# Tesla Model 3 traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 23 - **Most complaints:** 2022 (6) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 23 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Tesla Model 3 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2022** model year (6). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Tesla Model 3 traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2017 | 1 | 27 | 4% | | 2018 | 4 | 1036 | 0% | | 2020 | 4 | 454 | 1% | | 2021 | 1 | 674 | 0% | | 2022 | 6 | 773 | 1% | | 2023 | 5 | 429 | 1% | | 2024 | 2 | 222 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Tesla Model 3 recalls related to the traction control light **[23V434000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V434000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-06-19): A defective battery disconnect may not isolate the vehicle's high voltage battery after a crash or fault detection, increasing the risk of electrical shock and injury. **Remedy:** Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Recall repairs are free at any Tesla dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Tesla Model 3 owners report - "All stability and traction control faults appeared at the exact moment of impact, not before, indicating the steering system failure was the root cause. The problem has been confirmed by the vehicle's own internal diagnostic logs. The vehicle is available for inspection." -- owner of a 2024 Tesla Model 3, complaint filed 2025 - "Back in February my Tesla Model 3 started acting up Emergency Brake was disabled, automatic vehicle hold was disabled, and traction control was disabled all issues I reported to the company app with photo. This problem stated when a software update happened after the Tesla app requested it." -- owner of a 2023 Tesla Model 3, complaint filed 2024 - "Additionally, multiple alerts appeared, indicating that the car's hold feature, traction control, and steering assist were reduced. This issue occurred while the car was parked but still running. When I shifted into drive, the car unintentionally rolled backward, forcing me to press the brake pedal to prevent a..." -- owner of a 2022 Tesla Model 3, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Tesla Model 3 traction control light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (23V434000) covering 2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Tesla Model 3 years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2022 and 2023 Model 3 model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 6 for 2022. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Tesla Model 3 with the traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### How do I check if my Tesla Model 3 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Tesla dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Tesla Model 3 warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/tesla-model-3): 42 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/tesla-model-3): 118 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/tesla-model-3): 15 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/tesla-model-3): 98 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/tesla-model-3): 7 complaints ## Traction control light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## Tesla Model 3 - [Tesla Model 3 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/tesla-model-3) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/tesla-model-3 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.