2019 Tesla Model 3 electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 24V153000Feb 27, 20246,557 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 24V051000Jan 30, 20242,193,869 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 23V838000Dec 12, 20232,031,220 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 22V263000Apr 18, 202248,184 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 22V235000Apr 12, 2022594,894 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 22V063000Feb 4, 2022578,607 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 22V045000Feb 1, 2022817,143 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · SEAT BELTS:FRONT

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 21V00D000Dec 21, 2021356,309 vehicles
  BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK · VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 28, 2026WAAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   The Front Passenger Safety Restraint System failed prematurely on my 2019 Tesla Model 3 at only 23,105 miles, triggering the alert 'Alerts - Seats - Front passenger safety restraint system issue/Service is required' and disabling passenger airbag functionality. Upon inspection, Tesla Service quoted $1,285.13 out-of-pocket to repair the system. While the root failure involves a $12 occupant occupancy sensor (Part #1099592-00-F), Tesla's mandatory service procedures require a…

   NHTSA complaint #11753364 · source
2. Filed Jul 22, 2026MOElectrical System

   I was locked inside my tesla model 3 two stories down in a parking garage with no internet access to find out where the emergency release was for my door. I KICKED my driver side window to survive. It wasn't until after I was told that the doors are tied to a 12v battery that had died without warning. I did not know the doors tied to that nor that there was a secret emergency release. There are no clear indicators within the car that this is how it operates and you SHOULDN'T…

   NHTSA complaint #11752169 · source
3. Filed Jul 10, 2026WAAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   I am getting an electrical fault which has disabled my front passenger seat airbags. They need to replace the wiring, which means they also now need to replace the passenger airbag itself because wiring has changed and the old airbag is not compatible with the new wiring. Replace Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat while Servicing Subcomponents Update Front Passenger Airbag to Maintain Compatibility with Front Passenger Seat I had this same error 4…

   NHTSA complaint #11749648 · source
4. Filed May 7, 202678,000 miVAElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the rear seat warmer was active, a hole had burned through the seat due to the heat coming from the seat warmer. The contact stated that a blanket was placed over the seat which caused the blanket to melt and fuse into the seat. As a result of the failure, the contact had to tear apart the back of the seat where the failure occurred. The contact spoke to a Tesla service technician who gave the contact an…

   NHTSA complaint #11736310 · source
5. Filed Dec 2, 2025CAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   My vehicle has developed a rapidly worsening battery performance issue. It loses range far faster than expected, shows inconsistent energy usage, and experiences sudden drops in projected mileage even during normal driving. Charging behavior is irregular, and the vehicle’s energy regeneration is inconsistent. There was no crash, fire, or damage. Based on the symptoms, this appears to be a potential battery or propulsion system defect. The issue continues to worsen and…

   NHTSA complaint #11702593 · source
6. Filed Nov 13, 2025111,000 miNJElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the indicator, self-driving feature, and music sounds were inaudible. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11699217 · source
7. Filed Nov 8, 2025CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Tesla remotely disabled Supercharging access on my vehicle without any warning, safety errors, or mechanical problems. The vehicle charged normally for months, including recent Supercharging sessions, and still operates safely. Tesla stated Supercharging was disabled due to a “salvage” title and now demands a $1,900-$2,400 “inspection” to restore access, with no diagnostic evidence of any issue. This appears to be a remote software lockout of a critical charging feature…

   NHTSA complaint #11698332 · source
8. Filed Oct 9, 2025111,725 miNJCrashTowedElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that his wife was driving approximately 30-40 MPH at night with Full Self-Driving(FSD) mode engaged. The contact stated that the driver was exiting the highway to merge onto another highway that would close intermittently. The contact stated that the driver briefly looked at the navigation screen, and the vehicle suddenly crashed into the first highway closure gate, and the windshield shattered. The vehicle then…

   NHTSA complaint #11692414 · source
9. Filed Aug 21, 2025NJAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   There is an error with my car's Occupant Classification System (OCS) which is giving me an alarm of "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". Tesla only "fix" is to replace the OCS with what seems to be a newer version. You can tell it is a new version because they are also telling me I need to replace my airbag as my current airbag is not compatible with the new OCS.

   NHTSA complaint #11682155 · source
10. Filed Aug 14, 2025VTElectrical System

    I am reaching out to report a high voltage isolation issue with my 2019 Tesla Model 3. Tesla determined the issue was caused by external factors such as grime and road salt corroding the battery seals, leading to an internal isolation fault with the high voltage battery. They deemed it out of warranty, with an estimated repair cost of $13,155.30. When I asked what preventative maintenance could have avoided this, Tesla only referred me to the owner’s manual, which simply…

    NHTSA complaint #11680567 · source
11. Filed Aug 12, 2025NJElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

    My vehicle displays a persistent warning: “Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault.” A technician told me this fault relates to the driver seat sensor and is the same defect addressed by a previous NHTSA recall. However, I’ve confirmed that my VIN was not included in that recall. Despite the recall fix being implemented for some vehicles, my car still has this safety restraint fault with no resolution offered. This ongoing problem concerns me because it affects the proper…

    NHTSA complaint #11680257 · source
12. Filed Feb 4, 2025CAAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

    passenger safety restraint system light came on, Tesla says to fix needs to install OCS filter module and replace existing OCS sensor because its not compatible with existing OCS sensor...cost is $806....there are no broken parts in my car. according to Teslas service bulletin Sep 21, 2020 this problem is caused by electrical interference in the seat harness causing the airbag restrain system message on screen due to faulty design.....Tesla says i need to pay for it because…

    NHTSA complaint #11640752 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology