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 | 25 |
| 2018 | 981 |
| 2019 | 592 |
| 2020 | 432 |
| 2021 | 647 |
| 2022 | 746 |
| 2023 | 410 |
| 2024 | 199 |
| 2025 | 108 |
| 2026 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: steering — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
- 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
17% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: lane departure — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY 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 steering issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (13 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 steering, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.