2025 Tesla Model 3 Safety Report

2025 Tesla Model 3: ADAS and electrical system concerns highlighted in recalls and complaints.

92Complaints
3Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
17Crash Reports
4Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (18)Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance (7)Steering (5)Electrical System (5)Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure (4)Exterior Lighting (4)Forward Collision Avoidance (3)Steering,Suspension (2)Lane Departure (2)Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2025 Tesla Model 3

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 presents a mixed safety picture based on available NHTSA data. While there are no reported deaths or fires, the complaint volume of 92, including 17 crash-related complaints and 4 injuries, warrants attention. A significant concern is the number of complaints related to forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, suggesting potential issues with the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The steering system also appears in a notable number of complaints. Tesla has issued three recalls affecting this model year: one for potential battery pack contactor failure leading to loss of drive power, another for a potential short in the computer circuit board that could disable the rearview camera, and a third concerning the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light. Crash test ratings from NHTSA are not yet available for this specific model year, leaving a gap in objective crashworthiness assessment. The overall safety profile is thus influenced by a higher-than-average complaint rate for certain ADAS and control systems, coupled with critical recalls.

Reliability Score

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2025 Tesla Model 3

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2025 Tesla Model 3:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Loss Of Drive Power Due To Battery Pack Contactor Failure
Recall issued for potential failure of battery pack contactors, which can lead to a loss of drive power and increase crash risk.
High Occasional N/A miles
Rearview Camera Failure
Recall addresses potential short in the computer circuit board that can disable the rearview camera, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Tpms) Malfunction
Recall for TPMS warning light that may not remain illuminated, potentially leading to driving with improperly inflated tires and increased crash risk.
Low Occasional N/A miles
Steering Assist Reduced/Power Steering Failure
Multiple complaints describe 'Steering Assist Reduced' warnings and instances where power steering becomes inoperable, making the vehicle difficult to control.
High Common 10000-50000 miles
Horn Malfunction/Quietness
Numerous reports indicate the horn is too quiet, inaudible, or fails to function, particularly in wet conditions, posing a significant safety risk.
Medium Common 5000-30000 miles
Forward Collision Avoidance System Issues
Complaints suggest issues with the forward collision avoidance system, including unexpected braking, failure to detect obstacles, and system inoperability.
High Common 5000-40000 miles
Turn Signal Button Malfunction
Reports indicate that turn signal buttons on the steering wheel are unreliable, failing to activate intermittently, with some users reporting no fix available.
Medium Common 5000-25000 miles
Vibration At Highway Speeds
Several owners report significant vibrations at highway speeds (e.g., 60-70 mph) that are not resolved by service centers.
Medium Common 10000-50000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2025 Tesla Model 3:

Forward Collision Avoidance 15% of complaints

Frequent complaints related to the performance and reliability of the forward collision avoidance system, including unexpected activations and failures.

Steering 12% of complaints

Multiple reports of steering assist issues, including reduced assist and complete loss of power steering, impacting vehicle control.

Electrical System 10% of complaints

Concerns include issues with various electrical components, such as the audio system affecting the horn, and potential failures related to recalls.

Vehicle Speed Control 8% of complaints

Complaints related to unexpected acceleration or issues with maintaining desired speeds, sometimes linked to ADAS features.

Exterior Lighting 5% of complaints

Issues reported with exterior lighting, though specific details are less common.

Lane Departure 5% of complaints

Complaints related to lane departure warnings or system behavior, sometimes linked to turn signal issues.

Audio System 4% of complaints

Reports of audio system malfunctions, which in some cases have impacted the functionality of the horn.

Tires 3% of complaints

Concerns primarily related to the TPMS recall, indicating potential issues with tire pressure monitoring.

Suspension 2% of complaints

Some complaints mention suspension-related issues in conjunction with steering problems.

Service Brakes 2% of complaints

A small number of complaints mention issues with service brakes, often in the context of other system failures.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Tesla Model 3

Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2025 Tesla Model 3 has a significant number of complaints related to critical safety systems like forward collision avoidance and steering, alongside three safety recalls. While there are no reported deaths or fires, these issues suggest potential safety concerns that warrant careful consideration.

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

The most reported issues include problems with the forward collision avoidance system, steering assist malfunctions, horn failures or quietness, and intermittent turn signal button operation. Electrical system issues and vehicle speed control also appear frequently in complaints.

Are there any safety recalls for the 2025 Tesla Model 3?

Yes, there are three safety recalls for the 2025 Tesla Model 3. These address potential battery pack contactor failure leading to loss of drive power, rearview camera failure due to a circuit board issue, and a malfunction of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light.

How does the 2025 Tesla Model 3 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not yet released specific crash test ratings for the 2025 Tesla Model 3. Therefore, its performance in frontal, side, rollover, and overall crash safety cannot be assessed through this data.

What are the risks associated with the steering issues reported?

The reported steering issues, such as 'Steering Assist Reduced' warnings and loss of power steering, pose a high safety risk as they can make the vehicle extremely difficult to control, especially at speed or during maneuvers, potentially leading to a crash.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Consider the numerous complaints regarding advanced driver-assistance systems and steering, along with three safety recalls, before purchasing. Thoroughly test all electronic features and ensure any recall work is completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2025 Tesla Model 3

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2025 Tesla Model 3. The data includes 92 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 17 reported crashes, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.