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2019 Tesla Model 3 visibility problems

34 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 14,419. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
34
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
14,419
crashes
1
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Tesla Model 3 visibility problems in other years

2017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Tesla Model 3 visibility

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Wipers 9

Related recalls

Visibility: power window devices and controlsReported September 19, 2022 · 1,096,762 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 22V702000 · Recall details

Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interiorReported December 21, 2021 · 356,309 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 21V00D000 · Recall details

What 2019 Tesla Model 3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 29, 2025 · Visibility · TX

Back window spontaneously cracked. Much of the back roof is this glass, thus I am concerned that in an accident will that tempered glass hold up

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Lights, Visibility · IL

We own a 2019 Tesla model 3 which had a left front headlight stop working (headlight, turn signal, and daytime running light). As soon as the headlight went out the windshield wipers stopped working. The vehicle does not have fuses but the headlight and wipers share a wiring circuit. I thought it might be a coincidence but found several of the same issues on a google search. It is beyond ridiculous that lowing a headlight at night would cause your wipers to stop working. Its bad enough to have a reduction in visibility due to a light going out but to have the windshield wipers tied to the headlight causing them to stop working is nothing short of reckless. The warning stating the turn signal needed to be serviced and to make an appointment came on when the light stopped working. I own an automotive repair shop so I ordered the headlight assembly and installed it, the lights then worked and not surprisingly so did the windshield wipers.

Filed Sep 2, 2024 · Visibility · FL

This morning the Tesla mobile technician informed me that the defrost is disabled. He explained that is something that only Tesla can fix. When talking to Tesla service they quote me over 1k to fix. After reading about this particular issue, Tesla has been recalling the model 3 ( 2021 -2023 ) for the exact same issue. Can someone look into this since it appears to be defective from Tesla Sincerely

Filed Jun 24, 2024 · Visibility · CA

My back glass on my Tesla model 3 started to crack very bad there is no sign of any impact to the glass Tesla even stated it’s a stress crack and stated many teslas have this problem and continued to tell me even though it is a defect and a safety concern that the back glass can shatter and injury passengers in vehicle I would be responsible for paying to replace a defective back glass.

Filed May 1, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · GA

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Mar 19, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

The rear view camera has not functioned properly for several months. We did have the rear harness recall work completed, but the camera was working fine at that time and stopped working in Nov sometime after a software update. This is VERY similar to 24V‑035, except that is on 2023 year models only. Why is that campaign limited to 2023 only? There are a lot of complaints on the internet about this issue, and in some cases Tesla charging $3500 to replace a computer in the car. We also have the full automatic driving, same as in the 2023 models recalled. This issue seems to be related to this update, or one about that time period: [XXX]. [XXX] [XXX] I have tried all the wizardry and voodoo mentioned across the web and no results. The rear camera DOES work in live vire mode and in the service mode camera preview - so I know it works. It just does not work while driving/in reverse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 18, 2023 · Visibility · FL

Automatic windshield wipers have not worked since a firmware update several months ago. Unfortunately, the touchscreen controls for the wipers are not easily accessible and that makes it difficult to control them while driving. Drivers are required to take their eyes off the road to adjust the wipers. Making matters worse, the buttons are small, low contrast, and difficult to press while the car is in motion. These touchscreen controls are the only method for operating wipers. Do to the way the controls work, automatic wipers are a necessity for safe driving in bad weather. I live in an area with frequent rain so this is a serious issue. I have reported the issue to Tesla at least twice and they continue to say it is a “known firmware characteristic” with no ETA for a fix.

Filed Oct 23, 2023 · Visibility · CT

The automatic windshield wiper feature fails to properly respond to rain intensity. The wipers turn on when it is perfectly dry outside, causing premature wear. On the other hand, when it is actually raining out, the wipers consistently and ongoingly activate at a much lower frequency than necessary to keep the windshield clear, resulting in forward visibility of close to zero in most situations. Tesla ran diagnostics on the wiper system and determined that my vehicle's hardware and equipment is functioning properly, despite all the problems.

Filed Jun 12, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Mar 19, 2023 · Electrical, Visibility · FL

The rear view camera of my car it’s failing intermittently some days work some days don’t. So I found that there is a recall related to this specific issue. the federal safety agency Recall Number 21V-00D then I scheduled a service with Tesla indicating that I’m sending the car for them to honor the recall. They accepted and scheduled the service appointment through the app at $0 cost because obviously it’s their responsibility. Well for my surprise when I arrive to the Tesla Service Center in Coral Gables Florida, the person in charge refused to honor the recall saying that the car it’s not in warranty and that they don’t perform services on recalls even though I was showing them that the recall it’s on my VIN number at the federal safety agency website. Now I’m worried that I may cause an accident because the car may malfunction due to this safety issue with the rear camera. Find attached screenshots of the conversations I had with them where they are basically refusing to properly perform the service for this recall that includes the full inspection of the coaxial cable to see if it’s too damaged and the replacement of the part.

Questions about the 2019 Tesla Model 3 visibility

Does the 2019 Tesla Model 3 have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the visibility of the 2019 Tesla Model 3, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2019 Tesla Model 3 visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 14,419 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2019 Tesla Model 3 visibility?

Yes, 2 recalls: 22V702000, 21V00D000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Tesla Model 3 have the most visibility problems?

The Tesla Model 3 model years with the most visibility complaints are 2018 (61 complaints), 2019 (34 complaints) and 2021 (34 complaints).

Other 2019 Tesla Model 3 problems

Driver assistance 224Electrical 94Airbags 89Suspension 83Acceleration 71Brakes 64Seat belts 58Steering 54Seats 47Body 23Transmission 10Fuel system 8Lights 6Tires 5Wheels 5Engine 2Locks 1

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