2017 Tesla Model 3 vs 2017 Toyota Corolla

On the public data alone the Corolla edges it 2–1.

2017 Tesla Model 3

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is sold in the U.S. as a electric midsize car. Its longest-range version, the Model 3 Long Range, is EPA-rated at 310 miles with 126 MPGe…

2017 Toyota Corolla

The 2017 Toyota Corolla is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize car with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Corolla LE Eco, is EPA-rated a…

	2017 Tesla Model 3	2017 Toyota Corolla
Segment	Midsize car	Midsize car
Powertrains	Electric	Gas
Best EV range (mi)	310	—
Best combined mpg	—	34
Safety Signal	35	81
NHTSA recalls	16	3
Critical recalls	0	0
Owner complaints	26	190
NHTSA overall stars	—	5

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

Model 3

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Exterior Lighting

SB-24-17-003

20,349 vehicles

ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."RiskHeadlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.FixThe remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

NHTSA campaign 26V507000reported Aug 4, 2026Tesla, Inc.

○minor

Back Over Prevention

SB-26-00-001

218,868 vehicles

ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixTesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

NHTSA campaign 26V283000reported May 4, 2026Tesla, Inc.

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Tires

SB-24-00-018

696,281 vehicles

ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."RiskDriving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.FixTesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

NHTSA campaign 24V935000reported Dec 17, 2024Tesla, Inc.

Corolla

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Air Bags

20TB03 / 20TA03

2,891,976 vehicles

ProblemToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.RiskIn the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.FixToyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.

NHTSA campaign 20V024000reported Jan 17, 2020Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

○minor

Equipment

SET19A

1,325 vehicles

ProblemSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."RiskAn incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixSET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.

NHTSA campaign 19V503000reported Jun 28, 2019Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

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Tires

17R2

409 vehicles

ProblemGulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.RiskA spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.FixGulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.

NHTSA campaign 17V295000reported May 2, 2017Gulf States Toyota, Inc.