2020 Tesla Model 3: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 416 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the automatic emergency braking, acceleration and cruise control, and steering. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2020- Owner complaints
- 416
- Recalls
- 20
- Crashes reported
- 50
- 29 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2020 Tesla Model 3: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Model 3 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2020 Tesla Model 3. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | AWD, RWD | 322–330 mi range |
- With a full charge, the range estimate on the dash should land near the EPA figure of 322–330 miles. A much lower number on a mild day can mean a worn battery; ask for a battery health report.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Front control arm and link wear
28,000–40,000 miles
Power steering or rack failure
43,272–52,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model 3, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Automatic emergency braking774 crashes
Phantom braking is the main problem. The car brakes hard at highway speed with no traffic or obstacles ahead, sometimes many times on one trip, while using cruise control, Autopilot, or Full Self-Driving. Drivers fear being rear-ended, and Tesla service often cannot reproduce the fault. Some say it got worse after the switch from radar to camera-only detection or after a recall software update. Other reports describe automatic emergency braking stopping the car hard in city traffic and steering errors under Autopilot that hit trucks, barriers, or roadside signs. Four of the complaints involve crashes.
Acceleration and cruise control5912 crashes
Sudden unintended acceleration dominates these reports. It usually happens at low speed: pulling into a parking space, stopping at a stop sign, idling, or creeping up a driveway. Drivers say the car surges forward, and some say pressing the brake does not stop it. The results include crashes into trucks, walls, and garage doors, airbag deployments, and cars written off as total losses. Of 59 complaints, 12 involve crashes and 5 report injuries. A smaller group describes cruise control braking hard on empty highways.
Steering436 crashes
Front suspension hardware separating from the car is the most serious pattern. Owners report ball joints popping apart, a control arm bolt shearing off the subframe, and a front wheel suddenly turned at an angle at low speed. Some say they heard clicking or clunking over bumps beforehand. Power steering assist can also cut out, leaving the wheel stiff, with failure warnings between about 43,272 and 52000 miles. Other symptoms include pulling to one side that alignment cannot fix, a failed steering rack, loose and twitchy steering at highway speed, and a steering wheel cover that peels.
Electrical294 crashes
The touchscreen can freeze, go black, and reboot, taking the speed readout, turn signal status, and climate controls with it. Some owners report the main computer or Autopilot computer dying outright after about four years, which kills every camera. Several reports tie a rearview camera failure and a dead trunk release to a wiring harness recall, and owners describe long waits for parts to do that repair. The 12-volt battery can die without warning and leave occupants unable to open the doors. Other reports include a broken charging port pin and burns from the seat heaters.
Airbags278 crashes
Two problems show up. First, the airbags fail to deploy in serious crashes: side impacts at intersections, a guardrail strike above 70 mph, and a car that left the road and hit a tree. Occupants describe facial injuries, concussions, and broken ribs. Second, a "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault" warning appears and stays on. The repair replaces the passenger occupant sensor and sometimes the passenger airbag, and owners pay out of pocket, with quotes from over $400 to $1,850. Many say this should be a recall.
Brakes233 crashes
Most of these reports describe phantom braking. The car brakes hard on its own at highway speeds, often 75 to 78 mph, with nothing ahead, whether on plain cruise control or Autopilot. Following drivers have to brake or swerve, and in one case the car was hit from behind. Tesla often says it finds nothing wrong or that the behavior is covered in the owner's manual. Automatic emergency braking also fires with no cruise control on. A few reports describe a spongy brake pedal going to the floor, or the brake not stopping the car during unintended acceleration.
Suspension211 crash
Front control arms and links creak, squeak, groan, and clunk over speed bumps, rough pavement, and in slow turns. Upper control arms, lower lateral links, and compliance links get replaced, often around 40k miles and frequently right after the warranty ends. Some cars need the same parts again. Owners say their VINs were left out of the related recall and that they had to pay for the repairs. A few severe cases describe a front wheel coming off or the suspension snapping. Separately, the bumper can come loose while driving through standing water.
Body and structure141 crash
Underbody panels are the common complaint. The front aero shield and fiberboard skid plate soak up water, sag, and tear off while driving, and deep water can rip off the rear bumper. Owners say repairs are not covered. A trunk seal leak can flood the trunk well and grow mold. Chrome door handles delaminate into sharp edges that have cut fingers. Other reports cover glass cracking from the inside, chipping paint, and collision repairs that drag on for months while owners wait on parts. The rear doors also have no mechanical release if power is lost.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Model 3 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Last March we drove to Tampa Florida and on 3 occasions using cruse control the car came almost to a stop felt like I hit brakes very hard. each time we were in the middle of a highway with no cars around us. I called Tesla they said do report a bug. The weird thing is each time it was at dusk. I just read an article and thought to report it. I am not sure if Tesla reported it. It has not happened in the last 6 months but very scary when it happens.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
I was traveling on the 91 freeway headed west in corona, ca. I was in the fastrak lane approaching an overpass. I was using the cruise control option and going about 73 mph when out of nowhere my vehicle acted as if someone slammed on the brakes. We were moving with the flow of traffic and luckily I had my foot resting over the gas pedal so I immediately pushed down to override the system. The car behind us had to change lanes to avoid hitting us.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
The other driver hit the rear of my tesla model 3 which cause the car accelerate fast about 40-50 miles, the brake is not working either. I can not brake or slow down the car.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
Vehicle was at a stop with brake engaged and then it proceeded to go full speed into a vehicle two meters away without acceleration pedal engaged. Emergency brake did not activate during or slightly before the collision. The brakes had to be engaged manually, but vehicle was already past a certain velocity on its own accord to be able to stop properly without damaging property or harming pedestrians.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
My Model 3 failed at under 50,000 miles and gave out a series of failure warnings. It was unable to drive anymore and steering became stiff and unresponsive. In researching this I see it is a common issue with hundreds of thousands of cars affected. And the NHTSA has an open investigation into it. Tesla as usual is denying the problem exists.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
The material used to cover the steering wheel is defective and not up to safety standards. The poor quality plastic used to cover the wheel is a very thin plastic that melts from the sun and peels off causing a safety hazard. I brought this to Tesla's attention and was told they will not fix it without me paying for it. There are number of consumer complaints on the internet for the same issue showing the defective material.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2023
Car will brake without any warning and with not reason to brake. Many complaints I’ve read online call this phantom braking. It has happened over ten times now and can be extremely dangerous as it will brake the car almost instantly and I have almost been rear ended because of it. Only matter of time before this happens and it results in a wreck.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2022
My Motor Control Unit failed. No reason given by Tesla Service Center. It simply just died. They cannot find a reason, and they also said I didn't do anything to cause the MCU to fail. Service Center agrees this is a rare event. Likely got a really faulty MCU to start with. I bought my car in 2020, so just over 4 years later my MCU died.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
How the 2020 compares with other Model 3 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2020 ranks fifth for owner complaints among 9 Model 3 years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Automatic emergency braking7796
- Acceleration and cruise control5957
- Steering4339
- Electrical2948
- Airbags2725
- Brakes2333
Where the 2020 fits in the Model 3's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2020 is the fourth model year of the Model 3's first generation (2017–2023).
Tesla updated the Model 3 for 2021, so a 2020 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2021 (not on a 2020)
- Black finish on door handles and trim
- Addition of heat pump
- Redesigned center console
- Quieter double-pane glass
Recalls to confirm (20)
Recall repairs are free at any Tesla dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
24V935000Wheels and tiresDec 2024
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.".
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
24V376000Seat beltsMay 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
24V153000Automatic emergency brakingFeb 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.".
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
24V051000ElectricalJan 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
23V838000ElectricalDec 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
23V085000SteeringFeb 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
22V798000Seat beltsOct 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Risk: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
22V702000Wipers and visibilitySep 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems.".
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
22V263000ElectricalApr 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays.".
Risk: The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
22V235000ElectricalApr 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.".
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
22V169000Backup cameraMar 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
22V063000ElectricalFeb 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.".
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
22V045000ElectricalFeb 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
22V037000ElectricalJan 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
21V00D000ElectricalDec 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.
21V846000Automatic emergency brakingOct 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
21V834000AirbagsOct 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation.".
Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.
21V835000SuspensionOct 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.
21V387000BrakesMay 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Risk: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.
21V389000Seat beltsMay 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
Risk: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
Also looking at these instead of a Model 3?
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2020 owner complaints, side by side
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- 2020 Tesla Model 3416
