2017 Tesla Model 3 Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2017 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 has 2 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 2 Known Issues
On the 2017-2024 Tesla Model 3, pre-Highland Model 3 and pre-Juniper Model Y used a small lead-acid AGM 12V auxiliary battery that often fails in 12-24 months — well below typical 12V lifespan. Tesla switched to a lithium-ion 12V starting 2021-2022 (varies by build date) which lasts much longer but can also fail with "Power Off" warnings or refusing to wake. Symptoms: "12V Battery Needs Service" alert, car refusing to wake from sleep, sentry mode glitches.
Common Symptoms
- 12V needs service alert
- will not wake
- sentry mode failed
- power off warning
How to Fix
Lead-acid 12V replacement $150-$250 part + $100-$200 service-center install. Lithium 12V $200-$300 part. DIY is feasible but disabling HV system safely is critical. Many 2018-2020 Model 3 owners report needing 2-3 replacements before lithium retrofit.
On the 2017-2024 Tesla Model 3 all, tesla paint is notoriously thinner than industry standard — typically 100-120 microns vs 150-180 for German/Japanese makes. Rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and front bumper edges chip easily from road debris. White paints particularly prone to surface marring. Multiple paint-quality NHTSA complaints (no recall) and class-action discussions.
Common Symptoms
- paint chip
- rocker chip
- rear quarter chip
- thin paint
How to Fix
PPF (paint protection film) on high-impact areas is the durable fix — $500-$2,500 depending on coverage. Touch-up paint from Tesla or 3rd-party color-matched. Severe issues may warrant repaint of panels ($600-$1,500 per panel at independent body shop).