BestCarRank
Tesla

2025 Tesla MODEL 3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2025 Tesla MODEL 3 has 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 739. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: after installing tesla ota software update 2024.45.32.15, my vehicle experienced critical system failures. upon entering the car the next morning, i noticed that all cameras were non-functional, and navigation had completely stopped working. this posed a serious safety concern, as features like auto. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

41 crash reports 11 injuries

187

Total Complaints

3

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

38 complaints
20%
  • After installing Tesla OTA software update 2024.45.32.15, my vehicle experienced critical system failures. Upon entering the car the next morning, I noticed that all cameras were non-functional, and navigation had completely stopped working. This posed a serious safety concern, as features like Auto
  • After installing Tesla OTA software update 2024.45.32.15, my vehicle experienced critical system failures. Upon entering the car the next morning, I noticed that all cameras were non-functional, and navigation had completely stopped working. This posed a serious safety concern, as features like Auto
  • I have a safety concern regarding Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) Supervised system. V13.2.8 being the latest customer version. Since the update to FSD V13 in December, I have consistently used it on a daily basis. While it performs great on City streets, it consistently caused a serious safety risk
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 13 crashes

After installing Tesla OTA software update 2024.45.32.15, my vehicle experienced critical system failures. Upon entering the car the next morning, I noticed that all cameras were non-functional, and navigation had completely stopped working. This posed a serious safety concern, as features like Auto

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2025 Tesla MODEL 3

Based on 10 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 9K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
10
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.

Recalls (3)

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS17/12/2024

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."

Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2025 Tesla MODEL 3

Live EIA prices
Per year
$595
Per month
$50
Per mile
5.0¢
kWh/mi
0.26

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2025 Tesla MODEL 3

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,651
Full coverage / month
$221
Liability only / year
$816
vs US avg
+58%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (ev-luxury)1.62x
× theft risk0.85x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.15x
= Full coverage estimate$2651

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Tesla MODEL 3 Service Intervals

Oil change
N/A (electric vehicle)
Tire rotation
6K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Cabin air filter
24K mi

EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
8 yr / 120K mi
EV battery
8 yr / 150K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / 50K mi

Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K

EV Incentives for 2025 Tesla MODEL 3

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

Historic eligibility: 2025 Tesla MODEL 3 vehicles purchased on or before September 30, 2025 may still qualify for the federal credit on the 2025 tax return. Check with a tax professional for your specific vehicle's eligibility.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000
Clean Cars 4 All
ColoradoUp to $5,000
Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit
ConnecticutUp to $4,250
CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)
DelawareUp to $2,500
Clean Vehicle Rebate
IllinoisUp to $4,000
Illinois EV Rebate Program
MarylandUp to $3,000
Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles
MassachusettsUp to $3,500
MOR-EV
New JerseyUp to $4,000
Charge Up New Jersey
New YorkUp to $2,000
Drive Clean Rebate
OregonUp to $7,500
Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate
PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program
Rhode IslandUp to $2,500
DRIVEEV
TexasUp to $2,500
Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive
VermontUp to $5,000
Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles
See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500
STEERING(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 187 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: After installing Tesla OTA software update 2024.45.32.15, my vehicle experienced critical system failures. Upon entering the car the next morning, I noticed that all cameras were non-functional, and navigation had completely stopped working. This posed a serious safety concern, as features like Auto

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: Hi, my car computer completly stop(complete blackout) on the highway, no power, all doors and window blooked, reduce brake and steering wheel capacity. I changed line and went to the side of the road, but in an intersection or other road type, that could have been so much worst results. No hard rese

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SPEED CONTROL: After installing Tesla OTA software update 2024.45.32.15, my vehicle experienced critical system failures. Upon entering the car the next morning, I noticed that all cameras were non-functional, and navigation had completely stopped working. This posed a serious safety concern, as features like Auto

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • STEERING: - 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. - Everyone in the car could be dead if I didn't pull the steer wheeling at the last minute to aviod fatal accident, it was horrifying - I

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
187
Recalls
3
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
41
Injury reports
11
Segment avg
739

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2025 Tesla MODEL 3