2017 Tesla Model 3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2017 Tesla Model 3: 16 recalls, 26 owner complaints and up to 126 mpg combined.
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Recalls
16 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Forward collision avoidance, Forward collision avoidance Vehicle recall #21V846000 · 2021 · 11,728 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Unexpected activation of the aeb system May cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021.
Visibility (wipers, glass), Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V00D000 · 2021 · 356,309 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #22V037000 · 2022 · 53,822 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Seat belts, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V045000 · 2022 · 817,143 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: The driver May be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022.
Forward collision avoidance, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V063000 · 2022 · 578,607 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Pedestrians May be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #22V169000 · 2022 · 947 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022.
Forward collision avoidance, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V235000 · 2022 · 594,894 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Pedestrians May be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V702000 · 2022 · 1,096,762 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A closing window May exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #22V798000 · 2022 · 24,064 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022.
Steering Vehicle recall #23V085000 · 2023 · 362,758 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.â 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge.â owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.â
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V838000 · 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #24V051000 · 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #24V376000 · 2024 · 125,233 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024.
Tires Vehicle recall #24V935000 · 2024 · 696,281 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #26V283000 · 2026 · 218,868 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 model 3, 2020-2023 model y, 2021-2023 model s, and model x vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image May be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #26V507000 · 2026 · 20,349 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 model 3 and 2020-2023 model y vehicles. The headlight low beams May be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Forward collision avoidance (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has 26 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 10 Model 3 model years for complaints (well below the 435 average). Complaints peaked in 2022 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 44,900 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (1031 complaints, 19 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (192 kW AC 3-Phase) | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 131e | 120e | 126e | Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2017 Tesla Model 3.
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FAQ
Does the 2017 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 16 vehicle recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model 3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2017 Tesla Model 3 problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (8), airbags (7), seats (6).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Tesla Model 3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 126 mpg combined, across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2017 Tesla Model 3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.