At the shop, Tesla visibility issues have a recognizable signature. 138 documented complaints across 12 year-model entries from 2013 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. 2018 Tesla Model 3 tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 2 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Repair cost runs around $350 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Wipers, washers, backup camera, defroster — exercise all of them on the test drive. None of these failures are emergencies but they add up.
ProblemsByVin TESLA / VISIBILITY
12 model-year entries · 2013–2025
Tesla visibility problems
138 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Tesla vehicles for visibility issues. 9 active recall campaigns. See visibility across all makes →
Complaints
138
Recalls
9
Year-models
12
Avg fix
$350
2crashes
Worst-affected Tesla model-years for visibility Top 12 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2018 Tesla Model 3
29 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2019 Tesla Model 3
20 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2021 Tesla Model 3
17 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
13 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2022 Tesla Model 3
12 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2020 Tesla Model 3
12 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2023 Tesla Model 3
10 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2020 Tesla Model Y
9 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 severe
2025 Tesla Model Y
5 complaints · ~$350 severe
2021 Tesla Model S
4 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$350 moderate
2013 Tesla Model S
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2014 Tesla Model S
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
Active recalls — Tesla visibility 4 on file
Tesla, Inc
The inability to clean the windshield reduces the driver’s visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
Tesla, Inc
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-006.
Tesla, Inc
When using the incorrect mirrors, the driver may misjudge the distance of other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will replace the mirrors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-12-002.
Tesla, Inc
A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
How many Tesla visibility complaints are on file with NHTSA?
138 complaints across 12 model-year entries from 2013 to 2025. 9 active recall campaigns cover visibility issues across the Tesla lineup.
Which Tesla model has the most visibility complaints?
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 leads with 29 complaints in this category. Next: 2019 Model 3 (20) and 2021 Model 3 (17).
What does it cost to fix Tesla visibility problems?
Independent shops average $350 for visibility repairs across the Tesla lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Tesla visibility recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover visibility on Tesla vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Tesla.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.