CarModelProblems.com

2025 Tesla Model 3 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 11/01/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 3.4× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
124Complaints
3Recalls
27Crashes
0Fires
10Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Steering (21% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Steering complaints here are 3.4× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering26 · 21%not available—
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control20 · 16.1%not available—
Electrical System18 · 14.5%RecalledRecall 25V690000
Service Brakes13 · 10.5%not available—
Lane Departure: Assist13 · 10.5%not available—
Vehicle Speed Control13 · 10.5%not available—

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

Unspecified / other37 · 29.8%
STEERING26 · 21%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18 · 14.5%
SERVICE BRAKES13 · 10.5%
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST13 · 10.5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13 · 10.5%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING12 · 9.7%
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING7 · 5.6%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6 · 4.8%

Percentages are the share of the 124 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

NHTSA campaign 24V935000 · 2024 · reported 12/17/2024

Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES

Back Over Prevention:software

NHTSA campaign 25V002000 · 2025 · reported 01/07/2025

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:propulsion System:fuses, Relays, Contacts, And Shunts

NHTSA campaign 25V690000 · 2025 · reported 10/10/2025

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“On January 16, 2026, I noticed the vehicle's horn was extremely quiet and would not be audible to another driver. This puts the safety of…”NHTSA complaint 11711565 — filed 01/16/2026 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“This is a new one but not new for me as this vehicle was the first under my own registration/not rental. Had passenger in car…”NHTSA complaint 11705606 — filed 12/17/2025 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“I drove my car today after it snowed a few inches the night before and while I was driving, I tried to press the horn…”NHTSA complaint 11704947 — filed 12/14/2025 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

520241492025692026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Tesla Model 3?

Unknown or other issues are the most-reported category, cited in 37 of 124 NHTSA complaints (29.8%), followed by steering (26), forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control (20), electrical system (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 have?

124 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 11/01/2026. Of those, 27 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 10 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 24V935000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2025 Tesla Model 3's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 11/01/2026.