The Lemon Index
Year by year
| Model year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 788 | 7.9× the average car's complaints | 411 | 121,877 |
| 2022 | 490 | 4.9× the average car's complaints | 593 | 211,618 |
| 2023 | 247 | 2.5× the average car's complaints | 326 | 230,015 |
| 2024 | 167 | 1.7× the average car's complaints | 179 | 189,903 |
Top problems
- automatic emergency braking: 64% of complaints
- cruise and speed control: 21% of complaints
- brakes: 19% of complaints
- electrical: 9% of complaints
Fire complaints: 2 (0.3 per 100,000 sold; all EVs average 0.8). EV fires vs gas →
Range and yearly cost
| EPA range (2025) | 298–363 miles |
| Electricity use | 25–31 kWh per 100 miles |
| Yearly charging cost (EPA) | $550–$700 |
| Toyota Camry, yearly gas cost | $2,450 |
| Saves per year | about $1,825 |
EPA estimate: 15,000 miles a year at national average prices. Every EV's cost →
Recalls
29 recalls for model years 2021-2024. The newest:
- lights Aug 2026
The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. NHTSA 26V507000 - body structure Jul 2026
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… NHTSA 26V445000 - back over prevention May 2026
The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. NHTSA 26V283000 - steering Feb 2025
The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again. NHTSA 25V092000 - back over prevention Jan 2025
The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. NHTSA 25V002000 - tires Dec 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. NHTSA 24V935000 - latches/locks/linkages Jul 2024
The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened. NHTSA 24V554000 - seat belts May 2024
In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. NHTSA 24V376000
Driver-assist crash reports to NHTSA involving a Tesla Model 3: 1,778 since 2021. What those reports do and don't show →
Complaints filed with NHTSA by the end of the year after the model year. Sales are Kelley Blue Book estimates for every brand (Tesla doesn't report U.S. sales by model). These scores use a shorter window than the main Lemon Index (complaints filed by the end of the year after the model year), so brand-new EVs like the Cybertruck get a fair, complete window. That's why a Tesla's score here differs a little from its main car page. Sales source: Kelley Blue Book EV sales reports (estimates).