Best & Worst Tesla Model 3 Years

I've ranked each Tesla Model 3 model year so you can avoid picking the worst Tesla Model 3 year and go for the best Tesla Model 3 year!

The Tesla Model 3 revolutionized electric cars, but not all model years are crafted equal. Which should you buy, and which should you avoid?

We’ve analyzed the figures from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book to bring you the conclusive Model 3 guide.

From efficiency to reliability, tech to resale values, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to uncover your perfect Tesla?

Let’s distinguish the luminaries from the flops!

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Table of ContentsShow

Tesla Model 3 Generations

When Tesla unveiled the Model 3 in 2017, it wasn’t just another car launch – it was a colossal shift in the auto industry. This was Tesla’s daring move into the mass market, offering a blend of performance, safety, and affordability that turned heads and opened wallets.

What made the Model 3 stand out? For starters, it packed sophisticated autopilot features that made other cars look like they were stuck in the Stone Age. The interior? Minimalist sleek, dominated by a massive touchscreen that controlled practically everything. And let’s not forget the impressive range and acceleration that left traditional gas-guzzlers in the dust.

No wonder the Model 3 rapidly became one of the best-selling electric cars worldwide. It wasn’t just a car; it was a proclamation on wheels.

Here’s a concise overview of the Tesla Model 3 generations:

GenerationYears
1st generation2017-Present

This rundown gives you a lucid picture of how the Model 3 has evolved. But which years really stand out?

Let’s find out.

Tesla Model 3 Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

When it comes to picking the cream of the crop (or avoiding the lemons) in Tesla Model 3 years, we don’t mess around. Our thorough analysis digs deep, considering:

  • What real owners say about reliability
  • How much you’ll shell out for annual maintenance
  • Safety ratings (because who doesn’t want to feel like they’re driving a tank?)
  • Consumer Reports’ reliability scores (they’re tough critics, and we like that)
  • How satisfied owners are, according to Consumer Reports
  • NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the stuff that keeps engineers up at night)
  • Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), VehicleHistory, and Cars.com (because one opinion is never enough)

We’ve analyzed all these figures and opinions into one handy graph:

Tesla Model 3 Car Smite Score Combined Overall Score

Now, let’s break it down into the good, the meh, and the ugly:

GenerationBest YearsNeutral YearsWorst Years
1st generation2023
2024
2022
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

Those “Neutral Years”? Think of them as the middle child of the Model 3 family – not remarkable, not terrible, just… there. They offer Tesla’s cutting-edge EV tech with adequate dependability and owner contentment.

Remember, factors like NHTSA recalls are the killjoys here. More complaints and recalls? That’s a crimson flag for potential headaches down the road.

Ready to dive into the nuts and bolts of each Model 3 year?

Let’s go!

Best & Worst Years for Tesla Model 3 1st Generation (2017-Present)

Tesla Model 3 1st generation 2017 model
The 2017 Tesla Model 3

The 2017 Tesla Model 3

When Tesla dropped the Model 3 in 2017, it wasn’t just launching a car – it was throwing down the gauntlet to the entire auto industry. This was Tesla’s “people’s car” moment, aiming to bring their electric enchantment to the masses with an ideal blend of performance, affordability, and tech wizardry.

As Tesla’s most affordable offering, the Model 3 quickly became the talk of the town. Its sleek looks turned heads, its remarkable range silenced range anxiety, and its driver-assistance features made other cars look like they were running on Windows 95.

The Best Years: 2023, 2024

Want to know which Model 3 years are the best of the crop? Look no further than 2023 and 2024. These models are the result of Tesla’s engineers working tirelessly, refining every aspect of the car.

The major news? The revamped “Tesla Model 3 Highland” model. It’s not just a facelift; it’s a thorough evolution.

Let’s talk power: The enhanced long-range battery now offers up to 358 miles on a single charge. That’s like driving from New York to Pittsburgh without stopping to plug in. And when you do need to charge, it’s quicker than ever.

Performance? Hold onto your hats. The premier model boasts over 450 hp, launching from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds. That’s supercar territory, folks.

But it’s not just about sheer power. The latest Autopilot hardware and Full Self-Driving (FSD) software are so advanced, the car’s practically imploring you to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by lavish features galore. A custom audio system that’ll make you feel like you’re at a concert, heated seats for everyone (because why should the driver have all the fun?), and a 15-inch touchscreen that controls everything short of making your coffee.

Now, no car is flawless. Some owners have reported minor software hiccups and hardware issues. But here’s the kicker: Tesla’s over-the-air updates mean your car gets better while you sleep. Problems get fixed faster than you can say “software update.”

The Neutral Years: 2022, 2017

The 2022 and 2017 Model 3 years? They’re like the middle child of the Tesla family – not the luminary, not the black sheep, just… there.

2022 brought some delightful tweaks to the table. Battery efficiency got a boost, and the software received some ingenious upgrades. The Long Range model could now cover up to 358 miles on a single charge – not too shabby. And with dual motors providing all-wheel drive, it handled like a dream.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some 2022 models faced recalls due to display malfunctions. Picture your infotainment system going haywire mid-drive – not enjoyable.

As for 2017, well, it was the Model 3’s debut year. Revolutionary? Absolutely. Perfect? Not quite. It faced its fair share of teething problems, including recalls related to autopilot and rearview camera systems.

The Worst Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Now, let’s talk about the years you might want to think twice about: 2018 through 2021. These were Tesla’s vital anguish years, and it shows.

What went wrong? For starters, Tesla was scrambling to meet the enormous demand for the Model 3. Superb for sales, not so great for quality control.

Electrical gremlins were widespread, with some power conversion systems deciding to take unplanned vacations. Not exactly what you want when you’re speeding down the highway.

The forward collision avoidance system and suspension components also had their moments of insurrection. And let’s not forget the infamous “phantom braking” issue – nothing wakes you up quite like your car deciding to slam on the brakes for no apparent reason.

These years saw recalls addressing everything from uncooperative rearview cameras to assertive emergency braking systems. It was a rough ride, to say the least.

Want to see the complete list of headaches?

Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Model 3s. It’s quite the fascinating read.

Tesla Model 3 Resale Values

Curious about how well the Model 3 holds its value? Take a look at this graph:

Tesla Model 3 Average List Price

Conclusion

So, what’s the evaluation on the best Tesla Model 3 years?

If you’re in the market for a Model 3, the 2023 and 2024 models are your prime choices. They’ve ironed out most of the kinks and come packed with the newest and greatest Tesla has to offer.

On the flip side, you might want to approach the 2018-2021 models with caution. They’re not subpar cars by any means, but they do come with a higher risk of issues.

Have you had any acquaintance with these Model 3 years? We’d love to hear your story.

Drop a remark below and join the conversation!

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Jonathan Eckert

Jonathan is an ASE-certified mechanic with over 22 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. His expertise spans a wide range of vehicles, but he specializes in diagnosing and repairing Japanese cars. His previous workplace highly commended his meticulous attention to detail, and that's exaclty what he uses at Car Smite to craft the best guides for each purpose.