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Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: which has more problems

Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y side by side: owner complaints by component, problem years, service bulletins and engines. Same data as on each model page.

More complaints often just means more cars sold, so compare the pattern of problems and the years, not only the total.

At a glance

Tesla Model 3

  • Model years in data: 2017–2026
  • Owner complaints: 4,401 (after a crash 460, fires 0)
  • Complaints per model year (average): 440
  • Service bulletins: 148
  • Worst years: 2018 (1,038), 2022 (774), 2021 (674)

Tesla Model Y

  • Model years in data: 2019–2027
  • Owner complaints: 4,359 (after a crash 594, fires 0)
  • Complaints per model year (average): 484
  • Service bulletins: 146
  • Worst years: 2023 (1,197), 2021 (1,098), 2022 (880)

Components: owner complaints

Component Tesla Model 3 Tesla Model Y
Forward collision avoidance 1,753 40% 1,981 45%
Vehicle speed control 637 14% 590 14%
Service brakes 572 13% 577 13%
Electrical system 572 13% 576 13%
Steering 418 9% 492 11%
Suspension 384 9% 337 8%
Lane departure 309 7% 398 9%
Air bags 319 7% 123 3%
Visibility 208 5% 200 5%
Seat belts 231 5% 121 3%
Structure 164 4% 167 4%
Backover prevention 99 2% 199 5%

Which is more reliable: Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y?

This data alone can't settle it: complaint counts depend on sales. Compare which components draw the most complaints (forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, service brakes) and which years are worst, then check the specific car by VIN and photos.

Check a specific car by VIN and photos

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