2020 Tesla Model 3 Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 452 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 1% of the 452 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 miles.
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 report a repeated and potentially dangerous defect in my 2020 Tesla Model 3. On four separate occasions, the front trunk (frunk) latch has opened on its own, without any input from me. This has occurred while parked in my garage and poses a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds where the hood could flip up and obstruct the driver’s view. I am aware that Tesla has issued recalls for this exact problem involving the frunk latch mechanism on certain Model 3 vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11662321, filed 2025-05“Essentially, I find the lack of emergency, unpowered door release for the back doors a little concerning. There is no way to open the door in the event that all power to the door latch fails. Even in newer models (at least of 3/Y/Cybertruck, that i know of) the emergency release is buried under the cupholder liner in the rear seat. Here is a youtube video showing a homebrew retrofit. It seems like something like this should probably be provided to owners of this model of car. The internals of the door seem to make this feasible. …”
NHTSA complaint #11678986, filed 2025-08“There is no manual door opener from the rear seats. In case of a power loss doors would not open. Only way the rear passengers can get out is climb to the front seats and get out through front doors. This is a serious situation in case of accident when power loss can happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11534800, filed 2023-07“The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, all four windows slightly went down independently, wiggled and made clicking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the sound had become unbearable. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side doors and the rear driver's side door failed to close securely. The door chime reminder engaged. The contact also stated the vehicle would shift into park (P) and would jerk when attempting to drive due to the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11521150, filed 2023-05, 14,000 miles“Open door button doesn’t work, this is a widely reported problem online. In case of accident, fire or submersion the passenger will be at great risk for bodily harm or death”
NHTSA complaint #11531969, filed 2023-07Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model 3
157 complaintsOther or unknown
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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