The manufacturer’s record · Page 2 of 2
Original record summaries, dates and identifiers for this model-year. Records 101–161 of 161, ordered newest first. Dated records on this page: Jan 19, 2016–Oct 22, 2019.
Back to 2018 Tesla MODEL 3 problems & recallsThis archive includes service bulletins, warranty notices, software instructions and other communications. Records may repeat or supersede earlier instructions. A model-year association is not proof that a document covers every engine, trim, VIN or reported symptom, or that a repair is free.
NHTSA download snapshot: Sep 28, 2026. These are communication associations for this vehicle, not unique defects. How records are joined and counted.
NHTSA communication ID: 10168252
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain Model 3 vehicles might have too few HV battery positive contactor mounting nuts installed, which can allow movement that might affect the conductivity of the contactor terminals.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10168252 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10166054
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the front and/or mid aero shield panels might be susceptible to damage when driving through standing water. This can result in damaged or missing panels. Updated panels are available which have a more robust design than the original panels.
Source components: STRUCTURE.
Source record 10166054 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10166053
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the front and/or mid aero shield panels might be missing.
Source components: STRUCTURE.
Source record 10166053 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10166052
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain Model 3 vehicles might have too few HV battery positive contactor mounting nuts installed, which can allow movement that might affect the conductivity of the contactor terminals.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10166052 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10165741
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the front and/or mid aero shield panels might be susceptible to damage when driving through standing water. This can result in damaged or missing panels. Updated panels are available which have a more robust design than the original panels.
Source components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
Source record 10165741 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10165740
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the front and/or mid aero shield panels might be missing.
Source components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
Source record 10165740 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10165739
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain Model 3 vehicles might have too few HV battery positive contactor mounting nuts installed, which can allow movement that might affect the conductivity of the contactor terminals.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
Source record 10165739 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10166047
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the top surface of the Instrument Panel (IP) carrier is prone to premature outlines or stains, such as an object left on the IP carrier in the sunlight. These outlines or stains can be temporarily removed, but can return, making it difficult to remove permanently. In addition, the surface of the IP carrier might be overly susceptible to scratches when attempting to clean it.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT.
Source record 10166047 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10164595
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Some rear door striker plates were manufactured from material that might have allowed striker plate fasteners to be over-torqued during manufacture, potentially causing the striker plate to deform over time and resulting in a clunking noise in the mid C-pillar area when the door closes.
Source components: STRUCTURE.
Source record 10164595 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10163738
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
The design tolerance of some 1st row seat lift link pivot bolts might be such that the seat slightly rocks while in use. The rocking does not affect vehicle drivability or safety.
Source components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · SEATS.
Source record 10163738 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10163736
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
The HV battery on some Model 3 vehicles might produce a subtle "thunk" noise when ascending or descending a mountain, or during Supercharging in colder climates. The "thunk" noise occurs when the air pressure outside the battery is different than the air pressure inside battery. The "thunk" noise does not indicate a fault or affect the performance of the HV battery.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10163736 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10162294
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, one or two HV battery breather valves might be missing or improperly installed.
Source components: EQUIPMENT.
Source record 10162294 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10154513
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles with the Long Range HV battery, a few cell interconnects within the HV battery are missing. This condition might result in a reduction of vehicle driving range.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10154513 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10154510
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain Model 3 vehicles might have a displaced fastener within the penthouse cavity, which might prevent the vehicle from starting, or charging the HV battery or 12V battery.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10154510 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10154509
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the charge port power terminals have pin deadfronts that might become dislodged from the terminals, causing the charge handle to not fully connect to the vehicle and therefore preventing the High Voltage (HV) battery from charging.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10154509 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10154508
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, a screw that secures the 12V DCDC positive terminal within the power conversion system (PCS) might have become loose. A loose terminal might present alerts on the touchscreen, or cause the PCS to shut down.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL.
Source record 10154508 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10154506
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, water might enter the inductive sensor in the charge port door assembly, causing the charge port door to be inoperative.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT.
Source record 10154506 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10154505
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the one-time use bolts that attach the high voltage controller to the penthouse cover were not torqued to Tesla?s internal specification.
Source components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE.
Source record 10154505 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153436
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain Model 3 vehicles might have been manufactured without a rear drive unit (RDU) breather, and consequently might have contaminated gearbox fluid.
Source components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE · POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT.
Source record 10153436 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153433
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the charge port power terminals have pin deadfronts that might become dislodged from the terminals, causing the charge handle to not fully connect to the vehicle and therefore preventing the High Voltage (HV) battery from charging.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10153433 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153432
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, coolant might leak from the rear drive unit inverter 55 degree fluid coupling. This could result in a low coolant alert in the vehicle.
Source components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Source record 10153432 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153431
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the charge port power terminals have insulator pins that might become dislodged from the terminals, causing the charge handle to not fully connect to the vehicle and therefore preventing the High Voltage (HV) battery from charging.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10153431 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153430
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the front and/or mid aero shield panels might be susceptible to damage when driving through standing water. Updated panels are available which have a more robust design than the original panels.
Source components: EQUIPMENT.
Source record 10153430 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153428
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
The clamshell graft inside the HV battery was not fastened to Tesla?s internal specifications. This condition might result in a reduction of vehicle driving range.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10153428 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153427
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles with Dual Motor, some wire bonds that connect the cells within the HV battery are not bonded to Tesla?s internal specifications. This condition might result in a reduction of vehicle driving range.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING.
Source record 10153427 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153426
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain Model 3 vehicles with the Long Range HV battery might have fasteners within the HV battery platter that are not torqued to Tesla?s internal specifications, which might affect HV battery reliability.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10153426 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153420
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the hood latch might be out of alignment, causing a possible interference with the underhood storage unit.
Source components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH.
Source record 10153420 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153850
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
The cooling tubes inside the HV battery were not brazed to Tesla?s internal standards. This condition might result in a reduction of vehicle driving range.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10153850 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153849
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the push rivets, nuts, and bolts that attach the underbody aero panels might have been improperly installed. Consequently, fasteners might be missing, and underbody panels might be damaged or missing.
Source components: STRUCTURE:BODY · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS.
Source record 10153849 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153805
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the charge port power terminals have insulator pins that might become dislodged from the terminals, causing the charge handle not to fully connect to the vehicle and preventing the High Voltage (HV) battery to charge.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
Source record 10153805 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153804
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain Model 3 vehicles might have too few HV battery positive contactor mounting nuts installed. Too few mounting nuts allow movement that might affect the conductivity of the contactor terminals.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
Source record 10153804 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153803
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
For some Model 3 vehicles, the trunk lid might require more effort than expected to fully close.
Source components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK.
Source record 10153803 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10151649
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the Occupant Classification System (OCS) frequency might be out of range because of electrical interference on the front passenger seat harness, causing the airbag indicator to display on the touchscreen.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10151649 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10151607
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Some Model 3 vehicles are equipped with rear brake dust shields that can trap road debris between the dust shield and brake rotor, causing loud grinding noises.
Source components: SERVICE BRAKES.
Source record 10151607 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10151606
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles with the Long Range HV battery, the Battery Monitor Boards (BMBs) were attached to the battery modules with insufficient adhesive, which might affect HV battery reliability.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10151606 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10151605
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, customers might be unable to remove the rear license plate mounting screws because the grommet threads might be stripped.
Source components: EQUIPMENT.
Source record 10151605 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10148850
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
For certain Model 3 vehicles, the power conversion system needs replacement.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10148850 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10148849
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Some Model 3 vehicles might have been manufactured with the C-pillar electrical harness(es) routed incorrectly, causing a gap between the upper C-pillar trim and side rail trim.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10148849 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10148848
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles with the Long Range HV battery, some wire bonds that connect the cells within the HV battery are missing. This condition might result in a reduction of vehicle driving range.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10148848 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10148827
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, one or two HV battery breather valves might be missing or improperly installed.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10148827 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10145812
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the rear drive unit HV header bolts and the positive contactor bolt within the High Voltage (HV) battery penthouse were insufficiently torqued to internal specifications during manufacturing.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · EQUIPMENT.
Source record 10145812 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10145811
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, some bolts within the high voltage (HV) battery penthouse were insufficiently torqued to internal specifications during manufacturing.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · EQUIPMENT.
Source record 10145811 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10145810
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the positive busbar nut under the power conversion system and additional bolts within the High Voltage (HV) battery penthouse were insufficiently torqued during manufacturing.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · EQUIPMENT.
Source record 10145810 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10144254
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the glove box solenoid might have been lubricated with incorrect grease, and might require excessive force to unlatch the glove box.
Source components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES.
Source record 10144254 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10144253
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain Model 3 vehicles were delivered with 18 inch pinwheel caps (aero wheel covers) that have minor discoloration.
Source components: WHEELS.
Source record 10144253 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10144252
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, an issue in the CAN transceiver internal to the drive unit might result in intermittent communication errors, causing the vehicle to go into limp mode or not start.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10144252 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10143589
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the steering column control module connector retaining clip may have been reused following repairs. This clip is one-time-use.
Source components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · STEERING.
Source record 10143589 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10143018
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, the top surface of the Instrument Panel (IP) carrier is prone to premature outlines or stains, such as an object left on the IP carrier in the sunlight. These outlines or stains can be temporarily removed, but can return, making it difficult to remove permanently. In addition, wiping the surface of the IP carrier might result in scratches.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL.
Source record 10143018 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10143017
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the one-time use bolts that attach the high voltage controller to the penthouse cover were not torqued to Tesla?s internal specification.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10143017 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10143015
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Some Model 3 vehicles might have been manufactured without one or both HV battery breathers.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10143015 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10143013
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, water might leak inside the motors of both front window motor/regulator assemblies. This might cause the motors to fail and potentially make the front windows inoperable.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · STRUCTURE:BODY · VISIBILITY · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS.
Source record 10143013 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10143011
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain Model 3 vehicles were manufactured with the upper bolt of each rear door lower hinge being longer than necessary. These bolts might rub against the front seat belt retractor spools, leaving a cosmetic mark on the belts. This will not cause belt wear.
Source components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS.
Source record 10143011 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10142867
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
Certain 2nd generation Universal Mobile Connectors (UMCs) supplied to Tesla vehicles were not screened and might not indicate their status or charge the vehicle.
Source components: EQUIPMENT.
Source record 10142867 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10143010
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, water might leak inside the motors of both front window motor/regulator assemblies. This might cause the motors to fail and potentially making the front windows inoperable.
Source components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS.
Source record 10143010 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10143009
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, water might leak inside the motors of both front window motor/regulator assemblies. This might cause the motors to fail and potentially making the front windows inoperable.
Source components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS.
Source record 10143009 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10142997
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the front stabilizer bar link ball joint studs might crack at the flange. As a result, the nut that attaches the stabilizer bar might lose torque. This might result in noise coming from the front of vehicle while driving on rough surfaces.
Source components: SUSPENSION.
Source record 10142997 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10142994
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, an issue in the CAN transceiver internal to the drive unit might result in intermittent communication errors, causing the vehicle to go into limp mode or not start.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Source record 10142994 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10142993
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, an electrostatic discharge might damage the charge port ECU radio transceiver. As a result, an alert displays on the touchscreen, and the charge port door is unable to be opened using the button on a charger handle. The charge port door opens using other methods.
Source components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL.
Source record 10142993 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10142990
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, an electrostatic discharge might damage the charge port ECU radio transceiver. As a result, an alert displays on the touchscreen, and the charge port door is unable to be opened using the button on a charger handle. The charge port door opens using other methods.
Source components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL.
Source record 10142990 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10142983
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On some Model 3 vehicles, an electrostatic discharge might damage the charge port ECU radio transceiver. As a result, an alert displays on the touchscreen, and the charge port door is unable to be opened using the button on a charger handle. The charge port door opens using other methods.
Source components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL.
Source record 10142983 at NHTSANHTSA communication ID: 10153429
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the inner assembly of the high voltage (HV) battery positive and negative contactors might be in a weakened state and fail unexpectedly. Upon failure of either contactor, the high voltage system shuts down, and the vehicle cannot be charged or driven.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
Source record 10153429 at NHTSA