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2024 Tesla Model 3 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering thorax and latch. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering wheel turn signal button unresponsiveness.” Tesla vehicles have no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no timing belt, and no exhaust system to maintain. The schedule below is the entire factory-recommended service list. Tesla does not require dealer-stamped service intervals to maintain warranty — owners can service most items at home or at any qualified shop.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:THORAX

Campaign #24V284000 · Apr 19, 2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling one 2024 Model 3 vehicle. The driver seat side air bag module was assembled without a deflector that directs gas flow during deployment.

Risk: Without a deflector, the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Tesla service replaced the side air bag, free of charge. The affected vehicle was repaired April 12, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-13-001.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #24V554000 · Jul 24, 2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Campaign #24V935000 · Dec 17, 2024

Issue: 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."

Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V002000 · Jul 1, 2025

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

Campaign #26V445000 · Jul 7, 2026

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y and 2024 Model 3 vehicles. The vehicles were originally built for a foreign market and do not have knee air bags, may not be equipped with certain interior safety countermeasures, and may not have been tested for bumper impact resistance procedures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers, 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact," and Part 581, "Bumper Standards."

Risk: A noncompliant vehicle may have reduced occupant protections, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Tesla will repurchase noncompliant vehicles currently registered in the United States, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 5, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or resolutions@tesla.com. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-004.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2024 Tesla Model 3.

4 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

  • Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements

    Action #AQ25002 · opened Aug 20, 2025

    The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The ma…

    View on NHTSA →

  • FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

    Action #EA26002 · opened Mar 18, 2026

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, w…

    View on NHTSA →

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

    Action #PE25012 · opened Oct 7, 2025

    The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that T…

    View on NHTSA →

  • Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness

    Action #RQ24009 · opened Apr 25, 2024

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Steering wheel turn signal button unresponsiveness

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

89 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2026-08 (200 of 211 total complaints shown)

“This model vehicle does not have traditional turn signal stalks, it has buttons on the steering wheel to engage the left and right turn signals. Intermittently, these buttons become completely unable to be pressed, and as a result you are unable to signal turns to other drivers…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622529
“Since delivery of my new Tesla Model 3, the haptic turn signal buttons intermittently fail to register inputs despite repeated presses. This issue began immediately and occurs without any warning lamps or error messages…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11620132
“When driving vehicle over the past month, vehicle turn signals on the steering wheel fail to respond to commands and feel almost as if the controls are locked out by a steering wheel software fault…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667863

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

FSD / Autopilot uncommanded maneuvers and collisions

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

22 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-08 (200 of 211 total complaints shown)

“Tesla FSD - My son was driving on FSD on state highway, while on FSD, the car suddenly turned left and hit the concrete barrier and spun out of control. All the air-bags were deployed and car front crashed completely…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741100
“While driving with Tesla Autopilot engaged, the vehicle initiated an unexpected and improper right turn at the intersection of [XXX] This maneuver was not indicated in the planned navigation route, nor was it consistent with the legal road markings or signage in the area…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11655731
“On October 17, 2025, while Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was engaged, the vehicle made an abrupt, uncommanded steering input to the right, causing a collision with a tunnel wall…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695128

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Phantom braking during cruise control and TACC

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

18 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-03 (200 of 211 total complaints shown)

“Multiple instances of phantom braking, car will suddenly slam on brakes without any indication of danger or anything to avoid. This has happened at least a dozen times and we are fearful that it will cause an accident…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11650898
“About two weeks ago with driver set cruise control, the phantom braking was so severe that it took me down from 75 to around 15 if I remember correctly. The braking was so severe and at the same time self steered to the edge of the road along the guard rail…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623240

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Horn inaudibility in wet conditions

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

14 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2026-03 (200 of 211 total complaints shown)

“The horn on my 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance becomes severely muted, distorted, or inaudible when the vehicle is wet—especially during rain, which is when a functioning horn is most critical for safety…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659950
“The contact stated that whenever it rained, the horn was filling with water that was entering through the grill, and the horn would not function when needed. The contact stated that when the horn had dried out, the horn worked normally…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11653495

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

FSD speed profile exceeding posted limits

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

10 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-07 (200 of 211 total complaints shown)

“While driving with FSD engaged and set to standard profile, FSD accelerated to 76mph in a 55 zone. This is on software version 14.1.4. Unfortunately this new update no longer allows you to set your speed while using FSD…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699081
“Standard speed profile regularly results in speed up to 73+ in a 55mph zone being selected by the vehicle. Chill mode results in speeds of 58 when traffic is traveling at 65mph…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742280

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag and restraint system faults and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2026-01 (200 of 211 total complaints shown)

“Braman Cadillac sold me this 2024 Tesla Model 3 representing it as "clean/no accidents." In reality, they released a vehicle with a disabled airbag system resulting from a crash that occurred in their inventory…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702355
“Airbags deployed on the passenger side from the seat and upper panels. Front airbags failed on both sides. There was also a delayed airbag deployment from the back of the driver seat that only ripped the seat but never deployed fully…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692742
“Safety restraint warning in car, unsure of actual issue but warning keeps popping up. Presumed that the seatbelts or airbags would not properly work in event of a crash. Dealer/company says it's a known issue, with other cars needing a fix too…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11701498

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward-facing camera internal fogging

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2025-11 (200 of 211 total complaints shown)

“The front camera that is known as Tesla vision consistently stays fogged up. This creates an issue when using auto-pilot that makes the car beep loudly and disengage auto-pilot putting others at risk if the car disengages and the driver is not quick enough to respond…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638547

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Tire Rotation

Every 6,250 mi

Rotate tires every 6,250 miles or when tread depth difference exceeds 2/32". Performance models (Model 3 Performance, Model Y Performance) wear front tires faster — rotate at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Fluid Test

On condition / lifetime

Test brake fluid for moisture every 2 years on Model 3/Y, every 4 years on Model S/X. Replace if moisture content exceeds the test threshold. Regenerative braking dramatically extends fluid life vs ICE vehicles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Tire Pressure Check

Every 1,000 mi (monthly)

Check tire pressure monthly. Tesla's range estimates assume manufacturer-spec pressure; under-inflation costs 5-10% range and accelerates tire wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$15

Shop

~$10

DIY

Free

Free at any gas station. A $10 gauge pays for itself the first time you catch a slow leak.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Wheel Alignment Check

Every 12,500 mi

Check alignment at 12,500 miles or any time tire wear is uneven. Tesla's instant torque amplifies misalignment-driven tire wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$165

Shop

~$115

DIY

Pro only

Needs an alignment rack — not a DIY job. Most shops charge $80–$150 for a four-wheel.

A/C Desiccant Bag

On condition / lifetime

Model 3 / Model Y: replace A/C desiccant bag every 4 years. Model S (2021+) / Model X (2021+): every 6 years. Required to keep heat pump operating efficiently.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$290–$360

Shop

~$205–$255

DIY

Pro only

Refrigerant handling is EPA-regulated — shop-only. Often deferred unless AC performance drops.

Brake Caliper Service (cold climates)

Every 12,500 mi

Owners in cold-climate regions (snow, road salt) should clean and lubricate brake calipers every 12,500 miles or annually. Light brake use from regen lets caliper sliders seize.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$275–$330

Shop

~$195–$235

DIY

~$20–$60

Pin lube + boot inspection. Stuck calipers cause uneven pad wear — worth doing if you DIY the pads anyway.

12V Auxiliary Battery (legacy lead-acid)

On condition / lifetime

Pre-2021 Model 3, pre-2022 Model Y, and earlier Model S/X use a 12V lead-acid auxiliary battery — typical service life 3-4 years. Newer models use a 16V lithium-ion battery rated for the life of the vehicle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

On condition / lifetime

Model 3 / Model Y: replace every 2 years. Model S / Model X: replace every 3 years (HEPA filter, larger). Sooner in dusty climates or wildfire-prone regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

HEPA Filter (Model S / X with Bioweapon Defense Mode)

On condition / lifetime

Model S and Model X equipped with Bioweapon Defense Mode use a HEPA filter — replace every 3 years.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$130–$210

Shop

~$95–$150

DIY

~$35–$90

HEPA-grade replacement; aftermarket is improving but selection is narrower than standard cabin filters.

High-Voltage Battery — No Service

On condition / lifetime

The high-voltage battery is sealed and has no scheduled maintenance. Tesla's 8-year/100,000-150,000-mile battery warranty covers capacity retention to 70%.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

—

Shop

—

DIY

—

Traction battery service varies dramatically by vehicle ($5k–$20k+). Get a quote — we won't pretend to know.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

16 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

25

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 reflects Tesla's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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