The Lemon Index
2024Too new: partial score · still collecting complaints
Complaints only. Tesla doesn't report U.S. sales by model, and no estimate covers this model year on its own, so there's no per-car score. Owners filed 121 complaints in its first 3 years.
121 owner complaints, first 3 years 109–137 MPGe combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
When problems show up
Only 8 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V690000 (electrical), 25V002000 (back over prevention) and 24V935000 (tires) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Do the lane-keeping warnings work without false alerts?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Tesla's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 121 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 8K to 15K miles (14K to 24K km) on the car (8 of all 121 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Phantom braking from freeway speed to almost a stop, with no other vehicles presenting issues nearby. Three occurrences so far.
2025 Tesla Model 3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11664926
More owner reports
while waiting on left signal i changed my destination address when signal turned green car take straight on red signal .car is on fsd mode . happend on sep-19 at south ridding junction
NHTSA complaint 11765570
Tesla FSD out of control and run into a light pole
NHTSA complaint 11738196
Recalls 3
- Electrical · recall issued 2025
The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025
The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image.
- Tires · recall issued 2024
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 (All variants) 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Tesla Model 3 (All variants) 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Tesla Model S (All Variants) 5 HB AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $550–$700 (USD) a year in electricity (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year).
Every Tesla Model 3 year. 2025 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2025 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/tesla-model-3/?y=2025" title="Tesla Model 3 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/tesla-model-3/2025/">Lemon Index</a> (2025 Tesla Model 3 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
We can't score it: Tesla doesn't report U.S. sales by model, and no estimate covers this model year on its own, so there is no per-car rate. Owners filed 121 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2025 Tesla Model 3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (29%), steering (21%) and lane assist (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 cost in fuel a year?
About $550 to $700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works