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2017 Tesla Model 3

Verified August 31, 2026Sources: NHTSA · EPA · vPIC

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Safety
not rated
Recalls
15
on record
MPG
combined

Heavily recalled

15 safety recalls on record. Confirm with the seller that every campaign has been completed.

Vehicle Summary

2017 Tesla Model 3

15 recalls
26 complaints

Before You Buy

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Read the 1 complaint reporting a crash
Review the 26 owner complaints on record
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Safety record at a glance

Recall campaigns
15
Owner complaints
26
Complaints citing a crash
1

These are raw counts from NHTSA records. They are not normalized by how many of these vehicles are on the road, so a model that sold in large numbers will tend to show more of everything. We do not publish a composite safety or reliability score.

15 Recalls on Record

These recalls have been issued by the manufacturer. Contact any authorized dealer to verify they have been completed — repairs are free.

Enter your VIN to check if specific recalls apply to your vehicle.

Safety recalls

15 NHTSA campaigns affecting this model year.

  • 22V037000high

    Electrical issue

    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 coming to a stop.

    Consequence

    Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

    Full campaign record
  • 22V045000high

    Electrical issue

    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 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence

    The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V00D000high

    Electrical issue

    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.

    Consequence

    A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V846000high

    Forward collision avoidance · sensing system · camera

    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.

    Consequence

    Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

    Full campaign record
  • 22V063000high

    Electrical issue

    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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Consequence

    Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

    Full campaign record
  • 22V169000high

    Rear-visibility system issue

    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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence

    A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.

    Full campaign record
  • 22V235000high

    Electrical issue

    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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Consequence

    Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

    Full campaign record
  • 22V702000high

    Visibility issue

    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 Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

    Consequence

    A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

    Full campaign record
  • 22V798000high

    Safety restraint issue

    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.

    Consequence

    An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.

    Full campaign record
  • 23V085000high

    Steering issue

    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 straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

    Consequence

    FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

    Full campaign record
  • 23V838000high

    Electrical issue

    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 of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

    Consequence

    In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

    Full campaign record
  • 24V051000high

    Electrical issue

    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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Consequence

    Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

    Full campaign record
  • 24V376000high

    Lighting issue

    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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence

    A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

    Full campaign record
  • 24V935000high

    Tire/wheel issue

    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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

    Consequence

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

    Remedy

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 26V283000high

    Backup camera software issue

    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence

    A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

    Full campaign record

NHTSA crash-test ratings

NHTSA holds no crash-test rating for this model year.

Not every model year is tested. A missing rating is not a poor rating.

Fuel economy & emissions

The EPA holds no fuel-economy record for this model year.

The EPA does not publish a record for every model year.

Consumer complaints

26 owner reports filed with NHTSA.

26
Total
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries

Most reported components

  • AIR BAGS7
  • OTHER5
  • VISIBILITY3
  • ADAS3
  • BRAKES3

Notable Issues

26 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA. 1 report involves injuries. 1 report involves a crash.

Most reported problems

airbag concerns (warning light, deployment issues)7
miscellaneous issues5
visibility issues (wipers, defrost, mirrors)3

Safety timeline

Every dated recall and NHTSA investigation for the 2017 Tesla Model 3, newest first.

  1. Recall

    Recall 26V283000

    A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  2. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE24033

    Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.

  3. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP23001

    Defect Petition Interlock Request

  4. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation EA26002

    FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

  5. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE24031

    FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

  6. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation PE25012

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

  7. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation AQ25002

    Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements

  8. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation PE24033

    Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.

  9. Recall

    Recall 24V935000

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

  10. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation PE24031

    FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

  11. Recall

    Recall 24V376000

    A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

  12. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation EA22002

    Autopilot System Driver Controls

  13. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation RQ24009

    Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness

  14. Recall

    Recall 24V051000

    Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

  15. Recall

    Recall 23V838000

    In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

  16. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP22005

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  17. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP23002

    Sudden Unintended Acceleration

  18. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE21023

    Tesla Passenger Play

  19. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP23001

    Defect Petition Interlock Request

  20. Recall

    Recall 23V085000

    FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

  21. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP22005

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  22. Recall

    Recall 22V798000

    An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  23. Recall

    Recall 22V702000

    A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

  24. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation EA22002

    Autopilot System Driver Controls

  25. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE21020

    Autopilot & First Responder Scenes

  26. Recall

    Recall 22V235000

    Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

  27. Recall

    Recall 22V169000

    A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  28. Recall

    Recall 22V063000

    Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

  29. Recall

    Recall 22V045000

    The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  30. Recall

    Recall 22V037000

    Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

  31. Recall

    Recall 21V00D000

    A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  32. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation PE21023

    Tesla Passenger Play

  33. Recall

    Recall 21V846000

    Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

  34. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation PE21020

    Autopilot & First Responder Scenes

  35. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP20001

    Sudden Unintended Acceleration

  36. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP20001

    Sudden Unintended Acceleration

Dates are the NHTSA report-received date for recalls and the ODI open/close date for investigations. Crash-test ratings are not shown here because the source does not provide a reliable publication date for them.

Specifications & ratings

Specifications

Body class
Unknown
Drive type
Unknown
Engine
0L 0-cyl
Fuel type
Unknown
Transmission
Unknown
Seats
0

Explore related

Safety timeline

Full timeline
  1. Recall

    Recall 26V283000

    A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  2. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE24033

    Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.

  3. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP23001

    Defect Petition Interlock Request

  4. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation EA26002

    FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

  5. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE24031

    FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions