CarBrief

NHTSA has 452 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Tesla Model 3[1], and the model year has 21 recalls[2]. Forward collision avoidance is the largest complaint group, and the newest recall covers headlights that have no repair available yet[3][4].

452owner complaints[1]
21recalls[2]
5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Reported problems

Owners filed 452 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Model 3[1]. Of those, 54 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 33 injuries and 2 deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Here are the component groups with the most complaints:

Component group Complaints Crashes Injuries
Forward collision avoidance[3] 157 11 0
Unknown or other[6] 81 12 5
Speed control[7] 69 18 10
Brakes[8] 48 9 7
Steering[9] 47 7 4
Suspension[10] 46 3 1
Electrical system[11] 42 8 7
Lane departure[12] 35 3 2

Speed control has the most crashes and injuries of the groups in this table, even though it ranks third by complaint count[7].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. It is not a count of all owners, so treat it as a flavor of what people describe.

Median mileage at failure is 10,000 miles for forward collision avoidance[3] and 14,000 miles for the electrical system[11]. The other groups that list one are lower, at 2,500 miles or less[6][7][8][9][10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 21 recalls for the 2020 Model 3[2]. Some of them cover other models or model years too, but each one below includes this car. They are listed newest first.

Owners can contact Tesla customer service about these recalls[4][13].

Fuel economy

The 2020 Model 3 is electric, so EPA rates it in MPGe[33]. EPA lists eight versions. Combined ratings run from 113 to 141 MPGe, and range runs from 220 to 330 miles[33][34][35][36].

Version Combined MPGe City / Highway Range
Standard Range Plus[35] 141 148 / 132 250 miles
Standard Range[34] 131 138 / 124 220 miles
Long Range[33] 130 136 / 123 330 miles
Mid Range[37] 123 128 / 117 264 miles
Long Range AWD[38] 121 124 / 116 322 miles
Long Range Performance AWD (18in)[39] 121 124 / 116 322 miles
Long Range Performance AWD (19in)[40] 116 119 / 112 304 miles
Long Range Performance AWD (20in)[36] 113 118 / 107 299 miles

Among the Long Range Performance AWD versions, the 19in and 20in options show lower MPGe and shorter range than the 18in option[39][40][36].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door all-wheel-drive version 5 stars overall, with 5 stars in frontal, side and rollover tests[5]. Its rollover risk is listed at 6.6%[5]. The 4-door rear-wheel-drive version has the same ratings and the same rollover risk[41].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2020 Model 3 with an electric motor rated at 252 to 282 hp, depending on version[42].

Size is the same across the four body versions listed: length 185 in, width 73 in, height 57 in and wheelbase 113 in[43][44][45][46]. These are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars. Curb weight changes by version:

Version Curb weight
Long Range AWD[43] 4,072 lb
Long Range RWD[44] 3,805 lb
Mid Range[45] 3,686 lb
Standard[46] 3,627 lb

How 2020 compares with other years

2017: 27 complaints, 16 recalls20172018: 1,032 complaints, 19 recalls20182019: 619 complaints, 22 recalls20192020: 452 complaints, 21 recalls45220202021: 671 complaints, 22 recalls20212022: 770 complaints, 18 recalls20222023: 428 complaints, 12 recalls20232024: 221 complaints, 5 recalls20242025: 121 complaints, 3 recalls20252026: 29 complaints, 1 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Model 3 model year. The 2020 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20172716
20181,03219
201961922
202045221
202167122
202277018
202342812
20242215
20251213
2026291

NHTSA counts 452 complaints and 21 recalls for the 2020 model year[2]. Here is how that stacks up against other Model 3 years in the same data[2]:

So 2020 sits near the middle on complaints and near the top on recalls. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show where reports landed, not how likely a problem is[2].

Should you buy a used 2020 Model 3?

The record shows 452 owner complaints, with forward collision avoidance the largest group, then speed control and brakes among the named components[1][3][7][8]. Complaints are unverified, so they point to questions to ask and not to proven faults. Most of the recalls listed above use over-the-air software updates, and most of the rest are free inspections or repairs, but the headlight recall 26V507 has no repair available yet[4][13][30]. Check the VIN for open recalls before buying. Our data does not cover battery health, charging, trims or reliability scores, so check those separately.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
By complaint count, the largest groups are forward collision avoidance with 157 complaints, unknown or other with 81, and speed control with 69[3][6][7]. In a sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe unexpected braking and unexpected movement of the car[7][8].
How many recalls does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have?
NHTSA lists 21 recalls for the 2020 model year[2]. Headlight recall 26V507 has no repair available yet[4].
What is the MPGe of the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
EPA lists combined ratings from 113 to 141 MPGe depending on version[35][36]. The Standard Range Plus is highest at 141 and the Long Range Performance AWD (20in) is lowest at 113[35][36].
What is the range of the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
EPA range runs from 220 miles for the Standard Range to 330 miles for the Long Range[34][33].
Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 safe?
NHTSA gives the 4-door AWD and RWD versions 5 stars overall[5][41].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 452 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 (54 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 33 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Tesla Model 3 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 157 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 26V507, filed August 4, 2026: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 6.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 81 complaints name the unknown or other component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,600). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 69 complaints name the speed control component group (18 crashes, 2 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,470). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 48 complaints name the brakes component group (9 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,495). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 47 complaints name the steering component group (7 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 46 complaints name the suspension component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 42 complaints name the electrical system component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 35 complaints name the lane departure component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 24V935, filed December 17, 2024: Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 24V376, filed May 28, 2024: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 24V153, filed February 27, 2024: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 24V051, filed January 30, 2024: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 23V838, filed December 12, 2023: Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 23V085, filed February 15, 2023: Steering › Automated / Adaptive Steering. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 22V798, filed October 21, 2022: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 22V702, filed September 19, 2022: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 22V263, filed April 18, 2022: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 22V235, filed April 12, 2022: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 22V169, filed March 18, 2022: Back Over Prevention › Display Function. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 22V063, filed February 4, 2022: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
  25. Recall 22V045, filed February 1, 2022: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
  26. Recall 22V037, filed January 27, 2022: Steering › Automated / Adaptive Steering. NHTSA recall database
  27. Recall 21V00D, filed December 21, 2021: Visibility › Rearview Mirrors / Devices › Interior. NHTSA recall database
  28. Recall 21V846, filed October 29, 2021: Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  29. Recall 21V834, filed October 25, 2021: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain. NHTSA recall database
  30. Recall 21V835, filed October 25, 2021: Suspension › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  31. Recall 21V387, filed May 25, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  32. Recall 21V389, filed May 25, 2021: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  33. EPA rating for Model 3 Long Range, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 130 MPGe combined, 330 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  34. EPA rating for Model 3 Standard Range, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 131 MPGe combined, 220 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  35. EPA rating for Model 3 Standard Range Plus, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 141 MPGe combined, 250 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  36. EPA rating for Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (20in), electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 113 MPGe combined, 299 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  37. EPA rating for Model 3 Mid Range, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 123 MPGe combined, 264 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  38. EPA rating for Model 3 Long Range AWD, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 121 MPGe combined, 322 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  39. EPA rating for Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (18in), electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 121 MPGe combined, 322 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  40. EPA rating for Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (19in), electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 116 MPGe combined, 304 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  41. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 6.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  42. EPA Test Car List, 2020 Tesla Model 3 with electric motor: rated 252 to 282 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  43. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MODEL 3 4DR SEDAN LONG RANGE AWD: length 185 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,072 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  44. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MODEL 3 4DR SEDAN LONG RANGE RWD: length 185 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,805 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  45. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MODEL 3 4DR SEDAN MID RANGE: length 185 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,686 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  46. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MODEL 3 4DR SEDAN STANDARD: length 185 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,627 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.