Last updated: 2026-03-04
Most Reliable Tesla Models — Ranked in 2026
We ranked every Tesla model and year in our database by reliability score. The average Tesla scores 55/100 across all models and years. The 2025 Tesla Model Y is the most reliable Tesla with a score of 70/100.
Tesla Reliability Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 Tesla Model Y | 2025 | 70/100 | Good | 2 | 2.7 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 2 | 2025 Tesla Model 3 | 2025 | 67/100 | Good | 3 | 5.0 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 3 | 2025 Tesla Cybertruck | 2025 | 65/100 | Good | 2 | 5.0 | 2 | |
| 4 | 2024 Tesla Model Y | 2024 | 63/100 | Good | 5 | 8.1 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 5 | 2024 Tesla Model 3 | 2024 | 62/100 | Good | 4 | 12.9 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 6 | 2023 Tesla Model 3 | 2023 | 57/100 | Mixed | 10 | 16.6 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 7 | 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 2020 | 54/100 | Mixed | 20 | 20.1 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 8 | 2023 Tesla Model Y | 2023 | 53/100 | Mixed | 15 | 25.8 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 9 | 2024 Tesla Cybertruck | 2024 | 52/100 | Mixed | 10 | 43.7 | 2 | |
| 10 | 2022 Tesla Model 3 | 2022 | 50/100 | Mixed | 16 | 37.3 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 11 | 2022 Tesla Model Y | 2022 | 50/100 | Mixed | 18 | 34.7 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 12 | 2019 Tesla Model 3 | 2019 | 49/100 | Mixed | 21 | 35.3 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 13 | 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 2021 | 48/100 | Mixed | 20 | 51.5 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 14 | 2020 Tesla Model Y | 2020 | 46/100 | Mixed | 22 | 66.0 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 15 | 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 2018 | 46/100 | Mixed | 18 | 67.8 | 2 | $832/yr |
| 16 | 2021 Tesla Model Y | 2021 | 46/100 | Mixed | 21 | 61.4 | 2 | $832/yr |
Model Summaries
Tesla Cybertruck
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. Despite a low repair cost rating of 2 out of 5 and a complaint rate of 43.7 per 10,000 sold in 2024, the vehicle maintains a 5-star NHTSA safety rating each year.
Average score: 59/100. Best year: 2025 (65/100). 3 years tracked.
Tesla Model 3
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.
Average score: 54/100. Best year: 2025 (67/100). 9 years tracked.
Tesla Model Y
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. Improvements are noted in later years, with the 2025 model achieving a score of 98/100 and significantly reduced complaint rates, suggesting increased reliability and fewer reported issues with electrical systems and safety features.
Average score: 55/100. Best year: 2025 (70/100). 6 years tracked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable Tesla?
- Based on our data, the 2025 Tesla Model Y is the most reliable Tesla with a score of 70/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 69 owner complaints.
- Are Tesla vehicles reliable?
- Tesla vehicles have an average reliability score of 55/100 across all models and years in our database. Individual models vary, so checking the specific model year you're considering is important.
- Which Tesla models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Tesla model-years are statistical outliers within their 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 and complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
- How do Tesla repair costs compare?
- Repair costs vary by model. Check the detailed rankings table above for estimated annual repair costs for each Tesla model year.
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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