Model 3 vs Model Y

The rear-view camera on Model 3 vehicles from the 2019-2020 model years can fail because repeated opening and closing of the trunk damages the coaxial cable feeding the camera, potentially causing a black screen or complete failure. This increases the risk of backing collisions. The issue was addressed in a December 2021 recall that covered 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles, with a free remedy; out-of-warranty harness repair is estimated to cost a few hundred dollars but no independent cost estimate is available.

Certain 2021-2022 Model 3 vehicles with Autopilot, and some 2020 models, may experience phantom braking where the car slams on its brakes at highway speed with no visible obstacle, which can cause rear-end collisions and erode driver confidence. This was investigated by NHTSA in February 2022 after numerous complaints. Tesla addressed it with free over-the-air software updates, so no owner-paid repair is typically needed.

Front upper control arm ball-joint wear can cause creaking or clunking sounds over bumps and while steering on Model 3 vehicles from 2019-2023, especially earlier builds. This can lead to uneven tire wear and, in severe cases, loss of suspension integrity. Out-of-warranty replacement typically costs between $400 and $900 per side including parts and labor.

Tesla Model 3 vehicles from 2019-2023 can experience premature failure of the 12V auxiliary battery, often within 2-4 years, leading to warnings like '12V battery needs service' and potentially leaving the vehicle inoperable. The battery may fail while parked, causing a sudden inability to unlock or start the car. Replacement at a service center typically costs between $250 and $450 including parts and labor.

In December 2023, Tesla recalled over 2 million US vehicles including the Model 3 from 2019-2023 because NHTSA found that Autopilot's controls may not sufficiently prevent driver misuse, increasing crash risk. The remedy was a free over-the-air software update to add more prominent alerts and checks. No owner out-of-pocket cost is associated with this recall.

The 2020-2022 Model Y in certain Long Range, Performance, and RWD trims built through April 2024 can have front or rear lateral link fasteners loosen from the subframe. Symptoms include clunking or rattling from the suspension, rear or toe camber drift, premature tire edge wear, and vague handling. In the worst case, a lateral link can separate and cause sudden instability or loss of wheel alignment, raising crash risk. The repair is free under NHTSA recall 24V460 when covered; otherwise, out-of-warranty replacement commonly runs around $1,000 including parts and labor.

Early 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles built through early 2021 can have the heat pump reversing valve stick, which prevents the system from switching to heating mode. Symptoms include no cabin heat in cold weather, a defroster that fails to clear the windshield, rapid loss of heat during a trip, and sometimes a hissing noise from the front. This can reduce visibility while driving and was addressed by NHTSA recall 21V062. Out-of-warranty replacement of the heat pump compressor or reversing-valve assembly typically costs about $2,000 including parts and labor.