2022 Tesla Model 3 visibility & wipers problems

Related recalls

• Recall 22V702000Sep 19, 20221,096,762 vehicles
  VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

  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."

  Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

• Recall 22V050000Feb 2, 202226,681 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES

  Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

  Risk: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, 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 April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 4, 2026NCBody & StructureOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   At approximately 32,916 miles, the powered trunk lift strut on my 2022 Tesla Model 3 separated from its mounting ball stud during normal use. There was no collision or external impact. When the strut separated, it struck the rear glass and caused the glass to break. Tesla inspected and repaired the vehicle. Tesla’s final service invoice states: “Strut failure was responsible for breaking back glass.” I am concerned that failure of the powered trunk strut attachment on a…

   NHTSA complaint #11762112 · source
2. Filed Apr 23, 2026CAVisibility & Wipers

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The front windshield (Acoustic Glass) failed due to a spontaneous stress fracture. The crack originated from the edge of the glass without any external impact. The vehicle has been repaired, but the service records and high-resolution photos of the crack are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The spontaneous crack…

   NHTSA complaint #11733457 · source
3. Filed Mar 3, 2026CAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionVisibility & Wipers

   My 2022 Tesla Model 3 experienced a heat pump compressor failure at approximately 89,457 miles. Tesla Service Center diagnosed an internal failure in the heat pump system. The heat pump system controls cabin heating, windshield defrosting, and thermal management for the vehicle. When the system failed, the vehicle lost heating and proper defrost capability. This can impair windshield visibility during cold or foggy conditions, creating a potential safety hazard while…

   NHTSA complaint #11721824 · source
4. Filed Feb 24, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechSteeringVisibility & Wipers

   While using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and other highways, the vehicle’s automated steering system repeatedly malfunctions by failing to maintain lane centering. Specifically, the car drifts or actively steers across double yellow lines into the lane of oncoming traffic. This issue is a persistent failure of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and Lane Keeping Assistance. The vehicle has attempted this maneuver…

   NHTSA complaint #11720201 · source
5. Filed Feb 2, 2026INElectrical SystemOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   When cabin heat is enabled, visible vapor/smoke emits from the front trunk area under the windshield cowl and is pulled directly into the cabin through the HVAC intake. The vapor has a chemical/sweet odor consistent with coolant or refrigerant. Smoke enters the passenger compartment, especially when stopped or idling. This occurs repeatedly in cold temperatures and stops immediately when HVAC heat is turned off. No warning lights appear. This appears to be a heat pump or…

   NHTSA complaint #11715170 · source
6. Filed Dec 26, 2025WAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   While driving, the center display intermittently goes completely black. When this occurs, I lose access to the speedometer and all driver information. The issue has been ongoing and progressively worsening. The vehicle was purchased new. The issue was reported during the warranty period and initially attributed to software updates. A recent service visit confirmed the vehicle computer is failing, and the issue immediately recurred after pickup. Loss of speed and driver…

   NHTSA complaint #11707068 · source
7. Filed Dec 2, 2025WIVisibility & Wipers

   This car uses auto-dimming rear view and side mirrors. However, the rear view mirror is only able to be dimmed automatically, or be disabled in the settings. The issue is that the dimming is not based on a light sensor at all, it is merely timed to dim around 30 minutes after sunset and return to normal 30 minutes before sunrise. I have confirmed this timing on many drives and it is repeatable. The safety concern is that there is no way to manually dim the rear view mirror,…

   NHTSA complaint #11702595 · source
8. Filed Nov 19, 2025CADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   All safety and driver-assistance systems on my 2022 Tesla Model 3 failed due to an internal short in the vehicle’s computer, as confirmed in writing by Tesla’s technician. All cameras (rear, side, front) are non-functional, navigation does not work, and all ADAS features (Autopilot, lane-keeping, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, etc.) are disabled. The vehicle has no visibility when reversing and no active safety protections while driving. Tesla…

   NHTSA complaint #11700443 · source
9. Filed Nov 5, 2025FLElectrical SystemOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD in February 2025, I began noticing a persistent musty, mold-like odor coming from the HVAC vents whenever the air conditioning or defrost was on. The odor worsens when driving with the windows down. I reported this issue to Tesla multiple times between May and October 2025. Tesla replaced the cabin filters but refused to perform a full evaporator or HVAC disinfection, stating the odor was “normal.” Despite the filter…

   NHTSA complaint #11697649 · source
10. Filed Feb 20, 202583,000 miWIVisibility & Wipers

    The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that after having a software update completed on the vehicle, while the defroster was activated, the windshield failed to clear up as needed. The contact stated that the heater also failed to operate as needed. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact learned of a recall for the failure however, the contact was unable to confirm if the VIN was previously included in the…

    NHTSA complaint #11643931 · source
11. Filed Feb 19, 2025MIVisibility & Wipers

    * The AC/Heat Pump Compressor and Supermanifold has failed at 64k miles. Vehicle is undrivable and parked at this time. * AC/Heat Pump Compressor and Supermanifold prevents the windshield from being cleared/defrosted/defogged, causing visibility issues and a danger to myself and others. * Vehicle remotely diagnosed and quote received totalling $3047.52 to repair the issue. * Components have not been removed from the vehicle yet. * There were no warnings prior to the failure…

    NHTSA complaint #11643728 · source
12. Filed Jan 16, 2025CABody & StructureVisibility & Wipers

    Dear NHTSA, I am filing a formal complaint regarding Tesla's refusal to properly address a critical safety recall on my vehicle (Recall Number 24V554). This recall involves a significant safety issue that Tesla is legally obligated to remedy free of charge under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The required over-the-air software update associated with this recall repeatedly fails to install, getting stuck at 50% completion. I scheduled a service appointment…

    NHTSA complaint #11636379 · 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