2017 Tesla Model 3

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine
EV
Oil Type & Capacity
N/A
Transmission
1-Speed Automatic
Wheel Torque
129
ft-lbs

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Tesla Model 3.

When mounting wheels on the Tesla Model 3, torque the lug nuts to 129 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2017 Tesla Model 3 have reported 5 common issues including "Front Suspension Lateral Link Separation", "Panel Gaps and Build Quality Inconsistencies" and "Phantom Braking with Autopilot/FSD". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 14 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2017 Tesla Model 3. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 requires lug nuts torqued to 129 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2017 Tesla Model 3 Specifications
Lug Nut Torque129 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
Transmission FluidN/A (Electric)
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
N/A (Electric)
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Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
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Washer Fluid
Windshield
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Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2017 Tesla Model 3. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Tire Rotation
6,250 mi / 6 mo
Tesla recommends every 6,250 miles or if tread depth difference exceeds 2/32 in
Cabin Air Filter
24,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace every 2 years; activated carbon filter
Brake Fluid
48 mo
Test every 4 years; replace if contaminated
Battery Coolant
50,000 mi / 48 mo
Check and replace if needed every 50,000 miles or 4 years
Air Conditioning Desiccant
72,000 mi / 72 mo
Replace every 6 years to maintain A/C efficiency
12V Battery
48 mo
Check annually; replace approximately every 4 years
Wiper Blades
12 mo
Replace annually or when streaking/skipping occurs
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2017 Tesla Model 3.

Common problems reported by 2017 Tesla Model 3 owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

Front Suspension Lateral Link Separation

The front suspension lateral link fasteners can loosen over time, potentially causing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. Owners report clunking or knocking noises from the front end over bumps, and in severe cases the control arm can detach entirely. This issue triggered multiple NHTSA recalls across Model 3 production years.

Solution

Tesla issued NHTSA recall 23V-235 (expanding earlier recall 21V-835) to inspect and re-torque the front suspension lateral link fasteners. Tesla Service will check both front suspension lateral links and re-torque or replace fasteners as needed, free of charge.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall; $300 - $800 if out of warranty for control arm replacement
2

Panel Gaps and Build Quality Inconsistencies

The 2022 Model 3 continues to exhibit uneven panel gaps, misaligned trim pieces, and inconsistent fitment of doors, trunk lids, and frunk panels. Some owners report wind noise from poorly sealed door glass or A-pillar trim, and paint defects including thin coverage and orange peel texture. These cosmetic issues are well-documented across Tesla owner communities.

Solution

Address within the first 100 miles or at delivery by documenting all defects and scheduling a Tesla Service appointment. Tesla will adjust panel alignment, re-seal trim, and repaint or touch up affected areas under the 4-year/50,000-mile basic vehicle warranty. Persistent wind noise may require door seal replacement or window regulator adjustment.

Est. Cost: Covered under warranty; $200 - $1,500 if out of warranty depending on severity
3

Phantom Braking with Autopilot/FSD

Vehicles equipped with Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta unexpectedly apply hard braking for no apparent reason, often on highways when the system misidentifies shadows, overpasses, or signs as obstacles. NHTSA received over 350 complaints for 2021-2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles and opened investigation PE22-002, which was later upgraded to an engineering analysis covering approximately 416,000 vehicles.

Solution

Tesla issued NHTSA recall 21V-846 with an OTA software update to recalibrate the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking thresholds. Subsequent FSD Beta updates have further refined object detection. Ensure your vehicle is running the latest firmware. If phantom braking persists, report to Tesla Service and file an NHTSA complaint.

Est. Cost: $0 (OTA software update)
4

Heat Pump Failure in Cold Weather

The electronic expansion valve (EXV) in the heat pump system can malfunction due to a software error that causes it to remain open, trapping refrigerant in the evaporator and shutting down the compressor. This results in loss of cabin heating and severely reduced windshield defrosting capability in cold weather, posing a safety risk. The issue is most common in vehicles built between early 2021 and early 2022.

Solution

Tesla issued NHTSA recall 22V-050 covering 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The remedy is OTA firmware update 2021.44.30.7 or later, which adds a software command to close the EXV and prevent refrigerant trapping. If the compressor has sustained physical damage from repeated failures, it may need hardware replacement at a Tesla Service Center.

Est. Cost: $0 for OTA update; $1,200 - $3,500 if compressor hardware replacement is needed
5

Touchscreen Yellow Banding and MCU Issues

The center touchscreen develops a yellow band around its edges caused by degradation of the UV-cured adhesive bonding the display to the outer glass. The problem is accelerated by heat and sun exposure and is most visible against white or light-colored backgrounds. In some cases, the MCU also experiences random reboots, lag, or intermittent black screens.

Solution

Tesla Service Centers have a UV light fixture tool that can reverse the yellow banding by re-curing the adhesive over 2-3 hours. If the discoloration is severe or returns, Tesla will replace the display panel. MCU reboot issues are typically resolved with software updates. Screen replacement is covered under the 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.

Est. Cost: Covered under warranty; $500 - $1,500 for screen replacement out of warranty

14 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model 3. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Campaign: 24V935000 Date: 17/12/2024

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence

Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

2

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Campaign: 24V376000 Date: 28/05/2024

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign: 24V051000 Date: 30/01/2024

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

4

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 23V838000 Date: 12/12/2023

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Consequence

In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

5

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Campaign: 23V085000 Date: 15/02/2023

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

Consequence

FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

6

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE

Campaign: 22V798000 Date: 21/10/2022

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.

Consequence

An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.

7

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Campaign: 22V702000 Date: 19/09/2022

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."

Consequence

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.

8

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 22V235000 Date: 12/04/2022

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Consequence

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

9

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign: 22V169000 Date: 18/03/2022

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.

10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 22V063000 Date: 04/02/2022

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Consequence

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 22V045000 Date: 01/02/2022

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 22V037000 Date: 27/01/2022

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

Consequence

Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

Campaign: 21V00D000 Date: 21/12/2021

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.

Consequence

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.

14

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign: 21V846000 Date: 29/10/2021

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

Consequence

Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

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Model 3 — Other Model Years
2023202120202019201820162015201420132012
See Also
2017 Tesla Model 3 Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2017 Tesla Model 3All Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2017 Tesla Model 3Wiper Replacement: 2017 Tesla Model 3