Last updated: 2026-03-04
Tesla Model 3 Reliability by Year
The Tesla Model 3 averages 54/100 across 8 model years, rated mixed.
Tesla Model 3 Reliability Overview
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. While newer models demonstrate enhanced reliability, prospective buyers should consider the history of electrical and steering system complaints, especially in vehicles produced before the 2024 generation update.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2024–2023), facelifted 2024.
Best & Worst Tesla Model 3 Years
Best Tesla Model 3 Years to Buy
The best Tesla Model 3 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 67/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (62/100) and 2023 (57/100).
Tesla Model 3 Years to Avoid
The worst Tesla Model 3 year is 2018 with a score of 46/100, primarily due to electrical system (139) issues. Also avoid 2021 (48/100).
2018
18 recalls · 951 complaints
2021
20 recalls · 626 complaints
Tesla Model 3 Reliability Score Trend
Tesla Model 3 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 59/100 compared to 49/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 49/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 67/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Tesla Model 3
1 recalls · 1 complaints
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability. There are 1 recall and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 EV. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (1).
2025 Tesla Model 3
3 recalls · 87 complaints
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 87 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (21), Unknown Or Other (19), Vehicle Speed Control (11).
2024 Tesla Model 3
4 recalls · 183 complaints
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 183 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (44), Steering (34), Electrical System (27).
2023 Tesla Model 3
10 recalls · 386 complaints
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability. There are 10 recalls and 386 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 63 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (83), Forward Collision Avoidance (79), Vehicle Speed Control (45).
2022 Tesla Model 3
16 recalls · 729 complaints
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability. There are 16 recalls and 729 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 51 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (275), Vehicle Speed Control (153), Service Brakes (90).
2021 Tesla Model 3
20 recalls · 626 complaints
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability. There are 20 recalls and 626 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 42 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (206), Vehicle Speed Control (105), Service Brakes (69).
2020 Tesla Model 3
20 recalls · 416 complaints
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability. There are 20 recalls and 416 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 50 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (77), Vehicle Speed Control (59), Unknown Or Other (55).
2019 Tesla Model 3
21 recalls · 569 complaints
The 2019 Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability. There are 21 recalls and 569 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 55 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (90), Electrical System (72), Vehicle Speed Control (62).
2018 Tesla Model 3
18 recalls · 951 complaints
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability. There are 18 recalls and 951 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 100 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (139), Suspension (128), Air Bags (111).
Tesla Model 3 Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
2/5
Tesla Model 3 Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Tesla Models
Compare all Tesla models by reliability
Compare Tesla Model 3 With Similar Sedans
The Tesla Model 3 competes with other midsize sedans such as BMW 3-Series, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
BMW 3-Series reliability
9 years tracked · 183 complaints
Toyota Camry reliability
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Hyundai Ioniq 5 reliability
5 years tracked · 955 complaints
Kia EV6 reliability
5 years tracked · 351 complaints
Ford Mustang reliability
9 years tracked · 1014 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?
- The Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability with an average score of 54/100. Buyers should research specific model years carefully and consider an extended warranty.
- What is the best year for the Tesla Model 3?
- The best year for the Tesla Model 3 is 2025 with a reliability score of 67/100, rated good. It has 3 recalls and 87 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Tesla Model 3 analysis →
- What are the Tesla Model 3 years to avoid?
- The Tesla Model 3 years to avoid include 2018 (46/100), 2021 (48/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Tesla Model 3?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Tesla Model 3. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
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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