2020 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 2020 Tesla Model 3 has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Model 3 / Y Phantom Braking on Autopilot ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2019-2024 Tesla Model 3 all, model 3 and Y on Autopilot or TACC report unexpected hard braking events — "phantom braking" — most often at highway speed in response to non-existent obstacles, shadows, overpasses, or oncoming traffic in opposite lanes. NHTSA investigation PE22-002 opened in 2022 covering 416,000 vehicles after 354 complaints, including some rear-end collisions. Tesla's shift from radar to "Tesla Vision" (vision-only) intensified reports.
Update to latest firmware (FSD beta or production); some specific software versions are notably worse. Configure following distance to max (7). Disable Autopilot on roads where phantom braking is frequent. NHTSA investigation remains active — Tesla has not issued a formal recall as of writing.
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.
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.
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).
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:THORAX
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling one 2024 Model 3 vehicle. The driver seat side air bag module was assembled without a deflector that directs gas flow during deployment.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2020-2020 Tesla Model 3 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Model 3 / Y Phantom Braking on Autopilot, Model 3 / Y 12V Auxiliary Battery Premature Failure, Model 3 / Y Paint Thickness + Chipping. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2020-2020 Tesla Model 3 has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Model 3 / Y Phantom Braking on Autopilot. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Tesla Model 3 issues range from $0 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Model 3 / Y Phantom Braking on Autopilot, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Model 3 and Y on Autopilot or TACC report unexpected hard braking events — "phantom braking" — most often at highway speed in response to non-existent obstacles, shadows, overpasses, or oncoming traffic in opposite lanes. NHTSA investigation PE22-002 opened in 2022 covering 416,0… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
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 fai… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.
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-… Repairs typically run $100-$3,000. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
