Federal safety data shows 5 recalls and 425 complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model 3, a high safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

425

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

21V8340002021-25-10

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection 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

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

View all 5 recalls

22V2630002022-18-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.

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

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 425 issues reported over 1 model years, forward collision avoidance problems are the most common for the 2020 Tesla Model 3. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Forward Collision Avoidance71

02Unknown Or Other34

03Vehicle Speed Control,forward Collision Avoidance24

04Service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance18

05Suspension17

425 total across 1 model years (2020–2020)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Tesla Model 3 Fuel Economy

113–141mpg combined

118-148city

107-132hwy

$550-$650/yr

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 delivers 113 to 141 MPG combined across 8 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Model 3 Standard Range Plus - Automatic (A1)

141mpg

Rear-Wheel DriveEV

148 city132 hwy~$550/yr10/10 Clean

Model 3 Standard Range - Automatic (A1)

131mpg

Rear-Wheel DriveEV

138 city124 hwy~$600/yr10/10 Clean

Model 3 Long Range - Automatic (A1)

130mpg

Rear-Wheel DriveEV

136 city123 hwy~$600/yr10/10 Clean

Model 3 Mid Range - Automatic (A1)

123mpg

Rear-Wheel DriveEV

128 city117 hwy~$600/yr10/10 Clean

Model 3 Long Range AWD - Automatic (A1)

121mpg

All-Wheel DriveEV

124 city116 hwy~$650/yr10/10 Clean

Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (18in) - Automatic (A1)

121mpg

All-Wheel DriveEV

124 city116 hwy~$650/yr10/10 Clean

Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (19in) - Automatic (A1)

116mpg

All-Wheel DriveEV

119 city112 hwy~$650/yr10/10 Clean

Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (20in) - Automatic (A1)

113mpg

All-Wheel DriveEV

118 city107 hwy~$650/yr10/10 Clean

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

Where to Find 2020 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 2020.

Buying a 2020 Tesla Model 3?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 a good car to buy?

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 has its strengths and its watch-outs. 5 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report forward collision avoidance 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 2020 Tesla Model 3?

There are 5 documented recalls for the 2020 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 2020 Tesla Model 3?

You'll get between 113 and 141 MPG combined from the 2020 Tesla Model 3, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

Out of 425 owner complaints, forward collision avoidance issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.