2026 Tesla Model 3 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 and 17 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance (6), unknown or other (6), steering (4). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 111–114 MPGe combined, depending on configuration.
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Model 3 model year from 2017 to 2026. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 13.9 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2026 Tesla Model 3. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Seats · critical fasteners
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.
Risk: The seat may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-13-003.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
• forward collision warning and automatic emergency breaking failed to work and are still currently an ongoing problem and not functioning. They are and have always Been enabled and can be inspected upon request. • my safety and those in my car and around me put at risk, by the system and software not functioning as intended and providing extra alertness and reaction to avoid…
On [XXX], the owner of a 2026 Tesla Model 3, left the garage of her house in the Tesla, and engaged the self-driving as the driver has done dozens of time in the past. The car proceeded down the driveway, as it has always done in the past. However, in an instant, before the driver had time to react, the car went straight where the driveway curved, and the car hit a tree. The vi…
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel independently turned to the left and the right. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking and uncontrollable. The contact depressed the brake pedal down, unbuckled, the seat belt and opened…
Safety ratings
2026 TESLA MODEL 3 4 DR BEV AWD
2026 TESLA MODEL 3 4 DR BEV RWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2026 Tesla Model 3.
Model 3 Performance
Auto (A1)
Electricity
Model 3 Performance AWD
Auto (A1)
Electricity
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2026 Tesla Model 3, most recently for seats · critical fasteners (06/18/2025). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (6), unknown or other (6), steering (4).
Is the 2026 Tesla Model 3 safe?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2026 a good year for the Tesla Model 3?
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Model 3 model year from 2017 to 2026. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 13.9 per model year.
How efficient is the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
EPA ratings for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 range from 111 to 114 MPGe combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2026 Tesla Model 3 in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: MODEL 3, Model 3.