Reliable Auto DB

2017 Tesla Model 3 reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has 26 complaints with NHTSA after 10 years, or 0 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 8 Model 3 years on this site. NHTSA has 16 recalls on file, including Headlights, Back-over prevention, software, and Tire pressure monitoring.

2019 Tesla Model 3
Photo by Vauxford, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

26

Per year

0

Recalls

16

Years on the road

10

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Forward collision avoidance (8 of 26), then Air bags (7) and Seat belts (6). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash and 1 that reports an injury.

Next to 2018

The 2018 Model 3 has 1,022 complaints, 52 per year. The 2017 has fewer complaints per year than the 2018.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2017 Tesla Model 3. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (16)

Recall exterior lighting, headlights 2026-08-05 · NHTSA campaign 26V507000
Summary 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."
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.
Recall back-over prevention, software 2026-05-05 · NHTSA campaign 26V283000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Recall tires, tire pressure monitoring 2024-12-17 · NHTSA campaign 24V935000
Summary 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."
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.
Recall seat belts, front, warning light 2024-05-28 · NHTSA campaign 24V376000
Summary 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."
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.
Recall electrical system, instrument cluster 2024-01-30 · NHTSA campaign 24V051000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Remedy Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Recall electrical system, driver assistance, self-driving, software 2023-12-12 · NHTSA campaign 23V838000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Remedy Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Recall steering, adaptive steering 2023-02-15 · NHTSA campaign 23V085000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Remedy Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Recall seat belts, rear or other, anchorage 2022-10-21 · NHTSA campaign 22V798000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
Recall visibility, power windows 2022-09-19 · NHTSA campaign 22V702000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Recall electrical system, software 2022-04-12 · NHTSA campaign 22V235000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Recall back-over prevention, display 2022-03-18 · NHTSA campaign 22V169000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
Recall electrical system, software 2022-02-04 · NHTSA campaign 22V063000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Recall electrical system, software 2022-02-01 · NHTSA campaign 22V045000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Recall electrical system, driver assistance, self-driving, software 2022-01-27 · NHTSA campaign 22V037000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Recall electrical system, wiring, trunk 2021-12-21 · NHTSA campaign 21V00D000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.
Recall forward collision avoidance, sensing system, camera 2021-10-29 · NHTSA campaign 21V846000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Remedy Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

Complaints by component (26 total)

Forward collision avoidance
8
Air bags
7
Seat belts
6
Seats
6
Lane departure
4
Speed control
4
Service brakes
3
Visibility and wipers
3
Electrical system
2
Back-over prevention
1
Fuel and propulsion system
1
Steering
1
Suspension
1
Visibility
1
Show 6 more Show less
Crash-flagged

1

Fire-flagged

0

Injury reports

1

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

520216202262023120245202532026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "Seats Front passenger safety restraint system issue/ Service is required/Service is required"
    Air bags · filed 2026-07-13
  • "My Tesla repeatedly displayed a “Passenger Safety Restraint” warning related to the front passenger restraint/airbag system. Tesla Service Center in Los Gatos, California attempted multiple repairs over several visits.…"
    Air bags, Seat belts, Seats · filed 2026-05-26
  • "I am writing to file a formal safety complaint against Tesla, Inc. regarding a software update failure that has disabled legally required vehicle functions on my Tesla for over two years. For more than 26 months, my…"
    Speed control, Unknown or other, Visibility and wipers · filed 2026-03-24
  • "I received an error about the occupant classification system and a safety restraint fault. These are due to known manufacturing defects. Addressing these concerns was expensive and also required a replacement of the…"
    Air bags, Seat belts · filed 2025-12-16
  • "En primer lugar decir que el VIN utilizado es completamente aleatorio. Esta notificación está dirigida para todos los fabricantes de vehículos eléctricos y fabricantes de baterías. Actualmente los diferentes medios de…"
    Electrical system, Fuel and propulsion system · filed 2025-04-27

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2017 Tesla Model 3 DR RWD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Model 3 Long Range — Automatic (1-speed) Rear-wheel drive 131 120 126 MPG / 310 mi range $600

Specs and fitment

First generation, 2017–2023
Body styles Sedan
Tire size 235/45R18 (18-inch), 235/40R19 (19-inch), 235/35R20 (20-inch), 245/35R20 (Performance 20-inch)

Known issues for this generation

Recall 23V-838 covers 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Autosteer versions up to the remedy software. NHTSA states that in certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature, which can increase crash risk if the driver does not remain prepared to intervene. The campaign lists 2,031,220 vehicles across those models; Tesla's remedy is an over-the-air software update. Recall 21V-835 covers certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles whose front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen and allow the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame; recall 23V-235 expands that fastener issue to certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. Recall 21V-387 covers certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles whose brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.

Compare

Next year 2018 Tesla Model 3 See every Tesla Model 3 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Tesla Model 3 reliable?

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has 26 complaints with NHTSA after 10 years, or 0 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 8 Model 3 years on this site. NHTSA has 16 recalls on file, including Headlights, Back-over prevention, software, and Tire pressure monitoring.

What are common problems with a 2017 Tesla Model 3?

The complaints owners file most often name Forward collision avoidance (8 of 26), then Air bags (7) and Seat belts (6). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash and 1 that reports an injury.

Is the 2017 Tesla Model 3 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2018 Model 3 has 1,022 complaints, 52 per year. The 2017 has fewer complaints per year than the 2018.

Has the 2017 Tesla Model 3 been recalled?

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has 16 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2017 Tesla Model 3?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2017 Tesla Model 3 with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2017 Tesla Model 3 get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is 126 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What generation is the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

First generation (2017-2023), before the Highland refresh.

Does the US Tesla Model 3 have a factory towing rating?

No. The Model 3 is not equipped to tow in the US and Tesla does not publish a US towing capacity for it. A tow package is sold in Europe and some other markets; those ratings are not US ratings.