2025 Tesla Model 3: common problems and reliability

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 has 106 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance and steering. Owners most often flag front suspension/control arm failures: worn out control arms, loose steering racks, described as "almost inevitable" and a primary cause of high failure rates in mandatory vehicle inspections. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2025 model year

106
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
22
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2025 Tesla Model 3 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2025 a good year for the Model 3?

Across the 8 Model 3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 25 (2017) to 746 (2022). With 106 complaints, the 2025 Model 3 sits belowthe model's median of 432.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

forward collision avoidance
26
steering
23
lane departure
16
electrical system
16
vehicle speed control
14

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of earlier models (pre-2024 "Highland") report significant mechanical reliability issues, particularly with suspension components, leading to high out-of-warranty repair…

  • Front suspension/control arm failures: Worn out control arms, loose steering racks, described as "almost inevitable" and a primary cause of high failure rates in mandatory vehicle inspections. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Build quality and water leaks: Trunk and frunk leaks that can recur after paid repairs. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Model 3. See the full Model 3 owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Model 3 listings typically run $19,889–$26,486 across 2017 to 2026 model years.

Other Model 3 model years

Compare every Model 3 year side by side to see how 2025 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Model 3 against its rivals