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Tesla Model 3 loses 5-15% battery overnight without being driven. The primary cause is Sentry Mode remaining active when the vehicle is in a perceived high-risk location. Disabling Sentry Mode via the vehicle settings or the Tesla app eliminates most of the drain. Background software updates downloading over WiFi also contribute. Enabling Energy Saving mode in settings reduces vampire drain to under 1% per night for most owners.
Based on 281 driver confirmations
No commonly reported misdiagnoses for this fault yet. If you have replaced a part that did not fix this Tesla Model 3 2020 problem, submit a wrong diagnosis report — it helps other drivers avoid the same costly mistake.
Drain appeared after a software update and Tesla acknowledged it as a known issue with that version. Next OTA update fixed it automatically. If yours started after an update check the Tesla forums — often these things get patched within a few weeks.
Parts replaced: Nothing — OTA software update
Phantom drain got much worse suddenly — losing 30+ miles overnight. Tesla service found the 12v auxiliary battery was failing, causing the main systems to work harder to compensate. New 12v battery sorted it. These need replacing every 3-4 years on Model 3.
Parts replaced: 12v auxiliary battery
Was losing 15-20 miles of range overnight. Finally traced it to Sentry Mode being on — it runs the cameras constantly and uses a lot of power when parked. Turned it off when at home and drain dropped to 2-3 miles overnight which is normal. Enable it only when parked in unfamiliar places.
Parts replaced: Nothing
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