2018 Tesla Model 3 exterior lighting problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2018 Tesla Model 3 — 2% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“In the last 18 months I have had 8 service visits relating to electrical issues. In the last 30 months: - I had my car computer replaced after it shorted out, and then had to have it replaced again the next week. - I had the same taillight short out twice in a row. - I have had the 12V battery…”
filed Jul 8, 2026
“The turn signal stalk does not differentiate between a partial (lane change) press or a full turn press. The signal will remain on until the stalk is moved in the opposite turn direction. This sometimes results in the opposite turn signal activating. This entire process is intermittent while…”
filed Mar 21, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Exterior Lighting problems in other Model 3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Model 3 | 6 | 5% |
| 2024 Model 3 | 26 | 13% |
| 2023 Model 3 | 1 | 0% |
| 2022 Model 3 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 Model 3 | 8 | 1% |
| 2020 Model 3 | 14 | 3% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 6 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Tesla Model 3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.