2019 Tesla Model 3 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 5%of 620 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,428miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the visibility of the 2019 Tesla Model 3, 5% of the 620 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,428 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.
“Rear windshield gets distorted every time the defrost is turned on. Tesla has seen and noted the defect, stated this is normal on all Tesla MODEL 3 vehicles, and will not fix the problem. It is not normal as no other car I've ever driven in has this kind of distortion when using the defrost. I believe this should be registered as a safety recall asap.”
NHTSA complaint #11266082, filed 2019-10, 9,000 miles“I am female safe driver with clean driving records, my Tesla was third car stopped at traffic light on dec 19th in the city street, and all of sudden, I strongly believe that it triggered unintended spontaneous acceleration that resulted in accident with two cars ahead of me, damaged all 3 vehicles including mine, I pushed the brake immediately & parked before all airbags in my car deployed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11300156, filed 2020-01, 4,361 miles“Do to a large back windshield (entire vehicle roof is made out of class) I believe that the heat makes the windshield crack. I posted a video on youtube explaining how my vehicle windshield broke down by the intense heat, a person replied with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11320507, filed 2020-04, 13,428 miles“Rear windshield gets distorted and extremely difficult to view thru rear mirror when turning on rear defrost after 2 minutes. This is a repeatable/reproducible defect. Attempted to have Tesla remedy/replace rear windshield to no avail. They verified the distortion and stated it is a normal operation as it was found in their other vehicles as well. That is unacceptable as I've never had a vehicle with distorted glass upon turning on rear defrost. I believe this to be a major safety defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11246682, filed 2019-08, 2,000 miles“In sudden heavy rain on busy highway (i5), the auto wipers wouldn't go on. To switch to manual or control wipers manually requires driver to take their eyes off the road for a significant amount of time to make 2 precise selections on touch screen. It was a bumpy-ish road and this required me to take my eyes off the road for even longer to click on correct wiper mode selection. It was a very dangerous situation to be in heavy traffic to lose visibility and then have to take my eyes off the road to navigate a touch screen. …”
NHTSA complaint #11229342, filed 2019-07, 4,300 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…
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 2019 Tesla Model 3
170 complaintsElectrical system
92 complaintsAir bags
88 complaintsSuspension
82 complaintsOther or unknown
81 complaintsVehicle speed control
71 complaintsLane departure
70 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsSeat belts
57 complaintsSteering
54 complaintsSeats
47 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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