Buyer's checklist: Original Tesla Model 3 (2017–2023)

Look for 7

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Creaking front upper control armsAll yearsDrive slowly over bumps and listen for creaks, pops or clicks from the front. Ask whether the upper arms have been replaced.^1,2
Loose front suspension fasteners2018–2021Confirm with Tesla that recalls 21V835000 and 23V235000 were done.^3,4,1
Heating that stops workingAll yearsRun the heat on high and make sure it blows hot.^5,6
Battery capacityAll yearsGet a battery health report showing how much capacity is left.^7,8
Panel gaps and paint flawsAll yearsLook along every panel gap and over the paint in good light.^9,10
Rear camera cable2017–2020Open and close the trunk, then check the rear camera picture. Confirm with Tesla that recall 21V00D000 was done.^11,12
Sudden braking with nothing aheadBuilt after April 27, 2021Try the cruise control on an open road and note any sudden, unneeded braking.¹³

Recalls to ask about 31

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 19V7190002019The driver's sun visor may lack the airbag warning it must carry. Ask for proof the recall work was done.³
Recall 21V3890002018–2020A front shoulder belt fastener at the pillar may not be attached properly. It is checked and repaired. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^14,12
Recall 21V3870002019–2021Brake caliper bolts may loosen and let the caliper touch the wheel rim. They are checked and tightened or replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^3,4
Recall 21V8350002019–2021Fasteners on the front lateral links may loosen and let a link come away from the subframe. They are tightened or replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^3,4
Recall 21V8340002020–2023A side curtain airbag may be poorly fixed to the roof rail and twist. It is checked and realigned. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^12,15
Recall 21V8460002017–2021On one software version, a communication fault can cause false collision warnings or sudden emergency braking. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,4
Recall 21V00D0002017–2020Opening and closing the trunk can damage the rear camera's cable and blank the picture. The cable is repaired. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,12
Recall 22V0370002017–2022Full Self-Driving Beta can roll through all-way stops without stopping. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,16
Recall 22V0450002017–2022The seat belt chime may not sound at start-up for an unbelted driver. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,16
Recall 22V0500002021–2022A software fault can trap refrigerant in the heat pump and weaken the defroster. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,16
Recall 22V0630002017–2022The Boombox can drown out the pedestrian warning sound. Replaced by 22V235000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,16
Recall 22V1690002017–2020The rear camera picture can appear late when reversing. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,12
Recall 22V2350002017–2022The Boombox can drown out the pedestrian warning sound, including in Summon. Replaces the fix for 22V063000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,16
Recall 22V2630002018–2022In Track Mode the speedometer may not show its unit. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^14,16
Recall 22V2960002022The touchscreen's processor can overheat while fast charging and restart, losing the rear camera picture. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹⁶
Recall 22V3170002020–2021Two camera cables were swapped, which affects Autosteer and emergency braking. The connections are corrected and the cameras recalibrated. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁴
Recall 22V7020002017–2022A window may not reverse properly after it meets an obstruction. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,16
Recall 22V7980002017–2022The left rear buckle and the centre anchor may have been put back wrongly. They are checked and put back together. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,16
Recall 22V8440002023One or both tail lights may fail to light from time to time. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹⁵
Recall 23V0850002017–2023Full Self-Driving Beta can behave unsafely at junctions and respond poorly to speed limit changes. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,15
Recall 23V2350002018–2019Fasteners on the front lateral links may loosen. They are tightened or replaced. Widens 21V835000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^14,3
Recall 23V4340002023The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be faulty. The part is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹⁵
Recall 23V8380002017–2023Autosteer's checks may not do enough to stop a driver misusing it. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,15
Recall 24V0510002017–2023The brake, parking brake and ABS warning lights are shown in letters too small. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,15
Recall 24V1530002018–2022A factory reset can silence the sound that warns pedestrians of the car. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^14,16
Recall 24V3760002017–2023The seat belt warning may not come on for an unbelted driver. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,15
Recall 24V5540002021–2024The car may not notice a hood left unlatched. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,17
Recall 24V9350002017–2025The low tire pressure warning light may not stay on from one drive to the next. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,18
Recall 25V0920002023A circuit board can be overstressed and lose the power steering assist. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹⁵
Recall 26V2830002017–2023The rear camera picture can lag when reversing. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,15
Recall 26V5070002017–2023The low beams can be brighter than the law allows. The headlights are replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^14,15

What buyers avoid 2

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

Early build quality2017–2018Edmunds' test car, one of the first 1,200 built, had a hood seam that was not flush, a broken vanity mirror and a loose seatback cover, and Edmunds listed questionable durability among its cons. Consumer Reports withdrew its recommendation in February 2019 over loose body trim and glass defects, and gave it back in November.^19,13
The older Autopilot computerBuilt before the Full Self-Driving computer, HW3Electrek reported in March 2019 that only cars bought with Full Self-Driving get the newer computer free. A recall covering 2017 to 2020 cars names the 2.5 Autopilot computer.^20,12

Buyer's checklist: Original Tesla Model 3 2017–2023

Look for 7

Recalls to ask about 31

What buyers avoid 2

Sources