Makes›Tesla›Model 3›2018

2018 Tesla Model 3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Tesla Model 3
Pictured: Tesla Model 3 (2023) Autofrühling Ulm IMG 9282. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Long Range, 4dr Sedan Standard
Engines
Electric motor
Transmission
1-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
EV
EV range
310 mi · 10 h on 240 V
Length
184.6 in
Curb weight
3,549–3,814 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
19 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Long EV rangeUp to 310 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,034 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 7 for similar models — most often about the suspension.
  • 19 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 is a midsize car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,814 lb (4dr Sedan Long Range).

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 310 miles and takes about 10 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 19 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1034 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.

What changed for 2018

  • All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Model 3 →

Trims, performance & features

Powertrain–Electric motor
Transmission1-speed automatic
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Fremont, California

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Model 3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Long Range184.6 in72.8 in56.7 in113.4 in63 / 62.6 in3,814 lb48/52
4dr Sedan Standard184.6 in72.8 in56.7 in113.4 in63 / 62.6 in3,549 lb47/53

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Model 3 Long Range EV202 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive310 mi · 25.8779 kWh/100mi–$600–
Model 3 Mid Range EV202 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive260 mi · 27.4857 kWh/100mi–$600–
Model 3 Long Range AWD EV147 and 188 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive310 mi · 28.9462 kWh/100mi–$650–
Model 3 Long Range AWD Performance EV147 and 202 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive310 mi · 28.9462 kWh/100mi–$650–
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $9,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.2 MPG2018 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★6.6%
2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★6.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Side crash test — 2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD
Side crash test — 2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Frontal crash test — 2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Tesla Model 3 (this car)310 mi★★★★★19
2018 BMW 3 Series36 MPG★★★★★0
2018 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class25 MPG★★★★★0
2018 Lexus IS26 MPGNot rated1
2018 Audi A431 MPGNot rated4
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class30 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (19)

Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 4, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V507000 · 20,349 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Dec 17, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V935000 · 696,281 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · May 28, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V376000 · 125,233 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Electrical System › Software · Feb 27, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V153000 · 6,557 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 30, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V051000 · 2,193,869 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software · Dec 12, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V838000 · 2,031,220 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Suspension › Critical Fasteners · Mar 31, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V235000 · 422 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Risk
A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-835.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Feb 15, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V085000 · 362,758 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage · Oct 21, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V798000 · 24,064 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Risk
An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls · Sep 19, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V702000 · 1,096,762 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk
A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Apr 18, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V263000 · 48,184 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 12, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V235000 · 594,894 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Mar 18, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V169000 · 947 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert · Feb 4, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V063000 · 578,607 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Seat Belts › Front · Feb 1, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V045000 · 817,143 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Jan 27, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V037000 · 53,822 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior · Dec 21, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00D000 · 356,309 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Software · Oct 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V846000 · 11,728 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · May 25, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V389000 · 5,530 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Tesla Model 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,034Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
103Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
44Injuries reported
17,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Suspension190
Unknown Or Other175
Electrical System160
Air Bags139
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control132
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking116
Seat Belts104
Vehicle Speed Control91
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 724/12: 1425/01: 825/02: 625/03: 625/04: 1225/05: 225/06: 825/07: 525/08: 525/09: 925/10: 1425/11: 625/12: 426/01: 626/02: 726/03: 426/04: 726/05: 826/06: 526/07: 1026/08: 2126/09: 1926/10: 624/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 21

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Tesla Model 3 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 19 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Suspension — 190 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  3. Electrical System — 160 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags — 139 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 17,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 310 miles.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Model 3 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Model 3316 mi–Not rated00
2026 Model 3363 mi185.8 inNot rated129
2025 Model 3363 mi185.8 inNot rated3122
2024 Model 3363 mi185.8 inNot rated5222
2023 Model 3358 mi184.6 in★★★★★12428
2022 Model 3358 mi184.6 in★★★★★18773
2021 Model 3353 mi184.6 in★★★★★22673
2020 Model 3330 mi184.6 in★★★★★21452
2019 Model 3310 mi184.6 in★★★★★22620
2017 Model 3310 mi–Not rated1627

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →