The Tesla Model 3 sedan has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles since its launch in 2017, topping sales charts and winning numerous awards. However, the car has not been without its faults, attracting an array of complaints from owners and reviewers alike. Here we outline the 9 most common grievances with the pioneering EV.
A Brief History of the Model 3
Before diving into the key complaints, it‘s helpful to understand the background and context of the Model 3. Unveiled by Elon Musk in 2016, the Model 3 was Tesla‘s first mass-market EV, priced from $35,000 to broaden access to electric driving.
Pre-orders poured in, with Musk anticipating production of over 5,000 cars per week by the end of 2017. However, significant delays ensued, with manufacturing issues plaguing early production and lengthening wait times to almost 2 years for some customers.
Once on the roads, build quality, interior spaces, and performance variables drew criticism, marring the Model 3‘s otherwise slick design and green credentials. Nonetheless, the EV became the world‘s best-selling plug-in model in 2020, pointing to an appetite for Tesla‘s offerings despite recognized flaws.
The 9 Major Gripes
Without further ado, here are the 9 leading pain points for Model 3 owners and objectors:
1. Shoddy Build Quality
One of the most widely aired complaints relates to the Model 3‘s build quality, which many describe as poor and inconsistent. Issues range from panel gaps to uneven paint jobs, with some owners noting differences across their car‘s bodywork alignment and finish.
"There are clear defects in the paint job – you can see bubbles underneath and uneven textures," explains Reddit user u/Model3owner, among various online complaints. "For a $50k vehicle, I expect better attention to detail."
Such quality control issues point to ongoing production challenges as Tesla strains to scale manufacturing to meet demand. However, buyers expect better for a premium product.
2. Cheap and Uninspired Interior
Beyond external qualms, the Model 3 interior frequently draws criticism for its low-grade materials and workmanship relative to competitors. From plastic-y leatherette seats to flimsy trims, the EV‘s minimalist cabin uses cost-cutting materials that undermine premium aspirations.
"It looks nice initially," writes reviewer Jack Stewart for Wired, "but spend time inside the Model 3 and the imperfections glare." He cites creaking and exposed wiring that speak to Tesla rushing the design to volume production while disregarding luxury standards.
Indeed, while pursuing mainstream sales volumes, Musk cannot ignore demands for quality interiors expected from mid-market buyers – especially at premium price points.
3. Surprisingly Little Cargo Space
Though touted as a practical family sedan, the Model 3 offers far less cargo room than gasoline rivals, highlighting a third common complaint. With 15 cubic feet of trunk space and a 2.6 cubic foot ‘frunk‘, total storage lags the BMW 3 Series by over 10 cubic feet – a considerable margin.
"We enjoy the car overall but really wish the rear storage was more generous like our old SUV," notes one Redditor. "Fitting a stroller plus groceries is almost impossible."
This stems from Tesla maximizing battery capacity, to the detriment of cabin space. However, failing to match competitors here markedly reduces the 3‘s practicality.
4. Overly-Minimalist Dashboard
Staying inside, Tesla‘s signature minimalism also draws flak, with the Model 3‘s spartan dashboard lacking any physical buttons. While slick, the resulting touchscreen reliance complicates access to key functions like temperature controls and mirror adjustments while driving.
"Basic tasks require taking your eyes off the road longer than necessary compared to tactile analogue controls," writes consumer testing group Which?. Features like wiping windows also lack dedicated stalks, reducing ergonomics versus rivals.
While Tesla‘s desire for aesthetic continuity across its range is understandable, form has superseded function here per owners used to traditional designs.
5. Excess Wind and Road Noise
Additionally, various owners report the Model 3 lets in excessive noise at speed, countering expectations of a serene EV driving experience. Whether from the side mirrors, windows, or chassis, wind rush and road roar are more pronounced than comparable internal combustion sedans.
"I expected an almost noiseless vehicle given the electric drivetrain, but wind and tire noise are surprisingly loud, making long highway drives tedious," admits user u/Mode3Newbie. This undermines a key EV selling point for some drivers.
The exact source remains unclear, though poor sealing and a potential emphasis on aerodynamics over sound insulation likely play a role. Either way, Tesla must better isolate passengers at speed.
6. Shorter Range Than Other Teslas
The Model 3 also draws range-related complaints, particularly around real-world figures versus official numbers. For example, the latest 2023 Long Range AWD model claims 358 miles from a full charge. However, cold weather, performance driving, or faster speeds can reduce this considerably.
"I get more like 290 miles of actual range," explains one Northeast-based driver. "I have to charge more often than advertised." This so-called ‘range anxiety‘ afflicts numerous EV owners, especially with sparse public charging infrastructure still common.
Comparisons to longer-ranging – yet pricier – Model S and X variants exacerbates frustrations for some Model 3 buyers.
7. Over-Promising Autopilot Capabilities
On the tech front, Tesla‘s semi-autonomous Autopilot draws mixed reactions for over-promising full self-driving capabilities that are yet to eventuate years later. With Musk himself touting complete autonomy by 2018, the current Assistance system remains a Level 2 option unable to match cutting-edge rivals.
"It‘s advanced cruise control at best," argues Reddit contributor u/Tesla3AutopilotSceptic. "The lack of progress towards Musk‘s visions suggests serious development challenges."
While drivers appreciate existing safety features, Tesla seemingly jumped the gun on hyping future automation. This seeds uncertainty and frustrates buyers expecting more at this stage.
8. Subpar Service Center Experience
Finally, Tesla garners widespread complaints for frustrating service center issues. From huge wait times for appointments to delays and radio silence when requiring repairs, the ownership experience suffers without sufficient servicing support.
"Communication is terrible and parts delays enormous," laments Model 3 owner Jane Tiberius on social media, echoing familiar refrains. Compared to established luxury brands, Tesla‘s relative retail infancy shows, hurting customer satisfaction.
As production scales, Tesla must dramatically improve its servicing infrastructure to resolve such pain points undermining owners.
9. Continually Rising Prices
Lastly, inflationary price hikes also spark frustrations. While initially marketed from $35,000, current Model 3 pricing starts from $46,990, with various must-have upgrades pushing costs higher still. This base drift countermands Tesla‘s mass-market mission for many.
"Constant price increases well above inflation feel like bait-and-switch tactics," argues commentator Leia Somerset. "The Model 3 is no longer the affordable EV for the masses originally pitched."
With Musk continuously backpedalling on pricing, many early adopters understandably feel short-changed years later.
Looking Ahead
Cybertruck and other new models capture Tesla headlines today. However, as the brand‘s high-volume core product keeping factories humming, the Model 3 remains vital for Tesla‘s future.
Acknowledging the above complaints, the automaker has opportunities to elevate quality, functionality and capabilities to better compete as rivals react to Tesla‘s early EV lead.
In summary, refinement not revolution represents Tesla‘s path ahead with the Model 3 as competition intensifies. While the seminal EV captured imaginations and acclaim as an early disruptor, maturing the ownership experience is now essential as the novelty fades. If Tesla falters here, drivers and reviewers stand ready to amplified grievances while welcoming fresh alternative EVs.
