What year Tesla Model 3 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2018, 2022, and 2023 are the Model 3 years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 75, 100, and 88 respectively, compared to 0 and 13 for the best years, 2017 and 2020.

Is the 2022 Tesla Model 3 reliable?

The 2022 Model 3 has the highest complaint index of all years at 100, based on 765 NHTSA complaints and 53 crashes, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues making up 70% of those complaints at a median mileage of just 1,900 miles.

Which Tesla Model 3 years are the best?

2017 and 2020 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 0 and 13 and only 26 and 451 complaints respectively, far below the 2022 peak of 765 complaints and index of 100.

Does the Tesla Model 3 have recalls for cameras or headlights?

Yes. NHTSA recall 26V283000 covers a rearview camera image delay affecting 2017 and 2021-2023 Model 3 vehicles, and recall 26V507000 covers headlight low beams that exceed maximum light output on 2017-2023 Model 3 vehicles.

What is the most common problem area across all Tesla Model 3 years?

Collision Avoidance & Cameras is the top problem area across all years, accounting for 1,806 of 4,302 total complaints, a 42% share.

Tesla Model 3 Best and Worst Years (2017–2025)

Among Tesla Model 3 years, 2018, 2022, and 2023 stand out as the ones to avoid, with complaint indexes of 75, 100, and 88 versus 0-38 for the best years. 2017 and 2020 are the strongest years, with complaint indexes of 0 and 13.

Avoid 2018 Avoid 2022 Avoid 2023 Best 2017 Best 2020

Model years: 9; 2017–2025
NHTSA complaints: 4,302
Recall campaigns: 35
Crashes reported: 437
Fires reported: 22
Top problem area: Collision Avoidance & Cameras

Model 3 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Tesla Model 3 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2017	Best	0	26	1	0	16	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	126	—
2018	Avoid	75	1,024	102	4	19	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	119.5	5★
2019	Good	38	614	59	5	22	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	126.5	5★
2020	Best	13	451	54	2	21	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	122	5★
2021	Caution	63	663	46	5	22	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	134	5★
2022	Avoid	100	765	53	4	18	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	131	5★
2023	Avoid	88	425	72	1	12	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	131	5★
2024	Caution	50	217	25	1	5	Electrical System	130	—
2025	Good	25	117	25	0	3	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	129.5	—

Model 3 years to avoid: what went wrong

2022 Tesla Model 3 Index 100 · 765 complaints · 18 recalls

The 2022 Model 3 has the highest complaint index of any year, 100, drawn from 765 complaints and 53 crashes. Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints dominate at 70% share with a median mileage of only 1,900 miles, describing laggy backup cameras and sudden unintended acceleration while parking or using self-driving mode. Engine complaints (23%, median mileage 3,200) and brake complaints (22%, median mileage 2,650) describe brakes failing to stop the vehicle despite repeated pedal pressure. NHTSA lists 18 recalls, including headlight, rearview camera delay, and TPMS issues.

2022 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2022 engine problems →2022 brakes problems →

2023 Tesla Model 3 Index 88 · 425 complaints · 12 recalls

The 2023 Model 3 carries a complaint index of 88 from 425 complaints, with 72 crashes reported, the highest crash count of any year. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues make up 43% of complaints at a median mileage of 4,000, including reports of uncontrolled acceleration in parking situations and failed automatic braking. Steering complaints (20%, median mileage 2,429.5) and a related electronic power steering circuit board recall (25V092000) were also reported. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for 2023, including headlight and rearview camera software issues.

2023 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2023 steering problems →2023 engine problems →

2018 Tesla Model 3 Index 75 · 1,024 complaints · 19 recalls

The 2018 Model 3 logged 1,024 complaints, the most of any year, with a complaint index of 75 and 102 crashes reported. Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking, with brakes feeling inoperative, and airbags failing to deploy in low-speed crashes. Suspension complaints included snapped front lower ball joints tied to rollovers. Top problem areas were Collision Avoidance & Cameras (22%, median mileage 35,000), Suspension, Wheels & Tires (20%, median mileage 18,234), Electrical System (18%, median mileage 24,250), and Airbags (14%, median mileage 19,500). NHTSA lists 19 recalls for this year, including headlight brightness, TPMS warning light, and seat belt chime issues.

2018 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2018 suspension, wheels & tires problems →2018 electrical system problems →

Most common Tesla Model 3 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,806 (42%)
Other697 (16%)
Engine668 (16%)
Electrical System628 (15%)
Brakes573 (13%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires426 (10%)
Steering390 (9%)
Structure & Body357 (8%)
Airbags311 (7%)
Lane Departure296 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Tesla Model 3 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2018, 2022, and 2023 are the Model 3 years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 75, 100, and 88 respectively, compared to 0 and 13 for the best years, 2017 and 2020.
Is the 2022 Tesla Model 3 reliable?: The 2022 Model 3 has the highest complaint index of all years at 100, based on 765 NHTSA complaints and 53 crashes, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues making up 70% of those complaints at a median mileage of just 1,900 miles.
Which Tesla Model 3 years are the best?: 2017 and 2020 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 0 and 13 and only 26 and 451 complaints respectively, far below the 2022 peak of 765 complaints and index of 100.
Does the Tesla Model 3 have recalls for cameras or headlights?: Yes. NHTSA recall 26V283000 covers a rearview camera image delay affecting 2017 and 2021-2023 Model 3 vehicles, and recall 26V507000 covers headlight low beams that exceed maximum light output on 2017-2023 Model 3 vehicles.
What is the most common problem area across all Tesla Model 3 years?: Collision Avoidance & Cameras is the top problem area across all years, accounting for 1,806 of 4,302 total complaints, a 42% share.