Last updated: 2026-10-10

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 55/100

Skip the 2018 and 2021 Tesla Model 3. The 2018 draws the most owner complaints, spread across electrical, suspension, and air bag faults. The 2021 is hit by phantom braking and unintended acceleration. The 2024 is the year to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 46/1002021 48/100
Buy
2024 62/100
Model average
55/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Tesla Model 3 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Tesla Model 3 average of 55/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201846/100Mixed18951Electrical System (139)
2202148/100Mixed20626Forward Collision Avoidance (206)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

46
MixedReliability score: 46 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Tesla Model 3

Charging stops when the power conversion system fails, often around 30,000 to 32,000 miles, and owners say warranty would not cover it. Front suspension parts wear early, with out-of-warranty bills of about $1,300 to $2,100. Some owners also report air bags that did not deploy in serious crashes.

18 recalls951 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (139), Suspension (128), Air Bags (111), Unknown Or Other (106), Forward Collision Avoidance (88), Steering (71)

View full 2018reliability report →
48
MixedReliability score: 48 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Tesla Model 3

Hard braking with nothing ahead is the main complaint, sometimes dropping from 75 mph to 40 mph in seconds on Autopilot or cruise control. Owners also describe the car surging at parking speeds with the brake pressed, including crashes into buildings. Complaints per car sold run well above 2020 and 2022.

20 recalls626 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Forward Collision Avoidance (206), Vehicle Speed Control (105), Service Brakes (69), Unknown Or Other (64), Electrical System (60), Steering (24)

View full 2021reliability report →

What Are Common Tesla Model 3 Problems?

Model 3 automatic emergency braking problems

841 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2021, 2019

2022: Hard, unexplained braking on clear roads is the dominant report.

Model 3 acceleration and cruise control problems

511 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2021, 2019

2022: Two failures dominate.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

427 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2022

2018: Sudden acceleration from a stop or while parking dominates the crash reports here.

Model 3 electrical problems

411 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Charging stops working when the power conversion system fails.

Model 3 steering problems

356 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2018, 2019

2023: The wheel jerks to one side or locks up without warning in most of these reports, and the risk is high: 14 of 83 complaints involve a crash and 5 involve injuries.

SERVICE BRAKES

290 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2021, 2018

2022: Unwanted braking on cruise control or Autopilot makes up much of this category, with drops from highway speed to around 40 mph and near rear-end collisions.

Best Tesla Model 3 Year to Buy Instead

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Tesla Model 3

Owner complaints for 2024 are far lower, at 12.9 per 10,000 sold against 67.8 for 2018, and it has only 4 recalls. It still has faults to check, including steering assist cutting out, sticking turn signal buttons, and sudden loss of drive power. It avoids the heavy braking and acceleration complaints that mark 2021.

Score: 62/100 (Good)4 recalls183 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Tesla Model 3 has 4 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Tesla Model 3 Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Tesla Model 3 years should I avoid?
Avoid 2018 and 2021. Both sit well below the model's own average. The 2018 has electrical, suspension, and air bag complaints. The 2021 has heavy complaints of phantom braking and unintended acceleration. The 2024 is the better choice.
Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 a bad year?
Yes. It has the most owner complaints of any year, with 951. Owners report charging failures, early front suspension wear, and air bags that did not deploy in serious crashes. It also has 18 recalls on file.
Which Tesla Model 3 year has suspension problems?
The 2018 is the clearest case, with 128 suspension complaints about worn upper control arms, ball joints, and links. Steering complaints across all years also mostly describe front suspension wear, with control arms replaced at roughly 29,000 to 55,000 miles.
Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 a safe choice?
It rates well, with few complaints and 3 recalls. But a recent year has had less time to collect complaints, so the low count proves little. The 2024 has a longer record and is the site's pick.
Does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 have problems?
Yes, though fewer than older years. Owners report steering assist cutting out, sticking turn signal buttons, sudden loss of drive power, and phantom braking. Have the car checked for these before you buy.

How we score every Tesla Model 3 model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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