Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model X
How the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model X compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model X: The Model 3 has 4,335 complaints over 10 years (433.5/year) and 139 recalls, while the Model X has 3,128 complaints (312.8/year) and 111 recalls. The Model X has more reported deaths (260 vs 16). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model X more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric sedan with a high volume of owner complaints—4,335 over 10 years, averaging 433.5 per year. The most common issues involve forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, and service brakes, often tied to software glitches or hardware failures. Many complaints describe repeated service visits for driver-assist features that don't work as expected. For a used buyer, this means budgeting time for software updates and potential sensor repairs.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV with 3,128 complaints over 10 years, averaging 312.8 per year. Suspension and electrical problems dominate, with owners reporting tire blowouts, steering failures, and infotainment glitches. The Model X also has a higher number of deaths in complaints (260) compared to the Model 3 (16), though these are raw counts and not rates. Buyers should be prepared for potentially costly suspension and electrical repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model 3 | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,335 | 3,128 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 139 | 111 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 448 | 383 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 433.5 | 312.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 253 Better | 417 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 16 Better | 260 |
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 AVOIDANCE1,739
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER699
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL633
- 04SERVICE BRAKES568
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM556
Owners report that the lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking systems may fail or behave unpredictably, sometimes requiring multiple service visits. One complaint notes a software update called 'Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance' that didn't work correctly. This matters because these systems are meant to prevent crashes, and malfunctions could reduce safety.
Complaints include the main control unit going blank, disabling adaptive cruise control and the speedometer, as well as software update failures that disable legally required functions for years. This can leave drivers without critical speed information or cruise control, increasing risk.
Owners describe brake issues such as difficulty stopping on steep inclines or in garages, and some complaints involve hacking that could affect braking. These reports suggest potential brake performance problems that need inspection.
Electrical complaints often involve software glitches, screen failures, and wiring issues in the rear compartment. Recalls include autonomous driving software and rear wiring, indicating persistent electronic reliability concerns.
“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…”
“I have a group of individuals that are hacking all of my accounts and trying to steal my car. They first hacked my emails then my Tesla account and now they are actually on the Teslas computer system and have been in the vehicle accessing the screen. After th…”
Tesla Model X
- 01SUSPENSION719
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM699
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER684
- 04STEERING439
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE396
Owners report tire blowouts on the freeway without impact, often linked to faulty tire pressure monitoring systems. Another complaint describes a suspension issue while using Full Self-Driving. These failures can cause loss of control and are expensive to repair.
Complaints include liquid spills damaging the center console, infotainment delays, and instrument cluster failures. Recalls cover instrument panel and back-over prevention software, highlighting electronic vulnerabilities.
Owners report simultaneous failures of ABS, stability control, traction control, steering assist, and automatic emergency braking, as well as Full Self-Driving taking wrong routes. Steering failures are critical safety issues.
Similar to the Model 3, forward collision avoidance complaints exist, though fewer in number. These involve sensor or software problems that can disable automatic braking.
“The tire blow up on the freeway while driving with no impact, collision or any warning or any external factors, it’s very well documented all over the internet that Model X Tesla have serious Tire problems associated with faulty tire pressure system TPMS and…”
“Incident Description: I was driving on the highway using Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) / FSD Supervised at approximately 65+ mph. Traffic conditions were moderate, and weather and visibility conditions were clear. While FSD was actively engaged, my phone bega…”
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.
Tesla Model X — 111 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windsh…
The risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
The risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Buyer analysis
Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model X: which should you buy?
The Tesla Model X has fewer complaints per year (312.8) than the Model 3 (433.5), but the Model X's issues are more often tied to serious safety systems like suspension and steering. The Model 3's problems are more frequently software-related and may be addressed via updates. In practice, the Model X may require more expensive mechanical repairs, while the Model 3 may need more frequent software troubleshooting.
Key differences
- The Model 3's top complaint area is forward collision avoidance (1,739 complaints), while the Model X's top area is suspension (719 complaints).
- The Model X has 260 deaths mentioned in complaints versus 16 for the Model 3, though these are raw counts and not rates.
- The Model 3 has more recalls (139) than the Model X (111), but the Model X's recalls include air bags and seat belts.
- Model X owners report physical failures like tire blowouts and steering loss, while Model 3 owners more often report software and speed control issues.
- Check for any outstanding software updates or recalls related to forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control; test adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings.
- Inspect brake performance, especially on inclines, and look for any electrical issues with the main control unit or touchscreen.
- Inspect suspension components, including tires and tire pressure monitoring system, for signs of uneven wear or past blowouts.
- Test all steering and stability control functions, and check for any warning lights related to ABS, traction control, or steering assist.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on NHTSA's website.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds, braking, and use of driver-assist features to detect any glitches.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the suspension, brakes, and electrical system, focusing on the top complaint areas.
- Ask the seller for service records, especially any related to software updates or repeated repairs.
- Verify that all over-the-air software updates have been installed and that no critical functions are disabled.
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 | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 | 7 |
| 2025 | 117 | 15 |
| 2024 | 218 | 26 |
| 2023 | 427 | 199 |
| 2022 | 765 | 127 |
| 2021 | 665 | 123 |
| 2020 | 451 | 381 |
| 2019 | 614 | 365 |
| 2018 | 1027 | 700 |
| 2017 | 26 | 1185 |
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 Tesla Model X in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model 3 total complaints
- 4,335
- Tesla Model X total complaints
- 3,128
- Tesla Model 3 total recalls
- 139
- Tesla Model X total recalls
- 111
- Tesla Model 3 avg complaints/year
- 433.5
- Tesla Model X avg complaints/year
- 312.8
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model 3 top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Tesla Model X top complaint area
- SUSPENSION