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Exterior lightingPart report

2018 Tesla Model 3 Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
2%of 1,036 total for the year
Median mileage
8,200miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 2% of the 1,036 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,200 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Problem: rear tail lights were not illuminated, even though the standardized headlight symbol/indicator was depicted on the vehicle instrument screen. This symbol is universally understood to indicate both headlights and tail lights. Incident: while driving on a dark and unlit road, I encountered debris blocking the road. In order to pass through, I exited the vehicle without turning it off and left the driver's door unlatched to ensure the vehicle did not inadvertently power down. …”

NHTSA complaint #11269277, filed 2019-10, 12,999 miles

“I was at the supercharging station in dublin ( california) . When I wanted to take reverse and park my car for supercharging.my car showed the option of autopark. Since there was an open spot available for parking my car (where my car fits properly - as per Tesla guidelines) .I started auto parking ,in autopark feature usually the car comes close to the other car and then takes necessary turn. But in my case the car came very close to the other car and instead of stopping it speeded up and dashed to the other car in the parking spot. …”

NHTSA complaint #11115496, filed 2018-08, 3,400 miles

“There is a buildup of water and condensation in the rear tail lights of my vehicle. The issue is known by Tesla as they replaced the same problem before, however, now they are not covering it under warranty even though it is a common problem among MODEL 3 owners.”

NHTSA complaint #11416172, filed 2021-05, 65,700 miles

“Front fog lights and rear tail lights fogging and filling with condensation that could lead to electrical issues. Service center said this is 'normal'.”

NHTSA complaint #11311527, filed 2020-02, 19 miles

“The is WATER in my right front FOG lamp and I don't know how it got in there, but Tesla says they can't get water out of it and can't reseal it, but is willing to let me pay $504 to replace a light... this is yet another Billionaire abusive practice by Elon Musk to generate cash flow and revenue for his failing company. Telsa also asked for $15,000 for a new battery, which the software said it started reducing the range JUST after the 120,000 mile battery warranty was up. …”

NHTSA complaint #11571743, filed 2024-02

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202576%
20242712%
202310%
202271%
202181%
2020143%
201961%
2018162%

Other parts of the 2018 Tesla Model 3

Forward collision avoidance
204 complaints
Suspension
192 complaints
Other or unknown
175 complaints
Electrical system
168 complaints
Air bags
143 complaints
Seat belts
105 complaints
Vehicle speed control
91 complaints
Brakes
89 complaints
Steering
83 complaints
Seats
74 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
61 complaints
Body and structure
60 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Tesla Model 3

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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