Tesla Model 3: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 67,015 Tesla Model 3 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2017 and 2026.
In a sample of 356 cars, 44.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is dipped beam incorrectly aimed (18.3% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 9 recalls for this model; 3.8% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Tesla Model 3
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 18.3% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.3% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 7.6% |
| Front fog light incorrectly aimed | 5.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4.2% |
| Tyre damaged | 2.8% |
| Brake disc badly corroded | 2.2% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 2% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 1.7% |
| Covered component not assessed | 1.4% |
Share of 356 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 9.6% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 9% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 67,015 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 3.8% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 2.6% |
| First registered | 2017 to 2026 |
All Tesla Model 3 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-04-10 | electrical system | – | 6,647 |
| 2025-04-10 | steering | – | 7,763 |
| 2022-05-09 | electrical system | – | 6,172 |
| 2022-03-30 | electrical system | serious | 0 |
| 2022-01-05 | electrical system | – | 37,851 |
| 2021-12-21 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 0 |
| 2021-10-29 | suspension | serious | 102 |
| 2021-06-04 | brakes | serious | 3,124 |
| 2021-06-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 146 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Tesla Model 3 fail the APK?
In a sample of 356 cars first registered 2012–2021, 44.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Tesla Model 3?
The most common APK defects are: dipped beam incorrectly aimed (18.3%), tyre pressure incorrect (9.3%), tyre tread depth insufficient (7.6%).
Does the Tesla Model 3 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 9 recalls. 3.8% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Tesla models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.