Tail Light Assembly for the 2017–2025 Tesla Model 3

What 2017–2025 Model 3 owners report about the exterior lighting

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA, the US federal vehicle-safety regulator, that mention the tail or brake lights on the 2017–2025 Tesla Model 3, and 79 filed under its exterior lighting. Those 13, by model year, as of September 18, 2026:

• 2017 Model 3: none
• 2018 Model 3: 5 complaints
• 2019 Model 3: none
• 2020 Model 3: 4 complaints
• 2021 Model 3: 1 complaint
• 2022 Model 3: 2 complaints
• 2023 Model 3: none
• 2024 Model 3: 1 complaint
• 2025 Model 3: none

NHTSA publishes complaints as owners wrote them and does not verify them, so read them as a pattern rather than a diagnosis.

A 2018 Model 3 owner, NHTSA complaint 11749184: "In the last 18 months I have had 8 service visits relating to electrical issues. In the last 30 months: - I had my car computer replaced after it shorted out, and then had to have it replaced again the next week. - I had the same taillight short out twice in a row. - I have had the 12V battery replaced three times."

A 2022 Model 3 owner, NHTSA complaint 11719385: "I am filing a safety complaint regarding water intrusion into the rear tail lamp assembly of my 3-year-old Tesla Model 3. The rear tail light has progressed from minor condensation to active water accumulation and visible pooling inside the sealed housing."

Recalls that cover the tail light on the 2017–2025 Model 3

• 22V844000, 2023 models: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate. Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

A recall repair is free at any Tesla dealer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you pay anyone for this part — us included.

Which tail light a 2017–2025 Model 3 takes

Tail lights differ between bulb and LED trims, by body style, and by side. The 2017–2025 Tesla Model 3 came with several powertrains, among them Electric Single-speed AWD and Electric Single-speed RWD. That is why we ask for the VIN, or the year, engine and trim, and confirm the part against it before you pay rather than after it arrives.

What we source it from

10 tail lights from Anzo, Depo, Dorman, Eagle Eyes and TYC, $149.99 to $194.99, with flat $30 shipping anywhere in the US. If a part we confirmed as a fit does not fit your vehicle, we cover the return and the replacement.