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Which Years Of Used Tesla Model 3s Are Most Reliable?


in Reliability
Tesla Model 3 in the fall
Source: Pixabay

The Tesla Model 3 is a speedy electric compact car from the iconic Tesla brand, designed as a lower-cost option for interested drivers. The vehicle is fun to drive and muscular in all the best ways. Of course, some years are better than others with the Tesla Model 3. If you’re interested in this car, you might wonder - what is the most reliable Tesla Model 3 year?

Dependability is vital. The more reliable your year for the Tesla Model 3, the less likely you are to experience a need for severe repairs and other necessary expenses. It might feel impossible to land on the correct year for the Tesla Model 3 - which is where we step in. Read on to learn more about the most reliable Tesla Model 3 year and other critical information.


THE TESLA MODEL 3 YEARS TO AVOID

It might feel impossible to land on the correct year - which is where we step in. Read on to learn more about the Tesla Model 3 years to avoid.


Most Reliable Years For The Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is a fun vehicle to drive, sleek and classy, and relatively affordable for a driver who wants to enter the electric world. Generally, the later versions of the car are better than the earliest ones.

Here are the best choices for the Tesla Model 3:

  • 2020 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2022 Tesla Model 3

If you’re hunting for the most reliable Tesla Model 3 year, these three are the best.

As with any electric vehicle, it’s better to pick the newest available years. These have improved the software from years past and worked through technical glitches and other reported errors from previous iterations. If you can find a newer version, invest in that version instead of cheaper earlier ones.


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Are Tesla Model 3s Generally Reliable?

There are many decent years available for the Tesla Model 3. However, they don’t speak for the car as a whole. What does the reliability of the Model 3 look like when considering the average across all years? Is it worth your money, or should you look elsewhere?

The Tesla Model 3 doesn’t have spectacular reliability. However, compared to all-electric cars, it has one of the top scores on the market. If you’re determined to go electric, the Tesla Model 3 is an excellent place to start.

Ensure you go with one of the best years for the Tesla Model 3 for the best results. However, early electric vehicles are still in development, so most are less dependable than traditional gas vehicles.

Which Tesla Model 3 Years Are The Least Reliable?

We’ve talked about the best years for the Tesla Model 3 in reliability, but what about the years you should avoid on the market? Let’s discuss the least reliable choices for this electric option on the road to help you make a smarter investment in your used electric vehicle.

Here are the worst years available for the Tesla Model 3:

If you’re seeking the most reliable Tesla Model 3 year, these three years are the worst you could choose.

These years aren’t terrible, but they’re the least developed of all the years for the Tesla Model 3. The most common issues with these earlier models appeared in the quality, software, and general reliability troubles. They might be cheaper, but it’s better to go with the most dependable selections on the market.

Are Tesla Model 3s Expensive To Maintain?

According to kbb.com, a typical driver can expect to pay $613 annually on repairs, which translates to $3,115 over five years. This number is slightly higher than the average for gas vehicles. However, it’s critical to remember that you’re saving money because the Tesla Model 3 runs on electricity. 

There are about average chances your Tesla Model 3 will run into sudden issues on the road, especially in its first years of life. Once you hit around 250,000-300,000 miles on the traditional version of the vehicle, you may run into more trouble.

Ensure you are always proactive with necessary repairs for your Tesla Model 3. Take it in if you notice any minor error, whether that’s a glitch on the screen or a crack in the windshield. Acting sooner rather than later will prevent more expensive faults from occurring.


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Which Tesla Is Most Reliable?

Maybe you’re determined to invest in a Tesla but only want the most dependable selection. What are the most reliable choices from Tesla thus far?

According to iseecars.com, here are the most dependable Tesla Model 3 options: 

  • Tesla Model X
  • Tesla Model S
  • Tesla Model 3

These are the best so far from the brand.

As you can see, the Tesla Model 3 is one of the most reliable choices from the brand. However, it’s beat out by the Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model X in dependability and low-cost repairs.

What Are The Most Common Tesla Model 3 Problems?

As with any vehicle, some troubles appear across the reliable and unreliable years for the Tesla Model 3. It’s ideal to know about these issues ahead of time.

According to motorbiscuit.com, here are some common troubles with the Tesla Model 3:

  • Potential cracks in the glass
  • Fitment issues
  • Phantom braking
  • Premature trouble in the suspension
  • Trouble with range in any extreme temperatures

Keep an eye out for these as you hit the road.

These may appear in the best or worst years for the Tesla Model 3. However, they are most likely to appear in the least reliable selections.


8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

So you’re in the market for a used vehicle?  We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.


What Reddit Says About the Best Year of the Tesla Model 3:

As the most accessible EV by Tesla, the Model 3 has enjoyed a fair bit of popularity, but what about its reliability. Some Reddit users have weighed in their two cents :

About the unicorn model years of the Tesla M3:

Comment
byu/carrollian23 from discussion
inTeslaModel3

On why the 2022 RWD is superior:

Comment
byu/Grgsz from discussion
inTeslaModel3

Another vote for the 2022 version:

Comment
byu/Grgsz from discussion
inTeslaModel3

A satisfied 2021 Model 3 customer:

Comment
byu/Grgsz from discussion
inTeslaModel3

In general, many folks in the Tesla community seem to hold the 2022 Model 3 in high regard in terms of features and reliability.

Is The Tesla Model 3 Worth It?

If you’re interested in one of the most reliable Teslas, the Model 3 is worth it. It’s one of the best compact electric cars on the market right now.

The Tesla Model 3 does have some issues. However, if you stick with the best years, you should have excellent results.

Final Thoughts

There are many quality years available for the Tesla Model 3. We recommend the 2020, 2021, or 2022 selections for minimal repairs.

We hope this information is valuable! It might feel tricky to land on the right year with several available, so our knowledge should simplify the decision-making process.



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