Model year
2026 Tesla Model 3
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 29 complaints for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10), STEERING (7), BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS (4). NHTSA lists 3 investigations with no close date in the file. NHTSA rated 4 variants 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 111–139 MPGe combined and 24.3–30.2 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $550–$700, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2017 27 complaints
- 2018 1,033 complaints
- 2019 619 complaints
- 2020 452 complaints
- 2021 671 complaints
- 2022 770 complaints
- 2023 428 complaints
- 2024 221 complaints
- 2025 121 complaints
- 2026 29 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
25V410000 · Jun 18, 2025
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.
Complaints
29 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 9, fire flag on 0, injury field 3, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQ25002 | Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS | Aug 20, 2025 | No close date in the file |
| PE25012 | Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS | Oct 7, 2025 | No close date in the file |
| EA26002 | FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS | Mar 18, 2026 | No close date in the file |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR BEV AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.068 | NHTSA photo |
| 4 DR BEV RWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.068 | NHTSA photo |
| EARLY RELEASE 4 DR BEV AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.068 | NHTSA photo |
| EARLY RELEASE 4 DR BEV RWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.068 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Performance · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 120 | 107 | 114 | 29.6 | 309 | $650 |
| Model 3 Premium AWD · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 133 | 122 | 128 | 26.4 | 346 | $600 |
| Model 3 Premium RWD · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 145 | 128 | 137 | 24.6 | 363 | $550 |
| Model 3 Performance AWD · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 117 | 106 | 111 | 30.2 | 314 | $700 |
| Model 3 Standard RWD · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 147 | 130 | 139 | 24.3 | 321 | $550 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2026 Tesla Model 3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.