Tesla Model 3 common problems
Owners of 2017–2025 Tesla Model 3 vehicles have filed 4,051 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is airbags (41% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 4,051
- Owner complaints
- 126
- Recall campaigns
- 398
- Crash-related reports
- 229
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 9 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
- Airbags265
- Suspension189
- Steering172
- Visibility26
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Investigation closed2022 model-3
NHTSA closed investigation DP25002
Emergency egress controls are not readily accessible and clearly identifiable.
- Investigation closed2018 model-3
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed2020 model-3
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed2021 model-3
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed2022 model-3
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed2023 model-3
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Tesla Model 3 problems?
- Across 4,051 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2017–2025 Tesla Model 3 vehicles, the most reported systems are airbags (41%), suspension (29%), steering (26%).
- Which Tesla Model 3 model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 has the most owner complaints, with 984 filed.
- Are Tesla Model 3 problems dangerous?
- Of the 4,051 complaints on record, 398 mention a crash, 20 mention a fire and 229 mention an injury, and 16 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2018 accounts for the most complaints (984). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.