2026 Tesla Model 3 vs 2026 Toyota Camry
On the public data alone the Model 3 edges it 4–0.
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 | 2026 Toyota Camry | |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Midsize car | Midsize car |
| Powertrains | Electric | Hybrid |
| Best EV range | 363 | — |
| Best combined mpg | — | 51 |
| Safety Signal | 92 | 74 |
| NHTSA recalls | 1 | 3 |
| Critical recalls | 0 | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 20 | 125 |
| NHTSA overall stars | — | 5 |
2026 Tesla Model 3
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is sold in the U.S. as a electric midsize car with 5 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model 3 Premium RWD, is EPA-rated at 363 miles with 137 MPGe combined efficiency. NHTSA
C2026 Toyota Camry
The 2026 Toyota Camry is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid midsize car with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Camry HEV FF LE, is EPA-rated at 51 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this
Recalls at a glance
Model 3
Seats
highProblem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.
Risk: The seat may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-13-003.
Camry
Electrical System
highProblem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Camry Hybrid vehicles. The instrument cluster display may fail during vehicle startup, deactivating the hazard lights, turn signals, seat belt warning system, and smart key reminder. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment," 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention," and 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 21, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB16 and 26TA16.
Hybrid Propulsion System
criticalProblem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Camry Hybrid and 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles. A bolt inside the inverter may not have been tightened properly, causing incomplete contact at the inverter terminal.
Risk: Incomplete contact can cause a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a loose bolt can cause an electrical short while the vehicle is powered on, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the inverter assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 23, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TB15/25TA15.
Back Over Prevention
minorProblem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
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.