Used Tesla Model 3: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 3,948 complaints across these 9 years; the 2018 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Model 3 from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	Total
Automatic emergency braking	88	90	77	206	275	79	19	7	841
Acceleration and cruise control	60	62	59	105	153	45	16	11	511
Electrical	139	72	29	60	37	36	27	11	411
Steering	71	51	43	24	29	83	34	21	356
Brakes	51	30	23	70	91	22		3	290

Model 3 generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

First generation
2017–2023
2021 update: Black finish on door handles and trim; Addition of heat pump; Redesigned center console; Quieter double-pane glass

Mileages where Model 3 problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
40–450 miles	Highway power loss or shutdown	2023
50–1,062 miles	Low-speed unintended acceleration	2022
143–5,760 miles	Phantom braking on cruise control	2022
900–2,000 miles	Phantom braking on cruise control	2023
2,000–10,000 miles	Phantom braking on cruise control	2021
15,000–50,000 miles	Passenger restraint system fault	2022
15,100–57,222 miles	BMS_a079 high-voltage battery fault	2021
18,317–60,200 miles	Heat pump and supermanifold failure	2021
28,000–40,000 miles	Front control arm and link wear	2020
30,000–50,000 miles	Front upper control arm wear	2019
30,000–32,000 miles	Power conversion system charging failure	2018
33,500–60,000 miles	Front control arm and ball-joint wear	2018
39,140–67,000 miles	Passenger restraint system fault	2019
43,272–52,000 miles	Power steering or rack failure	2020