2017 Tesla Model 3 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 15%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the visibility of the 2017 Tesla Model 3, 15% of the 27 complaints for this model year. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am writing to file a formal safety complaint against Tesla, Inc. regarding a software update failure that has disabled legally required vehicle functions on my Tesla for over two years. For more than 26 months, my vehicle has been unable to complete a software update through Tesla's over-the-air (OTA) update system. As a direct result of this failure, my vehicle's display screen does not function for the first several minutes of every drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #11726794, filed 2026-03“On August 9th, 2021 I was traveling on Interstate 40, in NC, at MM 103 at approximately 70 mph. when with no warning the Main Control Unit (MCU) went blank. Adaptive Cruise control, speedometer were not operable or could not be seen. The MCU reset after a brief (5 second) pause. I immediately placed a service request for August 25th with Tesla. Tesla updated the firmware and performed standard maintenance on August 25th. See attached screenshots. …”
NHTSA complaint #11439164, filed 2021-11“The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11481876, filed 2022-08Related recalls
- 22V702000Sep 19, 2022Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2017–2022, Model Y 2020–2022, Model S 2021–2022 +1 more
- 21V00D000Dec 21, 2021Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2017–2020
Related service bulletins
- 10173429Mar 17, 2020On some Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles, condensation might build up inside of the B-pillar applique, potentially obscuring the B-pillar camera. This condition might cause…
- 10143010Apr 3, 2018On some Model 3 vehicles, water might leak inside the motors of both front window motor/regulator assemblies. This might cause the motors to fail and potentially making the front…
- 10142973Sep 30, 2017Certain Model 3 vehicles have primary body seals that lack slip coat. Raising a window might require additional effort by the regulator motor, and might be falsely identified as…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 6 | 3% |
| 2023 | 13 | 3% |
| 2022 | 23 | 3% |
| 2021 | 34 | 5% |
| 2020 | 28 | 6% |
| 2019 | 34 | 5% |
| 2018 | 61 | 6% |
| 2017 | 4 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2017 Tesla Model 3
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology