UK Vehicle Recall Check
The Model 3 is the highest-volume Tesla on UK roads. Many Tesla recalls are addressed over the air, but several still require a Service Centre visit — and a meaningful number are unresolved on used cars.
Enter the vehicle's UK registration to begin.
Tesla recall data in the DVSA database can sometimes lag the manufacturer's own records, particularly for very recent OTA campaigns. We'll always show what DVSA returns and provide a direct link to Tesla's official recall portal so you can cross-check the latest status against your VIN.
The UK government's official recall register. Confirms whether a recall is outstanding for the vehicle.
Industry data from vehicle manufacturers. Typically includes the recall description, not just a flag.
Every UK recall campaign issued since 1992. Surfaces the historical campaigns for the same make and model alongside the live status.
Tesla operates differently from most manufacturers when it comes to recalls: a significant proportion of campaigns are addressed via over-the-air (OTA) software updates pushed directly to the car. But not all are — campaigns covering hardware concerns (seatbelts, suspension components, charge ports, trim and glass) require a physical Service Centre visit. The combined DVSA + SMMT check returns the up-to-date status against the VIN for any outstanding action, whether OTA or physical.
The recall check is run against the vehicle's VIN, so every UK generation is covered regardless of age. The list below is for reference.
Original
2017–2023
UK deliveries began in mid-2019 from the Fremont factory; later cars came from Shanghai.
Highland refresh
2023–present
Major mid-cycle redesign with new exterior, interior and indicator stalk-less controls.
A non-exhaustive editorial summary of recent UK safety campaigns. Run a check to see whether any of these apply to a specific vehicle.
Multiple OTA-delivered software recalls covering Autopilot driver-engagement warnings, rear-view-camera image timing, and display-related defects.
Brake caliper bolt torque concern on a window of UK-imported Model 3 cars that required physical inspection at a Tesla Service Centre.
Software action delivered via over-the-air update addressing seatbelt warning chime behaviour to bring it into line with UK regulatory requirements.
Loose seatbelt anchorage on rear seats requiring a Tesla Service Centre visit. Not resolvable by OTA.
Front and rear seatbelt anchor torque inspection on a batch of Model 3 cars built in a specific production window.
DVLA-recorded safety recalls affecting the Tesla Model 3. Showing the most recent 11 matching entries — run a check on a specific registration to confirm whether any recall is outstanding for that vehicle.
| Date | Model | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2025 | MODEL 3 | Loss of Rearview Camera Display Recall |
| Mar 2025 | MODEL 3 | Update Vehicle Software To Rectify EPAS Functionality |
| Dec 2024 | MODEL 3 | Update vehicle software to correct TPMS behaviour |
| Apr 2022 | MODEL 3 | IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE USER INTERFACE (UI ) ON AFFECTED VEHICLES DISPLAYS VEHICLE SPEED BUT NOT A UNIT OF SPEED(I.E MPH OR KM/H) |
| Apr 2022 | MODEL 3 | A LOSS OF LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEM SUPPORT MAY CAUSE THE AUDIO SUBSYSTEM TO BE UNAVAILABLE |
| Feb 2022 | MODEL 3 | THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA HARNESS MAY FAIL CAUSING NO IMAGE IN THE CENTRE DISPLAY |
| Dec 2021 | MODEL 3 | THE CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY |
| Dec 2021 | MODEL 3 | THE FRONT SUSPENSION LATERAL LINK MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED |
| May 2021 | MODEL 3 | THE BRAKE CALLIPER BOLTS MAY NOT BE SECURED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION |
| May 2021 | MODEL 3 | SEAT BELT D RING |
| May 2020 | MODEL 3 | THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED |
Every Tesla check returns the same structured response. Below are two examples. One with a recall outstanding, and one with a clear record.
1 recall found. Contact the manufacturer or a main dealer to arrange a free repair.
Vehicle
AB21ABC
Tesla Model 3
VIN ABCDE123456F78910
Recall details
Checked 17/05/2026, 10:00:00 (source: SMMT)
Both the DVSA and SMMT databases were checked. Nothing currently outstanding for this VRM.
Vehicle
CD22XYZ
Tesla Model 3
VIN ZYXWV987654U32109
Checked 17/05/2026, 10:00:00 (source: SMMT)
Type the UK registration of the vehicle you want to check.
Single payment. No subscription, no account needed to start.
Combined DVSA + SMMT result appears in seconds and is emailed to you.
Pay as you go
£1.99
per check
No subscription. No account needed to start. Refund issued if a recall status can't be returned.
Enter the vehicle's registration mark (VRM) and pay £1.99. We query the DVSA recall database and the SMMT manufacturer feed in a single request and return the combined result. For most Tesla Model 3 vehicles you'll see whether a recall is outstanding, the source database, and (where available) a description of the recall.
DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) maintains the UK government's official recall register and flags whether a recall is outstanding. SMMT (the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) aggregates manufacturer-supplied data which often includes the recall description as well as the outstanding flag. Combining both maximises coverage and detail.
Both DVSA and SMMT data sources are continually updated as manufacturers report new safety campaigns. Each check returns a timestamp showing when the data was last verified for that vehicle.
Some vehicles aren't currently listed in either database (very new registrations, very old vehicles, grey imports, and certain commercial variants are the usual reasons). When that happens we'll show "Unknown" and direct you to the manufacturer's recall portal so you can confirm directly. A refund is available if you'd like one.
Contact any authorised franchised dealer for the brand. Manufacturers carry out safety recalls free of charge, regardless of who currently owns the vehicle and regardless of age. You'll typically need the vehicle's VIN; the report includes it where the database returns one.
No account is needed to start a check. After payment we'll email you a magic link so you can access the report any time, and a shareable link if you want to send the result to a buyer, seller, or dealer.
Not necessarily. OTA updates are pushed automatically but require the car to receive and install the update. Cars that have sat with depleted batteries, been used in low-signal areas, or had their software downgraded may still have the action outstanding. A VIN check is the only reliable confirmation.
Yes. RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive, formerly Standard Range Plus), Long Range, Performance and Highland refresh all share the Model 3 VIN format and recall coverage in the DVSA and SMMT databases.
Once a vehicle is UK-registered the DVSA database treats it as UK stock and any UK-issued recall against the VIN will appear. SMMT data is also keyed off the VIN. UK-imported Tesla cars are commonly listed in both databases.
Combined DVSA + SMMT recall data for every UK-registered Tesla.
Tesla maintains an official recall lookup tool. Our combined check pulls from DVSA and SMMT to give you broader coverage, but you can also check the manufacturer's portal directly.
Combined DVSA + SMMT recall data for every UK-registered manufacturer.