Tesla Model 3 Recalls (2021-2026)

What recalls does the Tesla Model 3 have?

• 2021-2023 Tesla Model 3 Headlight Recall (26V507)
  August 4, 2026 · 20,349 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

  The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

  Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge.

• 2026 Tesla Model Y Knee Bolster Recall (26V445)
  July 7, 2026 · 15 vehicles · Air Bags

  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."

  Risk: A noncompliant vehicle may have reduced occupant protections, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will repurchase noncompliant vehicles currently registered in the United States, free of charge.

• 2021-2023 Tesla Model 3 Backup Camera Software Recall (26V283) Repeat recall
  May 4, 2026 · 218,868 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

  Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2025 Tesla Model 3 Fuses Recall (25V690)
  October 10, 2025 · 12,963 vehicles · EV and Hybrid Battery

  The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.

  Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla Service will replace the battery pack contactors, free of charge.

• 2026 Tesla Model 3 Seat Fastener Recall (25V410)
  June 18, 2025 · 48 vehicles · Body, Doors and Seats

  The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.

  Risk: The seat may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  Fix: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge.

• 2023 Tesla Model 3 Steering Power Steering Recall (25V092)
  February 14, 2025 · 376,241 vehicles · Steering

  38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.

  Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2024-2025 Tesla Model 3 Backup Camera Software Recall (25V002)
  January 6, 2025 · 239,382 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  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."

  Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Tire Pressure Monitor Recall (24V935)
  December 17, 2024 · 696,281 vehicles · Suspension, Wheels and Tires

  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."

  Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2021-2024 Tesla Model 3 Electrical Software Recall (24V554) Repeat recall
  July 24, 2024 · 1,849,638 vehicles · Electrical System

  The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

  Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2021-2024 Tesla Model S Warning Light and Devices Recall (24V376)
  May 28, 2024 · 125,233 vehicles · Seat Belts

  In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

  Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update.

• 2024 Tesla Model 3 Air Bag Thorax Recall (24V284)
  April 19, 2024 · 1 vehicles · Air Bags

  The driver seat side air bag module was assembled without a deflector that directs gas flow during deployment.

  Risk: Without a deflector, the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  Fix: Tesla service replaced the side air bag, free of charge.

• 2021 Tesla Model S Pedestrian Alert Sound Recall (24V153) Repeat recall
  February 27, 2024 · 6,557 vehicles · Driver Assistance

  A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

  Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge.

• 2021-2023 Tesla Model S Instrument Cluster Recall (24V051) Repeat recall
  January 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles · Electrical System

  An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

  Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2021-2023 Tesla Model S Driver Monitoring Software Recall (23V838)
  December 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles · Electrical System

  In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

  Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2023 Tesla Model 3 High-Voltage Battery Recall (23V434)
  June 19, 2023 · 26 vehicles · EV and Hybrid Battery

  The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.

  Risk: A defective battery disconnect may not isolate the vehicle's high voltage battery after a crash or fault detection, increasing the risk of electrical shock and injury.

  Fix: Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge.

• 2021-2023 Tesla Model S Automated Recall (23V085) Repeat recall
  February 15, 2023 · 362,758 vehicles · Steering

  Â The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

  Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

• 2023 Tesla Model 3 Taillight Recall (22V844)
  November 15, 2022 · 321,628 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

  One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

  Risk: A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 Seat Belt Anchor Recall (22V798)
  October 21, 2022 · 24,064 vehicles · Seat Belts

  The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.

  Risk: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 Visibility Power Window Recall (22V702)
  September 19, 2022 · 1,096,762 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

  The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

  Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge.

• 2021 Tesla Model 3 Automatic Emergency Braking Recall (22V317)
  May 9, 2022 · 7 vehicles · Driver Assistance

  The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.

  Risk: Swapped camera views can prevent the vehicle's cameras from detecting crossing objects and high-curvature lane lines, impairing the Autosteer and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) performance, and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla Service will correct the swapped terminals and recalibrate the cameras, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Tesla Model S Video Screen Recall (22V296)
  May 3, 2022 · 129,960 vehicles · Electrical System

  The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart.

  Risk: A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will improve CPU temperature management, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 Instrument Cluster Recall (22V263)
  April 18, 2022 · 48,184 vehicles · Electrical System

  The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

  Risk: The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y Electrical Software Recall (22V235) Repeat recall
  April 12, 2022 · 594,894 vehicles · Electrical System

  The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

  Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Tesla Model S Pedestrian Alert Sound Recall (22V063) Repeat recall
  February 4, 2022 · 578,607 vehicles · Driver Assistance

  The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

  Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 Electrical Software Recall (22V050)
  February 2, 2022 · 26,681 vehicles · Electrical System

  A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

  Risk: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Tesla Model S Front Seat Belt Recall (22V045)
  February 1, 2022 · 817,143 vehicles · Seat Belts

  The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

  Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Tesla Model S Automated Recall (22V037)
  January 27, 2022 · 53,822 vehicles · Steering

  The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

  Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge.

• 2021 Tesla Model S Backup Camera Recall (21V846)
  October 29, 2021 · 11,728 vehicles · Driver Assistance

  36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

  Risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

• 2021 Tesla Model Y Suspension Fastener Recall (21V835)
  October 25, 2021 · 2,791 vehicles · Suspension, Wheels and Tires

  The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

  Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge.

• 2021, 2023 Tesla Model 3 Curtain Air Bag Recall (21V834)
  October 25, 2021 · 3 vehicles · Air Bags

  The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

  Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.

  Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge.

• 2021 Tesla Model 3 Brake Fastener Recall (21V387)
  May 25, 2021 · 5,974 vehicles · Brakes

  The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.

  Risk: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge.

Which Model 3 parts are recalled most?

Which Model 3 model years have the most recalls?

How do I check my Model 3 for open recalls?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. The lookup lists every open safety recall on that specific vehicle, so you will see which of the 31 Tesla Model 3 campaigns above apply to you. You can also ask any authorized Tesla dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is on your registration card, your insurance card, and a plate at the lower driver-side corner of the windshield. Brand-new recalls can take a few days to show up, so check again if you received a letter.

What are Model 3 owners reporting?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA since 2020, by model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports, but the components that come up most often show where owners are having trouble.

Excerpts from owner complaints (unverified):

My Tesla has full self driving supervised. When I use this feature, since about three updates ago, my Car has started braking for no reason. It hasn’t happened on a freeway, but, but on secondary roads, it will brake and try to come to a stop.

2021 TESLA Model 3 owner, Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, NHTSA complaint 11634962

While using traffic aware cruise control or autosteer, the car occasionally detects a nonexistent person in the center of the lane I’m driving in, the proceeds to slam on the brakes when no hazard exists.

2021 TESLA Model 3 owner, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, NHTSA complaint 11671878

When the vehicle is set to regenerative braking mode, lifting off the accelerator pedal causes the car to decelerate significantly. However, in many cases, the brake lights do not illuminate during this process.

2022 TESLA Model 3 owner, Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, NHTSA complaint 11660263

Can a recall make your Model 3 a lemon in California?

A recall alone does not make a Tesla Model 3 a lemon. California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act looks at whether a warranty defect substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety and was not fixed within a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

7 of the 31 recalls listed here follow an earlier campaign on the same component, which can mean a first fix did not work. 2 involve the engine, transmission or high-voltage battery, the kinds of repairs that often take several visits or weeks of downtime.

Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the same defect was repaired two or more times when it is likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for any covered defect, or the vehicle was out of service more than 30 days in total (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Written notice to the manufacturer is required in some cases, and owners outside that window can still have a claim. An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

What to keep: every repair order, the recall owner letters, your purchase or lease contract, and a log of dates, mileage and symptoms. Make sure every visit is written up, even when the dealer says it found nothing.

More Tesla Model 3 lemon law pages

All Tesla recalls · 2021 Tesla Model 3 lemon law · 2022 Tesla Model 3 lemon law · 2023 Tesla Model 3 lemon law · 2024 Tesla Model 3 lemon law · 2025 Tesla Model 3 lemon law · 2026 Tesla Model 3 lemon law

Other Tesla models with recalls

• Cybertruck: 11 recalls
• Model 3: 31 recalls
• Model S: 28 recalls
• Model X: 31 recalls
• Model Y: 41 recalls

Frequently asked questions about Tesla Model 3 recalls