Compare two vehicles

Spot recall, complaint, investigation, and fuel-cost differences before you trust the listing. No VIN required to start.

Vehicle A

Electric · 25.8779 kWh / 100 mi · Rear-Wheel Drive

Vehicle B

Electric · 25.8779 kWh / 100 mi · Rear-Wheel Drive

No VIN required to compare

More recall homework

2019 Tesla Model 3

has more recalls listed.

More complaint activity

2018 Tesla Model 3

has more complaint records.

Open investigation signals

Similar activity

Open investigation counts are similar.

Lower estimated fuel cost

Similar estimates

fuel-cost estimates are similar.

Short answer: Model 3 needs more recall homework, Model 3 has more complaint activity and Model 3 has more severity reports. Confirm the exact VIN before buying.

Public-record comparison

Rows show model-year records, not exact VIN status.

Record 2019 Tesla Model 3 2018 Tesla Model 3 Difference
Total recalls 21 18 Model 3 has 3 more recalls
Total complaints 587 972 Model 3 has 385 more complaints
Crash / Fire / Injury / Death reports 58 / 5 / 19 / 3 100 / 4 / 34 / 0 Model 3 has 53 more severity reports
Defect investigations 68 68 Similar
Open investigations 5 5 Similar
Manufacturer communications 105 160 Model 3 has 55 more communications
Recall completion reports 146 119 Model 3 has 27 more reports
Warranty programs 0 0 Similar
Service campaigns 0 0 Similar
Software notices 40 40 Similar
Canadian recall records 0 0 Similar
Latest recall Dec 17, 2024 Dec 17, 2024 Similar
Latest complaint May 19, 2026 May 29, 2026 Model 3 has newer activity
Top complaint categories Top 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Suspension
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Suspension
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Forward Collision Avoidance
 Different
Fuel type Electric Electric Same
Efficiency 25.8779 kWh / 100 mi 25.8779 kWh / 100 mi Same
Estimated annual fuel cost 15,000 miles / year $600 $600 Similar
Safety-rating records 2 2 Similar

Practical next steps

What to ask each seller

2019 Tesla Model 3

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had forward collision avoidance and suspension repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

2018 Tesla Model 3

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had suspension and unknown or other repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

What to inspect first

2019 Tesla Model 3

  • Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras
  • Suspension: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior

2018 Tesla Model 3

  • Suspension: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior
  • Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras

Always get an independent mechanic inspection.

Do not buy on model-year data alone.

Confirm the exact VIN before purchase and check for new updates.

Learn what a VIN check can and cannot show