2026 Tesla Model 3
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2026
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2026: 28 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 27 |
| 2018 | 1,033 |
| 2019 | 619 |
| 2020 | 451 |
| 2021 | 673 |
| 2022 | 769 |
| 2023 | 429 |
| 2024 | 221 |
| 2025 | 121 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Forward collision avoidance
10 of 28 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
⢠forward collision warning and automatic emergency breaking failed to work and are still currently an ongoing problem and not functioning. They are and have always Been enabled and can be inspected upon request.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-27
Also filed under Back over prevention
Incident involving my 2026 Tesla Model 3 equipped with HW4 hardware and the latest FSD (Supervised) software.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-11
Also filed under Back over prevention and lane departure
The vehicle's FSD system malfunctioned and initiated an unintended reverse toward a closing garage door. To prevent a total-loss event (the door crushing the glass roof and trunk), I was forced to perform an emergency manual takeover.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-16
Also filed under Structure
Steering
6 of 28 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
On August 26, 2026, at approximately 8:56 AM, I entered a public parking garage in Washington, DC. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was engaged and controlling the vehicle during a reversing maneuver.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-31
Also filed under Back over prevention
Back over prevention
5 of 28 total reports mention: back over prevention, most commonly citing warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
On February 5, 2026, at 12:21 PM PST, my 2026 Tesla Model 3 (Hardware 4) collided with a 5-inch wooden pillar while using the Autopark feature. The system failed to provide any audio chimes or visual warnings prior to the impact.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-04-10
Lane departure
5 of 28 total reports mention: lane departure, most commonly citing blind spot detection and assist.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 28 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2025-08-16Seats25V410000 Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.
Remedy: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
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2025-08-20Audit queryOpen Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
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2025-10-07Preliminary evaluationOpen Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
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2026-03-18Engineering analysisOpen FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Buy-smart checklist
2026 Tesla Model 3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Back over prevention: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 25V410000 · Seats
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2026 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.