Tesla’s Model 3 debuted in 2017 and is the world’s second-best-selling EV. Owners predict the average model will last at least 1,000,000 miles in its lifetime. Even better: Tesla CEO Elon Musk promises that the compact car’s battery will take owners even further with its 300,000 to 500,000-mile lifespan.
Key Points
- The Tesla Model 3 made its debut in 2017 and has quickly become the world’s second-best-selling EV, after Tesla’s Model Y.
- On Model 3 enthusiast forums, owners predict the average Model 3 vehicle should last up to 1,000,000 miles or more.
- Tesla CEO Elon Musk This indicates that this number could be higher by revealing that the Model 3’s battery should last 300,000 to 500,000 miles.
- High number of recalls and investigations over serious issues related to faulty seat belts, unintended activation of the emergency brake, and the Model 3 failing to stop at intersections affect the vehicle’s reliability and longevity as well as driver safety.
- The Model 3’s problems seem to be expanding as newer models come out. Therefore, when looking for a used Model 3, it’s best to go for the 2017 and 2018 models over the newer 2020 and 2021 models, which have nearly twice as many recalls.
How Long Will a Tesla Model 3 Last in its Lifetime? Some Owners have Already Pushed the Odometer to Over 100,000 Miles
The Tesla Model 3 made its debut in the middle of 2017 as the brand’s most affordable model. It has since become the second best-selling electric vehicle in the world (after the Tesla Model Y) with over 630,000 units sold, which could be a product of its lower price point.
In terms of reliability, many Tesla owners on sites like Tesla Motors Club predict that any given Model 3 should be able to last up to 1,000,000 miles or more. However, a tweet by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. This indicates that this number could be three to five times higher. In a 2019 tweet, Musk said the Model 3’s battery should last 300,000 to 500,000 miles.
One Model 3 owner that eclipsed the 100,000-mile mark sung his praises about the car’s reliability. “If I was not beating the car to death, all I would have had serviced is tires,” he told Electrek in 2019.
In that case, a battery replacement could be needed some time down the road on the path to one million miles. But the rest of the car’s parts are reportedly designed to last much longer.
That means, if a Model 3 can last at least 300,000 miles, it would take about 20 years while driving an average of 15,000 miles per year to get there. Fortunately, driving 20,000 miles a year doesn’t take as much of a toll on a Model 3 as it would on a gas-powered equivalent.
Maintenance for a Tesla Model 3 Mainly Requires Tire and Air Filter Replacements With the Occasional Brake Inspection
One of the main highlights of owning an electric car is its lower cost of maintenance. When it comes to getting the most longevity out of a Tesla Model 3, owners mainly need to pay attention to tire rotations, air filter replacement, and brake inspections.
The Tesla Model 3’s routine maintenance schedule is as follows:
- Brake fluid check and cabin air filter replacement every two years
- Clean and lubricate brake calipers every year or 12,500 miles
- Rotate the tires every 6,250 miles or if tread depth is 2/32 inches
2017-2022 Tesla Model 3s have Reported Problems That Carry Over Across Many Years and Seem to Be Getting Worse, Affecting Longevity and Driver Safety
When it comes to the reliability and the longevity of the Tesla Model 3, there is a unique situation here where this vehicle has carried over most of the same reported problems, recalls, and investigations into every model year from its 2017 debut through the current 2022 model.
The high number of recalls throughout this short span of years is alarming, especially considering that most of the problems don’t seem to have been resolved.
In fact, the newer models of the Tesla Model 3, including the years 2020 and 2021, have almost twice as many recalls as the 2017 model, with the newer years having nine and eight recalls, respectively, while the 2017 model has five recalls.
Thus, the model’s problems seem to be getting worse. So, that’s something to know when you’re considering a Tesla Model 3.
Tesla Model 3’s Continuing Problems Expand in Newer Model Years
Not all problems addressed in the Model 3’s recalls and investigations specifically affect the vehicle’s lifespan. Considering how serious some of the recalls and investigations are, though, they may affect the lifespan of the driver.
Below is a summary of the bigger problems are as reflected in the recalls and investigations for every model year from 2017 to 2022.
NHTSA Recalls
- Vehicle May Fail to Stop at Stop Sign (“Rolling stop” function of the self-driving software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.): Affected model years: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
- Unexpected Activation of Automatic Emergency Brake (Software error may cause unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake): Affected model years: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
- Rear-view Camera Image May Not Display (Rear-view camera cable harness may be damaged by trunk lid operation.): Affected model years: 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
- Front Seat Belts Not Securely Attached (Fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.): Affected model years: 2020, 2019, and 2018.
NHTSA Investigations
- Sudden Unintended Acceleration: Affected model years: 2019, 2018, and 2017.
- Unexpected Brake Activation: Affected model years: 2022 and 2021.
Tesla’s Model 3 is One of the World’s Best-selling EVs, but Stick to the Earlier Models for the Most Reliable Experience
If you plan on purchasing a used Tesla Model 3, it’s a good idea to stick to the older models from 2017 and 2018, which have fewer reported problems, recalls, and investigations than newer models from 2020 and 2021.
However, Tesla’s newer Model 3s have been named a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and one of Consumer Reports‘ Top Picks for the 2021 and 2022 model years. Plus, Elon Musk promises the Model 3’s battery should carry you to at least 300,000 miles, and as much as 500,000 miles in its lifetime.
Photos: Tesla
