Enter your Tesla's 17-character VIN to decode its year, model and build details, see US model recall campaigns, and match EPA configurations where available. Set your mileage and charging price to estimate running costs.
Tesla electricity use and running costs by model
A quick model-level comparison before you decode. Enter a VIN above for EPA configurations matched to the decoded year and available powertrain details, then adjust your mileage and energy price. These preview figures are broader estimates, not exact year-and-trim ratings.
Annual estimates assume 12,000 miles, US average regular gasoline at $4.35/gal, diesel at $6.20/gal, or residential electricity at $0.17/kWh. Fuel prices dated 2026-10-05. Costs exclude maintenance, insurance, tax and depreciation.
Tesla's US and Chinese production uses different identifiers. Battery, wheel and drive configuration affect electricity use beyond what a generic model estimate captures.
The first three characters form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). These are verified examples, not an exhaustive list. A WMI can cover more than one retail brand; it identifies the manufacturer, not a model, engine or exact assembly plant. Country below refers to the WMI region assignment. Use the full decode for the reported build plant.
Illustrative VIN with a placeholder serial number (000001), checked against NHTSA vPIC. It demonstrates the build-code decode, not a particular car's identity or history.
For US-standard passenger cars, and multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks rated at 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) or less, a number in position 7 selects 1980–2009; a letter selects 2010–2039. This shortcut does not apply to every overseas-market vehicle, heavy truck or motorcycle. Model year can differ from the calendar year of manufacture. See every year code →
Where to find your Tesla VIN
Start with the plate at the base of the windshield, usually on the driver's side, read from outside the car. Look next for the certification label in the front door opening. Compare the full 17 characters with the registration, title or insurance documents. Exact label and stamped-chassis locations vary by model, year and market; the owner's manual is the model-specific authority.
For the 2017–2023 Model 3 covered by this guide, the VIN is available under Controls → Software on the touchscreen as well as on the physical identification labels. Compare the screen reading with the windshield plate and your documents.
Snapshot checked 2026-10-06; source contains reports through 2026-10-01. The largest 3 US vehicle campaigns in our NHTSA snapshot reported since 2024-10-06, ranked by total potentially affected units. Totals cover the entire campaign and can include other makes; they are not counts of unrepaired Tesla vehicles.
Tesla, 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."
696,281 potentially affected units across the campaign. Tesla models: CYBERTRUCK, MODEL 3, MODEL Y. Model years in this make's records: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
Risk and remedy
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Tesla 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.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.
376,241 potentially affected units across the campaign. Tesla models: MODEL 3, MODEL Y. Model years in this make's records: 2023.
Risk and remedy
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
239,382 potentially affected units across the campaign. Tesla models: MODEL 3, MODEL S, MODEL X, MODEL Y. Model years in this make's records: 2023, 2024, 2025.
Risk and remedy
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.
A model campaign is not proof that your individual car is affected or that its repair remains open. Check your VIN with NHTSA or the manufacturer for current applicability and repair status. A VIN decode does not provide accident, mileage or ownership history.
