Tesla Model 3 problems (2019–today)

The only engine of the Tesla Model 3 that we have documented, the Tesla Model 3 / Model Y, has high or critical severity faults in the versions it is fitted to. Our verdict for the versions it is fitted to: «Buy». Apart from the traction battery and drive motor, which we assess under its electric motor, the Tesla Model 3 has had European recalls for safety: the anchorage of the front suspension arms and of the seatbelt (2021), and a Safety Gate alert for the bonnet latch (2022). The tyres wear faster than usual because of the car's weight and torque.

Apart from the traction battery and drive motor, which we assess under its electric motor, the Tesla Model 3 has had European recalls for safety: the anchorage of the front suspension arms and of the seatbelt (2021), and a Safety Gate alert for the bonnet latch (2022). The tyres wear faster than usual because of the car's weight and torque. The most important documented faults are: recall for insufficient front suspension arm mounting (built 2019-2021) (suspension, critical severity), recall for possible bonnet latch breakage at high speed (2022 European alert) (bodywork and interior, critical severity), recall for possible seat belt anchorage defect (built 2018-2020) (airbags and safety, critical severity) and tyre wear faster than usual (tyres and wheels, low severity).^[1][6]

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: total failure of the traction battery in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y (Tesla Model 3 / Model Y, critical severity), failure of the on-board charger or charging port on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y (Tesla Model 3 / Model Y, medium severity) and failure of the electric motor or traction unit on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y that immobilises the car (Tesla Model 3 / Model Y, high severity).

According to our rating by year, the best are 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2 other years with the same rating (7.7/10); the worst rated is 2019 (6.2/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Yes: we have documented 3 campaigns for the Tesla Model 3, such as safety alert for possible bonnet latch breakage (2022). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.^[6]