2020 Tesla Model 3 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 4%of 452 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 600miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the body and structure of the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 4% of the 452 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 600 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Both front door at the bottom has sharp edge that slice my leg when I work out of the car. At 65 MPH on freway with minor rough surface, vehicle zig zag sway back and forth. Only on minor rough road freeway surface”
NHTSA complaint #11363371, filed 2020-10, 16 miles“My roof glass cracked from inside of the glass that is sandwich to it. They replace the roof glass for free. A few months later, when I pull into a parking lot at an angle, the windshield is cracked from inside of the glass just like the roof glass. No damage from outisde and inside of the glass. But Tesla want to charge me for new windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11486058, filed 2022-09“The door handles on the chrome version of the Tesla Model 3 begin to delaminate after several years of use. They delaminate along the door handle seam which creates an extremely sharp edge that can cut fingers. I've had the rear handle on my own model 3 rear door cut my kids finger when they tried to get into the back seat. Because the car is technically out of warranty Tesla will not cover repair without significant cost. …”
NHTSA complaint #11583196, filed 2024-04“I am writing to formally report a critical safety incident involving my 2020 Tesla Model 3, where the bumper detached while driving through a puddle of water on Oct 9th, 2025. This occurred on a busy street, and fortunately, another driver alerted me just in time, averting a potentially serious accident. Following the incident, I arranged for my vehicle to be towed to a Tesla-authorized collision center and opened a claim with my insurance company. …”
NHTSA complaint #11692513, filed 2025-10“My rear bumper on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 AWD LR completely fell off whilst driving through heavy rain floods. There was a recall for my exact year and model but apparently not for my exact car which was manufactured in Texas instead of California.”
NHTSA complaint #11555323, filed 2023-11Related service bulletins
- 11001923Apr 16, 2024Certain Standard Range Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that received the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) HV Battery Retrofit did not receive the 2nd row floor reinforcement plate…
- 10243082Aug 2, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10240953Jun 16, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10240946Jun 8, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10235969Apr 27, 2023On some Model 3 vehicles, water may have leaked inside the trunk area through the trunk lid.
- 10235966Apr 17, 2023On some Model 3 vehicles, water may have leaked inside the trunk area through the trunk lid.
- 10235962Apr 5, 2023On some Model 3 vehicles, water may have leaked inside the trunk area through the trunk lid.
- 10187489Jan 22, 2021On some Model 3 vehicles, the body joint sealant on the outer rear quarter panels are missing or were not properly applied, causing water ingress to the trunk compartment.
Body and structure: 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 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