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Tesla Model 3 Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 10 model years, NHTSA lists 135 recalls and 4,373 owner complaints for the Tesla Model 3. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Tesla Model 3 by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 | 0 | 29 | |
| 2025 Tesla Model 3 | 0 | 122 | |
| 2024 Tesla Model 3 | 5 | 221 | |
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 | 12 | 428 | |
| 2022 Tesla Model 3 | 18 | 771 | |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 22 | 672 | |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 21 | 452 | |
| 2019 Tesla Model 3 | 22 | 619 | |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 19 | 1,032 | |
| 2017 Tesla Model 3 | 16 | 27 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Tesla models.
Tesla Model 3: questions owners ask
Which Tesla Model 3 year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Tesla Model 3 model years with the most are the 2018 (1,032), 2022 (771) and 2021 (672). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Tesla Model 3 years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2017 (27), 2024 (221) and 2023 (428), out of 8 model years from 2017 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Tesla Model 3 have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 8 Tesla Model 3 model years, 135 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2019 (22), 2021 (22) and 2020 (21). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Tesla Model 3 years have the most phantom braking complaints?
602 owner complaints across 9 Tesla Model 3 model years describe sudden, unexpected automatic braking ("phantom braking"). The most were filed for the 2022 (223), 2021 (147) and 2020 (63) model years, out of 9 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Tesla Model 3 years have the most adaptive cruise control complaints?
480 owner complaints across 8 Tesla Model 3 model years describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. The most were filed for the 2022 (179), 2021 (141) and 2023 (40) model years, out of 8 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Tesla Model 3 years have the most suspension complaints?
94 owner complaints across 3 Tesla Model 3 model years describe suspension clunks, worn parts or air suspension failures. The most were filed for the 2018 (54), 2019 (24) and 2020 (16) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Tesla Model 3 years have the most headlight and taillight complaints?
42 owner complaints across 2 Tesla Model 3 model years describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. The most were filed for the 2024 (33) and 2025 (9) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Tesla Model 3 fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Tesla Model 3's first-time failure rate ranged from 6.8% for cars first registered in 2022 to 17.9% for 2020, across 4 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were tyres, lights and electrics, visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors). Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.