2018 Tesla Model 3 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,034 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the visibility of the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 6% of the 1,034 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After entering my vehicle and initiating a trip to work recently in the late morning. I had activated my windshield wipers to clean my front windshield and after traveling less than a block I heard a crack like pop sound even though nothing had impacted the glass and suddenly a 4 inch crack appeared in the the top middle of the windshield. …”
NHTSA complaint #11361038, filed 2020-09, 9,000 miles“I found a stress crack on my rear windshield, which the Tesla service center in san rafael, california denied was caused by a defect in the glass. My service associate, patrick gerety was particularly unhelpful and I am lodging a complaint directly with the manager of the center, aston martin (no, really), as well. Many other Tesla MODEL 3 car owners are experiencing failures in their rear windshields. Some are being replaced under warranty, but many - like mine - are being denied. In some cases, the failure seems to be associated with the rear windshield heating system. …”
NHTSA complaint #11222106, filed 2019-06, 11,000 miles“Rear camera frequently fails ranging in duration of failure from a few seconds, to hours, to days. Camera occasionally will work, but flicker between on and off. This failure occurs both while in motion and stationary. It presents a hazard whenever reversing/checking surroundings of the car. Multiple service attempts have not been able to resolve this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11378166, filed 2020-12, 49,728 miles“The backup camera and side view cameras are intermittently not displaying while reversing. The camera displays the trajectory lines, however, the image is totally black. There is no camera feed. This problem has remained, despite several software updates. The camera at times will freeze on a previous image, not the current 'live' image.”
NHTSA complaint #11361604, filed 2020-09, 24,000 miles“The visibility in the side and rear view mirrors is very limited. The visual indicator for the turn signals is hard to hear and view in the central console, which is also causing distraction for the driver and taking away his attention from the road. There is also no warning indicator for the blind spots during lane changes and the console show only cars in front, but not on the side blind spots. Blinkers in the side-view mirrors for turn signals and blind spot vehicles like in toyota and other models is much safer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11132173, filed 2018-09, 50 milesRelated 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…
- 10143013May 15, 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 make the front…
- 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…
- 10143009Apr 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…
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 2018 Tesla Model 3
203 complaintsSuspension
191 complaintsOther or unknown
175 complaintsElectrical system
168 complaintsAir bags
143 complaintsSeat belts
105 complaintsVehicle speed control
91 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsSteering
82 complaintsSeats
74 complaintsBody and structure
60 complaintsLane departure
51 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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