Free Preview
#BS-2024-TESMOD-4AE92024 Tesla Model 3Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 352 owners and 5 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 352 complaints, 61 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 recalls. Complaint rate is 10.8x the class average.
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
40 owners reported electrical issues — failures commonly reported around 14K miles.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Electrical (40 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2024 Tesla Model 3: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2024 Tesla Model 3, with 40 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 13,816 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 14K-mile mark.
Steering Issues
Steering complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2024 Tesla Model 3, with 39 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to steering-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2024 Tesla Model 3, with 32 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Lights Issues
Lights complaints account for 7% of all reports filed for the 2024 Tesla Model 3, with 26 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to lights-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2024 Tesla Model 3. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (5 recalls)
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:THORAX
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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.
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."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
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."
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
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."
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2024 Tesla Model 3 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
Not ratedFrontal crash
Not ratedSide crash
Not ratedRollover
Not ratedFrom NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (7)
4 investigations still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
Unexpected Brake Activation
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL:SOFTWARE:SIGNAGE/SIGNAL RECOGNITION
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
+ 2 more in the full report
The worst model year for the Tesla Model 3 is the 2020 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is electrical.
2024 Tesla Model 3 vs. Class Average (Midsize Cars)
This vehicle
352
Class avg
33
10.8x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical midsize cars vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 352 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 5 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Tesla Model 3 Model Years
View all Tesla Model 3 years →2024 Tesla Model 3: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2024 Tesla Model 3?
Is the 2024 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
How much does it cost to fix 2024 Tesla Model 3 problems?
Does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
What mileage do Tesla Model 3 problems start?
When was the 2024 Tesla Model 3 data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2024 Tesla Model 3 Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 352 owner reports. Know before you buy.