Electrical System Malfunctions

Complaints frequently cite issues with the electrical system, including touchscreen failures, power loss, and problems with the 12V battery. These can render the vehicle inoperable. Estimated repair cost: $300 - $1,500.

Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) System Issues

Owners report frequent issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, including phantom braking and adaptive cruise control malfunctions. These can create hazardous driving situations. Estimated repair cost: $200 - $1,000.

While less frequent than suspension or electrical issues, airbag system faults have been reported, raising safety concerns. These can involve warning lights or non-deployment. Estimated repair cost: $500 - $2,000.

CARFOCALvehicle research

2018 Tesla Model 3 Maintenance guide

Name: Maintenance dataset for 2018 Tesla Model 3
Creator: Carfocal

v1.0Updated May 30, 2026Ethan Miller4 Sources Analyzed2 Critical Recalls

MAINTENANCE SUMMARY

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 requires attentive maintenance, particularly concerning its suspension and electrical systems, which are frequent complaint areas. With a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, owners should prioritize inspections of these components.

View Critical Issue: Suspension Component Failure

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Reliability Score

Est. Annual Maintenance Cost

$300 - $600

TSBs & Recalls

66 TSBs | 30 Recalls

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Key Takeaways

Prioritize suspension system inspections due to reported failures of control arms and ball joints.
Be vigilant for electrical system issues, including touchscreen and 12V battery problems.

2 more takeaways unlock below

Critical service intervals

Common failure analysis

Symptoms and prevention guidance