32 complaints reported

2020 Tesla Model 3 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
32
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

Issue 1: While using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) at night on a two-lane road with a straight lane and a turn lane, the vehicle crossed the white lane markings and drifted into the adjacent lane. I had to manually intervene to correct many times. This happens regulary at night. I clean the lenses on the cameras but it doesn't reslove the issue. Issue 2: While using Full Self-Driving (Supervised), the vehicle positioned itself in the incorrect lane when entering a roundabout, selecting the wrong entry lane for my intended exit. This happens at day and night about 50% of the time. I report the issue via the Tesla feedback, but they do not fix it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2026
Dec 2025

I recently purchased a 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (VIN [XXX] internal systems and service records show that all recalls for this vehicle have been completed and closed. However, the NHTSA VIN lookup still shows seven open recalls. This is causing a major issue because I am participating in a California clean transportation incentive program (Replace Your Ride), which requires that all recalls be shown as closed specifically on the NHTSA website. Tesla states that the recalls are complete but has not updated the recall status with NHTSA. NHTSA customer service informed me that recall data can only be updated by the manufacturer. I am requesting that NHTSA notify Tesla’s regulatory or safety compliance team so they can update the recall reporting for this VIN. The outdated recall data is preventing my state incentive from being processed and is causing significant financial harm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2025
Aug 2025

While driving south bound on [XXX] in Torrance and intending to go [XXX] , the GPS suggests to take a left turn for the ramp. The left turn is illegal. The ramp is on the right side of the road. With FSD, I have to intervene and take control. This has happened multiple times in last 1 year, since the time the ramp on right side was opened and left side became illegal. GPS data is wrong. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: May 2025
Jul 2025 Crash Injury

Experienced sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) while parking the car. Was pulling into a parking spot at a very slow speed, approx 5 mph and the car accelerated to an extremely high speed on its own without any input from me. Tried to brake to stop the car but the car did not respond or stop or slow down. Due to the SUA event, the car crashed into the side of a building, all air bags in the car were deployed, and the car is a total loss per insurance.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2025
Feb 2025

The Tesla windows have a window sensor in the door. It appears these fail. When they fail, the door does not shut securely. More specifically, it stays paritally ajar. I would like to report this a safety issue. More specifically, it is possible a passenger could fall out when the window does not shut properly. Additionally, it seem to impact the drivablity and safety. This should be considered a recall item.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2025
Nov 2024

I received a software update from Tesla which caused my car to display wanting signals that would beep repeatedly while my car was parked and while driving. The on screen messages stated “Gear Box Fluid Recommended” and “Adaptive Air Suspension Needs Service”. When I reached out to Tesla they told me to not worry about those alerts because a bug in their software update caused the issue and I did not actually require those services. They admitted that they were aware of this bug and that I was not the only customer experiencing this issue. They gave me two options. Either schedule a service appointment or wait until the next software update. I scheduled an appointment because I could not drive my vehicle safely with alerts beeping every second that I was driving. A software update appeared on my screen before my appointment and it seemed to fix the problem for about 24 hours. The next day I woke up to my screen being black and the car not being responsive or displaying any information. This caused a major concern because I could not even tell how fast I was driving. The car is still driveable. I just have no information or access to any functions of the vehicle. So I scheduled another appointment with Tesla. Who determined the entire computer system needed to be replaced. Since my car is out of warranty they want me to pay out of pocket. I do not believe this is a responsibility of mine since the software update is what destroyed my computer. Tesla is responsible for making sure their vehicles are safe to drive and providing us with software updates that make the cars extremely unsafe to drive and then not wanting to be responsible for the repairs is insane. I am not the only customer that this has happened too. This has happened to many people and I think it’s extremely unfair and needs to be looked into.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
Oct 2024

Tesla's latest update pings you when you're sitting at a light and it turns green. It also shows you the green light on its screen rendering of your surroundings. The other day, Tesla incorrectly pinged me that a light was green when it was still red. It also displayed it as green on the screen. This is dangerous not only because it suggests the self-driving mode would have incorrectly registered the light and started forward (I was not in self-driving fortunately), but even without self-driving, drivers become primed to go when the ping happens, so this could lead a driver to run the light.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2024
Oct 2024

Hi there, it seems like a lot of model 3 Tesla owners year 2020 have been hit with a thousand plus dollars repair for the super bottle that controls the HVAC. Some at 37,000 miles. It looks like Tesla knows this is a faulty part they will cause issues. Thus they limit the warranty to 4 years only or 50,000 miles whichever comes first. Most cases was the four year warranty that runs out and the very next month we have issues with the super bottle replacement. It looks like they have now it started making a more sturdy part. So for us with older models we are hit with expensive repairs. If you do not change the super bottle the car drives on very limited speed limits which can be dangerous if you need to make a quick fast maneuver. Basically you're not able to drive the car anywhere but only to your neighborhood grocery store!! Not only that if you do not fix the car quickly it will start damaging surrounding parts costing you even more. I'd like to know if there is a possible recall that Tesla would cover the cost.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2024
Oct 2024

My FSD Beta-equipped Tesla sometimes makes inappropriate lane choices while following the navigation route. After watching a video made by a Beta volunteer driver while testing a similar lane selection issue they had experienced across several FSD Beta firmware releases, I checked a Google Map navigation route that took the same turn onto the same street shown in the video. The path in the Google Map route correlated closely with the erroneous route driven during the test video. The vehicle initially turned into the correct targeted lane. The car was then moved left into the "suicide lane" with a median island in the path directly ahead. Tesla's Level 2 ADAS correctly "changes lane to follow route" and moves the car out of the incorrect center turning lane. I've experienced similar errors at times. This complaint concerns the route that brought the car into the center turn lane after making the left turn correctly. I documented these findings in a video. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2023
Aug 2024

Concern: message appeared on the tesla screen "DIR_a126 Power reduced" Repair solution: Internal seal in battery coolant bottle was faulty and not letting coolant flow properly to rear drive unit. Tesla warranty: states that battery coolant does not need to be replaced for the life of the vehicle.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

A few months ago after an update, my turn signal functionality was completely replaced by AI. This results in me driving either with the blinker engaged when I don’t want it to be, or not engaged when I want it to be. To correct the usually incorrect AI is distracting, and often causes even more incorrect blinker usage. I find this to be dangerous.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

Re: California Highway Patrol Accident Report [XXX] (see doc: [XXX] ). The driver of the Tesla noted that Tesla's FSD Beta version was engaged, and "When (the Tesla) was in the tunnel, (the Tesla) moved from the #2 lane into the #1 lane and started slowing down unaccountably. When (the Tesla) was about 20 miles per hour, he felt a rear impact." In January 2023, I reviewed available Google map data at the approximate GPS location of the accident. (see video: [XXX] ). Multiple conflicting data layers corresponding to that location may have contributed to the accident if the FSD Beta-controlled vehicle referenced the same or similar map data. The ADAS may have read a road closure on the island surface above the tunnel at [XXX] as relating to the lower level of the tunnel, and the lane change and subsequent slowing of the vehicle described by the driver may have been in response to this map data anomaly. In early 2023, I made multiple attempts to recreate the error while driving a Tesla Model 3 with the then-current FSD Beta version engaged. I drove in both directions of the tunnel and observed no abnormal reactions in any lanes of the eastbound tunnel. In one instance on a Sunday at approximately the same time of day and GPS location as the [XXX] accident, while driving in one of the tunnel's upper-level centermost lanes in the westbound direction, an ADAS alarm was triggered, and the system advised that the driver should take over immediately. It did not automatically slow the vehicle or change lanes. I noted that both occurred when GPS Navigation routing information may have been referencing weekend and holiday data versus weekday commute hours data. Previously, I had observed a difference between weekday and weekend navigation routes into San Francisco. A subsequent retest in the westbound direction on a later Sunday at a different time of day did not trigger an alarm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2023
Jul 2024

The ac and window defroster stopped working. I got it fixed and it was because of a loose connector. I added supporting document below. They said it might be because of vibration.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
May 2024

Issue with heater and cooler where it suddenly stops working. Not even fan turns on. It makes the car unsafe to drive and transport a baby. This is a kwon issue

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
Feb 2024

Received safety recall letter from tesla 23v-838. Asked tesla to implement the software update; they told me to do it via WiFi. I do not have WiFi and asked them to do an over the air update. I have not heard back from them. Please compel them to update me to the most recent version of the software to fix the safety recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
Dec 2023

cabin heat not working, vehicle’s defroster is also not work well enough to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards regarding windshield visibility. error message on the vehicle’s user interface saying that heating and air conditioning are limited or unavailable. The blower motor, which sends air into the cabin, will remain operational.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2023
Oct 2023

The main computer failed right after the warranty expires at 51,721 miles. My computer just failed and I have not done a single thing to damage the main computer. I was upgrading to 2023.12.5 and the computer just crapped out. I’ve been driving around with a blacked out screen and no access to backup camera, A/C, and unable to tell my speed, or when the turning signal is on. I tried to explain to the service center that this is not my fault for the computer failing and that they need to take care of the service free of charge. The car is still drivable and I have been fighting with Tesla support and the service center people to get them to understand that I am not liable for their defective equipment. It seems the only way they are willing to take responsibility is after a recall is issued.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: May 2023
Jul 2023

Tesla's Full Self Driving was enabled. The car failed to stop at a stop sign, and was actually accelerating through the stop sign. This was a huge error, and I had to slam on the brakes in order to get the car to stop. It was critical that the car stop, as cross traffic did not have a stop sign (2 way stop intersection) and the speed limit for cross traffic was 45mph. Very dangerous. I have video to confirm this incident. Please contact me if you need access to the video.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: May 2023
Apr 2023

Recall 21V-00D is well over a year old and Tesla has not remedied it in a timely manner.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2021
Apr 2023

I don't think TESLA has dealt with recall 22v-702. TESLA has not notified me of the status of the recall. Please let me know if they have solved the problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Feb 2023

The backup camera on my car (and countless others posted online) sometimes has a 1-2 second delay in starting when in reverse, and often will freeze momentarily while in motion. This problem was introduced when Tesla updated their software some time in 2021, where it was livable but noticeable. Then in a subsequent update, the lag and freezing became extreme and rendered the backup camera useless at times. Then, another software update COMPLETELY FIXED the problem. However, one of the recent updates has reintroduced the issue, albeit not as bad as at its worst, but still a safety risk as unexpected freezing of the rear camera, even momentarily, could cause a potential collision with an object that may appear behind the vehicle. I love the software update model Tesla has. But safety features code needs to be walled off from other functionality so it cannot be impacted by updates.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Sep 2022

The vehicle's side cameras (those near the wheels) have a defect that lets internal light shine through 3 holes in the PCB of the camera. Since the side cameras are mounted in the same assembly as the side blinkers, whenever the blinkers are on (hazards or turn signal), the side cameras become almost unusable either by the driver or, seemingly, by the car's computer to give any blind spot warning. Result: blind spot warning / automatic lane change is not working as expected when in total darkness and turn signal / hazard is on. When asked for a repair under warranty, Tesla refuses, saying that this is not a defect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Jul 2022

Body control module failed. Car locked my wife inside the car when the power for the entire car shut down. Managed to get her out. Car was towed by Tesla to their repair facility in Pensacola FL on 6/22/22. It has been there since with no ETA on repair, they cannot get body control modules to repair the car. This was a previously known defect (see article https://hackaday.com/2021/02/11/tesla-recalls-cars-with-emmc-failures-calls-part-a-wear-item/ ). Tesla staff in Pensacola said they had 6-7 cars at their facility with the same exact issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Jul 2022

Car was stopped at a red light. All of a sudden car speeds up & was out of control despite applying brakes

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022
Jul 2022

I'd like to register a complaint that features and functionality were removed from my vehicle at the request of the NHTSA inappropriately and for without justification. Several features including the ability to play sounds out of external speakers while moving were removed without any real study or analysis provided to justify the action taken. You did not provide any evidence for this change. No proof that it was a safety hazard at all. This is bullshit and I want my feature back. If you think this is an appropriate use of your authority you're a disgrace and a waste of government time and resources.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TESLA MODEL 3, Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022

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Quick Summary

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 has 32 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.