2017–2026 · Last reviewed 6/9/2026 · evcostpermile.com
Tesla Model 3 Buyer Checklist
America's first mass-market Tesla. Long charging history makes battery degradation patterns well understood. Highland refresh (2024+) brings stalk-less controls.
Paperwork
- VIN on dashboard matches title, window sticker, and finance contract
- Window sticker (Monroney) included and matches the build you ordered
- Confirm tax credit eligibility paperwork (IRS Form 15400 / time-of-sale report)
- Owner's manual, key fobs (usually 2), and any included charging cable present
- Warranty booklet shows correct in-service date and original-owner status
Exterior
- Walk around in good daylight before signing — note panel gaps front, rear, hood, frunk, doors
- Paint inspection: no swirl marks, orange peel beyond factory, or buffing burn-through
- All glass clear of cracks, chips, or pitting; windshield not previously replaced
- Tires match build sheet, manufacture date within ~6 months (DOT code on sidewall), even tread
- Wheels free of curb rash; center caps and lug covers all present
- Underbody check for transport damage and that the battery skid plate is undamaged
- All exterior lights, turn signals, and reverse lights work
Interior
- Seats free of stains, tears, scuffs; all seat motors and heaters/coolers function
- Headliner, pillars, and trim properly seated with no visible gaps
- All buttons, switches, window controls, sunroof/moonroof operate smoothly
- Cabin smells clean — no chemical, smoke, or musty odor
- Floor mats present and correct part numbers
- Cargo cover, parcel shelf, or tonneau included as ordered
Tech / Software
- Infotainment boots without errors; no warning lights on cluster
- Latest over-the-air software version installed before delivery
- Cameras (front, rear, surround) clear and aligned; parking sensors active
- Bluetooth pairs, CarPlay/Android Auto connects, USB ports power
- Driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keep) verified on a short test drive
- Account / app paired correctly to YOUR profile, not a dealer demo account
Charging
- Battery state of charge at delivery (note %) and indicated full-charge range
- Charge port door opens, closes, and locks; LED indicators function
- Test AC (Level 2) charge on-site if possible — connector seats, current ramps up
- Mobile / portable charger and adapters included as ordered
- Confirm CCS / NACS / Tesla port and any included adapter
Tesla-specific
- Highland models: verify turn signal buttons feel solid and reliable
- Confirm HW4 computer for new builds (2023.10+)
- Door rubber seals fully seated; common source of wind noise complaints
- Trunk seal sits flat; spare tire well dry
- App paired to your account only
Known Issues
Curated from NHTSA, manufacturer TSBs, and owner-forum patterns.
- Major
Rear control arm bolts (early 2018 builds)
Some early cars had improperly torqued rear suspension bolts that could loosen. Inspect or confirm prior service.
- Watch
12V battery early failure
Pre-2021 cars used a lead-acid 12V that often failed at 2–3 years. Tesla switched to a Li-ion 12V on later builds.
- Major
Touchscreen MCU1 eMMC failure (2017–2018)
Earliest cars with MCU1 had eMMC storage wear-out. MCU1 is largely retired but check any 2017–early-2018 unit.
Active NHTSA Recalls
Live from the NHTSA Recalls API, refreshed nightly. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
No active NHTSA recalls in our database for this model. We refresh nightly from nhtsa.gov. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.