Last updated: 2026-03-04
Tesla Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked
Tesla presents a mixed reliability picture. Some models perform well while others have notable issues. Buyers should research specific model years carefully before purchasing.
Tesla Reliability Score Comparison
Visual comparison of reliability scores across all Tesla models. Longer bars indicate higher reliability.
Tesla Model Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Cybertruck | 2025 | 59/100 | Mixed | 12 | 23.5 | 2 |
| 2 | Tesla Model Y | 2025 | 55/100 | Mixed | 83 | 24.3 | 2 |
| 3 | Tesla Model 3 | 2025 | 54/100 | Mixed | 112 | 28.8 | 2 |
Tesla Models
Tesla Cybertruck
1st gen (2024–2023), facelifted 2024
The Tesla Cybertruck, introduced in 2024, has an average reliability score of 45 out of 100, indicating mixed reliability across its initial years. Common issues reported by owners include structural problems and electrical system malfunctions, with significant complaints about the Full Self-Driving system and steering.
Tesla Model Y
2nd gen (2025–2023)
The Tesla Model Y, covering model years 2020 to 2025, shows a mixed reliability profile with an average score of 59/100, indicating fluctuating performance over the years. Early models, particularly 2020 and 2021, report frequent issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, leading to high complaint rates of 66 and 61.4 per 10,000 sold, respectively.
Tesla Model 3
2nd gen (2024–2023), facelifted 2024
The Tesla Model 3, spanning model years 2018 through 2025, shows a mixed reliability score of 59/100, with significant improvements noted in recent years. Data highlights frequent issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, particularly in earlier models, with complaint rates peaking in 2018 at 67.8 per 10,000 sold and declining to 5 per 10,000 by 2025.
Common Tesla Problems
Top complaint categories across all Tesla models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.
Tesla by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Tesla cars reliable?
- Tesla vehicles have an average reliability score of 55/100 ("Mixed") across 3 models and 8 years in our database. Tesla presents a mixed reliability picture.
- What is the most reliable Tesla?
- Based on our data, the highest-scoring Tesla model-year is the 2025 Tesla Model Y at 70/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Tesla reliability rankings for the latest data.
- How much does it cost to maintain a Tesla?
- Repair costs vary by model and year. Check individual model pages for estimated annual repair costs.
- Which Tesla models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Tesla models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2021 Model 3 (48/100), 2020 Model Y (46/100), 2018 Model 3 (46/100), 2021 Model Y (46/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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