Tesla Model 3 reliability & safety
| Euro NCAP | Adult protection | Child protection | Safety assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
It’s hard to comment on reliability yet as the Tesla Model 3 is so new. Electric motors have far fewer components that can go wrong than a petrol or diesel car, although glitches have been reported with the cruise control. Safety is hard to fault given that Tesla leads the industry for standard semi-autonomous driver aids.
Tesla Model 3 reliability & problems
Some American owners have reported worrying issues with the car accelerating independently when cruise control is active, but otherwise there are no other significant recurring issues with the Model 3.
Safety
Tesla leads the industry for semi-autonomous driving systems, and the Model 3 is no different. All versions come as standard with Tesla’s Autopilot system, which means the car can stay in a lane, maintain its distance from the car in front and even change lane without direct input from the driver.
A new system is being rolled out later in 2019 that Tesla promises will add semi-autonomous city driving, including responding automatically to road traffic signs. All of these systems are semi-autonomous, not fully autonomous, meaning that the driver must still be actively paying attention and in control.
You also get autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane-keep assist and a full suite of airbags, including knee airbags for both front occupants. Sadly, there’s no spare- or space-saver tyre.
