Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Tesla Model 3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the Back Over Protection camera failed to display an image on the screen. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) several months ago. The dealer was contacted and stated that the parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the rearview camera was inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and scheduled two appointments for an associate to go to the contact's residence for the recall repair; however, the manufacturer canceled the appointments. The contact was instructed to use the side-view and rearview mirrors. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced intermittent loss of the back-up camera. 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 failure mileage was 14,419. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the manufacturer had provided a new software update for the vehicle. The contact stated that the update made it difficult to use some functions. The contact was concerned that he had to take his eyes off the road to use the windshield wipers, defroster, and other features. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. The VIN was not available.
The most recent OTA update, V11, poses a severe safety risk and potential for future incidents. The update has moved visibility/safety activation into sub-menu's requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road for longer periods of time and search for these controls while the vehicle is moving. The main safety feature which is no linger available on the main screen is defrost, but other controls such as climate control, seat heating, TPMS, and more are now 2-3 clicks/swipes away when they used to be one. Not only does it take 5-10 seconds to turn on the defroster which could be deadly in the event of a quickly fogging windshield, but one has to then take their eyes off the road to adjust all of the other climate functions that come on automatically by simply activating the defrost, such as a/c, seat heaters, etc. …
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. NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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. …
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: [redacted]. [redacted] 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.
Software Update Version 11 makes it dangerous to drive when the front and/or back windshield fogs up. Getting the defogger to turn on requires multiple attempts to find icons and then more icons and then more options while attempting to drive the car (or pull over out of traffic to hunt down the defrost "button".) My windshield fogged up in a matter of seconds and it was impossible to SEE who was ahead of me, see the road, or get pulled over to avoid an accident while I struggled to find the software "button" hidden deep in the menus/screens somewhere. Also, blind spot warning camera is DANGEROUS. It requires the driver to look away from the road and traffic, attempt to interpret complex visual data, and make a split-second decision (all while driving is traffic). It's way WORSE than not having the distraction at all. …
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. …
Defrost "button" location moved with SW update. Window became fogged rapidly and I couldn't find button. Figuring out how to locate the button, even though I had read update notes about moving button, took several seconds causing me to focus on car touch screen rather than road much longer than it should. I missed my turn because of this and could have easily run a traffic control sign/signal or drifted out of my lane, but I am experienced enough to know to glance up from the screen frequently even while searching for button. I waited a couple months to file this complaint figuring I would just need to get used to the new button placement, but I am thoroughly convinced the button needs to have 1 touch access on the touch screen as it did before, not opening a separate climate menu.
Related recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Model 3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2019 Tesla Model 3?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2019 Tesla Model 3, 5% of the model year's 619 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2019 Tesla Model 3 window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-702 (power window devices and controls, Sep 19, 2022); NHTSA recall 21V00D000 (interior, Dec 21, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2019 Tesla Model 3 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 13,000 miles, and 89% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.