2017 Tesla Model 3 Safety Report
2017 Tesla Model 3: Low complaint volume but extensive recall history impacting safety systems.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Tesla Model 3
Reliability Score
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Tesla Model 3
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Tesla Model 3:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault Owners frequently report a "front passenger safety restraint system fault" warning, often requiring expensive repairs such as airbag and seat sensor replacement, even outside of warranty. |
High | Common | 30000-70000 miles |
| Autopilot/Adas Malfunctions Complaints include phantom braking, unexpected emergency braking, lane departure avoidance system failures, and in one instance, a collision with a road barrier attributed to Autopilot malfunction. |
High | Occasional | 20000-80000 miles |
| Software Update Failures Some owners have experienced prolonged periods where legally required vehicle functions are disabled due to failures in completing over-the-air software updates. |
Medium | Occasional | 10000-50000 miles |
| Rear Glass Cracking Reports of the rear windshield spontaneously cracking without any apparent impact or external damage. |
Low | Occasional | 20000-60000 miles |
| Parking Brake Malfunction Intermittent issues where the parking brake fails to release, rendering the vehicle immobile until it automatically disengages after a period. |
Medium | Occasional | 30000-70000 miles |
| Tpms Warning Light Issues Recall related to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light potentially not remaining illuminated, increasing the risk of driving with improperly inflated tires. |
Medium | Common | 10000-50000 miles |
| Seat Belt Warning Light Failure Recall concerning the seat belt warning light and audible alerts failing to function for an unbelted driver, increasing injury risk in a crash. |
Medium | Common | 10000-50000 miles |
| Instrument Cluster Font Size Recall related to an incorrect font size on the instrument cluster, potentially making critical safety information difficult to read. |
Low | Common | 10000-50000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Tesla Model 3:
Multiple complaints and recall actions relate to the safety restraint system, including airbag faults, seat belt anchorage issues, and seat sensor problems.
Issues reported with the functionality and reliability of advanced driver-assistance systems like forward collision avoidance and lane departure warnings.
Frequent complaints and recalls involve software glitches, update failures, and issues with the instrument cluster and ADAS software.
Complaints related to unexpected braking or issues with cruise control and adaptive cruise control functionality.
Concerns include issues with power window reversal systems and potential visibility impairments due to software or display problems.
Recalls and some complaints touch upon steering assist reductions and potential issues with automated steering systems.
A recall addresses the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light, impacting the ability to detect underinflated tires.
Recall related to delayed rearview camera images, potentially increasing the risk of a crash during reversing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Tesla Model 3
Is the 2017 Tesla Model 3 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 has a low number of reported crashes and injuries. However, it has a significant number of recalls affecting critical safety systems like airbags, seat belts, and driver assistance features, and lacks official NHTSA crash test ratings.
What are common problems with the 2017 Tesla Model 3?
The most reported issues include faults with the front passenger safety restraint system (airbags/seat sensors), malfunctions in Autopilot and other ADAS features (phantom braking, lane departure), and electrical system/software glitches. Recalls also highlight common concerns with TPMS and seat belt warning lights.
How extensive is the recall history for the 2017 Tesla Model 3?
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has a substantial recall history with 14 recalls issued by NHTSA, addressing a wide range of safety-critical components and software.
Are there any major safety concerns highlighted by owner complaints?
Yes, persistent 'front passenger safety restraint system fault' warnings requiring costly repairs and malfunctions of advanced driver-assistance systems like Autopilot (e.g., phantom braking) are significant concerns raised by owners.
What are the implications of the missing NHTSA crash test ratings?
The absence of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for the 2017 Model 3 means there is no standardized, independent data available to assess its performance in various crash scenarios compared to other vehicles.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Consider the extensive recall history and potential for costly repairs related to safety restraint systems and software; verify any necessary repairs have been completed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Tesla Model 3
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Tesla Model 3. The data includes 24 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 14 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.