Tesla Model 3
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 presents a mixed reliability picture for used buyers.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2024 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | engine | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | sedan | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | sedan | — | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | sedan | — | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | sedan | — | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | sedan | — | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | sedan | Horsepower: 283-455 hp, Torque: 307-440 lb-ft | 3D1, 3D3, 3D6, 3D7 | Automatic | RWD/AWD | 283-455 hp | 307-440 lb-ft | — |
| 2020 | sedan | — | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | sedan | — | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | sedan | — | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | sedan | Fuel type: Electric | — | — | — | — | — | Electric |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | pricing | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt | Note | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $36,990, MSRP range: $36,990 - $54,990, Confidence: 0.8, notes: Original MSRP when new, excluding taxes and fees., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 3/28/2026 | — | USD | $36,990 | $36,990 - $54,990 | 0.8 | Original MSRP when new, excluding taxes and fees. | llm_estimate | 3/28/2026 | — | — |
| 2020 | — | Note: AM/FM Stereo, USB Connection, Bluetooth | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | AM/FM Stereo, USB Connection, Bluetooth | — |
| 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | Base price: $46,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $46,000 |
| 2017 | — | Base price: $68,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $68,000 |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Seat rows | GVWR | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Entertainment system |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 4 | 682 | 24.1 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Standard | 2 | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Standard | 2 | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | 561 | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 113.2 | Standard | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 113.2 | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 4 | 682 | 24 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 113.2 | Standard | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 113.2 | — |
| 2019 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Entertainment system: CD + Stereo, Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 113.2 | Standard | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 113.2 | CD + Stereo |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 682 | 24.1 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 113.2 | Standard | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 113.2 | — |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | 682 | 24.1 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 116.5 | Standard | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 116.5 | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | nhtsaSafetyRatings | abs | esc | tractionControl | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | Rated vehicle | tpms | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotIntervention | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | laneCenteringAssist | rearAeb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | Rated vehicle: 2024 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | 2024 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | 2023 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | optional | standard |
| 2022 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2022 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | 2022 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | standard | standard |
| 2021 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD Later Release | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | 2021 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD Later Release | standard | standard | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | standard | — |
| 2020 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2020 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | 2020 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD | standard | standard | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| 2019 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2019 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | optional | standard | standard | 2019 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD | standard | standard | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| 2018 | Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | 2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | — | — | — | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| 2017 | Rated vehicle: 2017 Tesla Model 3 DR RWD | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | 2017 Tesla Model 3 DR RWD | — | optional | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
| Year | infotainment | ev | Battery type | Charger level | Apple CarPlay | Android Auto |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | Battery type: Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion | Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | Battery type: Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion | Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | Battery type: Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion, Charger level: Level 3 DC Charger or fast charger (up to 400A, up to 600V DC, up to 240kW) | Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion | Level 3 DC Charger or fast charger (up to 400A, up to 600V DC, up to 240kW) | — | — |
| 2021 | Apple CarPlay: Not listed, Android Auto: Not listed | — | — | — | Not listed | Not listed |
| 2020 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Model year reports
2026
NewestThe 2026 Tesla Model 3 presents a mixed reliability picture for used buyers.
2025
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 presents an average reliability profile, but potential buyers must be aware of significant concerns regarding steering and electrical systems.
2024
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 presents a mixed reliability picture, with a 'Below Average' verdict driven by significant concerns regarding **turn signal functionality** and **steering assist**.
2023
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 presents a below-average reliability profile for used car buyers.
2022
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2021
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is a capable electric car, but its reliability is rated below average, primarily due to significant issues with its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), specifically 'phantom braking'.
2020
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2019
The 2019 Tesla Model 3 is rated below average for reliability, with a high volume of complaints and recalls.
2018
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 presents significant reliability concerns, with a 'Below Average' verdict driven by frequent issues with its **suspension**, **electrical system**, and **forward collision avoidance** systems.
2017
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 presents a mixed reliability picture for used car shoppers.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Tesla Model 3?
Carfocal currently has 10 published Model 3 reports, covering 2017 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 Tesla Model 3 presents a mixed reliability picture for used buyers.
Published year coverage: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Tesla Model 3. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 tesla model 3 presents a mixed reliability picture for used buyers. and the value of a used 2026 tesla model 3 hinges on the resolution of its primary recall issue. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
10 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Tesla Model 3?
Across Carfocal's published Model 3 guides, recurring problem areas include Seat Fasteners, Steering System, and Electrical System (Main Computer/Wiring). The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Seat Fasteners, Steering System, and Electrical System (Main Computer/Wiring).
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 10
- Years tracked
- 10
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints