Tesla Model 3 once again at the bottom of TÜV Reliability report 2024

Tesla Model 3 remains one of the least reliable models on the market, as revealed by the latest TÜV report for 2024. Among both combustion and electric vehicles, it exhibits a record-high failure rate.

According to the report, 14.2% of Tesla Model 3 vehicles failed the German technical inspection (STK), meaning that one in seven cars has a defect preventing approval. While the average mileage of these vehicles is above average, it does not excuse the reliability issues. Even the facelift introduced last year has failed to bring significant improvements.

Key issues with the Tesla Model 3

Braking system

The braking system is one of the model’s major weak points:

1.Insufficient capacity – The brakes are not adequately designed to handle the vehicle’s weight. Intense braking can damage the brake discs, and the pads degrade quickly.

2.Corrosion – Drivers who rely heavily on regenerative braking often face corrosion of the brake discs, leading to malfunctioning brakes and safety concerns.

Suspension components

The Model 3’s suspension system is up to 15 times more likely to fail compared to similar vehicles. The main issues include:

•Suspension – Excessive weight causes frequent failures in suspension components.

•Axle mountings – Rapid wear and tear of axle components result in higher repair costs.

Lighting

Issues with lighting systems occur three times more often in the Model 3 than in comparable vehicles.

Paint and bodywork quality

Early production models often suffer from poor paint quality, which leads to corrosion on certain parts of the body.

Battery

Battery degradation ranges between 15–20%, significantly affecting driving range, especially during winter. Additionally, some owners report self-discharge, where the vehicle loses up to 20% of its charge after being parked for a week.

Buying recommendations

If you are considering purchasing a Tesla Model 3, it is recommended to opt for the newest possible models with low mileage, as they are likely to have fewer issues.

Despite its advanced technology and above-average driving performance, the Tesla Model 3 requires careful consideration before purchase, especially regarding reliability and long-term operating costs.

Source: TUV.com

Foto: Tesla, MotorTrend