Tesla Model 3 Highland
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
460–476 PS
Performance AWD Elektro
2.9 seconds — this time with brakes that keep up
Legendary!Generations
Engine Overview
The Tesla Model 3 Highland is available with 3 engine variants — from 283 to 498 hp.
The Tesla Long Range AWD (Electric, 498 PS) has the Model3-LR (Long Range AWD) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Tesla Performance (Electric, 460 PS) has the Model3-Perf (Performance AWD) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Tesla Standard Range (Electric, 279 PS) has the Model3-SR (Standard Range RWD) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitive turn signal buttons — unresponsive Highland replaced stalks with capacitive steering wheel buttons. Buttons become unresponsive, lock out after finger rest, or need excessive force. May be software-related — some cases resolved via OTA. Unique to Highland redesign. Symptoms: Turn signal buttons unresponsive, signals fail to activate, buttons lock out | Low | |
| Door ambient LED light bar cracking and failure LED light strips above door interior handles develop cracks from panel flex when pulling the door shut. Direct sunlight through windows causes heat-related bubbling in the LED strip material. Tesla replaces the entire door panel rather than just the light bar. Covered under warranty — mobile service can handle the replacement. Symptoms: LED light bar goes dark in sections, visible cracks or bubbles in light strip, flickering ambient lighting | Low |
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the Tesla Model 3 Highland (2024–2025) — 18 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Interior.
Model 3 (Model3-SR, 2024–2025) — Be Careful: 12V auxiliary battery dies without warning, Drive unit bearing whine, Charge port door actuator failure — won't open or close. Power: 279 PS.
Model 3 (Model3-LR, 2024–2025) — Be Careful: 12V auxiliary battery failure, Rear induction motor bearing failure (2018-2020), Drive unit bearing whine. Power: 498 PS.
Model 3 (Model3-Perf, 2024–2025) — Be Careful: 12V battery failure (2018-2021), Rear induction motor failure (2018-2020), Drive unit bearing whine — accelerated by track use. Power: 460 PS.
What to watch out for with the Tesla Model 3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Tesla Model 3 Highland have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Tesla Model 3 Highland? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Tesla Model 3 Highland engine is the most fun? +
Is the Tesla Model 3 Highland worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee