2018 Tesla Model 3 Safety Report
2018 Tesla Model 3: Strong side and rollover protection, but numerous complaints and recalls highlight potential issues with suspension, electrical systems, and driver assistance features.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Tesla Model 3
Reliability Score
The 2018 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 2018 Tesla Model 3
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Tesla Model 3:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Lateral Link Fastener Loosening Fasteners for the front suspension lateral link can loosen, potentially leading to separation from the sub-frame, causing instability and increasing crash risk. This was a specific recall item. |
High | Common | N/A miles |
| Seat Belt Anchorage Issues Incorrect reassembly of second-row seat belt buckles or anchors can impair performance during a crash, increasing injury risk. This was addressed by a recall. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions Complaints and recalls indicate issues with the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) being muted after a factory reset, and potential problems with the ADAS software causing sudden shutdowns or unexpected behavior, including running red lights. |
High | Common | N/A miles |
| Electrical System Faults (Instrument Cluster/Adas) Recalls address incorrect font sizes on the instrument cluster making safety information hard to read, and issues with ADAS software that can lead to loss of safety features. Some complaints mention safety restraint system faults. |
Medium | Common | N/A miles |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Tpms) Malfunction The TPMS warning light may not remain illuminated, leading to driving with improperly inflated tires and increasing crash risk. This was a recall item. |
Medium | Common | N/A miles |
| Steering System Issues Some owners reported sudden loss of steering assist or the steering wheel locking up, making the vehicle difficult or impossible to control. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Rear Door Manual Release Absence The absence of a manual rear door release poses a significant safety risk in power failure or crash scenarios, potentially trapping rear passengers. |
High | Common | N/A miles |
| Brake System Corrosion Reports indicate significant rust in brake lines leading to leaks and warnings, requiring extensive repairs. |
High | Rare | 70000+ miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Tesla Model 3:
Frequent complaints regarding suspension components, including control arms, bushings, and fasteners, leading to noises, alignment issues, and potential separation.
Issues related to the forward collision avoidance system, including warnings, automatic braking, and problems with the pedestrian warning system.
Complaints related to various electrical system issues, including instrument cluster warnings, safety restraint system faults, and software glitches.
Complaints related to airbag system warnings and potential malfunctions, including safety restraint system faults.
Issues concerning seat belt warning lights and anchorage problems, some of which were addressed by recalls.
Complaints related to brake system performance, including low brake fluid warnings due to rust.
Reports of steering assist loss or system malfunctions.
Complaints related to structural integrity, including frame issues.
Issues related to tire pressure monitoring systems and tire condition.
A significant portion of complaints fall into a general 'unknown or other' category, indicating a wide range of less frequent issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Tesla Model 3
Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 has strong side and rollover crash test ratings (5 stars each). However, there is a high volume of owner complaints (955) and 18 recalls, particularly concerning suspension, forward collision avoidance, and electrical systems, which suggest potential safety concerns that warrant careful consideration.
What are common problems with the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
The most reported issues include problems with the suspension (113 complaints), forward collision avoidance systems (71 complaints), and electrical systems (48 complaints). Other common areas of concern involve airbags, seat belts, and steering.
Are there any significant recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
Yes, there have been 18 recalls affecting the 2018 Model 3. These cover critical safety systems such as tires (TPMS), seat belts, forward collision avoidance, electrical systems (instrument cluster and ADAS software), suspension, and steering.
What are the crash test ratings for the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 received 5-star ratings for side-impact and rollover crash tests. However, overall and frontal crash test ratings are listed as N/A by NHTSA for this specific model year.
What are the risks associated with the suspension issues reported?
Suspension issues, particularly the loosening of front suspension lateral link fasteners, can lead to vehicle instability and a separation of components, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Consider the strong side and rollover safety ratings, but be aware of the high complaint volume and numerous recalls, especially regarding suspension and driver assistance systems. Thorough pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Tesla Model 3
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Tesla Model 3. The data includes 955 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 18 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 100 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 40 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.