2025 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD-I (19in wheels)

2025 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD-I

19in wheels

Electric Sedan · RWD

346 mi 350 hp LFP NACS 250 kW DC 3 recalls 98 complaints · 1/10K
76 /100
TrimIndex Score

Based on battery health, build quality, owner data, EPA range, and market pricing

Above average for 2025 EV Sedans (class avg 69 · top 10%)

Personalize this score
Is a low score bad?
Not always. A low score flags items to verify before buying — and often signals stronger value, since heavier discounts already price the risk in. See TrimIndex’s pre-purchase inspection →
Sourced from: NHTSA· EPA· KBB· J.D. Power ·45 Reddit threads ·128 forum excerpts

Last scanned 22 days ago

Buyer brief · 253 words

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD-I (19in wheels) puts down 346 miles of EPA range and 250 kW fast charging, and the score gets it into the conversation; battery and service records decide whether to make an offer.

Score read

A 76/100 makes this good enough to inspect, not good enough to skip diligence. Software and driver-assist score is the cleaner read at 89/100; owner feedback score needs more diligence at 64/100. Owners on Reddit repeatedly cite owner satisfaction and software tech as recurring problems. A clean VIN lookup matters more than the headline count.

Price context

Bring your own comps Pull current comps before negotiating

Used examples are running around $42,442. Treat that as a budgeting floor, not a final price; pull a current KBB Fair Purchase or Edmunds True Market Value for this exact trim before negotiating.

Who this is for

✓ Good for

  • Daily commuter ≤50 mi/day, predictable charging
  • Road tripper Long trips, needs DC fast network
  • Weekend driver Performance, fun, low mileage

✗ Avoid if you are a

  • $
    Bargain hunter Best TCO, reliability + low depreciation

Gotchas

  • Serviceable Recall paperwork has to match the exact VIN.

    Mitigation Use NHTSA and the automaker lookup, then require repair records instead of a verbal promise.

  • Verify Owner feedback is the part to read carefully (64/100).

    Mitigation Read the complaint themes and ask whether this VIN has already had those issues repaired.

Pre-purchase inspection

  • 1 Run the exact VIN through NHTSA and the automaker recall lookup before discussing price.
  • 2 Compare the dashboard range estimate with the EPA 346-mile rating after a full charge.
  • 3 Confirm how much of the 8-year/120,000-mile battery warranty remains and whether it transfers.
  • 4 If road trips matter, run a short DC fast-charge session and watch whether speed tapers normally.
  • 5 Read the complaint themes, not just the count, and ask the seller whether those issues have shown up on this VIN.
TrimIndex Intelligence
Synthesized 9 days ago
98 NHTSA Complaints 1 per 10K VINs · low for any vehicle class
3 Recall Campaigns
45 Reddit Threads r/TeslaModel3
128 Forum Excerpts avg +0.13 sentiment

VIN status first This model has 3 NHTSA recall records. The exact VIN lookup decides whether the car in front of you is clear.

Complaint context This scan found 98 NHTSA complaint records (1 per 10K VINs, low for any vehicle class). Read the themes below before treating the raw count as the verdict.

Price anchor Current market range is $36,020-$42,459. Use that range to compare listings for the same trim, mileage, and condition.

Analyzed by TrimIndex Data Engine · Scoring methodology →

Pricing & Market Value

Original MSRP Exact sticker unavailable
Current Market Value $36,020 – $42,459 Composite from KBB & J.D. Power
Exact MSRP comparison unavailable
KBB
Fair Purchase Price
$36,020
84
J.D. Power
Consumer Verified™
$42,459 Verified Fair Price

Score Breakdown

What matters most to you?

Drag the sliders to prioritize what you care about. Your TrimIndex Score recalculates instantly.

Your Score
76
/100
Battery Health
77
Weight29%
Owner Satisfaction
64
Weight24%
Build Quality
81
Weight18%
Range & Efficiency
75
Weight18%
Software & Tech
89
Weight11%

Vehicle Specifications

346
miles
EPA Range
350
hp
Horsepower
25.6
kWh/100mi
Efficiency
RWD
 
Drivetrain
Peers in the same budget · higher or similar score

EVs at your price point that match or beat this trim

Price-gated peer set: vehicles within $31.4K–$47.1K market value (±20% of $39.2K). 3 outscore · 3 score within ±2. Mixed across makes — no "spend more, score better" comps.

Higher score Similar ±2
Used-EV incentive finder

The federal $4,000 used-EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025.

But 10 states still run their own used-EV rebate programs — some up to $5,000. Pick your state to see what's available for this trim.

Source & disclaimer
SourceData compiled April 2026 from each state's administering agency.
DisclaimerProgram rules change. TrimIndex is not a tax advisor — confirm eligibility with your state's issuing agency before purchase.
The Financing Room · What Actually Happens

Dealers make ~$10,719 on the average car loan.

After the price is set, the finance manager runs four plays to rebuild margin. Every buyer without a pre-approval is a target. Here's exactly what they run — and what stops each one.

01 · Without pre-approval
+$1,317
Rate markup

78% of dealer loans carry a hidden +1.13% markup above what the lender actually charges. You never see it — it's buried in the contract. · CFPB

With pre-approval ↓
Rate is already locked

Dealer must match or beat your lender — they can't add margin invisibly. The markup play is dead on arrival.

02 · Without pre-approval
+$1,800
"What's your monthly budget?"

Once you answer, they stretch the term to hit your number. Median result: $4K less off the price, 12 more months on the loan. · Industry avg

With pre-approval ↓
One number to negotiate

Financing is done. Only the sale price is on the table — and the dealer knows it.

03 · Without pre-approval
+$1,775
GAP + extended warranty upsell

Back-office F&I profit averages $1,975/vehicle, up 8.5% YoY. These products exist — but dealer markup is 4–10x what you'd pay elsewhere. · Dealership Guy

With pre-approval ↓
You can shop it or skip it

Dealer GAP runs $500–1K. Your insurer sells the same coverage for $100–250 over 5 years. Now you know.

04 · Without pre-approval
+$5,827
Yo-yo / spot delivery

"Your loan fell through — come re-sign." This pulls your APR up +5% on average. It's legal. It works because you've already driven the car home. · Ctr for Responsible Lending

With pre-approval ↓
Financing already closed

A lender commitment letter means the deal is final. "Pending dealer approval" doesn't apply. You can't be yo-yo'd.

You overpay
~$10,719

That's 18 months of your car payment — handed to the dealer's finance department for nothing.

Your cost to get pre-approved
$0

Takes 2 minutes. No obligation to use it — but you'll walk in with all the leverage.

Lock your rate before you go to the lot.
Soft pull only No SSN required Works at any dealer

Pre-approval is a soft credit inquiry — no score impact. FICO treats all auto-loan hard pulls within 14 days as one, so you can still shop rates at the dealer.

NHTSA Recalls (3)

Oct 2025
Electrical System — Propulsion System — Fuses, Relays, Contacts, And Shunts
Campaign #25V690000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Check VIN status at NHTSA.gov
Jan 2025
Back Over Prevention — Software
Campaign #25V002000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Check VIN status at NHTSA.gov
Dec 2024
Tires — Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Campaign #24V935000

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."

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

Check VIN status at NHTSA.gov

NHTSA Complaints (98 total · 1 per 10K US vehicles · low for any vehicle class)

69
Safety
14
Build Quality
10
Battery
5
Software
Severity 1 Cosmetic 2 Minor 3 Repeat Visit 4 Stranding 5 Crash / Injury
Frequency Isolated report Emerging pattern Common pattern
5
Safety Oct 4, 2025

On [XXX], I was driving my new 2025 Tesla Model 3 from my home in The Woodlands, TX, to San Antonio for a weekend trip. At approximately [XXX], while traveling on [XXX] a few miles before Exit [XXX], the vehicle suddenly behaved abnormally. It appeared to take control without my input, causing the entire car to wobble violently. I completely lost control of the vehicle for several seconds. There were no obstructions, debris, or road conditions that could explain this behavior. I have video recordings from the car’s cameras clearly showing the incident. After pulling over safely, I contacted Tesla, who guided me through some reboot steps. I decided to cancel my trip due to safety concerns and began returning home. However, at approximately [XXX], near Exit [XXX] on [XXX], the same issue occurred twice more. I immediately pulled over again and arranged for the car to be towed to Tesla Service. This was a terrifying and potentially fatal malfunction. It appears to involve a serious defect in the traction control, steering, or drive system. I request that NHTSA urgently investigate this issue to make sure the safety of other Tesla owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Common ODI #11691440
5
Safety Jun 26, 2025

On June 19, 2025, while parking my brand new 2025 Tesla Model 3 in a residential lot, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward over a curb, crashed through a iron fence, and struck an outdoor A/C unit and patio furniture on the back of a neighbor’s unit. The car became stuck and had to be towed. On June 19, 2025, while parking my newly delivered Tesla Model 3, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lurched forward, resulting in a crash. I was parking slowly and cautiously with my foot on the brake at all times. According to a neighbor who witnessed the incident, I was moving at a very slow speed when the vehicle suddenly surged forward without warning. I did not intend to accelerate, and I firmly believe this may have been the result of a system malfunction—possibly involving the vehicle’s sensors, software, or misinterpretation of pedal input. Tesla Service reviewed the driving log and stated that it showed I “stepped on the accelerator.” I respectfully dispute this conclusion, as the vehicle’s behavior was completely inconsistent with my actions. I am a careful, experienced driver with no prior accidents in over 30 years of driving. This incident raises serious concerns about Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA), a known issue that has been reported by other Tesla drivers in past years. If the vehicle misinterprets driver input or experiences a sensor/software glitch, this can lead to property damage or bodily injury, especially in tight parking situations or near pedestrians. I am submitting this complaint to make sure this matter is documented and investigated appropriately. Safety should not rely on logs alone — real-world behavior, driver feedback, and potential software/hardware flaws must be examined carefully.

Common Crash involved ODI #11669732
4
Safety Apr 8, 2026

On March 14, 2026, at 20:54:21 UTC, while the Autopilot system was engaged, the vehicle malfunctioned by initiating a sudden, unprompted right-hand steering command within 0.3 seconds, resulting in a collision with another vehicle traveling in the adjacent right lane. Telemetry data from the event confirms the system failed to maintain the lane despite the Primary Steering Torque Sensor measuring 0.00 Nm, proving no driver input caused the maneuver. This unintended steering event at cruising speed created an immediate safety risk to myself and the occupants of the other vehicle. To date, the manufacturer (Tesla) has declined to perform a technical or remote diagnostic review, redirecting the case to a collision center instead. No warning lamps, audio chimes, or system messages occurred prior to the failure; the vehicle is currently available for inspection and raw CSV telemetry logs can be provided to investigators upon request.

Common Crash involved ODI #11730092
4
Safety Mar 15, 2026

I purchased a new 2025 Tesla Model 3. During normal driving conditions, the rear bumper detached without any collision or impact. The bumper became loose while the vehicle was moving, creating a potential safety hazard. Tesla Service inspected the vehicle but declined warranty coverage and refused to properly repair the issue. The bumper was only temporarily reattached and remains misaligned. Additionally, shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the seat belt assembly had a failure and had to be repaired by Tesla under warranty. While Tesla addressed that issue, it adds to my concern about the overall quality and reliability of a brand-new vehicle. Because the vehicle is new and the failure occurred during normal driving, I believe this may indicate a defect. I am requesting assistance in reviewing this situation. Vehicle: 2025 Tesla Model 3 VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Common ODI #11724746
4
Safety Mar 12, 2026

The vehicle presented an error that the audio system was offline, and that the horn, speakers, and internal safety sounds may not work. After driving on the PA turnpike and almost getting in an accident, this error causes the horn to not functioning at all. I was not able to alert the other driver due to this issue, and had to therefore slam on the breaks due to this issue which caused a safety risk to myself and other drivers on the road. This issue has been consistent since the error originally appeared a week ago. The horn does not function, as well as the reverse pedestrian safety sound that alerts pedestrians of the vehicle reversing. In the interior, no safety chimes, audio, turn signal clicks are audible and therefore are not able to be perceived. After putting in a service request and being told I was to be scheduled 2 weeks out and not provided a loaner, I called the dealership whom confirmed this, and stated they are not able to provide a loaner vehicle or move the appointment closer regardless of their being a potential safety issue. There are no other warning lights on in the vehicle, and the alert popped up out of no where, as well it does not mention the horn *does not* work, only warning that the horn may not work.

Common ODI #11724181
4
Safety Feb 22, 2026

I was using the vehicle's Autopark feature to parallel park on a public street in a normal/spacious parking spot. I selected the parking spot on the center screen and started Autopark. During the maneuver, the vehicle reversed into the parked car behind me and caused a dent (low-speed crash). I was supervising the maneuver and did not press the accelerator or brake before impact. After the incident, I reviewed dashcam footage and vehicle telemetry. The rear vehicle was clearly visible in the rear camera view. Telemetry shows the vehicle had already shifted to Drive before impact, but it continued moving backward for about 1 second and then contacted the parked car behind. Telemetry also shows accelerator pedal position was 0 and brake was not applied during the impact sequence. This appears to be an automated parking/close-range obstacle stopping failure or delayed stopping response. No warning lamp or prior vehicle fault message was observed before the incident. The issue has not been reproduced since the incident. I have dashcam footage and telemetry logs documenting the event.

Common Crash involved ODI #11719945
4
Safety Dec 25, 2025

Lately I keep getting the following concerning message on the dashboard of almost brand new 2025 Tesla 3 car, even after reset the screen: Steering Assist Reduced Steering may require Increased Effort See the attached picture of this message, I took this photo On Dec 25, 2025 at 12:56 pm with parked car. I am pretty concerned with potential safety issue with the important steering-function while driving on highway and other roads. The car has only 804 miles as of Dec 26, 2025. The new car was picked up on May 31, 2025 with 15 miles. I have the FSD on monthly subscription. I have sent a message to Tesla. It has provided me with a service appointment at its West Bloomfield Township Center in Michigan on Jan 26, 2026 at 10:30 am. At the time of setting the appointment an estimate of about $450 was provided. It is concerning since the new car is under warranty. I am submitting this concerning safety related issue to NHTSA - to please investigate.

Common ODI #11707174
4
Safety Dec 12, 2025

The steering was hard to turn, and the fully supervised driving mode didn't work. This has happened twice, and both times the issue went away on its own after a few minutes. I performed a soft reset both times, but it did not resolve the issue. The first time, the steering was very heavy, i.e., hard to turn. The second time was less difficult, but in both cases, FSD (Full Self-Driving) did not function. General Guideline questions: 1. The steering system malfunctioned. The car is available for inspection. 2. The car was very difficult to drive. I was able to turn the wheel, but I won't let my wife drive it. 3. No. The nearest service center is 90 miles away, and so far, they want me to bring the car to them. I am still working to resolve this, as I believe this issue requires mobile service. 4. No inspections have been done. 5. Yes. An alert message on the main display stated: "Alerts - Steering & Braking - Steering assist reduced/Steering may require increased effort."

Common ODI #11704827
4
Safety Dec 1, 2025

I am submitting this complaint to report a safety issue with the turn-signal buttons on my steering wheel of the 2024–2025 Tesla Model 3 Highland. The turn-signal buttons are located on the steering wheel surface instead of a traditional stalk. When the steering wheel is turned at any angle, the buttons are difficult to locate by feel, often requiring the driver to look down to activate them and take his eyes off the road. Trying to signal during turns, lane changes, or roundabouts is not intuitive, and I have nearly had several collisions. This design presents a potentially dangerous safety hazard and could increase the risk of collisions. Tesla should be required to recall and retrofit these vehicles with turn signal stalks on the steering wheel column.

Common ODI #11702420
4
Safety Nov 30, 2025

I drove car for about 15 minutes and pulled into a parking space. There was no bumping or other incident. I left the vehicle for about 10 minutes and returned. The screen on my return showed 2 warnings, 1. Steering assist disabled, and 2. Collision avoidance system currently inoperable. Dealing with warning number 1: On starting to back out of parking space, i discovered there was no assist for steering, and a high degree of force was needed to turn the steering wheel and guide the car. This required considerable force. I tried a "system reboot" twice to no avail (this is done by holding 2 steering wheel buttons for about 10 seconds). I called Tesla for service and they towed to car to their service center. I do not know what steps were taken to diagnose or repair the problem. Warning number 2 disappeared from the screen when I started trying to back up..

Common ODI #11702267
4
Safety Nov 27, 2025

It threw an error that said “Steering assist reduced” and the power steering no longer functioned. It was very difficult to turn the wheel. The vehicle was stopped when the error popped up, but was driving fine up until that point.

Common ODI #11701933
4
Safety Nov 12, 2025

While driving home from purchasing my new tesla a under dash panel just to the left of the steering column detached an fell on top of the brake pedal. This made it impossible to apply the brakes. Fortunately because of regenerative braking i was able to stop the car and replace the panel. The panel is only held in place with 2 magnets. I find this extremely dangerous and could have easily caused a life ending accident.

Common ODI #11699131
4
Safety Nov 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating while driving at 60 MPH, and the vibration was going to the contact's head. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Tesla service center, where it was diagnosed with needing the four tires balanced, and the passenger’s side rear tire was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local Tesla Service Center at 9950 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172) on four occasions. The dealer determined that the tires were unbalanced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the Tesla Service Center, where the suspension torque was adjusted. The tires were rebalanced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the Service Center, and it was determined that the failure was related to the front suspension. The vehicle was taken to the same Service Center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column was the cause of the failure. The electric steering column and steering wheel were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,434.

Common ODI #11698497
4
Safety Nov 5, 2025

Subject: Urgent Safety Concern – Tesla on FSD Drove Wrong Way on One-Way Street Message: Hello, I’m reporting a serious safety incident involving my Tesla while Full Self-Driving (FSD) was active. On [XXX] at [XXX], my son was driving our Tesla Model 3 2025 in Smithtown New York. While on FSD, the vehicle incorrectly entered and drove down a one-way street in the wrong direction, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Fortunately, no one was injured, but it could have been fatal. We have video footage recorded by the Tesla Dashcam clearly showing the event. I’ve already backed up the files from the USB drive and can provide them for review. Please investigate this incident immediately and confirm how I can securely share the video footage and retrieve the car’s internal driving logs for that time period. Details: Date/Time of Incident: [XXX] Location: Smithtown New York FSD or Autopilot: FSD Vehicle VIN: [XXX] I am very concerned about the safety implications of this malfunction and would like written confirmation that Tesla is investigating and will provide a technical report or response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Common ODI #11697841
4
Safety Nov 2, 2025

Turn signals buttons occasionally don't work. Brought in for service and was told through a message that this is a firmware issue. Tesla then releases the vehicle back to me without a fix.

Common ODI #11697272
4
Safety Oct 27, 2025

On my 2025 Tesla Model 3 Highland, the right-turn signal button on the steering wheel fails to activate approximately 25–30% of the time. The issue is random and unpredictable. This has occurred while changing lanes on the freeway and when turning into shopping centers or side streets, leaving drivers behind me unaware of my intent and creating a safety hazard. The problem is worse when lane assist is active, as the vehicle resists the maneuver when the signal doesn’t engage, interpreting it as lane departure. The problem started happening at around 3,000 miles on the odometer and continues intermittently. I have not had Tesla service confirm the issue yet, but other owners have reported that replacement of the steering wheel does not resolve it, suggesting a systemic or software-related defect. No warning lamps or messages appear.

Common ODI #11695969
4
Safety Oct 26, 2025

After upgrading to FSD (sull self driving supervised) v14, The speed limit function HAS BEEN REMOVED. THERE IS NO WAY TO SET A MAX SPEED FOR CRUISE CONTROL. THE CAR SPEEDS UNSAFELY AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN FSD. THERE IS NO WAY TO CONTROL HOW FAST THE CAR CAN GO. It just "thinks" what speed is best. It constantly speeds 7-10 over in every setting above "SLOTH". SLOTH setting still DOES NOT have a speed limit setting. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT HAVING A MAX SPEED SETTING.

Common ODI #11695786
4
Safety Oct 22, 2025

In the New Tesla update to Full Self Drive they removed the ability to adjust the speed control while using FSD yet state "Note: You are responsible for the speed and control of your vehicle at all times, whether FSD (Supervised) is enabled or not."

Common ODI #11695166
4
Safety Sep 29, 2025

On December 31, 2024, I purchased a new Tesla Model 3 Long Range with Full Self-Driving (FSD). The problem is the car goes faster than it should when Full Self-Driving is activated. I have attached an example photo of the Tesla screen taken while the car is being controlled by FSD. It shows that the speed limit of the road is 35 MPH, and the car is traveling at a steady speed of 51 MPH. It also shows a “Max Speed” of 64 MPH which means the car may travel that fast on this road if it chooses to. This is clearly a safety issue which can lead to accidents. Tesla has made 5 attempts to fix this without success. On the last attempt (September 24, 2025), they refused to answer my questions such as: Why does the Max Speed suddenly change to a value much higher than my specification? They simply stated that the system was operating as designed. Really? It’s design to drive 51 MPH in a 35 MPH zone? Furthermore, they went on to say I should disengage the FSD system or intervene manually if I believe the car is operating in an unsafe manner. One reason I purchased this car was for FSD. I would expect them to fix it rather than my having to abandon this feature that I pay for. I hope you will encourage Tesla to fix this issue before there are any more FSD-related accidents.

Common ODI #11690629
4
Safety Sep 29, 2025

I want to add an update to my previous report # 11690629. I think it would be helpful to provide what the Max Speed should be based on my input. So, I will just resubmit the previous report with some additional information. On December 31, 2024, I purchased a new Tesla Model 3 Long Range with Full Self-Driving (FSD). The problem is the car goes faster than it should when Full Self-Driving is activated. I have attached an example photo of the Tesla screen taken while the car is being controlled by FSD. It shows the actual speed limit of the road is 35 MPH, and the car is traveling at a steady speed of 51 MPH. It also shows a “Max Speed” of 64 MPH which means the car may travel that fast on this road if it chooses to. Since I use an Offset of 10%, the Max Speed in this 35 zone should be 39 MPH. However, the car increased it to 64 MPH, and I certainly did not use the right scroll wheel to increase it. This is clearly a safety issue which can lead to accidents. Tesla has made 5 attempts to fix this without success. On the last attempt (September 24, 2025), they refused to answer my questions such as: Why does the Max Speed suddenly change to a value much higher than my specification? They simply stated that the system was operating as designed. Really? It’s design to drive 51 MPH in a 35 MPH zone? Furthermore, they went on to say I should disengage the FSD system or intervene manually if I believe the car is operating in an unsafe manner. One reason I purchased this car was for FSD. I would expect them to fix it rather than my having to abandon this feature that I pay for. I hope you will encourage Tesla to fix this issue before there are any more FSD-related accidents.

Common ODI #11690655
4
Safety Sep 25, 2025

The reason that I'm currently writing you this letter is to report an incident that happened on Sep. 16th, 2025. This is the date that I was very excited because I got my first EV - Tesla Model 3 new car. Me and my wife went over to the delivery plant in Fefe, Washington. The address is 3701 20th St. E., Fife, WA 98424. We took the car and I myself drove it back home around 2:45ish (-3:00 pm the latest). It was just two blocks away from the plant outbound to the eastward trying to get to the entry of the highway. I stopped my car on my brake, and suddenly my car went forward by itself. This unintended acceleration caused me to hit the car in front of me. We had to stop in the next parking lot on my left side as soon as we passed the traffic light. This intersection happened right at the intersection of 54th Ave. E (Northbound) and Pacific Highway E. I hit the car in front of me. My front bumper got some damage. The car is still drivable and I have put the photos and maps for your understanding.

Common Crash involved ODI #11690013
4
Safety Sep 10, 2025

On September 7, 2025 at ~7:53 PM, my 2025 Tesla Model 3 operating with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged performed an aggressive, uncommanded turn while under computer control. The maneuver occurred so abruptly that I could not safely override steering before impact, and a crash resulted. The Tesla app Trip View for Trip 3 (7:34–7:53 PM) shows “Vehicle on FSD” for 18 min 54 sec and records an “Aggressive Turning” event at 7:53 PM (2.0 sec) immediately before the trip ended (screenshot attached). This reflects a steering/driver-assist control defect in FSD’s turning behavior and a failure of collision-mitigation to prevent the crash. I sustained bodily injuries and the vehicle incurred significant damage. I request that this incident be treated as a safety-critical malfunction warranting investigation and corrective action.

Common Crash involved ODI #11686758
4
Safety Aug 21, 2025

On 08/20, while driving to work, I experienced a serious safety failure with my vehicle. The brake pedal became completely firm and unresponsive, making it impossible to press. At the same time, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn, severely limiting control of the car. Multiple warning messages appeared, including: •Regenerative Braking Disabled •ABS Fault •Traction Control Fault •Limited Power I was able to carefully maneuver the vehicle into a nearby parking lot and safely exit. After restarting the vehicle, the warning lights disappeared, and the car resumed normal operation. I immediately brought the vehicle to the Tesla Service Center the same day (08/20). As of now, there has been no resolution provided.

Common ODI #11682354
4
Safety Aug 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while in reverse (R) and backing up at approximately 5 MPH down a slight incline, the vehicle accelerated inadvertently. The contact stated that she turned the steering wheel to the right to get on the road. The contact had taken her foot off the accelerator pedal when the vehicle gained momentum and drove backwards about 50 feet and crashed into a tree with the rear end. The contact stated that the passenger side rear bumper and an aftermarket trailer hitch were dented, crumpled, and bent. The contact stated that the rear windshield was cracked on the driver's side. The contact stated that the regenerative braking feature never engaged. The contact also stated the steering had locked, and she was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that there were no warning lights. The tree had stopped the vehicle, and the contact stated that she was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated her left eye had a bruise, and there were no other injuries. The police were called, but advised that since there were no serious injuries or other vehicles involved, there was no need to send an officer to the scene. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The failure mileage was 9,840.

Common Crash involved ODI #11681518
4
Safety Aug 17, 2025

On June 7, 2025, I was a passenger in a 2025 Tesla 3. Driver of Tesla made an unsafe lane change coming off an Interstate and my side was struck almost T-bone style by an oncoming vehicle going between 45-55mph. Our seatbelts did not lock us in place causing the driver to hit his head on steering wheel and then on driver side window causing lacerations and possible concussion. My side tool the impact and no side curtain airbags deployed and neither did the dash airbags. I am concerned that the location and speed with which we were hit could have been much worse up to and including death as the airbags did not deploy nor seatbelts firmly lock us in place. The car was deemed a total loss and all 4 panels on passengers side were impacted in the collision. I have pictures, Tesla video, police report I can provide. I want this looked into for defect of the Tesla sensors. All public data indicates that at a minimum the side curtain airbags should have deployed as there isnt much of a wrinkle zone and the speed of impact should have deployed them. I was unable to get out passenger side door and had to crawl across driver seat to get to EMS assistance. I was then transported along w Tesla driver to local hospital.

Common Crash involved ODI #11681387
4
Safety Aug 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the turn signal switch failed to function as intended. The turn signal switch located on the steering wheel was stuck while attempting to indicate a left turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column control module had failed. The steering wheel and steering control module were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who refused to repair the vehicle and stated that the vehicle was already been repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Common ODI #11680657
4
Safety Aug 10, 2025

I am NOT the owner of this Tesla. I am the owner of the car behind it that hit the Tesla because the Tesla went into Emergency Automatic Braking and the sudden additional deceleration happened too quickly to react to it and contact occurred while I was still doing about 5-ish MPH. The Tesla driver obviously wasn't braking effectively, and the car took over for him to avoid hitting the car in front of him. But there is no consideration for the car behind. I do not know how far back the Tesla stopped from the car in front of it, but all I needed was 2-3 feet. (When I get into these 60 to 0 deceleration, when I know "I'm good" I ease up on the braking to give the guy behind me as much space as possible for HIM to get stopped so I don't get hit.) Tesla's Emergency Automatic Braking caused this accident.

Common Crash involved ODI #11679887
4
Safety Aug 3, 2025

Had ACC set on 80 MPH on the hiway yesterday. A vehicle was passing me and the Tesla suddenly applied heavy brake pressure to the point of tires screeching. Speed dropped very quickly to about 50 MPH. I had not touched the brake pedal. Brakes released and speed resumed to 80 MPH. VERY SCARY and high risk of rear end collision. Lucky nobody was behind me. Don’t want to experience that again.

Common ODI #11678328
4
Safety Aug 1, 2025

Automatic Emergency Braking, for no reason, occurred twice while on autopilot. Driving on a remote interstate, during the day, no one and nothing in front of me (and I had a passenger that can confirm), and suddenly the car rapidly braked extremely hard. If I hadn't slammed the accelerator immediately I would have been rear ended the first time. The second time, no one was near me. I am attempting to report this to Tesla, although that is somewhat difficult as I am just getting bounced around their automated systems. My passenger and I, and the car behind us were put at serious risk of collision at ~ 85 mph, due to the completely unexpected and extremely rapid braking. This was under simple autopilot, no FSD or other driving assist. Nothing has been inspected yet, or reproduced past these 2 incidents. No warnings or symptoms occurred before or after this issue. Slightly terrified to use autopilot now, as if a semi-truck had been behind me, we would have been flattened. It is also difficult to turn off this so-called "assist" with emergency braking, it auto-reverts to on every start up, which is also dangerous.

Common ODI #11677958
4
Safety Jun 24, 2025

2025 Tesla Model 3 the follow distance is too close to front vehicle (only 1 to 2 car lengths) while in full self driving mode and there is no way to adjust it like in cruise control mode. Also, while in auto cruise control or full self driving the forward collision warning has too many false alarms from overhead tree branches to nothing in front of car for more than 500 feet. Finally, the car takes turns too late and at unsafe speeds when autosteer and cruise control are both activated. This also happens during Full Self driving.

Common ODI #11669087
4
Safety Jun 19, 2025

Automatic emergency braking and steering is unavailable along with a few other features. Service center and car manufacturer not doing anything about it.

Common Crash involved ODI #11668060
4
Safety Jun 16, 2025

I went to drop my son to a summer program to a park. After dropping him, as soon as I started, car just accelerated very fast and went on the sides. I was able to turn the steering back into road but it kept speeding and went on the other sides. In the process, cars tires got impacted. Within 5-10 secs, car got from one side walks to the other side walk and then car stopped somehow. Fortunately, it did not impact any other cars parked or other cars on the road. But the whole thing was very scary.

Common ODI #11667418
4
Safety Jun 16, 2025

I have had this happen twice, once on city streets going to work the car was not in auto pilot and it went from 40mph to 0mph instantly. If there was a car behind me I would have gotten slammed into. The second time, my mother was in the passenger seat and I was on the freeway going about 75 to 80mph and it was on auto steer and the car went from the speed I was going to almost 0 and I instantly took control of the vehicle. We both could have been killed because of the last incident and I thought the cameras saw something on the road but there was nothing there. No cars were near me when both events occurred.

Common ODI #11667591
4
Safety May 18, 2025

While making a wide right turn at an intersection I heard three warning beeps before the steering wheel locked. I was unable to correct the steering. When I realized it wasn’t allowing the steering to correct, I began to brake, causing me to drive over a curb, ultimately stopped by a fence and cactus in someone’s yard. This is a huge safety concern, as children could’ve been playing in the yard, or farther up the road where a curve has a 30 foot embankment I could have rolled into. I have scheduled a service appointment with Tesla to have it looked at. I have had this issue occur multiple times before and am sure it can be reproduced.

Common Crash involved ODI #11661756
4
Safety May 12, 2025

I was using full self driving (FSD) and there was no one directly in front of me and thankfully no one behind me when it engaged its emergency brakes and came to an abrupt stop for no reason.

Common ODI #11660765
4
Safety May 11, 2025

Tesla FSD Incident – Exton, PA ([XXX]) Just sharing a scary experience I had with Tesla FSD Beta yesterday — hoping it reaches the right eyes and helps others stay alert. I was driving on a main road in Exton, PA, using FSD with the “Avoid Highways” option turned on for the first time. This is a route I know well and usually follow using Google Maps. At one point, FSD turned on the left indicator, and I thought it was taking a regular exit — the road it chose looked like a narrow side street, so I didn’t question it. But within 5 seconds, I realized it had actually taken me into the oncoming traffic lane. It was shocking and totally unexpected. I immediately took over, stopped the car, and when the road was clear, safely steered back into the correct lane. This happened around 3 PM on a bright, sunny day, with normal traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Common ODI #11660472
4
Safety Apr 3, 2025

Steering assist reduced, traction control disabled, stability control disabled. When trying to drive steering heavy and car coasts unless holding brake pedal, which is unusual for a Tesla at it normally auto holds. Traction control and stability control also disabled, unsafe to drive.

Common ODI #11652701
4
Safety Mar 19, 2025

As I was pulling into a parking spot with my new 2025 Model 3 Tesla, I removed my foot from the gas to slow the car - the appropriate way to do so which is called Tesla's One Pedal Driving. The car did slow but then suddenly surged forward at an alarming rate. I have 100% certainty that my foot was not on the gas at this moment. The car was stopped by a large concrete planter just in front of me, however, if that planter was not there, my car would have been through the glass of an office building or in a head on collision with another car in the lot. If there was a person walking into the building, they would have been dead. A witness approached me and mentioned that the car seemed to act erratically. I have been in touch with Tesla about the issue and am awaiting response.

Common Crash involved ODI #11649448
4
Safety Mar 4, 2025

I sent following to Tesla I had an accident at around 6:30 PM on Sunday, March 2nd with my Tesla Model 3 and asking to see if you can conduct a diagnostic check into this incident. I was coming home at that time with the Tesla and about 100 yards from my house, I experienced a sudden acceleration with the car going from about 20mph to, I think, over 40 mph and crashed into the garage area of my house. Around the time I started experiencing that unwanted acceleration, I heard a whining sound. As it started that sudden acceleration, I checked below to make sure my right foot was pressing on the brake pedal and it was. Since I have the regenerative braking with my tesla, the car should have decelerated but, instead, it sped up. I continued to press the brake pedal but I could not mitigate my car’s continual acceleration. It eventually crashed through the lowered garage door and went through the right side of the garage wall about half way out and came to the stop. I was driving myself and not engaged in self-driving feature. I like to see if the Tesla has any resources available to retrace last few seconds and be able to glean more information of why that sudden acceleration might have happened. The car is still located in my garage but currently the car is disabled and powered off. The car’s power was on and it automatically turned on emergency light for about 30 minutes after the accident before it eventually powering off. I am also curious to know why none of the airbags were deployed in this accident. I have many photos available of the accident. The fire department and police came and assisted. I do not know if this matters but the couple of nights before the car had one of those over the air updates by Tesla and also about couple of minutes before the accident I drove through about a minute of hard rain in otherwise light rainy drive. I also wonder why auto-braking did not engage against the house.

Common Crash involved ODI #11646628
4
Safety Feb 11, 2025

Turn signal stalk has been removed. Directional activation is now done by pressing arrows on steering wheel spoke. I have to take my eyes off the road to locate the spot that turns the directional on or off. These arrows are next to the radio controls and I inadvertently turn them on all the time. If your turning you cannot find the flat markings that activate them. I cannot safely drive this car after weeks of trying to adjust. In addition they have placed a turn signal stalk on the new model Y due to customer feedback.

Common ODI #11642371
4
Safety Jan 26, 2025

- 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 have reported the claim to Tesla right after the incident, but they were not responsive in providing a solution, for more than month, they just kept me waiting - No, it has not been inspected - no warning or messages before the crash and the failure, the system all of sudden speed up on its own, causing the crash This is a seriously malfunction and faulty on Tesla's FSD system, they must recognize this issue and take responsibility over it. Yet they keep failing to take any responsibility on it.

Common Crash involved ODI #11638740
4
Safety Jan 26, 2025

The indicator buttons randomly disable and also disable if the user rests their finger lightly on an indicator button for some number of seconds. The car is available for inspection on request. Tesla looked at it and said it's "normal" and "expected" for the buttons to disable if you simply rest your finger on the button for too long prior to clicking it in. When this occurs, BOTH indicator buttons will be disabled for upwards of 12 seconds. Neither button will physically click, and the indicators themselves will not activate no matter how many times you try pressing the button. This put the safety of others (AND MYSELF) at risk three times in my one month of owning the car. Tesla did nothing the first time I tried to get it fixed and said it's "normal", and wanted me to leave the service center with nothing done. I refused, so they replaced the entire steering wheel for me. The new steering wheel exhibited this same behaviour this morning - nearly resulting in a car smash as I was trying to navigate around an existing car smash on the highway. No warnings, messages or anything. I've only owned the car for a month.

Common ODI #11638799
3
Software Apr 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions with Full Self-Driving (FSD) Mode engaged, the vehicle stopped abruptly while approaching a yellow traffic light, nearly causing the head of the driver to strike the windshield on one occasion. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to gradually come to a stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10,100.

Common ODI #11730323
3
Battery Apr 1, 2026

After the High Voltage Battery Contactor recall service, my 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance suffered a sudden 13% drop in range (from 303mi to 264mi at 100% charge). An official Tesla Battery Health Test confirms the battery health is at 92% in less than a year of ownership. This degradation happened immediately following the recall procedure, indicating a hardware or software defect caused by the service.

Common ODI #11728811
3
Safety Mar 30, 2026

While driving at highway speeds, using cruise control, the vehicle occasionally brakes for no apparent reason with no vehicles or obstacles in the way. The braking is severe and could potentially cause me to be rear ended. The dealer inspected the vehicle and could not reproduce the problem. There has been no previous warning to the braking.

Common ODI #11728314
3
Safety Mar 27, 2026

Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was engaged at the time of the incident. The vehicle was traveling at low speed on a straight roadway when it unexpectedly initiated a sudden steering maneuver out of its lane toward a roadside structure (outdoor restaurant seating area), resulting in a collision. The driver did not provide steering input prior to or during the maneuver. There were no warning messages or alerts indicating a hazard or need for evasive action before the event. Vehicle telemetry data reviewed after the incident indicates that the steering system executed a rapid, large-angle deflection without corresponding driver input, consistent with a system-initiated maneuver. The system continued to apply throttle during the event. The incident created a direct safety risk to the vehicle occupants and nearby pedestrians due to unintended vehicle path deviation toward a fixed structure. Additional Context: When this car was in the repair shop for repairs, we were told that during the replacement of the dashboard/computer system, the technicians observed a persistent system code that would not clear. Tesla technical support was contacted, and the system was ultimately reinstalled to resolve the issue. While the direct connection between this code and the FSD malfunction is unknown, the persistent code may indicate preexisting software system instability. The vehicle has been inspected by repair professionals, and supporting data (telemetry and video) is preserved and available for review upon request. Cause of the malfunction is currently UNKNOWN, but evidence indicates a failure in the driver assistance system’s steering control.

Common Crash involved ODI #11727685
3
Safety Mar 15, 2026

Vibration that they said they diagnosed was not fixed per company policy they said they cannot fix it which would mean my vehicle is still unsafe at highway speeds the issue occurs after 70 mph on march 4th 2026 when rescheduling for the same issue I received this message. From a Tesla rep that they did everything they can

Common ODI #11724758
3
Safety Mar 3, 2026

Inused tesla to back up from my driveway and it hit my Gate little damage but the car did it. Did not calculate and crash sensor sisnt work car crash the car on fss (automatic pilot)

Common Crash involved ODI #11721994
3
Safety Jan 31, 2026

Horn does not work properly during heavy rain and/or splashing from ordinary puddles. The sound produced by the horn is barely audible for a couple of hours until presumably it dries out. Service center declined to repair the problem as they could not reproduce it with their tests. Service center acknowledged that it is a known problem but Tesla has not provided a fix. No warning messages occured during the problem, which occured during two separate rain events,

Common ODI #11714778
3
Safety Nov 13, 2025

The Tesla FSD performed in a dangerous way. It came into a left lane when a speeding truck was in the lane and nearly hit my car. This occurred on Nov 12 around 5:30 pm near floor and decor at Kolb and Broadway Intersection in Tucson AZ. I engaged FSD to return home in Oro Valley. First the car did not follow straight path going from the parking store lot to make a right trun and enter Kolb road. It made right turn and left turn and then right to Kolb road to turn right. It was a busy time in the evening. When an opening was found it entered Kolb road and then rapidly zig zagged to change lanes to try to enter left turn lane only on Kolb to turn on Broadway. In the left most lane, it did not detect a fast approaching truck. The truck honked, and I took control of the car and sped through the intersection to avoid collision.

Common ODI #11699445

Showing top 50 of 98 complaints (sorted by severity, most recent first). Full records available via NHTSA ODI search.

What Owners Are Saying

▲ +0.90Satisfaction

"Rented a Tesla Model 3 today from Turo. Here's my review. Hey everyone, I wanted to contribute my review about the Tesla Model 3 to the Tesla community. Last week, I decided to rent a Tesla Model 3 via Turo. I bit the bullet and ended up paying $281 for a 24 hour rental. I’ve been looking forward to this ALL week and today was the day I got to pick up the car. Before I get into it, some background on me. I currently drive a 2015 MINI Cooper S 4DR. I've been the owner of 2 BMW 325XiTs and 2 MINI Cooper S (previous and current gen). My dad’s always been a car guy, so I’ve had the privilege of driving his luxury cars growing up: BMW 530i, a bunch of Audi A4s, Infiniti M35X, Mercedes E350 and his current Audi A6 diesel. Because of this, I’m a car enthusiast. I love the performance, technology and handling of cars. I scrutinize these factors when I drive cars. Since my MINI's lease is coming up in July, over the past two months I've been test driving all sorts of cars. These have been the potentials for my MINI's replacement, including: A4 Quattro Prestige, Golf TDI, Alfa Romeo Guilea, Honda Accord 2.0 Touring, Acura TLX, BMW X2, Nissan Leaf (2018) and the Kia Stinger. I’ve been wanting to drive the Genesis G70 and the Mercedes A-class (no set release date in the US but supposed to be later 2018). I'm also a TM3 online reservation holder - waiting for the glorious day I get my invite :) Here’s my review after spending about 3 hours with the car today: Acceleration: This car moves fast, really fast. The raw surge of energy from the RWD and the instant torque makes the car exhilarating from stop. It's so thrilling I felt like a little kid cheering for joy everytime I punched the accelerator. As many have said, the power does "top out" after you reach certain speeds, but it’s by no means slow. Having driven ICE cars my whole life, I thought I’d miss having paddle shifters/steptronic, but this car moves so quickly and is so responsive, it’s totally fine. Handling: Incredible. I took the car on some back, windy roads and I was pushing the car hard around corners. Never heard any tire squeal and the car literally hugged the road. I'd arguably say the Tesla Model 3 was as good or even better than my Mini. And my MINI's handling is insane. You can push turns and curves at ridiculous speeds and it just grips the road. Steering: Sharp, direct. The car literally goes where you tell it. It’s precise. I test drove the Alfa Romeo Guilia and it felt as sharp and direct as that (the Alfa may have edged it out slightly, but hardly noticeable). Ride Quality: I have no idea what people are talking about when they say the ride is harsh. I drove over potholes, speed bumps and I never felt the ride was jarring in any-stretch-of-the-imgination. I felt it was composed and honestly, it felt pretty smooth and comfortable. And remember, this is with the 19" wheel upgrade - so I'd imagine the 18" would be a lot nicer from a ride quality perspective. Night driving:"

— r/teslamotors · 2026
▲ +0.90Satisfaction

"I am now one of you. My entire experience shared. Speed: I ordered on 9/11/24 half expecting a couple months out wait time, only to be notified the next day I had a vin assigned. Literal 1 day turnaround, what the hell. Human help: Tesla advisors were helpful every time I was able to reach someone through the well known 818 customer service number, they answered my questions, and of course my main concern was on build quality, and of the horror stories of delivery day experiences I’ve read all across Reddit. I was assured that the m3p 2024 I wanted was a flagship and get the most attention in terms of quality control. Actual delivery day: flawless experience, I was in queue so the line was long and took some time, but by the time I saw the condition of my vehicle, I knew the wait was worth it. Impeccably solid. I came prepared with a flashlight and a checklist ready to reject the vehicle as soon as anything irked me. I found nothing. I was nitpicking hard and still couldn’t find anything to be unhappy about. She’s beautiful. Thank you Tesla. Thank you Tesla of Riverside. You guys did an amazing job. Enjoyment: I was waiting for the right time to pull the trigger and my cars broke down suddenly and I took it as a sign from God to enjoy life for once and I decided to get a Tesla Model 3 Performance at that. I couldn’t be happier now, the smile on my face upon stepping on the pedal for the first time was unforgettable. I am now one of you."

— r/TeslaModel3 · 2026
▲ +0.80Build Quality

"Sorry to hear. My 2024 M3P had a dash rattle that was fixed and other than that...really nice quality. My 2019 M3P looked like a kit car that a 5 year old built with so many panel gaps. It was pretty comical really. The new cars are much better but its still inconsistent. Let the service department try to fix the items and they usually do a pretty good job. Nov 28, 201825,77437,586Riverside Co. CA > CAAD said: > > You people wishing things get better or suggesting to others it will are just blowing smoke. > > > Click to expand... My 2022 model YP was basically perfect, while my 2018 model 3P was, while mechanically sound, "no where near" perfect. I just traded it into Tesla for a 2025 Model 3P and other than the spoiler having a small gap, its basically perfect, and a much much MUCH better car... but im lying / "blowing smoke" right? Oct 2, 20142916DFW area"

— Teslamotorsclub · 2026
▲ +0.80Software

"I've said this before, but the things I like best about the Tesla have nothing to do with it being electric. Almost every single "feature" of the car could be done with a standard ICE car, and that is what really makes the Tesla special. Stupid things I love: * I love the "hold" feature of the brakes. It took me a good 3-4 weeks before I discovered this feature. * I love the over-the-air updates. I noticed the behavior of the turn signals had changed at some point (holding the turn stalk before the "click" would give you 3 flashes, now it will flash as long as you hold the stalk, which I prefer because when I switch lanes, 3 flashes are too few), which was all done over the air. * Cell phone as your key (although this was spotty for the first 3 weeks of ownership, ever since an update in December happened, it's been almost flawless). * The simplicity of the interior Not a single one of those things have anything to do with the car being electric. As a UX Designer, distilling the "need" down to the components and rethinking old "patterns" is never a bad thing. Tesla kept the important patterns (steering wheel, foot pedals, turn signal stalk), but dumped what wasn't required (buttons and "stuff" everywhere)."

— r/teslamotors · 2026
▽ 0.95Software

"Software Update Glitch Advice Since the most recent update, my Tesla Model 3 has stopped working entirely. These issues started immediately after the most recent software update where I think the software may have improperly updated. As soon as I try to start the car up, numerous alerts simultaneously sound and any attempts to drive the car are dangerous as the car’s brakes cease to function properly. I tried a soft reset and hard reset but that didn’t fix anything. My other attempts at fixing the car consisted of switching between driving modes (hold, creep, roll) and keeping the car powered off for a longer time in hopes the software would repair itself. Usually, I drive on the “hold” driving mode and the car does “hold” after coming to a stop; in this instance, as soon as I started the car and switched into reverse, the car immediately started moving even without touching any pedal. When I had backed up into my incline drive way, unless I was holding my brakes down, the car would immediately roll down the driveway. When I tried to engage my parking brake, a new alert sounded saying I couldn’t engage my parking brake. Does anyone know of any ways to fix this? I’ve tried scheduling an appointment and calling the center, but the “advice” they’ve given so far is lackluster and generic. Is there another way to reboot the car or the software?"

— r/TeslaModel3 · 2026
▽ 0.90Satisfaction

"> zoomer0056 said: > > Not being alarmist here but playing devil's advocate for self protection. > > Worst case, your car's a lemon (but I hope not). Take screen captures of all communications in the app. Even when you talk in person, follow up with app communications. This way everything is captured outside of the app. > > I hope issues are resolved quickly. > > > Click to expand... Yep yep, good call. I have a whole file with full documentation of every single communication I've had thus far along with timelines. Just out of curiosity I asked the tech how Tesla would typically handle something like that to which he replied they generally initiate a buyback and at that point you're back to square zero and would have to process a sale of a new car if I still wanted a Tesla. That sort of bummed me out because I don't think I'd want to go through an entirely new sale process and honestly I might just wash my hands and move on to something else if that's how Tesla ultimately goes about it. Ideally I'd just want them to swap the car out and give me a new VIN and just handle everything on their end with no inconvenience to me, but now not sure that's even a possibility. Reactions: zoomer0056 You must log in or register to reply here."

— Teslamotorsclub · 2026
▽ 0.80Build Quality

"But the newer models are definitely much better. Or it could be that I don't care as much and stopped worrying about every little creak and rattle. Oct 2, 20142916DFW area I was soooooo hoping that these issues were not a problem on a 2024 Performance, surely they would quality check these expensive cars before delivering them to new owners.... NOPE. who ever is Tesla's quality control person needs to be fired, or they need to send a team to my garage and fix all the flaws in mine. **Bad paint**: white spots on hood, trunk, horizontal ripples on rear driver side. _Trunk replaced and repainted 3 times, Hood replaced. S.O.L. on ripples_ **Leaky Drive Motor**: They didn't believe me until they removed the aero shield to find it covered in oil. _replaced_ **Broken front aero shield**: flap hanging down in front of front passenger wheel at delivery. _replaced_ **Armrest creak**: how they shipped this design I will never know, here was the conversation. "How little plastic can we use to save a penny?" _Fixed myself- stuffed it with foam to add solid feel and lubed the clips with grease to prevent creaking._"

— Teslamotorsclub · 2026
▽ 0.80Satisfaction

"I brought the car back to Tesla today (December 6, 2024), and they estimate the repairs could take about a week. Thankfully, they provided me with a loaner, but this is the second major service visit in less than a month of ownership. I love the car when it works—it’s amazing to drive, and I’m thrilled with the technology and features. However, these repeated issues are concerning, especially since this is a brand-new vehicle. I’m also worried about the potential for additional problems after these repairs are completed. Has anyone else experienced recurring issues like this with a brand-new Tesla? If so, how did you resolve them? I want to love this car, and I’m willing to give Tesla the chance to make things right, but I’m starting to feel like I’m losing confidence in the reliability of the vehicle. Any advice or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated! - -"

— Teslamotorsclub · 2026

Showing 8 of 72 owner excerpts (sorted by sentiment strength)

Frequently Asked Questions

The read 2025 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD-I (19in wheels) · Score 76/100 · 3 recalls, 98 complaints (1/10K VINs) across 45 Reddit threads.

Other Tesla Model 3 Years on TrimIndex