Is the Tesla Model 3 Reliable?
2017–2026 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints.
Reliability Score
Own a Tesla Model 3? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Tesla Model 3 Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 92 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 76 | 11 | — | 65 | Good |
| 2024 | 1 | 145 | 11 | — | 60 | Fair |
| 2023 | 6 | 326 | 38 | — | 30 | Poor |
| 2022 | 6 | 721 | 32 | 1 | 22 | Poor |
| 2021 | 11 | 505 | 14 | 2 | 0 | Poor |
| 2020 | 10 | 343 | 23 | — | 10 | Poor |
| 2019 | 9 | 447 | 17 | 1 | 9 | Poor |
| 2018 | 7 | 837 | 41 | — | 25 | Poor |
| 2017 | 6 | 20 | — | — | 50 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Model 3 Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Model 3 scores 38 points below the average hybrid. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Tesla Model 3 Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 3423 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?+
The Tesla Model 3 scores 36/100 on our reliability index — rated "Poor." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 57 recall campaigns and 3423 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Model 3 is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Model 3 achieved the highest reliability score of 92/100 with 1 recall and 3 complaints.
How many miles does a Model 3 last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Tesla Model 3 owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Model 3 will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Tesla Model 3 Research
Check a Specific Tesla Model 3 VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →