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Model Year Problem Record

Tesla Model 3 2018 - Problems, Recalls, and Investigations

The complete public record for the 2018 Tesla Model 3: what owners reported, which systems drew recalls, and where complaints exist that no recall has ever covered.

1,036Distinct owner complaintsSource: NHTSA Complaints
19Recall campaignsSource: NHTSA Recalls
86Defect investigationsSource: NHTSA Investigations
214Complaints reporting a crash or fireOwner Reports, Unverified

Complaints by System

Distinct complaints naming each system, most reported first. Select a system for its own page.

Did a Recall Cover It?

The join between complaints and recalls for this model year, system by system. A gap does not prove a defect - it means owners reported the problem and no recall campaign covers that system on this model year.

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems379 complaints

379 complaints; 5 recall campaigns cover this system. Campaigns: 21V846000, 22V063000, 22V169000, 22V235000, 24V153000.

Suspension192 complaints

192 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 23V235000.

Unknown Or Other175 complaints

175 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Electrical System169 complaints

169 complaints; 3 recall campaigns cover this system. Campaigns: 22V263000, 23V838000, 24V051000.

Air Bags146 complaints

146 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seat Belts105 complaints

105 complaints; 4 recall campaigns cover this system. Campaigns: 21V389000, 22V045000, 22V798000, 24V376000.

Vehicle Speed Control91 complaints

91 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Brakes90 complaints

90 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Steering83 complaints

83 complaints; 2 recall campaigns cover this system. Campaigns: 22V037000, 23V085000.

Seats74 complaints

74 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Vehicle Structure61 complaints

61 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Visibility61 complaints

61 complaints; 2 recall campaigns cover this system. Campaigns: 21V00D000, 22V702000.

Power Train29 complaints

29 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Wheels25 complaints

25 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Fuel and Propulsion System24 complaints

24 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Lighting16 complaints

16 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 26V507000.

Engine11 complaints

11 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Latches, Locks and Linkages6 complaints

6 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Tires2 complaints

2 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 24V935000.

Equipment2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Recall Campaigns

Every campaign covering this model year, in our own words. The campaign number is the official reference.

21V00D000Reported December 21, 2021 - 356,309 vehicles potentially affected

Visibility. Recall covering the visibility system, reported to NHTSA on December 21, 2021. The campaign covers an estimated 356,309 vehicles across all affected models.

21V389000Reported May 25, 2021 - 5,530 vehicles potentially affected

Seat Belts. Recall covering the seat belts system, reported to NHTSA on May 25, 2021. The campaign covers an estimated 5,530 vehicles across all affected models.

21V846000Reported October 29, 2021 - 11,728 vehicles potentially affected

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems. Recall covering the driver assistance and stability systems system, reported to NHTSA on October 29, 2021. The campaign covers an estimated 11,728 vehicles across all affected models.

22V037000Reported January 27, 2022 - 53,822 vehicles potentially affected

Steering. Recall covering the steering system, reported to NHTSA on January 27, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 53,822 vehicles across all affected models.

22V045000Reported February 1, 2022 - 817,143 vehicles potentially affected

Seat Belts. Recall covering the seat belts system, reported to NHTSA on February 1, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 817,143 vehicles across all affected models.

22V063000Reported February 4, 2022 - 578,607 vehicles potentially affected

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems. Recall covering the driver assistance and stability systems system, reported to NHTSA on February 4, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 578,607 vehicles across all affected models.

22V169000Reported March 18, 2022 - 947 vehicles potentially affected

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems. Recall covering the driver assistance and stability systems system, reported to NHTSA on March 18, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 947 vehicles across all affected models.

22V235000Reported April 12, 2022 - 594,894 vehicles potentially affected

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems. Recall covering the driver assistance and stability systems system, reported to NHTSA on April 12, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 594,894 vehicles across all affected models.

22V263000Reported April 18, 2022 - 48,184 vehicles potentially affected

Electrical System. Recall covering the electrical system system, reported to NHTSA on April 18, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 48,184 vehicles across all affected models.

22V702000Reported September 19, 2022 - 1,096,762 vehicles potentially affected

Visibility. Recall covering the visibility system, reported to NHTSA on September 19, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 1,096,762 vehicles across all affected models.

22V798000Reported October 21, 2022 - 24,064 vehicles potentially affected

Seat Belts. Recall covering the seat belts system, reported to NHTSA on October 21, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 24,064 vehicles across all affected models.

23V085000Reported February 15, 2023 - 362,758 vehicles potentially affected

Steering. Recall covering the steering system, reported to NHTSA on February 15, 2023. The campaign covers an estimated 362,758 vehicles across all affected models.

23V235000Reported March 31, 2023 - 422 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension. Recall covering the suspension system, reported to NHTSA on March 31, 2023. The campaign covers an estimated 422 vehicles across all affected models.

23V838000Reported December 12, 2023 - 2,031,220 vehicles potentially affected

Electrical System. Recall covering the electrical system system, reported to NHTSA on December 12, 2023. The campaign covers an estimated 2,031,220 vehicles across all affected models.

24V051000Reported January 30, 2024 - 2,193,869 vehicles potentially affected

Electrical System. Recall covering the electrical system system, reported to NHTSA on January 30, 2024. The campaign covers an estimated 2,193,869 vehicles across all affected models.

24V153000Reported February 27, 2024 - 6,557 vehicles potentially affected

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems. Recall covering the driver assistance and stability systems system, reported to NHTSA on February 27, 2024. The campaign covers an estimated 6,557 vehicles across all affected models.

24V376000Reported May 28, 2024 - 125,233 vehicles potentially affected

Seat Belts. Recall covering the seat belts system, reported to NHTSA on May 28, 2024. The campaign covers an estimated 125,233 vehicles across all affected models.

24V935000Reported December 17, 2024 - 696,281 vehicles potentially affected

Tires. Recall covering the tires system, reported to NHTSA on December 17, 2024. The campaign covers an estimated 696,281 vehicles across all affected models.

26V507000Reported August 4, 2026 - 20,349 vehicles potentially affected

Lighting. Recall covering the lighting system, reported to NHTSA on August 4, 2026. The campaign covers an estimated 20,349 vehicles across all affected models.

Defect Investigations

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened these investigations touching this model year.

AQ25002Opened August 20, 2025 - Open

Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP20001Opened January 13, 2020 - Closed January 8, 2021

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP22005Opened January 27, 2023 - Closed August 7, 2023

Pedestrian alert sounds. Resulted in recall campaign 22V063000.

DP23001Opened April 7, 2023 - Closed March 18, 2026

Defect Petition Interlock Request. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP23002Opened June 29, 2023 - Open

Sudden Unintended Acceleration. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

EA22002Opened June 8, 2022 - Closed April 25, 2024

Autopilot System Driver Controls. Resulted in recall campaign 23V085.

EA26002Opened March 18, 2026 - Open

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE21020Opened August 13, 2021 - Closed June 8, 2022

Autopilot & First Responder Scenes. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE21023Opened December 21, 2021 - Closed May 26, 2023

Tesla Passenger Play. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE22002Opened February 16, 2022 - Closed June 29, 2026

Unexpected Brake Activation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE24031Opened October 17, 2024 - Closed March 18, 2026

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE24033Opened January 6, 2025 - Closed April 3, 2026

Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE25012Opened October 7, 2025 - Open

Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE26006Opened July 29, 2026 - Open

Lower Lateral Link detachment. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

RQ24009Opened April 25, 2024 - Open

Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

Complaints by Year Received

When this model year's complaints reached NHTSA - whether its problems surfaced early or late in its life.

201830
201963
202064
202171
2022223
2023219
2024186
202585
202695
How to Read These Counts: complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not failure rates. Older and higher-volume vehicles accumulate more reports, and counts are not adjusted for vehicles sold - no per-sales rate or reliability ranking is shown, because the public data does not support one.

Data as of October 30, 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaints, recalls, and investigations files (U.S. Government public domain). DefectRecord is not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. For your specific vehicle, use NHTSA's VIN lookup. Report an error.