Worst 2020 Tesla Model 3 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
Unintended Acceleration
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2020 Tesla Model 3.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 103 | 3 | — | 17,176 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 80 | 9 | — | 11,935 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 65 | 15 | 2 | 2,605 mi | |
| Brakes | 45 | 6 | 1 | 6,908 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 43 | 6 | 1 | 10,380 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 35 | 6 | — | 16,432 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 34 | 3 | 1 | 6,503 mi | |
| Airbags | 29 | 9 | — | 25,773 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 24 | 5 | — | 5,008 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 22 | — | — | 19,000 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 22 | — | — | 4,508 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 21 | 3 | — | 8,500 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 18 | 2 | — | 989 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 12 | — | — | 2,002 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 9 | 2 | — | 8,500 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 8 | 1 | — | 33,571 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | 2 | — | 15,000 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | 1 | — | 15,900 mi | |
| Fuel System | 6 | 3 | — | 5,600 mi | |
| Visibility | 6 | 1 | — | 29,872 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Driver | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Tesla Model 3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2020 Tesla Model 3
20 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~9,012,676 vehicles.
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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. 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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. 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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. 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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. 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.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. 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.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. 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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. 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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. 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."
+ 10 more recalls
Other Tesla Model 3 Years
2020 Tesla Model 3 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
How safe is the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Tesla Model 3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2020 Tesla Model 3
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