2020 Tesla Model 3 Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 157about this part
- Share
- 35%of 452 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 157 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 35% of the 452 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles. 11 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.
“I was driving in a toll road to the left of the freeway lane which was backed up. I was driving approximately 70 MPH, had cruise control activated on a straight stretch of road when the car suddenly braked really hard (reduced speed instantly to about 55 MPH). There was an SUV behind me driving kind of close but thankfully it was paying attention and had to make a hard swerve out of my lane to avoid a rear end collision”
NHTSA complaint #11394497, filed 2021-02, 30 miles“From the moment I drove my brand new Tesla off the lot - the screen - the only way to control anything about the vehicle - would freeze; black out; and take several minutes to reset itself. While in this completely inoperative state: the audio system would emit a high pitch noise; any ability to tell speed; turning signal status; anything was completely impaired; the climate control blasts on high fan a torrent of cold air. …”
NHTSA complaint #11376292, filed 2020-11, 15 miles“I bought a Tesla MODEL 3 on 9/19/20. On 9/23/20 I was waiting in my car in a line of cars at a fast food delivery window, stopped 8-10 ft behind a large vehicle with my foot on the brake as well as in the park mode because of the slow service ahead. After a while I realized that my Tesla had started moving slowly towards the vehicle in front. Pumping the brake, trying to change the gear to reverse did not stop the car. The screen data disappeared and a message flashed saying that all safety features were off. I opened the door which is supposed to stop the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373812, filed 2020-11, 50 miles“My Model 3 failed at under 50,000 miles and gave out a series of failure warnings. It was unable to drive anymore and steering became stiff and unresponsive. In researching this I see it is a common issue with hundreds of thousands of cars affected. And the NHTSA has an open investigation into it. Tesla as usual is denying the problem exists.”
NHTSA complaint #11643458, filed 2025-02“Car was sitting at a red light while in Full Self Driving (supervised). The screen showed at least four red lights. Suddenly the car started to move forward while the lights were still red. I was able to stop it from going further. This has happened before and I reported it then. If I had not had my foot near the brake pedal the car might have just run through the light.”
NHTSA complaint #11751847, filed 2026-07Related recalls
- 22V063000Feb 4, 2022Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2017–2022, Model X 2020–2022, Model S 2020–2022 +1 more
- 21V846000Oct 29, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2017–2021, Model S 2017–2021, Model X 2017–2021 +1 more
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 24% |
| 2025 | 30 | 25% |
| 2024 | 49 | 22% |
| 2023 | 179 | 42% |
| 2022 | 535 | 69% |
| 2021 | 411 | 61% |
| 2020 | 157 | 35% |
| 2019 | 170 | 27% |
| 2018 | 203 | 20% |
| 2017 | 8 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model 3
81 complaintsVehicle speed control
69 complaintsBrakes
48 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsSuspension
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsLane departure
35 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSeats
23 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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