2017 Tesla 3
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 marked a significant turning point for electric vehicles, bringing Tesla’s technology to a more accessible price point. The Model 3 quickly became known for its sleek design, impressive acceleration, and advanced technology features. Available with a single or dual-motor configuration, the 2017 Model 3 initially came with a Long Range battery pack, offering an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles. Later versions included a Standard Range option. The Long Range single-motor configuration produces approximately 271 horsepower, while the dual-motor version delivers around 449 horsepower. Some of the praised features include the minimalist interior design, Autopilot driver-assistance system, and over-the-air software updates. Criticisms often include build quality inconsistencies, reliance on the touchscreen interface, and concerns about long-term battery degradation.
Electric Motor
Long Range Single Motor
- Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported complete motor failure. Symptoms include a complete loss of power, inability to accelerate, and error messages on the touchscreen.
- Solution: Replacement of the electric motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+
Long Range Dual Motor
- Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported complete motor failure. Symptoms include a complete loss of power, inability to accelerate, and error messages on the touchscreen.
- Solution: Replacement of the electric motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+
Battery
- Reduced Range
- Description/Symptoms: Gradual reduction in battery capacity over time, leading to a shorter driving range than originally advertised. This is a common issue with all electric vehicles.
- Solution: Battery replacement, though often not cost-effective. Software updates to optimize battery management can provide some improvement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000 - $20,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Premature Battery Degradation
- Description/Symptoms: Significant loss of battery capacity within the first few years of ownership, exceeding expected degradation rates.
- Solution: Battery replacement. In some cases, Tesla has offered goodwill repairs or replacements.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000 - $20,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Upper Control Arm Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Front upper control arms prone to premature wear and potential failure, leading to knocking noises, uneven tire wear, and compromised handling.
- Solution: Replacement of the front upper control arms.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Lower Control Arm Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Lower control arms are prone to premature wear and potential failure, leading to knocking noises, uneven tire wear, and compromised handling.
- Solution: Replacement of the lower control arms.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
Electrical
- 12V Battery Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The 12V battery, crucial for powering auxiliary systems, can fail prematurely, leading to car being unable to start or operate various functions.
- Solution: Replacement of the 12V battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Touchscreen Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Touchscreen freezes, lags, or becomes unresponsive. In some cases, the entire screen goes black.
- Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve the issue. In severe cases, the touchscreen unit needs replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- MCU Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Media Control Unit (MCU) failure, leading to loss of touchscreen functionality, navigation, climate control, and other essential features.
- Solution: Replacement of the MCU.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Handle Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Retracting door handles failing to open or close properly, especially in cold weather.
- Solution: Replacement of the door handle mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per door
- Charging Port Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Charging port failing to open, close, or properly connect to charging cables.
- Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the charging port mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
Exterior
- Panel Gaps/Misalignment
- Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent panel gaps and misaligned body panels. This is mainly an aesthetic issue.
- Solution: Adjustment of body panels, though achieving perfect alignment can be difficult.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
- Tail Light Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture accumulating inside the tail lights.
- Solution: Replacement of the tail light assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
- Glass Roof Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Water leaks around the edges of the glass roof.
- Solution: Resealing the glass roof or replacing the weather stripping.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
Interior
- Rattles and Squeaks
- Description/Symptoms: Various rattles and squeaks emanating from the dashboard, seats, or trim pieces.
- Solution: Locating and isolating the source of the noise, then applying sound dampening materials or tightening loose components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- HVAC Issues
- Description/Symptoms: HVAC system failing to blow cold or hot air, or producing unusual odors.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the HVAC components, such as the compressor or evaporator. Cleaning the system to remove odors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Seat Heater Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters failing to warm up or overheating.
- Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
Summary
The 2017 Tesla Model 3, while innovative, exhibits a range of issues. Electrical problems such as touchscreen failures, 12V battery failures, and charging port issues are common. Owners also report motor and battery problems which tend to be the most expensive to fix, in addition to the upper and lower control arms in the suspension. Exterior and interior issues include panel gaps, rattles, and HVAC malfunctions. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and carefully inspect any used Model 3 before purchase.