Tesla Model 3 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 4,355 owner complaints and 36 safety recalls on file for the Tesla Model 3, across 10 model years (2017–2026). The 2018 model year has the most complaints (1,031). The most reported problem area overall is forward collision avoidance.
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Tesla Model 3 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Model 3 year: 2018. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2018 Model 3: 1,031 complaints, 19 recalls
- 2022 Model 3: 767 complaints, 18 recalls
- 2021 Model 3: 669 complaints, 22 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2017 Model 3: 26 complaints, 16 recalls
- 2026 Model 3: 28 complaints, 1 recall
- 2025 Model 3: 118 complaints, 3 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Tesla Model 3 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance problems | 1,741 | 10 | 125 |
| Vehicle Speed Control problems | 633 | 10 | 118 |
| Service Brakes problems | 561 | 10 | 86 |
| Electrical System problems | 560 | 10 | 61 |
| Steering problems | 401 | 10 | 68 |
| Suspension problems | 376 | 10 | 24 |
| Air Bags problems | 316 | 10 | 63 |
| Lane Departure problems | 303 | 10 | 52 |
| Seat Belts problems | 228 | 10 | 6 |
| Seats problems | 179 | 9 | 3 |
| Structure problems | 164 | 9 | 39 |
| Visibility/wiper problems | 164 | 10 | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention | 98 | 10 | 24 |
| Power Train | 92 | 8 | 15 |
| Exterior Lighting | 85 | 8 | 3 |
| Wheels | 76 | 9 | 11 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 73 | 9 | 13 |
| Engine | 43 | 8 | 7 |
| Visibility | 43 | 8 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 25 | 6 | 2 |
| Tires | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 9 | 3 | 5 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Equipment | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Firerelated | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Carry Handle, Shell, Base | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Autohold Brake System/brake Hold | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Tesla Model 3 problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
- 2023: forward collision avoidance (179) · steering (88) · vehicle speed control (69) · service brakes (54) · electrical system (51)
- 2022: forward collision avoidance (532) · vehicle speed control (171) · service brakes (167) · electrical system (60)
- 2021: forward collision avoidance (408) · service brakes (126) · vehicle speed control (123) · electrical system (79)
- 2020: forward collision avoidance (156) · vehicle speed control (69)
- 2019: forward collision avoidance (170) · electrical system (91) · air bags (86) · suspension (82) · vehicle speed control (71) · lane departure (70) · service brakes (60) · seat belts (55) · steering (53)
- 2018: forward collision avoidance (202) · suspension (189) · electrical system (168) · air bags (143) · seat belts (105) · vehicle speed control (90) · service brakes (88) · steering (80) · seats (74) · structure (60) · lane departure (51)
All Tesla Model 3 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model 3 | 28 | 1 | — | Unknown or Other | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2025 Model 3 | 118 | 3 | — | Unknown or Other | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2024 Model 3 | 220 | 5 | — | Unknown or Other | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2023 Model 3 | 428 | 12 | 5★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2022 Model 3 | 767 | 18 | 5★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | More complaints than other years |
| 2021 Model 3 | 669 | 22 | 5★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | More complaints than other years |
| 2020 Model 3 | 451 | 21 | 5★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2019 Model 3 | 617 | 22 | 5★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | More complaints than other years |
| 2018 Model 3 | 1,031 | 19 | 5★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2017 Model 3 | 26 | 16 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | Far fewer complaints than other years |
More from Tesla: all Tesla models · Tesla VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Tesla Model 3 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2018 (1,031) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Model 3 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Tesla Model 3?
Forward Collision Avoidance, with 1,741 complaints across 10 model years.
How many recalls does the Tesla Model 3 have?
36 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.