2024 Tesla Model 3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 12%of 222 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,800miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2024 Tesla Model 3, 12% of the 222 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,800 miles. 1 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.
“Turn signals are now touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. On many occasions the turn signals fail to activate when pressed. I’ve reported twice to Tesla only to be told that “it’s normal” and they think it’s a software issue. I’ve also read many others have had the same experience. Definitely needs to be addressed sooner than later.”
NHTSA complaint #11626503, filed 2024-11“Tesla Model 3 2024 does not have stalks to enable turn signals. Instead, it has buttons on the steering wheel. Sometimes these buttons stop working, so I'm unable to enable the turn signal, which puts me and others at risk. After a few minutes, the turn signal buttons work again. This happens randomly. It has occurred three times in the first 30 days of owning the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11608869, filed 2024-08“The buttons on the steering wheel stick and do not work. These include the turn signals and also bright lights and windshield wipers. They stick on my car, and I am renting a 2024 model 3 that they stick on as well. It’s not possible to signal a turn or wipe the windshield when this happens, which is a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11630197, filed 2024-12“Left and turn signal buttons randomly do not work especially after disengaging FSD. Sometimes I have to re-engage FSD for the buttons to work. This can be dangerous when I'm trying to make a turn and cars behind me could be going really fast or not pay attention. I believe this is a software or firmware issue and not the steering wheel itself. No warning messages. I did report to Tesla warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11626305, filed 2024-11“Right turn signal gets stuck and doesn't allow me to press it. It is very dangerous when it happens out on the road. First attempt to fix it was April 5th 2024. According to Tesla service invoice the steering wheel was replaced and software was updated. As of April 19 2024 the problem has returned. As I attempted to make a right turn and couldn't signal. I also have videos showing the issue I am having. After reviewing online forums it seems this is a common problem for 2024 Tesla Model 3 which is extremely dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11584178, filed 2024-04Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2024 Tesla Model 3
72 complaintsForward collision avoidance
49 complaintsElectrical system
46 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsLane departure
17 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaintsBrakes
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2024 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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