Sedan · EV
Tesla Model 3 2024–2026 (Highland refresh)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $40,600–$55,000
- Range
- 363 mi
- Strength: Excellent running costs
- Strength: Excellent cargo & utility
- Strength: Excellent tech
- Watch-out: Below-average value retention
How it scores for you10 scores
Dirt-cheap to run with 363 miles of range and sharp, engaging handling, though fast depreciation and inconsistent build quality are the real trade-offs.
Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years (over-the-air software recalls count half); none of its 7 recalls were serious. About 18% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -3 points for its wider reputation.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — among the cheapest cars we track to run.
19.8 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 92% of other sedans we track.
Roomy for a compact sedan with a flat floor and airy glass roof; 19.8 cu ft cargo plus frunk is generous. Rear headroom is only adequate for taller adults.
Instant EV torque, low center of gravity, and sharp handling make the Model 3 genuinely engaging; Performance trims are quicker still, though the Highland's steering feel divides opinion.
Class-leading software, OTA updates, strong Autopilot suite, and efficient powertrain. Minimalist cabin removes stalks and gauge cluster, which some dislike, but tech depth is excellent.
Highland refresh improved ride quality, added acoustic glass and rear screen, quieting the cabin. Ride is firmer than luxury norms but noticeably better than pre-refresh cars.
EVs have typically lost value the fastest.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls9 recalls
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
9 recalls · 6 common complaint areas across 2024–2026
- Unknown or other — 55 complaints (2024)
- Recall — Seats: critical fasteners (2026)
- Steering — 36 complaints (2024)
2026
- RecallSeats: critical fasteners25V410000
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.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other7 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had FSD (Full Self Driving) (Supervised) enabled. The navigation map and turn instructions (which appear on the right side of the touchscreen) indicated that my car was to make a left turn at the upcoming intersection. After a full stop (at the Stop sign), my car crept out into the intersection, p
- Complaint clusterSteering6 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
Car was in self-driving and struck a piece of concrete. The car was in hands free and was being monitored by me, the driver. This obstruction was in the left side of the lane, about 2" tall, a foot wide and 6" across. I thought the car would see it and miss it but I was wrong, it clipped the conc
2025
- RecallTires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems24V935000
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 co
- RecallBack over prevention: software; electrical system25V002000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand
- RecallElectrical: propulsion system: fuses, relays, contacts, and shunts25V690000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other28 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
-Full Self-Driving (FSD) was engaged when my vehicle unexpectedly and abruptly deviated from its expected course and collided with a vehicle on the other side of the road. My vehicle was totaled so I cannot confirm availability for inspection, however I have te vehicle’s USB drive which contains dat
- Complaint clusterSteering25 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
While operating the vehicle at low speed (~35 MPH reducing to a stop) on August 1, 2026, at approximately 10:38 AM under normal road and weather conditions, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic and simultaneous loss of primary braking capability and steering responsiveness. > Detailed Description
- Complaint clusterElectrical15 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was on the freeway in the fast lane approaching a tunnel and vehicle came with warning vehicle shutting down. Code DL_a063. Vehicle stopped in fast lane would not move to shoulder. No prior warning there was any issue. State police came and had vehicle towed. Lucky the car behind me was able to st
- Complaint clusterForward collision avoidance13 complaintscomplaints:FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
while waiting on left signal i changed my destination address when signal turned green car take straight on red signal .car is on fsd mode . happend on sep-19 at south ridding junction
- Complaint clusterCruise control11 complaintscomplaints:VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I love my vehicle and its technology. However after installation of the latest (FSD V14) update, I observed issues I believe pose a risk to the safe operation of the vehicle. I have made dozens of reports for 30+ days to Tesla for these issues. 1. Driving Profiles and Speed The update features mult
2024
- RecallAirbags: side/window: thorax24V284000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling one 2024 Model 3 vehicle. The driver seat side air bag module was assembled without a deflector that directs gas flow during deployment.
- RecallElectrical: software; latches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH24V554000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- RecallTires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems24V935000
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 co
- RecallBack over prevention: software; electrical system25V002000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand
- RecallAirbags: knee bolster; structure: body: bumpers26V445000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y and 2024 Model 3 vehicles. 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 procedur
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other55 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX at approximately 12:56 PM Pacific on [XXX], my 2024 Tesla Model 3 VIN [XXX] was operating in Full Self-Driving (Supervised). The system detected oncoming traffic, stopped, then reversed to yield and backed into a parked 2015 Ford Transit van that had an occupant inside. I am the registered ow
- Complaint clusterSteering36 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
On July 18, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM EST, my son was manually driving a 2024 Tesla Model 3 at approximately 26 MPH when the steering suddenly became extremely stiff and difficult to turn. He attempted to steer away from a roadside barrier but was unable to turn the steering wheel sufficiently
- Complaint clusterElectrical33 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Client left the road and the vehicle hit a tree by the roadside. The vehicle caught fire and client was incapacitated and unable to operate the door handle from the inside or unlock the doors. Bystanders attempted to open all four doors from the outside, but they were all locked. Bystanders noted
- Complaint clusterForward collision avoidance24 complaintscomplaints:FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
I have been driving Tesla using FSD from [XXX] to [XXX] and passing [XXX] (XXX around 5 pm). We took an exit for rest room break near Gas Station. As soon as Car took exit using FSD, the car completely stopped suddenly in the middle of the road without any reason and warning. There was not any rain,
- Complaint clusterExterior lighting18 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The push type turn signals for the model 3 almost caused when accident when I had to enter and exit a roundabout. The orientation wasn’t clear and I was trying to signal to not exit instead - another car misunderstood my intent. this miscommunication lead to a close call. I’ve been driving for over
Cost to own$32,600 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$40,600–$55,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$550/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
147
Highway MPG
130
Combined MPG
139
Electric range
363 mi
Horsepower
283 hp
Doors
4
Length
185.8 in
Width
72.8 in
Height
56.7 in
Wheelbase
113.4 in
Curb weight
4,030 lb
Cargo volume
19.8 cu ft
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