Tesla Model 3 problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every Model 3 from 2017 to 2026: 4,350 owner complaints and 139 recalls across 10 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2018 (1031), 2022 (766), 2021 (667). Best fuel economy: 142 mpg combined (2021).
Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 16 | 26 | 126 | |
| 2018 | 19 | 1031 | 130 | |
| 2019 | 22 | 617 | 133 | |
| 2020 | 21 | 451 | 141 | |
| 2021 | 22 | 667 | 142 | |
| 2022 | 18 | 766 | 132 | |
| 2023 | 12 | 428 | 132 | |
| 2024 | 5 | 219 | 132 | |
| 2025 | 3 | 117 | 137 | |
| 2026 | 1 | 28 | 139 |
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FAQ
What is the worst year for the Tesla Model 3?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2018 (1031), 2022 (766), 2021 (667).
How many recalls has the Tesla Model 3 had?
Across 2017–2026, NHTSA lists 139 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).