MYRModel Year Report

2018 Tesla Model 3

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2018 Tesla Model 3
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1,028
Recalls
18

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
14

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Forward collision avoidance

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

2017: 26 complaints 2018: 1,028 complaints 2018 1,028 2019: 617 complaints 2020: 450 complaints 2021: 666 complaints 2021 2022: 766 complaints 2023: 428 complaints 2023 2024: 219 complaints 2025: 117 complaints 2025 2026: 26 complaints
2017: 26 complaints 2017 2018: 1,028 complaints 2018 1,028 2019: 617 complaints 2019 2020: 450 complaints 2020 2021: 666 complaints 2021 2022: 766 complaints 2022 2023: 428 complaints 2023 2024: 219 complaints 2024 2025: 117 complaints 2025 2026: 26 complaints 2026
2017: 26 complaints 2017 2018: 1,028 complaints 2018 1,028 2019: 617 complaints 2019 2020: 450 complaints 2020 2021: 666 complaints 2021 2022: 766 complaints 2022 2023: 428 complaints 2023 2024: 219 complaints 2024 2025: 117 complaints 2025 2026: 26 complaints 2026

2018: 1,028 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
201726
20181,028
2019617
2020450
2021666
2022766
2023428
2024219
2025117
202626

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Forward collision avoidance

28% · 286 reports

Most commonly citing adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Adaptive cruise control was on, i was driving on the highway, traffic was speeding up and slowing down, and the tesla was braking accordingly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a safety defect with my Tesla Model 3, VIN [XXX] . On July 28th, 2023, at 3:34 PM PST, My wife [XXX] was driving into my driveway at my home at [XXX] . The weather was sunny and car was traveling at 5-10 mph.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-18

Also filed under Service brakes

Suspension

18% · 189 reports

Most commonly citing control arm.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

16% · 169 reports

Most commonly citing autonomous/self driving and software.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Air bags

14% · 146 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification and software.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Component/system: The front passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) in my 2018 Tesla Model 3. The vehicle is available for inspection on request.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-26

In the last 18 months I have had 8 service visits relating to electrical issues. In the last 30 months: - I had my car computer replaced after it shorted out, and then had to have it replaced again the next week.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-08

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Seat belts

10% · 105 reports

Most commonly citing front.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

18 recalls · 14 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2018Complaint volume 1,028 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2020-01-13Defect petitionClosed 2021-01-08 Sudden Unintended Acceleration
  3. R
    2021-07-23Seat belts21V389000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2021-08-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-06-08 Autopilot & First Responder Scenes
  5. R
    2021-10-25Forward collision avoidance21V846000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2021-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2023-05-26 Tesla Passenger Play
  7. R
    2022-01-27Electrical system, steering22V037000 Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    2022-02-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-06-29 Unexpected Brake Activation
  9. R
    2022-04-01Electrical system, seat belts22V045000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2022-04-12Electrical system, forward collision avoidance22V063000 Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2022-04-25Back over prevention, electrical system, visibility21V00D000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2022-05-17Back over prevention22V169000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2022-06-06Electrical system, forward collision avoidance22V235000 Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. I
    2022-06-08Engineering analysisClosed 2024-04-25 Autopilot System Driver Controls
  15. R
    2022-06-17Electrical system22V263000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  16. R
    2022-12-20Seat belts22V798000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. I
    2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
  18. R
    2023-03-31Visibility22V702000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  19. I
    2023-04-07Defect petitionClosed 2026-03-18 Defect Petition Interlock Request
  20. R
    2023-04-15Steering23V085000 Tesla, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  21. R
    2023-05-30Suspension23V235000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  22. I
    2023-06-29Defect petitionOpen Sudden Unintended Acceleration
  23. R
    2023-12-12Electrical system23V838000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  24. R
    2024-02-21Electrical system24V051000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  25. I
    2024-04-25Recall queryOpen Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
  26. R
    2024-04-27Electrical system, forward collision avoidance24V153000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  27. R
    2024-07-26Seat belts24V376000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  28. I
    2024-10-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-03-18 FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
  29. I
    2025-01-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-04-03 Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
  30. R
    2025-02-15Tires24V935000 Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  31. I
    2025-08-20Audit queryOpen Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
  32. I
    2025-10-07Preliminary evaluationOpen Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
  33. I
    2026-03-18Engineering analysisOpen FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Tesla Model 3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Forward collision avoidance: 286 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 189 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 169 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 21V389000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 21V846000 · Forward collision avoidance
  • Recall 22V037000 · Electrical system, steering
  • Recall 22V045000 · Electrical system, seat belts
  • Recall 22V063000 · Electrical system, forward collision avoidance
  • Recall 21V00D000 · Back over prevention, electrical system, visibility
  • Recall 22V169000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 22V235000 · Electrical system, forward collision avoidance
  • Recall 22V263000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 22V798000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 22V702000 · Visibility
  • Recall 23V085000 · Steering
  • Recall 23V235000 · Suspension
  • Recall 23V838000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 24V051000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 24V153000 · Electrical system, forward collision avoidance
  • Recall 24V376000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 24V935000 · Tires
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have?
18 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.