2018 Tesla Model 3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has a Complaint Index of 63 and ranks 4th worst out of 9 model years, earning a Caution verdict. It has 1,024 complaints, 19 recalls, and 102 crashes tied to reported issues, led by Collision Avoidance & Cameras problems.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #4 of 9 Model 3 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,024
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 19
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 102
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 44
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 119.5
- 124 city / 114.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 44 / 0
Top 2018 Tesla Model 3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking at low speed, with the vehicle lurching forward without pedal input.
- Several drivers report the brake pedal feeling unresponsive or brakes failing to actuate during normal stops, including while Autopilot was engaged.
- Front suspension lower ball-joints reportedly snapped, which some owners link to loss of control and rollover.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in frontal collisions following sudden acceleration events.
- Autopark and forward collision warning systems reportedly failed to prevent or warn of impending 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?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Model 3 carries a Complaint Index of 63 and ranks 4th worst among 9 model years, resulting in a Caution verdict relative to other Model 3 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
- NHTSA data shows Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues lead at 22% of complaints, followed by Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 20% and Electrical System issues at 18%.
- Does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for the 2018 Model 3, covering areas including Electrical System, Suspension, Seat Belts, Steering, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras.
- How does the 2018 Model 3 compare to other years?
- The 2018 model's Complaint Index of 63 is worse than 2017, 2019, 2020, 2024, and 2025, but better than 2021, 2022, and 2023, which carry Avoid verdicts.
- 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 estimated annual fuel cost of $625.