2017-2023 (original) / 2024+ (Highland refresh) - Dual Motor AWD electric
The benchmark for mainstream electric sedans. Very low routine maintenance costs due to no engine, transmission, or oil changes. The electric motors and battery are generally reliable, with 85%+ capacity retention typical at 200,000 km. Key concerns: front suspension control arm failures (known issue, often replaced under goodwill), 12V battery replacement every 3-4 years on older cars, paint quality issues on early production, and build quality quirks (rattles, panel gaps). European cars from 2021+ may have LG batteries which reportedly show faster degradation than Panasonic units. The Highland refresh (2024+) addresses many build quality issues but removes traditional stalks. Verify all software recalls completed via VIN check.
Ball joints corrode from water ingress, causing creaking/squeaking noises · more· less
Tesla Service Bulletin SB-20-31-006 acknowledges this as a known manufacturing issue in 2018-2020 Model 3 vehicles. Water ingress causes surface corrosion in the front upper control arm ball joints, leading to creaking or squeaking noises when steering or going over bumps. The sound typically starts around 40,000-60,000 km. Replacement cost is approximately €90-230 per arm plus €100-200 labor. Tesla has redesigned the part multiple times. Some owners report getting replacements covered as goodwill even out of warranty due to it being a known defect. The 2023+ Highland refresh reportedly uses an improved design.
12V battery replacement€100 - €450
Lead-acid batteries last 3-4 years; lithium-ion (post-2021) lasts longer but costs more · more· less
The 12V battery powers low-voltage systems (wipers, windows, touchscreen). Pre-December 2021 Fremont cars and pre-October 2021 Shanghai cars have lead-acid batteries that typically need replacement every 3-4 years (€100-150 including installation). Post-2021 cars have lithium-ion 12V batteries that should last significantly longer (some claim 15 years) but cost €400-450 to replace. Covered under the 4-year basic warranty. DIY replacement is possible and can save on labor costs.
LG battery accelerated degradation (European 2021+ cars)€15,000 - €25,000
LG NCM811 cells in European cars show faster degradation than Panasonic packs · more· less
Recent reports from EV repair specialists indicate that European Model 3 Long Range cars (2021+) equipped with LG Energy Solution batteries from Nanjing show concerning degradation patterns. LG packs reportedly approach end-of-life around 240,000 km compared to 400,000 km for Panasonic packs. Over 90% of failed LG packs show multi-cell degradation making cell-level repair impractical. The 8-year/192,000 km warranty with 70% capacity retention still applies, but out-of-warranty replacement is extremely expensive. Check battery capacity before buying used - aim for cars showing above 90% at under 100,000 km. Panasonic batteries (US-built pre-2023, or Performance models) have better track records.
AC compressor failure€1,200 - €3,500
Electric AC compressor can fail, requiring full system flush if debris spreads · more· less
When the AC compressor fails internally, it can scatter debris throughout the system. A simple compressor replacement costs around €1,200, but if the system is contaminated, full replacement including condenser and receiver drier can reach €3,500. Tesla service rates are €200+/hour. Tesla did not add system flushing to "normal" compressor replacement procedures until 2022, so earlier repairs may have only replaced the compressor without addressing contamination - these can fail again within a year. Heat pump equipped cars (2021+) add complexity.
MCU/touchscreen failure€400 - €2,500
Screen goes black, becomes sluggish, or shows bubbles/yellowing · more· less
The MCU (Media Control Unit) is critical as it controls nearly all vehicle functions. Symptoms include black screen, extreme sluggishness (20+ seconds for menus to appear), or physical degradation like bubbles and yellowing. Tesla Service Center replacement costs approximately €2,500 (€1,750 parts + €500 labor). Third-party repair services can replace screens for €400-500. Earlier cars with 8GB eMMC chips are covered by a recall (free replacement with 64GB). The MCU has a 2-year/40,000 km warranty.
Paint chipping and peeling€400 - €5,000
Thin clear coat vulnerable to chips; rocker panels prone to peeling on early cars · more· less
Tesla Model 3 paint is notoriously thin with a vulnerable clear coat. The front bumper and wheel arches chip easily from road debris. Early production cars (2018-2020) commonly show paint peeling on rocker panels and door bottoms. Tesla claims warranty doesn't cover "wear and tear" from road debris. A class action lawsuit in Canada cited €4,000-5,000 repair costs. Prevention: apply PPF (paint protection film) to high-impact areas for around €400. Tesla subsequently made mudflaps or PPF kits available to early buyers at no cost.
Drive unit failure€4,500 - €10,000
Rare but expensive - whining noise indicates bearing wear · more· less
Drive unit (motor) failures are rare on the Model 3 compared to early Model S cars. Tesla designed the Model 3 motors to "never wear out" under normal use with a million-mile target. When failures do occur, symptoms include a humming or whining noise at speed that occurs regardless of throttle position. Tesla typically replaces the entire unit rather than repairing internally. Costs €4,500-10,000 out of warranty. The drive unit is covered for 8 years/192,000 km on Long Range models. Independent specialists may repair bearings alone for €500-1,000 if caught early.
Charge port door mechanism€200 - €350
Motor fails or magnet falls off, preventing opening/closing · more· less
A very common issue on 2018-2020 Model 3s. The charge port door stops opening or closing properly due to motor failure or a magnet detaching. Parts cost €100-150, with €50-100 labor. Total through Tesla mobile service is typically €200-350. The repair takes about 10 minutes. Tesla has redesigned the part, so the latest replacement should last longer than the original.
Window regulator failure€200 - €400
Plastic ferrule breaks, window drops or won't auto-close · more· less
The window regulator has a design flaw involving a plastic ferrule that fails over time. When it breaks, the window may drop inside the door or stop auto-closing (important as Model 3 doors require windows to drop slightly when opening). Parts are €150-230 from Tesla. Third-party options available for €100-120. Labor is approximately 1 hour. DIY is possible but requires removing the door panel and disconnecting electronics.
Windshield/glass roof replacement€1,000 - €2,000
Acoustic glass and Autopilot recalibration make replacement expensive · more· less
Tesla uses specialized acoustic laminated glass. OEM windshield costs €1,000-1,500; aftermarket €500-800 but quality may vary. Critical: Autopilot camera recalibration is required after replacement, adding cost and complexity. The large glass roof (if damaged by debris or hail) costs around €1,200 to replace. Only use Tesla-certified glass installers familiar with Autopilot recalibration requirements. Insurance typically covers windshield replacement minus deductible.
Low running costs, but repairs can be expensive when needed
The Model 3 has dramatically lower routine maintenance than combustion cars - no oil changes, spark plugs, transmission service, or timing belts. However, Tesla's tight control over parts and service means fewer options when repairs are needed. The suspension control arm issue is well-documented but often covered by goodwill. For European buyers, verify whether the car has LG or Panasonic batteries if buying used. Overall, the Model 3 remains one of the more reliable EVs available.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Access via Tesla app once you have owner transfer. Check for any service visits and what was repaired.
Tires
Check tread depth and age. Model 3 tires wear faster than average due to instant torque - expect 40,000-60,000 km life.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway. Test Autopilot, regenerative braking, and all comfort features.
Charging test
If possible, test charging at both a Supercharger and a home/destination charger (different components used).
Specific for this vehicle
Check battery health / range at 100% charge
Compare displayed range at 100% to original spec. More than 15% degradation at under 100,000 km is concerning. For used cars, ask seller for screenshot of full charge range.
Listen for suspension creaking
Turn steering wheel left and right at low speeds. Go over speed bumps. Listen for creaking or squeaking from front suspension - indicates control arm wear.
Check all panel gaps
Early Model 3s had inconsistent panel gaps. Check door alignment, trunk/frunk gaps, and that all doors close properly. Uneven gaps can indicate accident damage.
Inspect paint on rocker panels and door bottoms
Look closely at the lower edges of doors and rocker panels (between wheels) for paint bubbling, peeling, or chips. Common problem area.
Test charge port door
Open and close charge port door multiple times via app and button. It should operate smoothly every time.
Test all windows
Each window should auto-lower when door opens and auto-close after. Test all four doors. Listen for grinding noises.
Check MCU responsiveness
Navigate through menus on touchscreen. Response should be instant. Sluggishness may indicate MCU issues or outdated hardware.
Verify hardware version
Go to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Check for AMD Ryzen (faster, newer) vs Intel Atom (older). Note Heat Pump (2021+) and CCS Adapter Support.
Verify all recalls completed
Check with Tesla using VIN or NHTSA recall lookup. Multiple software recalls affect 2017-2024 models.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Rearview camera display loss (2024-2025)OTA update
Front suspension control arm (TSB, 2018-2020)Often covered by goodwill
Tesla issues many software recalls fixed via over-the-air updates. Verify your car is on latest software version. Check Tesla VIN recall lookup or NHTSA at safercar.gov. For hardware recalls (like eMMC), contact Tesla Service to schedule repair.
Warranty Status
Basic vehicle warranty4 years / 80,000 km
Battery and drive unit (Long Range)8 years / 192,000 km (70% capacity)
Supplemental restraint system5 years / 100,000 km
Extended Service Agreement (subscription)Available after basic warranty expires
The 8-year battery warranty covers capacity below 70% and defects. It does NOT cover normal degradation above 70%. Certified Pre-Owned Teslas include remaining original warranty plus 1 year/16,000 km additional coverage. The Extended Service Agreement subscription provides flexible post-warranty coverage.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.