Tesla Model 3 Faces Reliability Issues as Second-Hand Market Floods with Cheap Copies

In the coming months, a lot of Tesla drivers will have to say goodbye to their Model 3 with a 4 percent additional tax. Or at least the low additional tax. In theory, this could mean that the second-hand market will suddenly be flooded with cheap copies. If half of them don’t disappear across the border, that is. But don’t be tempted by a cheap copy, because according to the German ANWB, the cars are not problem-free.

Tesla is a brand that is almost one cult following has, but also quite a few die-hard haters. The ADAC analyzed more than 10 million German inspections from July 2023 to June 2024 and published an interesting report about them. The cycling association divided the results into six age categories. And in the two age groups 2 to 3 years and 4 to 5 years the Tesla Model 3 the least reliable car. In the youngest category, 14.2 percent showed problems and in the older category this was 19.7 percent.

Also read: The Tesla Model 3 will be dirt cheap, you should pay attention to this

The director of the TÜV association (which carries out the inspections in Germany): ‘In addition to defects in the brakes and axles, the Tesla also has a striking number of problems with the lighting. This points to shortcomings in service and maintenance.’ When driving calmly, the Tesla will mainly brake using the electric motor. In terms of braking, the ADAC recommends braking firmly every now and then. This way you activate the brake pads and brake discs and keep things running smoothly.

Other unreliable young cars

The Ford Mondeo (13.2%) and Skoda Scala (11.8%) are also among the least reliable in the 2 to 3 year category. And the Volkswagen Sharan (17.7%) and the BMW 5-series and 6-series (17.7%) keep company with the Tesla Model 3 in the other category. According to the ADAC, just over 20 percent of cars have a significant or dangerous defect that prevented them from passing the MOT. You can see the full list at the bottom of the page.

The least reliable cars by age group

Age group Brand and type Defects 2 – 3 year Tesla Model 3
Ford Mondeo
Skoda Scala14.2%
13,2%
11,8% 4 – 5 year Tesla Model 3
VW Sharan
BMW 5/6 Series19.7%
17,7%
17,7% 6 – 7 years Dacia Dokker
Dacia Duster
BMW 5 Series / 6 Series26.5%
24,3%
23,6% 8 – 9 years Dacia Dokker
Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero30,9%
29,7%
28,6% 10 – 11 yearsDacia Logan
Dacia Duster
Renault Twingo39.6%
34,1%
33,0% 12 – 13 yearsRenault Twingo
Dacia Logan
Renault Clio41,5%
41,0%
39,8%

Are Teslas the Jokes of the Car World? An In-Depth Look

So, here we are—Tesla drivers facing a bittersweet departure from their beloved Model 3 as a juicy 4 percent tax secretly creeps in. It’s like the government playing hide-and-seek but forgetting to say “Ready or not, here we come!” The idea that the second-hand market could be awash with bargain-bin Teslas sounds fantastic! But let’s not forget, you may get what you pay for—like ordering a “cheap copy” of a Jimmy Carr DVD hoping to witness all the laugh-out-loud moments only to find it’s subtitled in Klingon!

Tesla: a brand with a cult following akin to that of those ‘vegetarian-gluten-free-bio-organic-sustainable’ cafes that charge you ten bucks for a salad. Simultaneously, they have their fair share of vocal detractors, most of whom come armed with three cans of Red Bull and an internet connection to air their grievances. The ADAC recently waded through more than 10 million German costumer inspections (or, colleagues who had too much time on their hands?) and put the spotlight on these wheels of woe.

Trust Issues: The Dreaded Reliability Report

And guess who came out on top—well, bottom, actually—in the reliability stakes? Surprise, surprise: the Tesla Model 3! In the two to three-year category, it managed an illustrious 14.2 percent with defects, tightening its grip snugly around the title of least reliable car. The older cohort didn’t fare much better either, with a staggering 19.7 percent in the four to five-year group who somehow thought their parrots would be able to fly them home if things went wrong!

Now, don’t just take my word for it. The TÜV association’s director essentially turned into the Grim Reaper of the automotive world, saying, “In addition to defects with brakes and axles, the Tesla also flaunts an alarming number of issues with the lighting.” I mean, it sounds like a hipster’s dream: a vehicle that breaks down so spectacularly that it gives you a free glow-in-the-dark tour of the nearest repair shop!

Advice for the Tesla Enthusiast

The ADAC has some sage wisdom for those brave enough to own a Tesla. Apparently, it’s very important to brake “firmly every now and then,” as if we’re all playing a game of ‘Braking Chicken’ whilst cruising around town. Who didn’t know that electric brakes require a little pampering? What’s next? A spa day for your windshield wipers? “Dear Friends, successful car owners exfoliate their brake pads!”

Other Suspect Companions: The Untrustworthy Garage Guests

And let’s not throw all the shade on Teslas alone! The Ford Mondeo and Skoda Scala squeaked in close behind with reliability ratings that would make them ideal candidates for a reality show titled “World’s Least Reliable Cars.” With friends like these, who needs enemies, eh?

Age Group	Brand and Type	Defects (%)
2 – 3 years	Tesla Model 3 Ford Mondeo Skoda Scala	14.2% 13.2% 11.8%
4 – 5 years	Tesla Model 3 VW Sharan BMW 5/6 Series	19.7% 17.7% 17.7%
6 – 7 years	Dacia Dokker Dacia Duster BMW 5 Series / 6 Series	26.5% 24.3% 23.6%
8 – 9 years	Dacia Dokker Dacia Duster Dacia Sandero	30.9% 29.7% 28.6%
10 – 11 years	Dacia Logan Dacia Duster Renault Twingo	39.6% 34.1% 33.0%
12 – 13 years	Renault Twingo Dacia Logan Renault Clio	41.5% 41.0% 39.8%

In conclusion, as the Tesla Model 3 begins its slow march off the road of reliability, it leaves behind a wake of confusion, cheap copies, and a second-hand market that might resemble a colorful flea market just off a country road. So, whether you’re a die-hard Tesla fan or someone who prefers a good laugh at someone else’s expense, one thing is clear: tread carefully, or you might find yourself in the passenger seat of that infamous reality show where the stakes are high, but reliability is low!

In the upcoming months, many Tesla drivers may find themselves bidding farewell to their Model 3 vehicles due to a new 4 percent additional tax—an increase that marks a shift from the previously low tax rates. This change raises questions about the potential for the used car market to become saturated with more affordable Model 3s. However, this influx could be impacted if a significant number of these cars are exported abroad. It’s important to think twice before opting for a cheaper second-hand Model 3, as the German ANWB has reported that these vehicles may not be without their share of issues.

Tesla has built a reputation characterized by intense devotion from its fans, yet it also faces considerable criticism from detractors. A recent analysis conducted by the ADAC on over 10 million vehicle inspections in Germany, spanning from July 2023 to June 2024, has produced noteworthy findings on the reliability of various cars. The organization categorized its results by age group, and to the surprise of many, the Tesla Model 3 emerged as the least reliable car within the two youngest age brackets. Specifically, 14.2 percent of Model 3s between 2 to 3 years old exhibited problems, while this figure climbed to 19.7 percent for those aged 4 to 5 years.

The director of the TÜV association, which oversees vehicle inspections in Germany, noted, ‘In addition to defects in the brakes and axles, the Tesla also has a striking number of problems with the lighting. This points to shortcomings in service and maintenance.’ Notably, while driving at lower speeds, Teslas primarily utilize their electric motors to brake. To maintain braking efficiency, the ADAC suggests that drivers periodically apply the brakes firmly to engage and properly maintain the brake pads and discs.

Other unreliable young cars

The Ford Mondeo and Skoda Scala also recorded reliability issues, appearing among the least dependable models in the 2 to 3-year category with 13.2 percent and 11.8 percent, respectively. Furthermore, the Volkswagen Sharan and the BMW 5-series and 6-series, both reporting 17.7 percent defect rates, join the Tesla Model 3 as unreliable options in the 4 to 5-year age group. The ADAC’s findings indicate that more than 20 percent of inspected cars had significant or dangerous defects that caused them to fail their MOT tests. For those interested, a full list can be accessed at the bottom of the page.

The least reliable cars by age group

Age group Brand and type Defects 2 – 3 year Tesla Model 3
Ford Mondeo
Skoda Scala14.2%
13.2%
11.8% 4 – 5 year Tesla Model 3
VW Sharan
BMW 5/6 Series19.7%
17.7%
17.7%