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#BS-2018-TESMOD-4AE92018 Tesla Model 3
Based on reports from 1,000 owners and 18 recalls for this exact model.
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 1,000 complaints, 123 crashes, 5 fires, and 18 recalls. Complaint rate is 7.0x the class average.
Top reported problems
12 volt battery bad and replaced 3 times
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
glass roof crack
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
111 owners reported suspension issues — failures commonly reported around 14K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (164 reports) • Median: 14K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Suspension (111 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2018 Tesla Model 3: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Suspension Issues
Suspension complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, with 111 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 14,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 14K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, with 99 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Airbags Issues
Airbags complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, with 90 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to airbags-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, with 76 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2018 Tesla Model 3. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (18 recalls)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
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.
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
+ 13 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
The worst model year for the Tesla Model 3 is the 2019 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is electrical.
2018 Tesla Model 3 vs. Class Average (Midsize Cars)
This vehicle
1,000
Class avg
143
7.0x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical midsize cars vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 1,000 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 18 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Other Tesla Model 3 Model Years
View all Tesla Model 3 years →2018 Tesla Model 3: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
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Does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
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What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
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Get the Full 2018 Tesla Model 3 Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 1,000 owner reports. Know before you buy.