Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2024 Tesla Model 3
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 →
How It Ranks Among EVs
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%.
$0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Model 3 Year Should You Buy?
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.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 133 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
NHTSA Recalls — 2024 Tesla Model 3 (4 on record)
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 with our free VIN recall checker.
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.
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.
Own a 2024 Tesla Model 3 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2024 Tesla Model 3
Is the 2024 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
We rate the 2024 Tesla Model 3's reliability 6.1/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2024 Tesla Model 3 worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #143 of 268 evs in our database (better than 47% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 cost?
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 starts at $38,990 and ranges up to $51,842 across trims (MSRP when new). At 133 MPG, expect roughly $395/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Model 3 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 10 Model 3 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.6/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2024 Tesla Model 3 have?
The documented issues for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Tesla Model 3
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Similar EV to Consider
Other evs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
