2018 Tesla Model 3
Full vehicle record- Complaints
- 1,649
- rank #133 of 4,194
- Recalls
- 18
- campaigns on record
- Top component
- Unknown Or Other
- 169 complaints (10%)
- Reported harm
- 202 crashes / 69 injuries
- 0 deaths; 7 fires
2018 Tesla Model 3 vs 2022 Tesla Model 3
Same-model NHTSA complaint comparison: raw complaints, recalls, top component families, and reported harm mentions.
Pending review: this curated compare page is generated from two real NHTSA rows and excluded from the sitemap until sampled. Data through 2026; reviewed June 2026.
2022 Tesla Model 3
Full vehicle record- Complaints
- 1,464
- rank #181 of 4,194
- Recalls
- 17
- campaigns on record
- Top component
- Forward Collision Avoidance
- 775 complaints (53%)
- Reported harm
- 97 crashes / 71 injuries
- 1 deaths; 5 fires
Largest differences in this pair
Complaint gap
185
2022 Tesla Model 3 has the lower raw complaint count
Recall gap
1
2022 Tesla Model 3 vs 2018 Tesla Model 3
Top component overlap
Different families
Unknown Or Other vs Forward Collision Avoidance
2018 Tesla Model 3 problem mix
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 169
- SUSPENSION 164
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 157
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL 129
- AIR BAGS 128
2022 Tesla Model 3 problem mix
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL 381
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING 303
- SERVICE BRAKES 166
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 161
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS 91
Frequently asked questions
Which has fewer NHTSA complaints, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 or 2022 Tesla Model 3?
2022 Tesla Model 3 has fewer raw NHTSA consumer complaints in this dataset (1,464 vs 1,649). This is not a defect rate and is not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
Does this mean the 2022 Tesla Model 3 is more reliable?
No. These are unverified consumer reports and recall campaigns, not production-normalized reliability scores. Use the comparison as one research signal and check a specific vehicle's history before buying.
These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle, and not financial, safety, or purchasing advice. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).