Model year guide

2024 Tesla Model 3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2024 Tesla Model 3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1,087 on record.

2024 Tesla Model 3 — representative photo
Representative photo

2024 Tesla Model 3 at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints218
Combined112–137 MPGe

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2024 Tesla Model 3 recalls 5

Air Bags:knee Bolster NHTSA Campaign #26V445000 · manufacturer #SB-26-00-004 · 07/07/2026

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y and 2024 Model 3 vehicles. The vehicles were originally built for a foreign market and do not have knee air bags, may not be equipped with certain interior safety countermeasures, and may not have been tested for bumper impact resistance procedures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers, 208,…

Fix: Tesla will repurchase noncompliant vehicles currently registered in the United States, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or resolutions@tesla.com. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-004.

Back Over Prevention:software NHTSA Campaign #25V002000 · manufacturer #SB-25-00-001 · 06/01/2025

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March …

Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems NHTSA Campaign #24V935000 · manufacturer #SB-24-00-018 · 17/12/2024

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."

Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch NHTSA Campaign #24V554000 · manufacturer #SB-24-00-012 · 24/07/2024

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

Air Bags:side/window:thorax NHTSA Campaign #24V284000 · manufacturer #SB-24-13-001 · 19/04/2024

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling one 2024 Model 3 vehicle. The driver seat side air bag module was assembled without a deflector that directs gas flow during deployment.

Fix: Tesla service replaced the side air bag, free of charge. The affected vehicle was repaired April 12, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-13-001.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2024 Tesla Model 3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 218 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Lane Departure
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2024 Tesla Model 3 efficiency & running costs

Combined112–137 MPGe
City134 MPGe
Highway121 MPGe
Est. annual energy cost$600
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (A1)
Electric range272–363 mi
Charge time (240V)10.5 hours
Passenger volume97 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,000 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2024 Tesla Model 3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Energy (5 yrs)$3,000
Energy only$3,000
Per mile$0.04

How this is estimated: energy is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
185.8 in
Width
72.8 in
Height
56.7 in
Wheelbase
113.4 in
Curb weight
3,805–4,030 lb
Front track
62.2 in
Rear track
62.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 7

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions Open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond. ODI will…

NHTSA #EA26002 · Electrical System · opened Mar 2026

Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged Open

The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that Tesla has labeled as "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)." Tesla characterizes FSD as an SAE Level 2 partial automation system requiring a ful…

NHTSA #PE25012 · Electrical System · opened Oct 2025

Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements Open

The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the Standing General Order in place at the time required a report to be submitted within o…

NHTSA #AQ25002 · Electrical System · opened Aug 2025

Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts. Closed

On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to Tesla, Summon is a short-distance SAE Level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property. ODI analyzed co…

NHTSA #PE24033 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2025 · closed Apr 2026

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions Closed

On October 17, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031) of Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) to assess: the ability of the FSD system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other FSD crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are simila…

NHTSA #PE24031 · Electrical System · opened Oct 2024 · closed Mar 2026

Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness Open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system, which Tesla described as an SAE Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of…

NHTSA #RQ24009 · Electrical System · opened Apr 2024

Unexpected Brake Activation Closed

On February 16, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22002) to investigate reports of unexpected deceleration while driving with the adaptive cruise control system engaged in Model Year (MY) 2021 – 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured by Tesla. The subject systems include Autopilot (all versions), Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC).…

NHTSA #PE22002 · Forward Collision Avoidance · opened Feb 2022 · closed Jun 2026

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 58

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 58.

On some vehicles, degraded or excessive glue under the front seat cushion(s) may cause creaking noises during cornering or when pressing on the seat cushion(s). Upon customer complaint, inspect the vehicle for symptoms related to the condition. If symptoms are…

Bulletin SB-26-13-005 · Seats · Jun 2026

On some vehicles, insufficient lubricant at the front seat recliner tube ends may cause creaking noises during weight shifting when the seat is occupied. Upon customer complaint, inspect the vehicle for symptoms related to the condition. If symptoms are presen…

Bulletin SB-26-13-006 · Seats · May 2026

A firmware diagnosis feature is being introduced on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that monitors wheel alignment over time. This feature detects changes in wheel alignment that may be related to incorrect tire pressures, degraded ball joints, bushings or damaged…

Bulletin SB-25-31-004 · Suspension · Jun 2025

Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles were manufactured with High Voltage (HV) batteries containing cell modules that do not meet Tesla’s internal quality standards, potentially resulting in a reduction of range.

Bulletin SB-25-16-001 · Electrical System · Mar 2025

On some Model 3 vehicles, the RH front Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) might have been misrouted, which may cause damage to the WSS harness.

Bulletin SB-24-33-006 · Service Brakes · Nov 2024

On some Model 3 vehicles, the RH front Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) might have been misrouted, which may cause damage to the WSS harness.

Bulletin SB-24-33-006 · Service Brakes · Oct 2024

Some Performance Model 3 vehicles might experience minor oil loss through the Rear Drive Unit (RDU) breather during high lateral acceleration cornering maneuvers.

Bulletin SB-24-40-008 · Power Train · Oct 2024

On some 2024+ Model 3 vehicles built at Fremont, a rattling noise may be noticed from the driver and/or front passenger instrument panel air vent while the face-level air vents are directed to straight ahead air flow.

Bulletin SB-24-14-001 · Electrical System · Oct 2024

Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is d…

Bulletin fsd-12-5-4_s3xy.pdf · Sep 2024

Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is d…

Bulletin fsd-12-5-4-1_s3xy.pdf · Sep 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MODEL 3 RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2024 Tesla Model 3. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the computer circuit board to short circuit. If this happens, the rearview camera image may not display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind t…

Transport Canada #2025002 · Jan 2025

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, the hood latch assembly could fail and cause the unlatched hood warning not to display on the instrument panel. As a result, you may not be aware that the hood isn't latched properly. If this happens, the hood could open suddenly while driving. Safety Risk: A hood that opens suddenly while driving can block the driver's view and increase the risk of…

Transport Canada #2024427 · Jul 2024

Lights And Instruments

Issue: A previous over-the-air (OTA) software update could cause the vehicle not to display the correct visual warning indicators when there are problems with the brake system or when the parking brake is applied. As a result, the BRAKE, PARK, and antilock brake system (ABS) visual indicators would display as text instead of symbols. Safety Risk: While there is a low risk to sa…

Transport Canada #2024283 · May 2024

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric powered mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., introduced in 2017. The Model 3 was marketed as a more affordable option compared to Tesla's previous vehicles, the Model S and Model X. The Model 3 was the world's top-selling plug-in electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, before the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV based on the Model 3 chassis, took the top spot. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to pass global sales of 1 million.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2024 Tesla Model 3 vehicles on record

Other Tesla Model 3 model years

2024 Tesla Model 3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2024 Tesla Model 3. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2024 Tesla Model 3?

Across all 218 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance, electrical system, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 get?

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has U.S. EPA estimates of 112–137 MPGe combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.