Last updated: 2026-03-04

Tesla Model 3

2 Tesla Model 3 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Tesla Model 3 average of 54/100

The Tesla Model 3 years to avoid are 2018, 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 46/100. The best Tesla Model 3 year to buy is 2025 67/100.

Verdict

The 2018, 2021 Tesla Model 3 score significantly below the model average of 54/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 46/100 due to electrical system (139) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2024 62/100.

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 54/100.

#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

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).

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

2021 Tesla Model 3

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).

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 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common Tesla Model 3 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Tesla Model 3 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

841 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

511 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

411 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

391 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

356 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

290 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Tesla Model 3 Year to Buy Instead

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Tesla Model 3

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).

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

All Tesla Model 3 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Tesla Model 3 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tesla Model 3 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Tesla Model 3 years: 2018 (score: 46/100), 2021 (score: 48/100). These model years score significantly below the Tesla Model 3 average of 54/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 87 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Tesla Model 3 have?
Across all years in our database, the Tesla Model 3 has a total of 113 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Tesla Model 3 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 67/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 54/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Tesla Model 3 problems?
The most common Tesla Model 3 problems are forward collision avoidance (841 complaints), vehicle speed control (511 complaints), electrical system (411 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable long-term?
The Tesla Model 3 has an average reliability score of 54/100 across all model years in our database, rated "mixed". Reliability varies significantly by model year — choose carefully.
Which Tesla Model 3 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Tesla Model 3 generation is the First generation with an average score of 51/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Tesla Model 3 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 67/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 87 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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