Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data
2018 Tesla Model 3 recalls
Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2018 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.
Recall summary by component19
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Electrical system | 8 |
| Seat belts | 3 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 1 |
Safety recalls19
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Aug 5, 202626V507000 | Exterior lighting: headlightsHeadlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 26V507000
|
| Dec 17, 202424V935000 | Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systemsDriving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V935000
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| May 28, 202424V376000 | Seat belts: front warning light/devicesA seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V376000
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| Feb 27, 202424V153000 | Forward collision avoidance: warnings external/pedestrian alertPedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V153000
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| Jan 30, 202424V051000 | Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelWarning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V051000
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| Dec 12, 202323V838000 | Electrical system: ADAS autonomous/self drivingIn certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or… Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 23V838000
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Owner complaints by component1,030
NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Complaints | % |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 202 | 20 |
| Suspension | 189 | 18 |
| Unknown or other | 175 | 17 |
| Electrical system | 168 | 16 |
| Air bags | 143 | 14 |
| Seat belts | 104 | 10 |
| Vehicle speed control | 90 | 9 |
| Service brakes | 88 | 9 |
| Steering | 80 | 8 |
| Seats | 74 | 7 |
| Structure | 60 | 6 |
| Lane departure | 51 | 5 |
| Visibility/wiper | 47 | 5 |
| Power train | 29 | 3 |
| Wheels | 25 | 2 |
11 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.
Latest reports
- Suspension
“Component Affected: SUSPENSION: FRONT: LOWER ARM: LATERAL LINK / COMPLIANCE LINK Description of Defect and Incident: I am reporting an issue regarding my Tesla Model 3's front lower suspension components, specifically…”
- Suspension
“There was a clicking noise that was heard as my wife (along with our [XXX] son) was driving on the freeway.”
- Engine
“The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in heavy traffic.”
Other Tesla Model 3 model years
- 202218 recalls767 complaints
- 202122 recalls669 complaints
- 202021 recalls451 complaints
- 201922 recalls617 complaints
- 201819 recalls1,031 complaints
- 201716 recalls26 complaints
All years: 2026 · 2025 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · 2019 · 2018 · 2017
Other Tesla models
2018 Tesla Model 3 recall questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have?
NHTSA lists 19 safety recall campaigns for the 2018 Tesla Model 3. The most recent, 26V507000 (reported August 5, 2026), concerns exterior lighting. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.
What are the 2018 Tesla Model 3 recalls for?
The largest group is electrical system, with 8 campaigns. Others: seat belts (3), forward collision avoidance (2), exterior lighting (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.
What is the most common complaint about the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
Forward collision avoidance is the most-reported component, named in 202 complaints out of 1,030 filed with NHTSA (20%). Across all complaints, owners reported 102 crashs and 4 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How do I check if a recall is open on my 2018 Tesla Model 3?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Tesla recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Tesla dealer.
Check a specific Tesla by VIN
Need the factory options too? See the Tesla build sheet & window sticker guide.