brakes | 46 |
| Lane Departure | 46 |
| Electrical System | 42 |
| Air Bags | 31 |
| Seats | 23 |
What owners report
I have a 2020 Tesla Model 3 with Full Self Driving (FSD) and am having trouble with "limited visibility" warnings daily on all cameras in direct sunlight since getting the V14 Lite software. I am aware that here is an NTSB investigation, EA26-002, that specifically raised concerns about Tesla's visibility-degradation detection software, including updates to that system. I have a 2020 Tesla Model 3 with old cameras using software for new, better by far, cameras. Tesla also acknowledges in its July 2026 investor materials that FSD v14 Lite transfers behavior developed for AI4 into the camera and computing configuration of AI3/HW3.
VEHICLE INFORMATION Make/Model/Year: Tesla Model 3 (2020) Component: Steering / Autonomous Control (ADAS) INCIDENT SUMMARY While driving on Autopilot/FSD southbound from [XXX], the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded lateral steering excursion (phantom steering actuation) pulling abruptly toward the roadside shoulder. The driver had to immediately apply manual counter-steering torque to override the system and prevent a major collision. This unprompted steering correction caused the passenger side mirror structure to strike a roadside utility pole. KEY SAFETY FACTORS Sudden loss of directional control caused by computer-generated steering inputs rather than driver command or road ob
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 created an immediate risk. Failed component: electronic power-assisted steering (EPAs) rack and steering gear assembly. The failed component was replaced by Tesla and is not available for personal inspection. Safety risk: The sudden loss of steering ability in active traffic pr
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 already had this vehicle brought in for warranty earlier this year, how was this not brought up to me during that time frame? Did the suspension suddenly start tearing after 6 months?
I own a 2020 Tesla Model 3. Over approximately the past 2â3 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 front suspension/lateral-link issues. I understand NHTSA is investigating reports involving front suspension component failures that could potentially affect vehicle control. I contacted Tesla through the Tesla app and requested that the vehicle be inspected because of the suspens
2020 Tesla Model 3 questions
Does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 21 safety recalls for the 2020 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 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Based on 453 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (216), Unknown Or Other (82), Vehicle Speed Control (69).
How do I check if a recall on my 2020 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.