2020 Tesla Model 3 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 6%of 452 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the visibility of the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 6% of the 452 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,000 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.
“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“Light sources such as tail lights of other vehicles, traffic lights, and lit signs, all have an artifact effect - view of the light source has a double that exists right above the original source with a slightly dimmer brightness when viewed through the windshield. This is not an effect caused by poor eyesight, things look normal when viewed directly through an open window. The effect can be reproduced at any time, but it is most noticeable at night when the view of the artifact is in high contrast to dark backgrounds. …”
NHTSA complaint #11413277, filed 2021-04, 9,000 miles“My front windshield has chipped and then cracked twice in about 6 months. I heard a pebble hit the windshield the first time, but it sounded very small and I did not expect it to chip/crack. The second time I didn’t even hear anything hit it. My friend has the same vehicle and her back windshield cracked unexpectedly and another friend’s cracked when she hit a bug that was on the windshield with her hand.”
NHTSA complaint #11435080, filed 2021-10“Tesla software version 2022.24.8 that I currently have installed has switched off the vehicles equipped forward facing radar. I can't find any method to undo their software update, I'm unable to find a way to contact a person via their website. I've lost control of my lights and wipers when the vehicle is using Autopilot. Both of which are set to automatic leaving me the driver with absolutely no way to turn them off short of turning off Autopilot which I've paid money for. …”
NHTSA complaint #11485032, filed 2022-09“Windshield wipers routinely start auto-wiping , even while turned off. I've reported this to Tesla many times and nothing is done. Plenty of evidence online that others have this same problem. I live in Phoenix, Arizona so when I say my windshield is dry, I mean it's DRY. Leaving out how distracting it is to have your wipers refusing to quit wiping, it's also wearing out the wiper blades so they're not efficient when actually needed. I've already replaced them once a year ago with, maybe 10,000 miles on vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11524876, filed 2023-06Related 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
- 10253653Mar 21, 2024Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may be equipped with refrigerant pressure/temperature (P/T) sensors in the heat pump that can fault over time.
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 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 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