How many Engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

NHTSA lists 70 Engine-related complaints for the 2020 Model 3, which is 16% of the 451 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 engine/acceleration issue?

No related recall is listed in the data for this component on the 2020 Model 3.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure across Engine-area complaints for the 2020 Model 3 is 1,470 miles.

Did these engine complaints involve crashes or injuries?

Across all complaint areas for the 2020 Model 3, NHTSA logs 18 crashes, 2 fires, and 10 injuries; several of the sample Engine complaints describe crashes tied to sudden acceleration.

How does the 2020 Model 3's engine complaint share compare to other years?

The 16% share for 2020 is lower than 2021 (19%), 2022 (23%), and 2023 (18%), but higher than 2018 (10%), 2019 (12%), 2024 (11%), and 2025 (15%).

2020 Tesla Model 3 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 70 Engine-area complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 16% of the 451 total complaints filed for that year, with a median mileage at failure of 1,470 miles. No related recall is listed for this component.

Engine complaints: 70; 16% of 451
Crashes reported: 18
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 10
Median mileage: 1,470 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe the vehicle lurching or accelerating on its own while parking at low speed, striking a parked truck or wall.
Several complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration while coming to a stop or idling, leading to rear-end collisions with the vehicle ahead.
Some drivers report the car surging forward while attempting to brake, with the brake pedal failing to slow or stop the vehicle.
One complaint describes the hood opening unexpectedly during a low-speed lurch, blocking the driver's view just before a crash.
A report describes loss of control during rain with Autopilot engaged, followed by unexpected acceleration and a rollover.

When 2020 Tesla Model 3 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 25, 2019, latest Jul 29, 2026.

70 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2019 to Jul 2026; peak Jun 2023 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model 3

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Model 3 model year

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

20174 (15%)
2018100 (10%)
201973 (12%)
202070 (16%)
2021127 (19%)
2022178 (23%)
202375 (18%)
202424 (11%)
202517 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?: NHTSA lists 70 Engine-related complaints for the 2020 Model 3, which is 16% of the 451 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 engine/acceleration issue?: No related recall is listed in the data for this component on the 2020 Model 3.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure across Engine-area complaints for the 2020 Model 3 is 1,470 miles.
Did these engine complaints involve crashes or injuries?: Across all complaint areas for the 2020 Model 3, NHTSA logs 18 crashes, 2 fires, and 10 injuries; several of the sample Engine complaints describe crashes tied to sudden acceleration.
How does the 2020 Model 3's engine complaint share compare to other years?: The 16% share for 2020 is lower than 2021 (19%), 2022 (23%), and 2023 (18%), but higher than 2018 (10%), 2019 (12%), 2024 (11%), and 2025 (15%).