How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA list for the 2018 Tesla Model 3?

NHTSA lists 29 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Model 3, which is 3% of the 1,024 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall related to Transmission & Powertrain problems on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?

No. The data shows no related recalls listed for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2018 Model 3.

At what mileage do transmission and powertrain problems typically show up on the 2018 Model 3?

The median mileage at failure for this problem area is 15,000 miles.

How does the 2018 Model 3's powertrain complaint rate compare to other years?

The 2018 Model 3 has the highest share among listed years at 3%, compared to 2% for 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2025, and 1% for 2024.

Were there any crashes or fires linked to these powertrain complaints?

Across all complaints for the 2018 Model 3 in this dataset, NHTSA records 5 crashes and 1 fire, with 0 injuries reported.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 29 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 3% of its 1,024 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 15,000 miles. No related recalls are listed for this area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 29; 3% of 1,024
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 15,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration while parking or exiting a highway, resulting in collisions with curbs, medians, or structures.
Drivers describe the car unexpectedly limiting AC charging power, dropping from a higher amp rating to a lower one and displaying a power grid or vehicle issue warning.
Owners report the Power Conversion System failing, which reduces charge rate or stops charging without warning while incorrectly indicating an external power source or wiring problem.
Some describe a rear motor drive unit replacement followed within days by new battery management system warnings limiting power or acceleration.
One owner questioned confusion between the vehicle's stated standard dual motor powertrain and a performance dual motor powertrain listed on the sales contract.

When 2018 Tesla Model 3 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 4, 2018, latest Sep 6, 2026.

29 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2018 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2024 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Model 3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20170 (0%)
201829 (3%)
201910 (2%)
20208 (2%)
202117 (3%)
202213 (2%)
202310 (2%)
20243 (1%)
20252 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA list for the 2018 Tesla Model 3?: NHTSA lists 29 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Model 3, which is 3% of the 1,024 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall related to Transmission & Powertrain problems on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?: No. The data shows no related recalls listed for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2018 Model 3.
At what mileage do transmission and powertrain problems typically show up on the 2018 Model 3?: The median mileage at failure for this problem area is 15,000 miles.
How does the 2018 Model 3's powertrain complaint rate compare to other years?: The 2018 Model 3 has the highest share among listed years at 3%, compared to 2% for 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2025, and 1% for 2024.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to these powertrain complaints?: Across all complaints for the 2018 Model 3 in this dataset, NHTSA records 5 crashes and 1 fire, with 0 injuries reported.