Last updated: 2026-03-04

2025 Tesla Model 3 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 scores 67/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 87 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
87
Complaint Rate
5
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$832
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
N/A
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 scores 67/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
Its complaint rate (5 per 10k sold) is above the Sedan segment average of 2. The most common reports involve steering (21).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to steering (21). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2026 Tesla Model 3. See also the 2024 Tesla Model 3 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- STEERING: Reduction in steering assistance that makes the wheel difficult to turn (21 complaints)
Compare 2025 Tesla Model 3 With
2025 BMW 3-Series
Score: 71/100
2025 Toyota Camry
Score: 76/100
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Score: 53/100
2025 Kia EV6
Score: 69/100
2025 Ford Mustang
Score: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- STEERING (21)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (19)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- STRUCTURE (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5
per 10k soldSegment avg: 2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
15
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Tesla Model 3 Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Tesla Model 3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
TIRES
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."
Consequence
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
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.
2025 Tesla Model 3 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Tesla Model 3 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$832
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2025 Tesla Model 3 Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| General Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Noise Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Vibration Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| No Start Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $183 – $269 |
| Engine Oil Light Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $122 – $179 |
| AC Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection | $122 – $179 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2025 Tesla Model 3
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test steering for reduced assist or difficulty turning
- Check turn signal buttons for responsiveness
- Inspect for drivetrain noise or performance issues
- Verify horn functionality in wet conditions
- Check for unexpected acceleration or braking in FSD mode
- Confirm airbag deployment in crash scenarios
- Ensure power windows operate correctly
Check Any 2025 Tesla Model 3's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 Model 3 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Tesla Model 3 with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2025 Tesla Model 3 Common Problems by Component
87 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the steering assist in the 2025 Tesla Model 3, often describing a reduction in steering assistance that makes the wheel difficult to turn. This problem is commonly accompanied by dashboard alerts indicating "Steering Assist Reduced," and typically occurs at low mileages, sometimes with as few as 804 miles. Multiple complaints also highlight issues with the turn signal buttons on the steering wheel, which can be difficult to locate and sometimes fail to activate, especially when the wheel is turned. Safety implications include four crashes and one injury, with some reports of the steering locking or becoming unresponsive, leading to loss of control. These patterns suggest potential safety hazards for buyers considering this model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
19 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the horn on the 2025 Tesla Model 3, particularly when exposed to rain or snow, where it becomes muffled or inaudible due to its placement near the wheel well. Complaints commonly describe this as a safety risk, as the horn's failure could prevent drivers from alerting others in emergencies. Additionally, multiple owners mention problems with the turn signal buttons on the steering wheel, which can stick or become unresponsive, complicating safe lane changes. These issues typically arise without prior warning and are mentioned across various weather conditions, highlighting potential safety implications if not addressed.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2025 Tesla Model 3 exhibits issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly when using Full Self-Driving (FSD) features. Complaints frequently mention the inability to manually set or adjust the maximum speed, with the car often exceeding posted speed limits, sometimes by significant margins. Several owners describe unexpected and aggressive braking or acceleration, sometimes leading to crashes, with one incident resulting in an injury. These issues typically occur after software updates, such as FSD V14, and are reported across various driving conditions, including city streets and highways. The safety implications include a heightened risk of collisions due to sudden speed changes and loss of control, making these reports critical for potential buyers to consider.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2025 Tesla Model 3's electrical system, particularly involving the autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features. Complaints frequently mention unintended acceleration, sudden and unexpected vehicle maneuvers, and autopilot inoperability, with five incidents resulting in crashes. Symptoms include vehicles accelerating without driver input, turning unexpectedly, and failing to detect obstacles, often occurring at various mileages, such as 219 miles and 19,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe intermittent failures with the turn signals and horn, particularly under specific conditions like rain. These issues present safety concerns, as evidenced by the reported crashes and instances of loss of control.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
7 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2025 Tesla Model 3's Full Self Driving (FSD) system, particularly concerning its forward collision avoidance capabilities. Complaints frequently mention instances where the FSD system disengages unexpectedly during braking, leading to potential near-collision situations unless manual intervention is applied. Additionally, multiple reports describe phantom braking events where the vehicle slows abruptly without apparent cause, and tailgating at high speeds on freeways, which poses a risk of rear-end collisions. Some owners also note problems with the vehicle attempting to proceed through red lights or failing to maintain lane discipline at intersections. These issues occur across various driving conditions and seem to manifest shortly after software updates, indicating potential software-related triggers. Safety implications are significant, as reported incidents could lead to loss of vehicle control or collisions if not addressed promptly by the driver.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2025 Tesla Model 3's steering wheel-mounted turn signal buttons, which frequently fail to activate the signals when pressed. Complaints commonly describe these buttons as unresponsive or intermittently failing to work, even after multiple attempts. Some owners note that the buttons may become stuck but later loosen up, and the problem is not consistently present but occurs randomly. No specific mileage information is provided, but the malfunctioning turn signals are described as posing a potential safety risk due to their unpredictability and the possibility of unintended signal activation. Buyers should be aware that these issues are distinct from concerns about the design and placement of the buttons, which may lead to accidental engagement or incorrect signal direction.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 report issues with the vehicle's emergency braking systems, particularly when using full self-driving (FSD) mode. Complaints frequently mention the car engaging emergency brakes without apparent reason, leading to abrupt stops. One report involves a crash where the emergency automatic braking activated unexpectedly, causing a rear-end collision. Another issue involves a detached under-dash panel obstructing the brake pedal, although regenerative braking allowed the vehicle to stop safely. These issues appear in new vehicles, suggesting they can occur at low mileage. Safety implications include potential crashes and loss of control, which are critical considerations for prospective buyers.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues related to the vehicle's structure, including design flaws in the turn signal buttons on the steering wheel, which may pose a risk if used incorrectly. Complaints also mention persistent alignment problems and camera system failures that affect visibility and safety features, such as Autopilot. Additionally, there are reports of power window failures and sudden air conditioning malfunctions that lead to loss of power while driving. These issues are noted to occur shortly after delivery or within the warranty period, yet remain unresolved. Safety implications include potential accidents due to impaired visibility and sudden loss of driving power on highways.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 report issues related to the power train, specifically involving drivetrain component failures and sudden unintended acceleration. One complaint describes a rear drive inverter failure that rendered the vehicle undrivable, requiring towing and replacement of the inverter assembly, occurring within the first year of ownership. Another complaint details an incident of sudden unintended acceleration while parking, leading to a crash and property damage, despite the driver asserting they were braking. These issues suggest potential safety implications, including loss of control and collision risk, which are critical for prospective buyers to consider.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention that airbags, including side curtain and dash airbags, fail to deploy upon impact, even in significant collisions. In one instance, a crash resulted in two injuries when the airbags did not activate, and seatbelts reportedly did not lock properly. Another report describes a crash following sudden acceleration, where no airbags deployed despite the vehicle crashing into a garage. These incidents highlight potential safety implications, particularly in scenarios involving crashes, which may be a concern for prospective buyers.
When Do 2025 Tesla Model 3 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Tesla Model 3 Years
Best Tesla Model 3 Years to Buy
The best Tesla Model 3 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 67/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (62/100) and 2023 (57/100).
2025(this page)
3 recalls · 87 complaints
2024
4 recalls · 183 complaints
2023
10 recalls · 386 complaints
Tesla Model 3 Years to Avoid
The worst Tesla Model 3 year is 2018 with a score of 46/100, primarily due to electrical system (139) issues. Also avoid 2021 (48/100).
2018
18 recalls · 951 complaints
2021
20 recalls · 626 complaints
Tesla Model 3 Reliability Score Trend
Tesla Model 3 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 59/100 compared to 49/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 49/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 67/100 | Good |
Tesla Model 3 Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 62/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 1 | 1 |
| 2025(selected) | 67/100 | +5 | Good | 3 | 87 |
| 2024 | 62/100 | +5 | Good | 4 | 183 |
| 2023 | 57/100 | +7 | Mixed | 10 | 386 |
| 2022 | 50/100 | +2 | Mixed | 16 | 729 |
| 2021 | 48/100 | -6 | Mixed | 20 | 626 |
| 2020 | 54/100 | +5 | Mixed | 20 | 416 |
| 2019 | 49/100 | +3 | Mixed | 21 | 569 |
| 2018 | 46/100 | — | Mixed | 18 | 951 |
2025 Tesla Model 3 Common Questions
2 questions from 2025 Tesla Model 3 owners.
wipers are not working
my tesla Y wipers are not working and water is coming from bottom
Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them?
2018 Tesla model 3 Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them? Comes with blue connector but not the 2 antenna connectors in the RH mirror and the 1 antennas connector in the LH mirror. Wanting to use these antennas on new mirror. Are they easy to switch to new mirrors that do not come with the antennas?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 have?
Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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