Tesla MODEL 3 — Years to Avoid
Which model years have the most problems and which are safe to buy.
Avoid These Years
2018 Tesla MODEL 3
1649 complaints (2061% of segment average)
Main issue: 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SAFETY ISSUE WITH BACKUP CAMERA. CAMERA WILL STOP DISPLAYING IMAGE WHILE VEHICLE IS REVERSING. *AS *JS
2022 Tesla MODEL 3
1466 complaints (1833% of segment average)
Main issue: While using TACC on a 2 lane road the system mistook a vehicle approaching in the opposing lane as a threat and braked hard. This could have easily caused a collision had someone been following closely.
2021 Tesla MODEL 3
1205 complaints (1506% of segment average)
Main issue: WHEN I TEST DROVE THE TESLA MODEL 3, THERE WAS AN OPTION TO TURN REGENERATIVE BRAKING TO LOW. THIS ALLOWED THE CAR TO HAVE MORE OF A COASTING EFFECT WHEN ONE LIFTS THE FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN I RECEIVED DELIVERY OF THE CAR, THE ABILITY TO REDUCE THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING EFFECT WAS NOT AVAI
2019 Tesla MODEL 3
1026 complaints (1283% of segment average)
Main issue: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED THE SPECIAL FEATURE ADAPTIVE AUTO PILOT BACK IN 06/2020. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, ALMOST BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO AN ABRUPT STOP THREE TIMES ON
2020 Tesla MODEL 3
739 complaints (924% of segment average)
Main issue: DRIVING IN FREEWAY FAST LANE IN LIGHT TRAFFIC AT 10:30 AM ON OVERCAST MORNING WITH TESLA ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SET FOR 70 MPH AND 4-CAR FOLLOWING DISTANCE. THE CAR IN FRONT MOVED 1 LANE TO THE RIGHT LEAVING NO CARS AHEAD. MY CAR ACCELERATED GENTLY TO 70 AND THEN AS I APPROACHED AN OVERPASS THE CA
2023 Tesla MODEL 3
713 complaints (891% of segment average)
Main issue: While traveling on the interstate at 75+ mph, which the cruise control engaged, the vehicle emergency braked 2 times during on one trip. The first felt like a fluke, speed was reduced by 10ish miles per hour. The second time was terrifying. I was traveling approximately 77 mph on the interstate and
2024 Tesla MODEL 3
302 complaints (378% of segment average)
Main issue: The left and right turn signal indicator buttons gets stuck sometimes. But I noticed on my vehicle it is the left turn indicator button is the one gets stuck most. When it is stuck I cannot make left turn signal. Before I asked Tesla to fix it the issue happens every time on my 8 mile trip. After Te
2025 Tesla MODEL 3
187 complaints (234% of segment average)
Main issue: After installing Tesla OTA software update 2024.45.32.15, my vehicle experienced critical system failures. Upon entering the car the next morning, I noticed that all cameras were non-functional, and navigation had completely stopped working. This posed a serious safety concern, as features like Auto