2017 Tesla Model 3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
0/100
#9 most-complained of 9 Model 3 years
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 ranks 9th of 9 model years by NHTSA complaint volume, with a complaint index of 0 and a "Best" verdict among Model 3 years. It has 26 complaints, 16 recalls, and 1 crash reported, with the top problem area being Collision Avoidance & Cameras.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 16
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 126
- 131 city / 120 hwy
Top 2017 Tesla Model 3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (35%)
- Airbags7 (27%)
- Seat Belts6 (23%)
- Structure & Body6 (23%)
- Other5 (19%)
- Engine4 (15%)
- Lane Departure4 (15%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (15%)
- Brakes3 (12%)
- Electrical System2 (8%)
What owners report
- Owners report the Autopilot system malfunctioning and steering the car into a stationary road barrier at highway speed, resulting in a crash.
- Owners describe phantom braking, where the car brakes suddenly and without warning on the highway while using autopilot or adaptive cruise control.
- Some drivers report emergency braking triggered near overpasses at night for no apparent reason, happening repeatedly over a drive.
- Owners report multiple safety and convenience systems shutting off at once, including lane departure, autopilot, regenerative braking, and traction control.
- One owner reported the parking brake failing to release, leaving the car stuck for a period before releasing on its own.
- A driver reported a rear wheel issue and raised concerns about part quality control across Tesla models.
2017 Tesla Model 3 recalls
16 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V507000Aug 4, 2026Electrical System20,349 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
- NHTSA 26V283000May 4, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras218,868 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention:software
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
- NHTSA 24V935000Dec 17, 2024Suspension, Wheels & Tires696,281 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
2017 Tesla Model 3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 131 MPG
- Highway
- 120 MPG
- Combined
- 126 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Model 3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
- Among Model 3 years, 2017 ranks best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 26 complaints logged with NHTSA, the lowest of the 9 model years with data.
- What is the top problem area for the 2017 Tesla Model 3?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras is the top problem area, accounting for 9 of 26 complaints (35%), including 1 crash, with a median mileage at failure of 39,800 miles.
- Does the 2017 Tesla Model 3 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2017 Model 3, covering areas such as Electrical System, Seat Belts, Steering, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras.
- How does the 2017 Model 3 compare to other years?
- The 2017 model has the lowest complaint index (0) of all 9 years tracked, well below 2022's index of 100 and 2018's index of 75, both rated "Avoid."
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Tesla Model 3?
- EPA rates the 2017 Model 3 at 126 MPG combined (131 city / 120 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $600.