Owners have reported 15 crashes and 15 injuries to NHTSA for the 2024 Tesla Model 3. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints44
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with the turn signal buttons on the steering wheel, which can fail to activate, stick, or engage the incorrect signal, particularly during wheel rotation. Complaints describe these problems as persistent and replicable, with some owners noting they occur during critical driving maneuvers, potentially leading to safety risks; one such incident reportedly resulted in a crash. Additionally, numerous owners mention that the vehicle's horn becomes muffled or inaudible when exposed to rain or wet conditions, taking significant time to dry out and function properly again. These issues appear to occur regardless of mileage, with safety implications highlighted by reports of crashes and compromised signaling ability.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints34
STEERING
Owners report multiple issues with the steering system of the 2024 Tesla Model 3, with frequent complaints about turn signal buttons on the steering wheel failing to operate properly. These buttons often do not register inputs, particularly during critical driving maneuvers, leading to potential safety risks as drivers are unable to signal their intentions. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the vehicle's self-driving feature and steering column, including sudden uncommanded steering inputs and a persistent metal-impact noise from the steering area. These issues are noted to occur at various mileage ranges and have resulted in crashes and injuries, emphasizing significant safety implications. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported defects and the lack of immediate resolutions for some of these issues.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports
Owner complaints27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly concerning the turn signal buttons on the steering wheel, which are described as unresponsive or difficult to use, especially during turns or when the steering wheel is rotated. Complaints also highlight problems with the horn, which becomes inaudible during wet conditions due to water exposure, and several instances of the central screen going blank, leading to loss of control features like autopilot and acceleration. These problems often occur within the first few thousand miles of ownership. Safety implications are significant, with reports of two crashes and three injuries linked to these electrical failures, underscoring the potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints19
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance systems, particularly involving phantom braking and improper operation of Full Self-Driving (FSD) features. Complaints commonly describe unexpected and abrupt braking, often without any apparent obstacles, and instances where the vehicle fails to recognize speed limits or traffic conditions, leading to unsafe accelerations or missed exits. Some owners mention problems with fogging of the forward-facing camera, affecting the functionality of safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping. One reported crash involved Autopilot making an unauthorized turn, resulting in injuries. These issues are noted across various driving conditions and do not appear to be limited to specific mileage ranges, suggesting potential concerns for safety and reliability for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints18
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners report frequent issues with the 2024 Tesla Model 3's turn signal buttons, which are integrated into the steering wheel. Many describe these buttons as unreliable, often failing to activate, sticking, or not providing haptic feedback, particularly during maneuvers like lane changes or roundabouts. Some mention that the signals can activate the opposite direction or require excessive pressure. One incident involved a crash due to a complete exterior light failure while using full self-driving mode. These issues typically arise shortly after purchase, with some vehicles having as little as 1,800 miles. Additionally, a few owners experience water ingress in the rear tail light, affecting brake light functionality. These problems present potential safety risks, especially in situations requiring clear signaling to other drivers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints16
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report several recurring issues with the 2024 Tesla Model 3's vehicle speed control systems. A significant number of complaints describe the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software version 14.x removing driver control over maximum speed settings, leading to the vehicle exceeding speed limits by 5-20 mph without the ability to adjust, even in sensitive areas like school zones. Additionally, multiple owners mention sudden, unexpected deceleration events, often referred to as "phantom braking," where the vehicle rapidly slows down without clear cause, sometimes from speeds as high as 75 mph to as low as 40 mph. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges and are noted to pose safety risks, potentially leading to collisions or road rage incidents due to abrupt speed changes. Buyers should be aware of these software-related speed control issues when considering a purchase.
Owner complaints5
AIR BAGS
Owners report issues with the airbag systems of the 2024 Tesla Model 3, including disabled airbags due to damaged wiring in the passenger occupant sensing system and uncalibrated restraint control modules. Complaints frequently mention safety warnings about the restraint system, with some owners noting these warnings have become more frequent over time. One owner describes a crash where airbags did not deploy, with the vehicle having approximately 19,571 miles. Patterns suggest that some vehicles may have been sold with concealed damage or unaddressed safety faults, potentially affecting airbag deployment. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications when considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
LANE DEPARTURE
Owners report issues with the 2024 Tesla Model 3's lane departure and related systems, with some describing failures in the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature. Complaints frequently mention the FSD's incorrect lane selection at specific intersections, leading to unexpected maneuvers such as moving into a left-turn lane when not intended or failing to merge as expected. One complaint involves a crash due to a backup camera's failure to provide audible alerts, resulting in significant damage. Another owner describes needing to swerve to stop an alarm. These issues are reported within the first year of ownership, and safety implications include potential crashes or incorrect lane positioning, which may be of concern to prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Owners of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 report issues with the back over prevention systems, specifically noting the lack of audible warnings or automatic braking when reversing. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle fails to provide collision alerts or apply braking interventions, even in situations where obstacles are present, leading to at least one minor crash. One owner also reports a complete loss of camera functionality, diagnosed as an AP4 computer issue, though this was not covered by an existing recall. These problems are noted at various points in the vehicle's use, with no specific mileage range consistently mentioned. Safety implications include the potential for collisions due to insufficient warning or braking responses.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
POWER TRAIN
Owners report two main issues with the 2024 Tesla Model 3 power train. The first involves possible unintended acceleration, with two incidents leading to crashes; one while approaching a driveway and another in a fast food drive-thru, resulting in four injuries. The second issue involves the rear motor becoming disabled, as one owner describes the motor locking up at low speed, triggering alerts and causing the vehicle to stop suddenly. These issues highlight potential safety implications, including loss of control and the risk of collisions, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports
