Research · Midsize Cars

2024 Tesla Model 3Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 222 owner complaints for the 2024 Tesla Model 3. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (49) and electrical system (46). The EPA rates it 112–137 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
112–137mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Jul 2026
Owner complaints
222
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: bumpers

Free remedy

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."

StructureReported Jul 7, 2026NHTSA 26V445000

Back over prevention: software

Free remedy

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."

Back over preventionReported Jan 7, 2025NHTSA 25V002000

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

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."

TiresReported Dec 17, 2024NHTSA 24V935000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

222 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2024 – Oct 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance49
  2. Electrical system46
  3. Steering39
  4. Exterior lighting27
  5. Vehicle speed control21
  6. Lane departure17
  7. Air bags8
  8. Suspension7
  9. Wheels7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Model 3 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201727
20181,036
2019623
2020455
2021674
2022773
2023429
2024222
20250
202617
Crashes reported
28
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
19
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Forward collision avoidance

49 reports10 crashes
“My Tesla displays a mandatory FSD (Supervised) disengagement feedback survey on the center touchscreen while the vehicle is in motion. Whenever I disengage FSD and resume manual control, the vehicle automatically asks me to select a reason for the disengagement. On one occasion, after disabling the software due to fsd getting too close the construction, while being flustered,I attempted to disable the prompt and select a random option to get rid of it but kept pressing the wrong area of the screen due to trying to keep paying attention to the road and simultaneously trying to get rid of the prompt, in my frustration to do so,I side swiped one of the big construction cones, it was not a collision and there was no damage but it could have been worse, so I am selecting collision in the questionnaire. Attached as a file is the full complaint, the 2000 char limit is not enough.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Unknown or other, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departureCrash reportedODI 11767930

Electrical system

46 reports7 crashes1 fire
“On October 16, 2026, my 2024 Tesla Model 3 initiated a standard, factory-prompted over-the-air (OTA) firmware update. During this automated install process, the car's firmware crashed. Following the crash, the vehicle was left unresponsive. Tesla Service conducted a diagnostic review and isolated the problem to a physical failure of the internal hardware: Assembly - Power Conversion System - 48Amp - 1Phase. The vehicle was performing flawlessly and charging efficiently prior to the software update execution. The PCS module did not break due to driver abuse, mechanical wear, environmental damage, or physical aging. It failed strictly because Tesla’s proprietary software update process overtaxed, corrupted, or bricked the internal semiconductor boards during a forced rewrite command. A consumer should not be financially penalized for hardware damage caused by a manufacturer's remote software push.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11772374

Steering

39 reports5 crashes
“Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint — 2024 Tesla Model 3 RWD — Sudden Loss of Steering Control and Total-Loss Crash I am submitting this complaint concerning a serious safety incident involving my 2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive. While driving manually on a wet highway in [XXX], my vehicle suddenly moved sideways and began to lose control. I was not using Autopilot or Full Self-Driving. Despite my attempt to maintain control using the steering wheel, I was unable to steer the vehicle back under control. The vehicle left the roadway and entered a pond, resulting in a total loss. I have video footage documenting the incident and surrounding road conditions. I am concerned that this incident may have involved a vehicle safety defect, potentially involving the steering system, electronic stability control, traction-control system, or another vehicle system responsible for maintaining directional control. I understand that wet-road conditions and hydroplaning are possible explanations; however, I believe the reported inability to regain steering control warrants a thorough technical investigation rather than assuming that weather alone caused the crash. I request…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2026Steering, Power train, Unknown or otherCrash reportedODI 11773585
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
Electric motor
Transmissions
Automatic (A1)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Electricity
EV range
363 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Model 3 Long Range RWD
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
145128137$550—
Model 3 RWD
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
140125132$550—
Model 3 Long Range AWD
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
137124130$600—
Model 3 Long Range AWD-E
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
133122128$600—
Model 3 Performance AWD
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
117107112$700—
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 as of Nov 3, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 19950Vehicle 19949
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi6–12 monthsEVs wear tires faster (weight, torque)
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–4 yearsRegen braking spares the pads, not the fluid
Battery coolantPer manualPer manualIntervals vary widely by maker
12V battery—3–5 years
  • Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–4 years
  • Battery coolantPer manual
    Per manual
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2024 Model 3 questions

How many recalls does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2024 Tesla Model 3 problems?

Owners filed 222 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (49), electrical system (46), steering (39). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 get?

The EPA rates the 2024 Tesla Model 3 at 112–137 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026