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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $38,990–$51,842 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2024 Tesla Model 3 at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this ev. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.1/10, while Reliability at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.1/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The 8.7/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 9.1/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $38,990–$51,842, 133 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model 3 sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2024 Tesla Model 3 is a solid, well-rounded ev that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value and reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 ranks #143 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 47% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $38,990 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 26%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Tesla Model 3 scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $40,159 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $40,159 | Read review → |
| 2024 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $38,990 | |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $37,820 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $36,650 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $35,480 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $34,311 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $33,141 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $31,971 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $30,802 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Side/window / Thorax 19/04/2024 · 24V284000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling one 2024 Model 3 vehicle. The driver seat side air bag module was assembled without a deflector that directs gas flow during deployment. |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkages / Hood / Latch 24/07/2024 · 24V554000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened. |
| Tires / Pressure monitoring and regulating systems 17/12/2024 · 24V935000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire… |
| Back over prevention / Software 07/01/2025 · 25V002000 | 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… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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