2018 Tesla Model 3 reliability

Is it reliable?

Owners have filed 1,022 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Tesla Model 3 over 9 years — 52 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Model 3 years here — under the median of the other years, which is 72. NHTSA has 19 recalls on file, including Headlights, Tire pressure monitoring, and Warning light.

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

Complaints

1,022

Per year

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Forward collision avoidance (202 of 1,022), then Suspension (185) and Electrical system (168). Those filings include 102 that report a crash, 4 that report a fire, and 36 that report an injury.

Next to 2017 and 2019

The 2017 Model 3 has 26 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2019 has 612 complaints, 44 per year. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2019.

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 2018 Tesla Model 3. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (19)

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 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 forward collision avoidance, warnings, pedestrian alert 2024-02-27 · NHTSA campaign 24V153000

Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted 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 released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

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 suspension, front 2023-03-31 · NHTSA campaign 23V235000

Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

Remedy Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-835.

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, instrument cluster 2022-04-18 · NHTSA campaign 22V263000

Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.

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.

Recall Seat belts 2021-05-25 · NHTSA campaign 21V389000

Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.

Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.

Complaints by component (1022 total)

Forward collision avoidance

202

Suspension

185

Electrical system

168

Air bags

141

Seat belts

103

Speed control

Service brakes

Steering

Seats

Structure

Lane departure

Visibility and wipers

Powertrain

Wheels

Fuel and propulsion system

Back-over prevention

Exterior lighting

Visibility

Engine

Latches, locks, and linkages

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Equipment

Tires

Hydraulic brakes

Parking brake

Show 17 more Show less

Crash-flagged

102

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"Clunking noise when in reverse and turning."
Suspension · filed 2026-09-21
"AMENDMENT / SUPPLEMENT TO VOQ #11763975 regarding PE26006. Following my initial report of a catastrophic lower lateral link detachment, Tesla Service Center Santa Rosa has provided a highly sanitized and misleading…"
Suspension · filed 2026-09-20
"On August 6, 2026, my spouse was driving our 2018 Model 3 at low speed while making a U-turn out of The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch when she heard a clunk from the front of the car and the car felt as though it…"
Suspension · filed 2026-09-19
"Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Mileage at Incident: 45,000 miles Description of Safety Defect: A sudden and persistent "Safety Restraint System Fault" / "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System…"
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats · filed 2026-09-16
"The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while reversing approximately 5 MPH, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the vehicle without warning. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact…"
Structure · filed 2026-09-16

NHTSA crash ratings

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD	Not rated	Not rated	5 stars	5 stars
2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars

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	136	123	130 MPG / 310 mi range	$600
Model 3 Long Range all-wheel drive	—	Automatic (1-speed)	All-wheel drive	120	112	116 MPG / 310 mi range	$650
Model 3 Long Range all-wheel drive Performance	—	Automatic (1-speed)	All-wheel drive	120	112	116 MPG / 310 mi range	$650
Model 3 Mid Range	—	Automatic (1-speed)	Rear-wheel drive	128	117	123 MPG / 260 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

Previous year 2017 Tesla Model 3 Next year 2019 Tesla Model 3 See every Tesla Model 3 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 reliable?

What are common problems with a 2018 Tesla Model 3?

Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2017 Model 3 has 26 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2019 has 612 complaints, 44 per year. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2019.

Has the 2018 Tesla Model 3 been recalled?

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has 19 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 2018 Tesla Model 3?

Owners have filed 1022 complaints about the 2018 Tesla Model 3 with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2018 Tesla Model 3 get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is 121.3 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.