Tesla Model 3 — Specs, Problems & Recalls
Tesla Model 3: The Tesla Model 3 is a vehicle sold in the U.S. market. Enter its 17-character VIN below to pull the exact build from NHTSA vPIC: model year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant, plus any open safety recalls filed for that model year. Decode a specific VIN below to confirm the exact year, trim and equipment, and to check for open safety recalls.
Research any Tesla Model 3 model year
Specs, engines, MPG and open safety recalls for each production year.
Each year page has that year's specific specs, EPA MPG, NHTSA crash-test ratings and every open recall campaign filed for that year and model.
| Make | Tesla |
|---|---|
| Model | Model 3 |
| Body Style | Vehicle |
| Production Years | Multiple model years |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Maintenance schedule — Model 3 (2017-2024 (EV — no engine maintenance))
Factory-recommended service intervals for the current generation (Battery-electric. NO oil, oil filter, spark plugs, timing component, or transmission fluid service.).
| Oil Change | N/A — electric vehicle, no engine oil |
|---|---|
| Tire Rotation | Every 6,250 mi (or when tread-depth difference is at least 2/32 in) |
| Brake Fluid | Test for contamination every 4 yr, replace as needed |
| Engine Air Filter | N/A (no engine) |
| Cabin Air Filter | Replace every 2 yr |
| Transmission Fluid | N/A — single-speed gearbox, no scheduled owner service |
| Coolant | Battery/motor coolant — no fixed owner interval; very long life |
| Spark Plugs | N/A — electric |
| Timing Belt Or Chain | N/A — electric, no timing components |
| Major Service Milestones | No fixed mileage 'major service.' Key items: tire rotation 6,250 mi, cabin filter 2 yr, brake-fluid test 4 yr, A/C desiccant 6 yr (pre-heat-pump cars), winter caliper service annually. |
Model-specific note: EV-specific: (1) A/C desiccant bag every 6 yr on 2017-2023 cars WITHOUT a heat pump. (2) In salted/winter regions, clean and lubricate brake calipers every 12 mo / 12,500 mi (regen means brakes are used little and can seize). (3) Tires wear faster from instant torque + weight — rotation discipline matters more than on a gas car.
Source: Tesla Support 'Vehicle Maintenance'; Model 3 owner's manual, compiled under CC BY 4.0. Intervals are for normal service; follow the severe-use schedule if most trips are short. Your owner's manual is authoritative for your VIN.
Tesla Model 3 generations
Model-line generations with their production years. Each generation hub lists every model year with its data.
| First generation | 2017–2020 |
|---|---|
| Facelift | 2020–2023 |
| Highland | 2023–2026 |
Battery, range & charging — Tesla Model 3 EV variants
Factory specifications for the electric variants of the Tesla Model 3 line. Ranges are WLTP (European cycle); EPA-range figures for the U.S. market are typically 10–25% lower.
| Battery capacity | 75 kWh (Lithium-ion) |
|---|---|
| Range (WLTP) | 525 km (≈ 326 miles) |
| Efficiency | 119 Wh/km |
| Fast charging (DC) | 124 kW · CCS |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 s |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Seats | 5 |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 kg |
| Battery capacity | 75 kWh (Lithium-ion) |
|---|---|
| Range (WLTP) | 545 km (≈ 338 miles) |
| Efficiency | 117 Wh/km |
| Fast charging (DC) | 124 kW · CCS |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.2 s |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Seats | 5 |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 kg |
| Battery capacity | 75 kWh (Lithium-ion) |
|---|---|
| Range (WLTP) | 490 km (≈ 304 miles) |
| Efficiency | 142 Wh/km |
| Fast charging (DC) | 124 kW · CCS |
| 0–100 km/h | 3.2 s |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Seats | 5 |
| Battery capacity | 60.5 kWh (Lithium-ion) |
|---|---|
| Range (WLTP) | 445 km (≈ 276 miles) |
| Efficiency | 116 Wh/km |
| Fast charging (DC) | 110 kW · CCS |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.1 s |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Seats | 5 |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 kg |
Source: EV-Database.org via Electric Vehicle Specs Dataset 2025 (CC BY 4.0). 2025 model-year data; verify the exact variant by VIN.
Why Buyers Choose the Tesla Model 3
- Verify the exact build with a free VIN decode
- Check open NHTSA recalls in seconds
- Confirm the listing matches the factory specification
Common Problems to Check
Known issues reported for the Tesla Model 3. Always inspect the specific vehicle and decode its VIN for recall status.
- Wear items (brakes, suspension bushings, tires) at a rate set by mileage and prior care
- Electronics and infotainment faults reported on some model years
- Any open recall: verify by VIN, since repairs are free at the dealer
Reliability: How long a used Tesla Model 3 lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
Check engine light on your Tesla Model 3?
Every 1996-and-newer car uses the OBD-II standard. Enter any stored code, then P0300, P0420, or search our full database of over 2,000 codes, to see what it means and how serious it is.
Recent Recalls
Recall data for this model has not been ingested yet. Check the official NHTSA recall lookup or decode a specific VIN — VIN decodes always query the current NHTSA database.
Related Guides for Tesla Model 3 Owners & Buyers
Other Tesla Models
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decode a Tesla Model 3 VIN?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the box above. VinSpecs returns the exact year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant for your Tesla Model 3, plus any open recalls, free.
Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?
How long a used Tesla Model 3 lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
How do I check the Tesla Model 3 for recalls?
Use our free recall checker by year, make and model, or decode a specific VIN for its exact recall status.
What should I check before buying a used Tesla Model 3?
Run a VIN decode + recall check here, get a NMVTIS-backed title history report to catch salvage/flood brands, then have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle on a lift. Cross-reference the seller's mileage claim against the odometer history on record.
Where is the VIN located on a Tesla Model 3?
The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places: visible through the windshield on the driver's-side dashboard, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, and on the vehicle registration and insurance card. All should match, mismatched VINs are a fraud red flag.