Last updated: 2026-03-04

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good
2025 Tesla Model 3

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$832

Major Repair Risk

N/A

NHTSA Rating

N/A

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
77/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
40/100 (Mixed)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
75/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
88/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

STEERING (21)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (19)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11)

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 2

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

25V6900002025-10-10

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.

25V0020002025-01-07

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.

24V9350002024-12-17

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

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Driver In-board Far-side Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Tesla Model 3 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5

Based 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.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated 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.

21
19
11
11
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)Other (8)

STEERING

21 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

21 complaints total4 crashes1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

19 complaints

Owners 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.

19 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

11 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

11 complaints total5 crashes
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

7 complaints

Owners 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.

7 complaints total
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

3 complaints total1 crash
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

2 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

2 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries

When Do 2025 Tesla Model 3 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

0–1,000 milesSteering assist failures
3,000–4,000 milesTurn signal button failures
9,000–13,000 milesDrivetrain failures

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).

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).

See full Tesla Model 3 years-to-avoid analysis →

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.

avg 54
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Tesla Model 3 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201846/100Mixed
201949/100Mixed
202054/100Mixed
202148/100Mixed
202250/100Mixed
202357/100Mixed
202462/100Good
202567/100Good

Tesla Model 3 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202662/100 (predicted)Predicted11
2025(selected)67/100+5Good387
202462/100+5Good4183
202357/100+7Mixed10386
202250/100+2Mixed16729
202148/100-6Mixed20626
202054/100+5Mixed20416
201949/100+3Mixed21569
201846/100Mixed18951

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

VisitorMay 27, 2025

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?

VisitorAug 7, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 67/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 87 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 Tesla Model 3 include: STEERING (21 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (19 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 have?
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 expensive to maintain?
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 67/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue