The Lemon Index
20232025Too new: partial score · still collecting complaintsThe 2024 Tesla Model 3 hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2024 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.
Too new: partial score · most complaints: automatic emergency braking
220 owner complaints, first 3 years 112–137 MPGe combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
What breaks most on the 2024 Tesla Model 3
- Infotainment screen / radio8 complaints
- Phantom braking (collision system)8 complaints
Specific parts named in the 224 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Only 7 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V445000 (body structure), 25V002000 (back over prevention) and 24V935000 (tires) done? It has 5 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Tesla's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 220 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 8K to 19K miles (14K to 31K km) on the car (7 of all 220 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The right scroll wheel used to turn on/off adaptive cruise and lane centering doesn't register inputs every time the button is pressed in. This makes turning the system on and off unpredictable and dangerous.
2024 Tesla Model 3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11608763
More owner reports
Turn signal buttons are sticking regularly, preventing turn singal lights from flashing to make safe lane changes
NHTSA complaint 11594118
Tesla suddenly lost power without any warning or a chance to move to safer area. Had to call 911. Incident around 5pm Oct 23rd 2025 at intersection of E Pennsylvania Ave and Wallace Rd, Dowingtown, PA
NHTSA complaint 11695350
Recalls 5
- Body structure · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The vehicles were originally built for a foreign market and do not have knee air bags, may not be equipped with certain interior safety countermeasures, and may not have been tested for bumper impact resistance procedure…
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025
The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image.
- Tires · recall issued 2024
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure.
Show all 5 recalls
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2024
The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Airbags · recall issued 2024
Without a deflector, the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Tesla Model S (All Variants) 5 HB AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $550–$700 (USD) a year in electricity (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year).
Every Tesla Model 3 year. 2024 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2024 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/tesla-model-3/?y=2024" title="Tesla Model 3 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/tesla-model-3/2024/">Lemon Index</a> (2024 Tesla Model 3 reliability)</p>Two windows: the 2024 scores 134 here (complaints in its first 3 years) and 167 on its EV page (complaints filed by the end of 2025). Different windows, so the numbers differ.
Quick answers
Is the 2024 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn a bit more than the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2024 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 134; 100 is average). The Tesla Model 3 year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2022.
What are the most common 2024 Tesla Model 3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (29%), electrical (21%) and steering (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 have?
5 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 cost in fuel a year?
About $550 to $700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works