Total Complaints
49 filings
TESLA MODEL 3 · model year
49 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 14 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2017TESLAMODEL 3 carries 49 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 MODEL 3 is forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control with 6 filings, followed by seats (5) and seat belts (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 14 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2017 MODEL 3, and 3 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
49 filings
Crashes Reported
3 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 6 |
| SEATS | 5 |
| SEAT BELTS | 5 |
| AIR BAGS | 5 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST | 3 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING | 2 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 2 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 2 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| VISIBILITY | 1 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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 vehicle
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
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 requirem
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. 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 c
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
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.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
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 Vehi
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to compl
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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 co
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
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 st
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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 veh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, 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 veh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. 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 Fede
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.
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.
En primer lugar decir que el VIN utilizado es completamente aleatorio. Esta notificación está dirigida para todos los fabricantes de vehÃculos eléctricos y fabricantes de baterÃas. Actualmente los diferentes medios de comunicación y redes sociales no paran de reportar incendios en las baterÃas de los vehÃculos eléctricos, con el peligro que esto representa para personas y bienes colindantes. Estos incendios están producidos en gran medida por la deformación que sufren las baterÃas a lo largo de su vida útil, con las cargas y descargas de las baterÃas, estas empiezan a hincharse, deformarse hasta que llega a un punto donde las celdas que componen la baterÃa entran en cortocircuito produciendo los incendios ya mencionados. Existe un sistema ya patentado para controlar la deformación de las celdas que componen una baterÃa, una vez que el sistema detecta el hinchado o deformación en las celdas que componen una baterÃa, este puede detener la carga, carga por regeneración
En primer lugar decir que el VIN utilizado es completamente aleatorio. Esta notificación está dirigida para todos los fabricantes de vehÃculos eléctricos y fabricantes de baterÃas. Actualmente los diferentes medios de comunicación y redes sociales no paran de reportar incendios en las baterÃas de los vehÃculos eléctricos, con el peligro que esto representa para personas y bienes colindantes. Estos incendios están producidos en gran medida por la deformación que sufren las baterÃas a lo largo de su vida útil, con las cargas y descargas de las baterÃas, estas empiezan a hincharse, deformarse hasta que llega a un punto donde las celdas que componen la baterÃa entran en cortocircuito produciendo los incendios ya mencionados. Existe un sistema ya patentado para controlar la deformación de las celdas que componen una baterÃa, una vez que el sistema detecta el hinchado o deformación en las celdas que componen una baterÃa, este puede detener la carga, carga por regeneración
Hello. I am following up with the previous safety report I submitted for my vehicle. I just received an updated repair estimate citing the parts that will need replaced (pdf attached). I also confirmed with the service advisor that the functionality of the safety restraint system may be impacted by this issue, however, Tesla still wants to charge drivers $1,300 for this repair.
Hello. I am following up with the previous safety report I submitted for my vehicle. I just received an updated repair estimate citing the parts that will need replaced (pdf attached). I also confirmed with the service advisor that the functionality of the safety restraint system may be impacted by this issue, however, Tesla still wants to charge drivers $1,300 for this repair.
Hello. I am following up with the previous safety report I submitted for my vehicle. I just received an updated repair estimate citing the parts that will need replaced (pdf attached). I also confirmed with the service advisor that the functionality of the safety restraint system may be impacted by this issue, however, Tesla still wants to charge drivers $1,300 for this repair.
There is a warning on my car saying âfront passenger safety restraint system faultâ. The Tesla service center says the fix requires an air bag replacement and to replace the seat sensor. Does this not impact the safety of the passenger? This is the second model 3 Iâve owned that continuously has this fault. I feel like this model should be recalled since it is such a widespread issue. I dealt with this warning light for 2-3 years because Tesla wants to charge >$1,000 for the replacement of these parts. Iâm definitely not the only one. There are plenty of complaints online and most people never get it fixed if the vehicle is out of warranty. On the other hand, some people try to fix the problem themselves which could create a worse problem for the safety restraints system.
There is a warning on my car saying âfront passenger safety restraint system faultâ. The Tesla service center says the fix requires an air bag replacement and to replace the seat sensor. Does this not impact the safety of the passenger? This is the second model 3 Iâve owned that continuously has this fault. I feel like this model should be recalled since it is such a widespread issue. I dealt with this warning light for 2-3 years because Tesla wants to charge >$1,000 for the replacement of these parts. Iâm definitely not the only one. There are plenty of complaints online and most people never get it fixed if the vehicle is out of warranty. On the other hand, some people try to fix the problem themselves which could create a worse problem for the safety restraints system.
There is a warning on my car saying âfront passenger safety restraint system faultâ. The Tesla service center says the fix requires an air bag replacement and to replace the seat sensor. Does this not impact the safety of the passenger? This is the second model 3 Iâve owned that continuously has this fault. I feel like this model should be recalled since it is such a widespread issue. I dealt with this warning light for 2-3 years because Tesla wants to charge >$1,000 for the replacement of these parts. Iâm definitely not the only one. There are plenty of complaints online and most people never get it fixed if the vehicle is out of warranty. On the other hand, some people try to fix the problem themselves which could create a worse problem for the safety restraints system.
I purchased a new 2017 Tesla model 3 in late 2017, drove it 135k miles and suddenly had issues with the battery cooling fan staying on all the time and the interior cooling not working. The Tesla service center found the condenser completely blocked with road debris. This was possible because of a design flaw in the condenser being horizontal and receiving unfiltered air directly scooped from the vent below the grill of the car. This design flaw is present in all model 3 and model Y as I can see but, the amount of debris scooped depends on many factors such as mileage, geography, highway vs local, etc. The result was damage costing $4k to repair and no way of preventing the design flaw from causing another failure in the future.
My car has been having this issue since it was purchased in 2018. An alert appears on the screen which says, "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault/Service is Required." I had the car serviced four times by Tesla under warranty. It has now appeared a fifth time and Tesla says the airbags need to be replaced for over $1,600. The prior repairs included replacing wiring harnesses and occupancy sensor.
My car has been having this issue since it was purchased in 2018. An alert appears on the screen which says, "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault/Service is Required." I had the car serviced four times by Tesla under warranty. It has now appeared a fifth time and Tesla says the airbags need to be replaced for over $1,600. The prior repairs included replacing wiring harnesses and occupancy sensor.
My car has been having this issue since it was purchased in 2018. An alert appears on the screen which says, "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault/Service is Required." I had the car serviced four times by Tesla under warranty. It has now appeared a fifth time and Tesla says the airbags need to be replaced for over $1,600. The prior repairs included replacing wiring harnesses and occupancy sensor.
I had just finished Supercharging my vehicle from 50% to 80% and when I entered the car to drive home two warnings showed up 1. Steering assist was reduced and it might be more difficult to drive; and 2. Lane departure avoidance warning was not working. I did a hard reset twice - (foot on the brake while pressing the two steering wheel 'wheels') and began driving the 10-15 minute home. After an incredibly scary and difficult drive down a circular driveway, and great difficulty turning the wheel to make a right turn in one try, I picked the straightest route to my home - stopping one more time to hard reset. Again nothing! Luckily there was no traffic but I had to make 9 ninety degree turns to get there. I got home - taking 4 tries to maneuver the car into my driveway and garage. I left the car in the garage. Tesla service was closed for the weekend so I arranged for a tow on Monday. The next (Sunday) morning I did another reset and this time the steering assist worked, and
I had just finished Supercharging my vehicle from 50% to 80% and when I entered the car to drive home two warnings showed up 1. Steering assist was reduced and it might be more difficult to drive; and 2. Lane departure avoidance warning was not working. I did a hard reset twice - (foot on the brake while pressing the two steering wheel 'wheels') and began driving the 10-15 minute home. After an incredibly scary and difficult drive down a circular driveway, and great difficulty turning the wheel to make a right turn in one try, I picked the straightest route to my home - stopping one more time to hard reset. Again nothing! Luckily there was no traffic but I had to make 9 ninety degree turns to get there. I got home - taking 4 tries to maneuver the car into my driveway and garage. I left the car in the garage. Tesla service was closed for the weekend so I arranged for a tow on Monday. The next (Sunday) morning I did another reset and this time the steering assist worked, and
I had just finished Supercharging my vehicle from 50% to 80% and when I entered the car to drive home two warnings showed up 1. Steering assist was reduced and it might be more difficult to drive; and 2. Lane departure avoidance warning was not working. I did a hard reset twice - (foot on the brake while pressing the two steering wheel 'wheels') and began driving the 10-15 minute home. After an incredibly scary and difficult drive down a circular driveway, and great difficulty turning the wheel to make a right turn in one try, I picked the straightest route to my home - stopping one more time to hard reset. Again nothing! Luckily there was no traffic but I had to make 9 ninety degree turns to get there. I got home - taking 4 tries to maneuver the car into my driveway and garage. I left the car in the garage. Tesla service was closed for the weekend so I arranged for a tow on Monday. The next (Sunday) morning I did another reset and this time the steering assist worked, and
Within a week of posting a complaint here about phantom braking while in autopilot, my autopilot was disabled. Does the NHTSA share VIN numbers with the manufacturer? Because that sure felt like retaliation by Tesla
Within a week of posting a complaint here about phantom braking while in autopilot, my autopilot was disabled. Does the NHTSA share VIN numbers with the manufacturer? Because that sure felt like retaliation by Tesla
Back windshield spontaneously cracked from the heat.
Emergency egress controls are not readily accessible and clearly identifiable.
Loss of steering control
Loss of steering control
Unexpected Brake Activation
Tesla Passenger Play
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.