Federal safety data shows 8 recalls and 24 complaints for the 2017 Tesla Model 3, a low safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

22V0450002022-01-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

View at NHTSA

21V00D0002021-21-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

22V0630002022-04-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

View all 8 recalls

22V1690002022-18-03

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

22V2350002022-12-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

22V7020002022-19-09

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

22V7980002022-21-10

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.

An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

24V9350002024-17-12

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 24 issues reported over 1 model years, air bags,seat belts,seats problems are the most common for the 2017 Tesla Model 3. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Air Bags,seat Belts,seats3

02Unknown Or Other2

03Forward Collision Avoidance,lane Departure2

04Forward Collision Avoidance2

05Vehicle Speed Control,unknown Or Other,visibility/wiper1

24 total across 1 model years (2017–2017)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Tesla Model 3 Fuel Economy

126mpg combined

131city

120hwy

$600/yr

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is rated at 126 MPG combined. No surprises here regardless of which trim you pick.

Model 3 Long Range - Automatic (A1)

126mpg

Rear-Wheel DriveEV

131 city120 hwy~$600/yr10/10 Clean

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2017 Tesla Model 3

26States

44%in top 3

Washington DC has the most inventory at 17%, with options spread across 26 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

DCWashington DC

69917%

CACalifornia

61815%

MDMaryland

53013%

FLFlorida

3328%

TXTexas

2787%

AZArizona

1965%

GAGeorgia

1814%

NCNorth Carolina

1273%

WAWashington

1163%

ILIllinois

1052%

UTUtah

922%

NVNevada

852%

PAPennsylvania

792%

TNTennessee

772%

NJNew Jersey

742%

NY69

CO60

DE55

OR51

OH40

MO39

WI30

OK27

MA25

IN23

HI22

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2017.

Buying a 2017 Tesla Model 3?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2017 Tesla Model 3 a good car to buy?

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has its strengths and its watch-outs. 8 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report air bags,seat belts,seats as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2017 Tesla Model 3?

There are 8 documented recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model 3. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2017 Tesla Model 3?

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is EPA-rated at 126 MPG combined, consistent regardless of trim. See the fuel economy breakdown for city and highway splits.

What are common problems with the 2017 Tesla Model 3?

Out of 24 owner complaints, air bags,seat belts,seats issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.