2024 Tesla Model 3 problems & reliability

Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.

Most reported problems

Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.

Common symptoms owners describe

Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.

Complaints by incident year

What owners report

• “Both front tires on my 2024 tesla model 3 performance developed structural bulges on the inboard sidewall at under 19,000 miles. The tires are the original equipment pirelli p zero 235/35r20 delivered with the vehicle on 12/07/2024. On 08/05/2026 at 18,951 miles, tesla service in doral, florida inspected and…”

  Wheels · filed Sep 3, 2026

• “Client left the road and the vehicle hit a tree by the roadside. The vehicle caught fire and client was incapacitated and unable to operate the door handle from the inside or unlock the doors. Bystanders attempted to open all four doors from the outside, but they were all locked. Bystanders noted that the handles…”

  Unknown / Other · filed Sep 1, 2026

• “On XXX at approximately 12:56 PM Pacific on [XXX], my 2024 Tesla Model 3 VIN [XXX] was operating in Full Self-Driving (Supervised). The system detected oncoming traffic, stopped, then reversed to yield and backed into a parked 2015 Ford Transit van that had an occupant inside. I am the registered owner. [XXX] was the…”

  Forward Collision Avoidance · filed Aug 27, 2026

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Federal defect investigations

• FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

  Engineering Analysis EA26002 · opened Mar 18, 2026 · open

• Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged

  Preliminary Evaluation PE25012 · opened Oct 7, 2025 · open

• Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements

  Audit Query AQ25002 · opened Aug 20, 2025 · open

• Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.

  Preliminary Evaluation PE24033 · opened Jan 6, 2025 · closed Apr 3, 2026

• FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

  Preliminary Evaluation PE24031 · opened Oct 17, 2024 · closed Mar 18, 2026

• Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness

  Recall Query RQ24009 · opened Apr 25, 2024 · open

• Unexpected Brake Activation

  Preliminary Evaluation PE22002 · opened Feb 16, 2022 · closed Jun 29, 2026

Technical service bulletins

58 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2024 Tesla Model 3. The 10 most recent:

• On some vehicles, degraded or excessive glue under the front seat cushion(s) may cause creaking noises during cornering or when pressing on the seat cushion(s). Upon customer complaint, inspect the vehicle for symptoms…

  SB-26-13-005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 4, 2026

• On some vehicles, insufficient lubricant at the front seat recliner tube ends may cause creaking noises during weight shifting when the seat is occupied. Upon customer complaint, inspect the vehicle for symptoms related…

  SB-26-13-006 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 29, 2026

• A firmware diagnosis feature is being introduced on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that monitors wheel alignment over time. This feature detects changes in wheel alignment that may be related to incorrect tire pressures…

  SB-25-31-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 24, 2025

• Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles were manufactured with High Voltage (HV) batteries containing cell modules that do not meet Tesla’s internal quality standards, potentially resulting in a reduction of range.

  SB-25-16-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 20, 2025

• On some Model 3 vehicles, the RH front Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) might have been misrouted, which may cause damage to the WSS harness.

  SB-24-33-006 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 6, 2024

• On some Model 3 vehicles, the RH front Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) might have been misrouted, which may cause damage to the WSS harness.

  SB-24-33-006 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 31, 2024

• Some Performance Model 3 vehicles might experience minor oil loss through the Rear Drive Unit (RDU) breather during high lateral acceleration cornering maneuvers.

  SB-24-40-008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 15, 2024

• On some 2024+ Model 3 vehicles built at Fremont, a rattling noise may be noticed from the driver and/or front passenger instrument panel air vent while the face-level air vents are directed to straight ahead air flow.

  SB-24-14-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 11, 2024

• Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle…

  fsd-12-5-4-1_s3xy.pdf · Over The Air · issued Sep 30, 2024

• Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle…

  fsd-12-5-4_s3xy.pdf · Over The Air · issued Sep 30, 2024

TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.

Safety recalls

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.