2024 Tesla MODEL 3 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
216 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
13,816 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2024 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 70 of 216 complaints (32.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 73 | 33.8% |
| Braking behavior | 27 | 12.5% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 8 | 3.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 0.9% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 0.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 70 |
| Electrical System | 39 |
| Steering | 36 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 31 |
| Exterior Lighting | 26 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 20 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 18 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 14 |
Unknown Or Other: 70; Electrical System: 39; Steering: 36; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 31; Exterior Lighting: 26; Vehicle Speed Control: 20; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 18; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 14
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 7 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 7; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 209 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 83 |
| 2026 | 37 |
2024: 96; 2025: 83; 2026: 37
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 73 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 27 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 8 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11584178 · 2024-04-20 (April 20, 2024)
Right turn signal gets stuck and doesn't allow me to press it. It is very dangerous when it happens out on the road. First attempt to fix it was April 5th 2024. According to Tesla service invoice the steering wheel was replaced and software was updated. As of April 19 2024 the problem has returned. As I attempted to make a right turn and couldn't signal. I also have videos showing the issue I am having. After reviewing online forums it seems this is a common problem for 2024 Tesla Model 3 which is extremely dangerous.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11584178 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11589309 · 2024-05-17 (May 17, 2024)
Two issues regarding vehicle turn signals not working as intended: Issue #1: Sometimes, vehicle turn signal turns on for the opposite direction than intended. Narrowly missed a few accidents because of this issue, and I have been honked at and flipped off by drivers thinking I'm a careless driver. This issue can be replicated on demand. Issue #2: The turn signal buttons on the steering wheel lock up and no matter how hard I press, does not turn on. Creates a safety hazard when trying to change lanes, merge, or exit where I cannot communicate…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11589309 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11583050 · 2024-04-15 (April 15, 2024)
The rear tail light on the driver side of the vehicle is filling with water. Additionally, the brake light is occasionally not working, presenting a potentially serious safety issue. The vehicle is brand new. Tesla has a history of this issue with previous generations of this vehicle, but the problem persists in the new model. I have been waiting for a new tail light to come in for two weeks. A quick internet search reveals other drivers with the same problem. Tesla is doing nothing to expedite the parts needed for the repair, but they sure con…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11583050 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11606236 · 2024-08-03 (August 3, 2024)
Several times while using Traffic Aware Cruise Control, the system will suddenly brake severely for apparently reason. At these times, I was on a lightly traveled Interstate with no vehicles ahead of me. Each time, it was during daylight hours and it was sunny. This has also occurred while using Autopilot with Autosteer and with Full Self Driving. Once, there was a vehicle close behind me, so this sudden braking can be dangerous.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11606236 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11593344 · 2024-06-10 (June 10, 2024)
Turn signals occasionally are not working . Electrical buttons get stuck and will not allow me to signal right or left
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11593344 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11646557 · 2025-03-05 (March 5, 2025)
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. This issue impacts: emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep/centering, assisting with parking, automatic high beams and wipers, cruise control/ adaptive cruise control, Vehicles built in GPS to be stuck at one location every time, has made my touchscreen not automatically brighten or dim, my auto dimming mirrors be too dim in most driving conditions, constantly fail to install system improvements and safety updates, and because m…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11646557 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11612598 · 2024-09-04 (September 4, 2024)
I am writing to express my concern regarding recent design changes implemented by Tesla Motors in their Model 3, Model S, and Model X vehicles. Tesla has removed traditional turn signal and shifting stalks from the steering wheel and replaced them with buttons. While innovation in automotive design is crucial for progress, I believe these changes have significant implications for vehicle safety and warrant thorough investigation. The traditional design of turn signal and shifting stalks has been in place for decades and has become a standardiz…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11612598 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11673307 · 2025-07-14 (July 14, 2025)
Newer Tesla Model 3s (2024+ Hihgland) removed the physical turn signal and drive shift stalks. This creates serious safety concerns: 1. Inconsistent or Difficult/Impossible Signaling: In certain turning maneuvers, especially while driving with a sharp wheel angle, such as on curves, roundabouts, or a turn immediately following another, it becomes physically difficult or impossible to reach and activate the appropriate touch signal. This failure to clearly signal intentions to other drivers increases the likelihood of collisions and endangers b…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11673307 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11629381 · 2024-12-07 (December 7, 2024)
The right and left turn indicator buttons freeze up, and will not operate for indefinite periods. The problem is intermittent, however, the buttons may be frozen for several minutes before the problem clears. I believe the manufacturer is already aware of this problem affecting numerous 2024 model 3 vehicles. I believe this appears as a definite manufacturer design flaw, and does not appear as reasonable user error, or other isolated random defect. The problem is presently becoming well known to 2024 model 3 owners in all markets, and there are…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11629381 at NHTSA ↗