How many 2018 Tesla Model 3 owners complained about visibility and wipers?

NHTSA lists 60 complaints in the Visibility & Wipers category for the 2018 Model 3, which is 6% of the 1,024 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for 2018 Model 3 visibility or camera problems?

Yes. Recall 21V00D000 covers a rearview camera cable harness that can be damaged by the trunk lid on 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles, and recall 22V702000 addresses the window automatic reversal system on 2017-2022 Model 3 and other models.

At what mileage do these visibility problems usually show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 24,000 miles at the time of failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2018 Model 3.

Did any 2018 Model 3 visibility complaints involve crashes or fires?

NHTSA records 1 crash and 0 fires and 0 injuries linked to Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2018 Model 3.

Is 2018 worse than other Model 3 years for this problem?

The 2018 Model 3 share of 6% is similar to 2019, 2020, and 2021, and higher than the 3% seen in 2022-2025, but lower than the 15% share reported for 2017.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Visibility & Wipers Problems

NHTSA lists 60 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 6% of that year's 1,024 total complaints. Median mileage at failure is 24,000 miles. Two related recalls exist, covering window auto-reversal and rearview camera cable issues, though neither is specific to 2018 alone.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 60; 6% of 1,024
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 24,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Rearview camera image frequently drops out, freezes, shows color distortion, or goes black, sometimes intermittently over hours or days.
Auto wiper mode reacts too slowly to rain, forcing drivers to manually adjust wiper speed through the touch screen.
Windshield or rear glass develops cracks with no visible impact, sometimes while wipers are in use.
Auto-dimming rear-view and side mirrors dim and un-dim on a fixed schedule rather than responding to actual headlight glare or ambient light.
Software updates moved wiper and camera controls into buried touchscreen menus, requiring drivers to look away from the road to activate them.
Side and rear mirror visibility is described as limited, with no blind-spot warning indicator during lane changes.

When 2018 Tesla Model 3 visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 28, 2018, latest Aug 21, 2026.

60 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2018 to Aug 2026; peak Jan 2022 (5).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3

NHTSA 22V702000Sep 19, 2022Visibility & Wipers1,096,762 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Visibility:power window devices and controls
Tesla, 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 system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
NHTSA 21V00D000Dec 21, 2021Visibility & Wipers356,309 vehicles
Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:interior
Tesla, 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, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.

Visibility & Wipers complaints by Model 3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20174 (15%)
201860 (6%)
201934 (6%)
202028 (6%)
202131 (5%)
202221 (3%)
202313 (3%)
20246 (3%)
20253 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2018 Tesla Model 3 owners complained about visibility and wipers?: NHTSA lists 60 complaints in the Visibility & Wipers category for the 2018 Model 3, which is 6% of the 1,024 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2018 Model 3 visibility or camera problems?: Yes. Recall 21V00D000 covers a rearview camera cable harness that can be damaged by the trunk lid on 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles, and recall 22V702000 addresses the window automatic reversal system on 2017-2022 Model 3 and other models.
At what mileage do these visibility problems usually show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 24,000 miles at the time of failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2018 Model 3.
Did any 2018 Model 3 visibility complaints involve crashes or fires?: NHTSA records 1 crash and 0 fires and 0 injuries linked to Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2018 Model 3.
Is 2018 worse than other Model 3 years for this problem?: The 2018 Model 3 share of 6% is similar to 2019, 2020, and 2021, and higher than the 3% seen in 2022-2025, but lower than the 15% share reported for 2017.