2025 Tesla Model 3
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 1015 |
| 2019 | 612 |
| 2020 | 449 |
| 2021 | 660 |
| 2022 | 764 |
| 2023 | 420 |
| 2024 | 216 |
| 2025 | 114 |
| 2026 | 21 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
My Tesla's FSD turned off midway through a curve at highway speeds. I hit the guard rail and scratched the right side of the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260708
I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a severe braking and stability control failure that resulted in unpredictable, highly dangerous vehicle behavior.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
22% of complaints: steering — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
While out on vacation in [XXX] on XXX at around 11 am I had just finished charging the Tesla at a supercharging station. I was headed to go eat breakfast at the intersection of [XXX] and XXX on the right lane.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260719
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Autopoilt/FSD had a failure and malfunction, the car speeded up on its own and hit the divider while driving on a highway exit road, which is a u shaped road.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250127
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
21% of complaints: lane departure — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing assist and warning.
CRASH INJURY18% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing autonomous/self driving and software.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 30 MPH at night with Full Self-Driving(FSD) Supervised mode engaged, the vehicle suddenly made a left turn.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241217
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V935000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.
Campaign 25V002000 — check if this car was fixed
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the battery pack contactors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-16-005.
Campaign 25V690000 — check if this car was fixed
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2025 Tesla Model 3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for lane departure issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 24V935000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V002000 (back over prevention, electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V690000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2025 Tesla Model 3 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.