2018 Tesla Model 3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
75/100
#3 most-complained of 9 Model 3 years
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has 1,024 NHTSA complaints and 19 recalls, with a complaint index of 75, ranking 3rd worst of 9 model years. It is rated Avoid relative to other Model 3 years, driven mainly by Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints.
- Complaints
- 1,024
- Recalls
- 19
- Crashes / fires
- 102 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 44 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 119.5
- 124 city / 114.5 hwy
Top 2018 Tesla Model 3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras223 (22%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires200 (20%)
- Electrical System182 (18%)
- Other177 (17%)
- Airbags142 (14%)
- Structure & Body136 (13%)
- Seat Belts105 (10%)
- Engine100 (10%)
- Brakes92 (9%)
- Steering80 (8%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while parking at low speed, sometimes ending in a collision with a tree, wall, or store front.
- Brake pedal input reportedly produces no braking action, including one case where the vehicle failed to slow during normal driving on autopilot.
- Front suspension lower ball-joints have reportedly snapped, which owners link to a rollover incident.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple frontal-impact crashes, including one following an unintended acceleration event.
- Autopark and autopilot features are reported to behave unexpectedly near other vehicles or curbs, contributing to low-speed collisions.
2018 Tesla Model 3 recalls
19 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 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.
- NHTSA 24V376000May 28, 2024Seat Belts125,233 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Seat belts:front:warning light/devices
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
2018 Tesla Model 3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 124 MPG
- Highway
- 114.5 MPG
- Combined
- 119.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $625
- 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.
2018 compared with other Model 3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 1,024 complaints and a complaint index of 75 for the 2018 Model 3, ranking 3rd worst among the 9 model years covered, so it is rated Avoid relative to other Model 3 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
- The top problem area is Collision Avoidance & Cameras, with 223 complaints (22% share) and 27 crashes, followed by Suspension, Wheels & Tires with 200 complaints and Electrical System with 182 complaints.
- Does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have suspension recalls?
- Yes. Recall 23V235000 covers 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles for front suspension lateral link fasteners that may loosen and allow the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have?
- NHTSA lists 19 recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
- EPA rates the 2018 Model 3 at 119.5 MPG combined (124 city / 114.5 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $625.