Model year 2017 · Midsize Cars
2017 Tesla Model 3: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2017 Tesla Model 3 at 126 MPGe combined with 310 miles of EPA-rated range across 1 version. NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls and 27 owner complaints for this model year.
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Tesla dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2017 Tesla Model 3 recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 16 safety recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model 3, newest first.
Exterior lighting: Headlights
NHTSA 26V507000 Reported Aug 4, 2026
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-17-003)
- Units affected
- 20,349 (estimate)
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Back over prevention: Software
NHTSA 26V283000 Reported May 4, 2026
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-26-00-001)
- Units affected
- 218,868 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Tires: Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
NHTSA 24V935000 Reported Dec 17, 2024
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-018)
- Units affected
- 696,281 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seat belts: Front: Warning light/devices
NHTSA 24V376000 Reported May 28, 2024
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-008)
- Units affected
- 125,233 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Instrument cluster/panel
NHTSA 24V051000 Reported Jan 30, 2024
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-003)
- Units affected
- 2,193,869 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Adas: Driver monitoring: Software
NHTSA 23V838000 Reported Dec 12, 2023
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-23-00-008)
- Units affected
- 2,031,220 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Steering: Automated/adaptive steering
NHTSA 23V085000 Reported Feb 15, 2023
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-23-00-001)
- Units affected
- 362,758 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seat belts: Rear/other: Anchorage
NHTSA 22V798000 Reported Oct 21, 2022
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-20-004)
- Units affected
- 24,064 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Visibility: Power window devices and controls
NHTSA 22V702000 Reported Sep 19, 2022
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-013)
- Units affected
- 1,096,762 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Software and 1 more component
NHTSA 22V235000 Reported Apr 12, 2022
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-003)
- Components
- Electrical system: Software; Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert
- Units affected
- 594,894 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Back over prevention: Display function
NHTSA 22V169000 Reported Mar 18, 2022
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-004)
- Units affected
- 947 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert and 1 more component
NHTSA 22V063000 Reported Feb 4, 2022
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-003)
- Components
- Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert; Electrical system: Software
- Units affected
- 578,607 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seat belts: Front and 1 more component
NHTSA 22V045000 Reported Feb 1, 2022
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-002)
- Components
- Seat belts: Front; Electrical system: Software
- Units affected
- 817,143 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Steering: Automated/adaptive steering
NHTSA 22V037000 Reported Jan 27, 2022
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-001)
- Units affected
- 53,822 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Visibility: Rearview mirrors/devices: Interior and 2 more components
NHTSA 21V00D000 Reported Dec 21, 2021
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-17-008)
- Components
- Visibility: Rearview mirrors/devices: Interior; Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera; Electrical system: Wiring: Rear compartment/trunk
- Units affected
- 356,309 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Forward collision avoidance: Software and 3 more components
NHTSA 21V846000 Reported Oct 29, 2021
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-00-004)
- Components
- Forward collision avoidance: Software; Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking; Forward collision avoidance: Warnings; Forward collision avoidance: Sensing system: Camera
- Units affected
- 11,728 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 recall record on nhtsa.gov
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
2017 Tesla Model 3 fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination; electric figures are in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2017 Tesla Model 3 crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
2017 Tesla Model 3 owner complaints
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Tesla Model 3, most recently on Oct 17, 2026. 1 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.
