Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model 3 vs BMW 3 Series
How the Tesla Model 3 and BMW 3 Series compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
BMW 3 Series averages fewer NHTSA complaints per year. Tesla Model 3 has 4,258 complaints and 139 recalls on record; BMW 3 Series has 308 complaints and 1 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model 3 | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,258 | 308 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 139 | 1 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 436 | 31 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 425.8 | 30.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 243 | 23 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 16 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Tesla Model 3
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,723
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER682
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL629
- 04SERVICE BRAKES562
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM551
“SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IT RECEIVED A SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD CALLED EMERGENCY LANE DEPARTURE AVOIDANCE WHICH IS TESLA'S FANCY NAME FOR A LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO THEIR SERVICE CENTERS 3 TIMES TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BECAUSE IT…”
“Feb 25 around 4pm PT we were driving north on US Hwy 101 using the basic cruise control feature of our Model 3. Based on our settings I believe this would be considered adaptive cruise control, but I'm not sure. Enhanced Auto-Pilot was not in use. On a largel…”
BMW 3 Series
- 01ENGINE91
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM78
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER71
- 04POWER TRAIN22
- 05AIR BAGS21
“The contact owns a 2021 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and coming to a stop at a red traffic light, the contact started smelling smoke. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to re…”
“1. The engine starter motor (specifically the pinion starter) has failed, and the auxiliary battery is also showing reduced capacity (only a portion of its 660 cold cranking amps). The vehicle is currently at a service center where the technician has diagnose…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Tesla Model 3 — 139 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first c…
The risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Te…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Feder…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
The risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
BMW 3 Series — 1 recall
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440…
The risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-741…
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Tesla Model 3 | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 0 |
| 2025 | 113 | 4 |
| 2024 | 213 | 20 |
| 2023 | 416 | 22 |
| 2022 | 759 | 8 |
| 2021 | 656 | 32 |
| 2020 | 447 | 52 |
| 2019 | 606 | 40 |
| 2018 | 1005 | 59 |
| 2017 | 26 | 71 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Tesla Model 3 or BMW 3 Series in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model 3 vs BMW 3 Series
- Tesla Model 3 total complaints
- 4,258
- BMW 3 Series total complaints
- 308
- Tesla Model 3 total recalls
- 139
- BMW 3 Series total recalls
- 1
- Tesla Model 3 avg complaints/year
- 425.8
- BMW 3 Series avg complaints/year
- 30.8
- More reliable overall
- BMW 3 Series
- Tesla Model 3 top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- BMW 3 Series top complaint area
- ENGINE