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2018 Tesla Model 3 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability. There are 18 recalls and 951 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 100 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (139), Suspension (128), Air Bags (111).

Model 3 reliability snapshot

46/100
Latest model-year reliability score
2.0/5
RepairPal rating (overall)

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Tesla Model 3 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

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Most-reported 2018 Tesla Model 3 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Electrical System139
  • Suspension128
  • Air Bags111
  • Unknown Or Other106
  • Forward Collision Avoidance88
  • Steering71

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Tesla Model 3

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect suspension for noise and wear, especially control arms
  • Check for airbag system alerts on the dashboard
  • Test for unexpected braking during Autopilot or FSD use
  • Verify power conversion system functionality and charging ability
  • Examine brake lines for rust and potential leaks
  • Ensure seat belts lock properly during sudden stops
  • Test steering for smooth operation and absence of locking

What owners reported

2018 Tesla Model 3 owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 100 crashes, 4 fires and 40 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Tesla Model 3. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints139

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2018 Tesla Model 3, notably involving the center display going blank and the failure of the Full Self-Driving system, which can lead to a loss of critical driving information and safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning. Complaints often describe symptoms such as the vehicle's primary computer rebooting during high electrical load, loss of camera feeds, and sudden uncommanded acceleration. These issues sometimes occur after software updates or when multiple electrical systems are in use, such as HVAC and seat heaters. Safety implications are significant, with 11 complaints involving crashes and 4 reporting injuries, highlighting potential risks of loss of control and situational awareness. Buyers should be aware that these problems are reported across various mileages, with some incidents occurring well after 50,000 miles.

Severity signals: 11 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints128

SUSPENSION

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with the suspension system, particularly involving the control arms and lateral links. Common symptoms include loud noises such as grinding, squeaking, or clanking, often noticeable during turning or when driving over bumps. These problems often arise around 30,000 to 60,000 miles, with some complaints noting premature wear or loose components. Safety implications are significant, with some owners reporting crashes and one injury due to suspension failures leading to loss of vehicle control. Buyers should be aware of potential repair costs and the possibility of unresolved safety concerns, particularly if purchasing a vehicle that has not been subject to a recall for these issues.

Severity signals: 8 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints111

AIR BAGS

Owners report that the 2018 Tesla Model 3 frequently experiences issues with the safety restraint system, particularly involving the passenger seat's Occupant Classification System (OCS) and associated wiring. Common symptoms include dashboard alerts such as "Front passenger safety restraint system issue" and "Front left safety restraint system fault," which can disable the airbag system. These problems are often attributed to faulty wiring or sensor malfunctions, with multiple reports indicating the issue arises around 50,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as 13 complaints involve crashes, and 8 report injuries, with some owners noting the airbags failed to deploy during collisions. Used car buyers should be aware that repairs for these issues are typically not covered under warranty and can be costly.

Severity signals: 13 crash, 0 fire, 8 injury reports

Owner complaints106

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues related to software updates and their impact on vehicle functionality, including failures in PTC heating and audio systems. Complaints often describe problems with the horn, which sometimes fails entirely, and rear door manual release mechanisms, posing a safety risk during power loss. Several reports involve the vehicle's autonomous features, such as sudden deceleration on autopilot and crashes during automated driving. Safety implications are noted, with incidents involving crashes and injuries, and two reports of fires. These issues typically emerge after software updates or over time, with some owners mentioning recurring problems despite previous fixes.

Severity signals: 9 crash, 2 fire, 8 injury reports

Owner complaints88

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly related to the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features. Common symptoms include phantom braking, where the vehicle brakes abruptly without any apparent obstacle, and failure to detect vehicles or obstacles, leading to crashes. Multiple reports involve crashes, with some incidents resulting in injuries, often occurring when the vehicle fails to follow road lines or unexpectedly changes lanes. Complaints often mention these issues at highway speeds and during specific driving conditions like curves or when approaching overpasses. Many reports indicate these problems arise at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 27,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of the potential for sudden braking and lane-following errors that could impact safety.

Severity signals: 12 crash, 0 fire, 6 injury reports

Owner complaints71

STEERING

Owners report frequent issues with the steering system of the 2018 Tesla Model 3, particularly involving sudden loss of power steering assist and control arm failures. Symptoms typically include difficulty turning the steering wheel, grinding noises, and creaking sounds from the suspension, with some incidents leading to complete steering lock-up. These issues often arise around the 40,000 to 50,000-mile mark. Safety implications are significant, with six complaints involving crashes and one reported injury, highlighting the potential for loss of control. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns and the potential for costly repairs if these issues manifest.

Severity signals: 6 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints60

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving unexpected and aggressive braking, often referred to as "phantom braking." Complaints describe occurrences both with cruise control and Full Self Driving (FSD) features engaged, where the car brakes suddenly without clear obstacles, sometimes interpreting shadows or road imperfections as hazards. This issue is noted across various speeds and conditions, with some reports involving crashes and injuries. Mileage at which these issues occur varies, but some reports mention incidents occurring as early as 16,600 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes and near-misses due to sudden braking, highlighting a potential risk for buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 15 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints51

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving unexpected braking when using Autopilot or Full Self-Driving features. Complaints often describe the vehicle braking suddenly without visible obstacles, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "phantom braking." Additionally, several owners mention significant rust and corrosion in brake lines, leading to brake fluid leaks and, in some cases, complete brake failure. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some vehicles experiencing problems as early as 107,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with seven crashes and two injuries reported in connection to these brake issues. Buyers considering a used 2018 Tesla Model 3 should be aware of these potential braking system concerns.

Severity signals: 7 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints38

STRUCTURE

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with door handles, specifically the peeling of chrome plating, which creates sharp edges that can cause injuries. Complaints also commonly describe problems with the rear doors lacking manual release mechanisms, potentially trapping passengers in emergencies. Additionally, several owners report structural issues such as undercarriage components detaching, particularly in wet conditions, and rear bumpers falling off, which may pose safety risks to other road users. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 30,000 miles. Safety implications are underscored by reports of crashes and injuries related to these structural problems.

Severity signals: 8 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports

Owner complaints24

POWER TRAIN

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2018 Tesla Model 3's power train. Complaints frequently mention sudden unintended acceleration, with incidents occurring during low-speed maneuvers like parking or while stopped, occasionally leading to crashes. Some owners describe power reduction modes due to battery management system failures, often linked with coolant leaks or PTC heater failures, which can leave the vehicle unresponsive and unable to start. These issues typically arise around the 17,000 to 63,000-mile range. Safety implications are noted, including crashes and one reported fire, underscoring potential risks of loss of control or thermal events. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering the reliability and safety of the vehicle.

Severity signals: 5 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

2018 Model 3 recalls (18)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Model 3. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. TIRESNHTSA 24V935000Dec 17, 2024

    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."

    Consequence: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

    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.

  2. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 24V376000May 28, 2024

    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."

    Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    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.

  3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V153000Feb 27, 2024

    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."

    Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V051000Jan 30, 2024

    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."

    Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V838000Dec 12, 2023

    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.

    Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

    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.

  6. SUSPENSIONNHTSA 23V235000Mar 31, 2023

    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.

    Consequence: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  7. STEERINGNHTSA 23V085000Feb 15, 2023

    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.

    Consequence: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

    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.

  8. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 22V798000Oct 21, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    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.

  9. VISIBILITYNHTSA 22V702000Sep 19, 2022

    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."

    Consequence: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

    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.

  10. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V263000Apr 18, 2022

    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."

    Consequence: The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  11. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 22V235000Apr 12, 2022

    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."

    Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  12. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 22V169000Mar 18, 2022

    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."

    Consequence: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  13. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 22V063000Feb 4, 2022

    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."

    Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  14. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTSNHTSA 22V045000Feb 1, 2022

    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."

    Consequence: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    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.

  15. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V037000Jan 27, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

    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.

  16. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY, BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 21V00D000Dec 21, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  17. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 21V846000Oct 29, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  18. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V389000May 25, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

    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.

Used-market value

2018 Tesla Model 3 resale snapshot

49.4%estimated value retained after 5 years
535listings in the model-level benchmark
$21,990median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Tesla Model 3 value by year →Full Tesla Model 3 market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2018 Tesla Model 3 on the road

140,317 2018 Tesla Model 3 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Tesla Model 3 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Hyundai Ioniq 6
Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 95
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Volvo S60
Reliability: 76/100·Rivalry score: 85
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Reliability verdict for the 2018 Tesla Model 3

With a 31/100 score against a 78/100 segment average, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 lands well below the norm for overall reliability. The gap is large enough to indicate elevated buyer risk rather than a few isolated weak spots. As the second year of its generation, the data still reflects substantial reliability exposure.

Complaints are broadly distributed across major systems, led by electrical, suspension, and air-bag-related areas, with additional volume in collision-avoidance functions and an unusually large share falling into unknown or other. That spread suggests multiple subsystems contribute to the reliability picture instead of one dominant problem area. The recall count is elevated, reinforcing that issues were significant enough to require repeated corrective actions.

Overall, this Model 3 presents elevated reliability risk relative to its segment.

What you get in a 2018 Tesla Model 3 report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2018 Tesla Model 3 now

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2018 Tesla Model 3 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 reliable?

With a 31/100 score against a 78/100 segment average, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 lands well below the norm for overall reliability. The gap is large enough to indicate elevated buyer risk rather than a few isolated weak spots. As the second year of its generation, the data still reflects substantial reliability exposure.

How many recalls does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have?

18 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Tesla Model 3. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Tesla Model 3 problems?

The most-reported 2018 Tesla Model 3 problem areas are: Electrical System (139), Suspension (128), Air Bags (111).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Tesla Model 3?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Tesla Model 3, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.