Tesla Model 3 Complaints (2025)

113 consumer complaints on file.

#11727685March 28, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11724758March 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724746March 16, 2026
SEAT BELTS, STRUCTURE:BODY
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724181March 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721994March 4, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719945February 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714778February 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713524January 27, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Tesla’s Obstruction of Repairs Tesla deleted my original service complaint and annotations regarding these delivery defects. The associated service appointment was cancelled without notice or rescheduling. No repairs were performed despite the issues being raised during the warranty period. This prevented reasonable repair attempts and allowed the defects to persist. Current Nonconformities and Repair History The same or substantially similar defects continue and have worsened: • Recurring misalignment/alignment issues from delivery, impairing value and potentially safety. • Safety-related camera system failures: Persistent error codes on the camera(s) [specify if known, e.g., front/rear/ADAS-related], reducing visibility and affecting safe operation (e.g., backup, navigation, Autopilot/FSD if equipped). These are known Tesla issues potentially subject to recall (e.g., rearview camera display loss). • Power windows failure: Unresolved for at least 2 weeks despite service request; windows do not operate properly, impairing use and safety (e.g., emergency egress). Cumulative out-of-service time and failed repair attempts (including the obstructed initial one) meet or approach presumptions under § 1793.22(b): multiple attempts for the same nonconformities, with safety impacts. The vehicle remains nonconforming despite reasonable opportunity for Tesla to repair. nonconformities in the above vehicle that qualify it as a “lemon” under California Civil Code §§ 1793.2(d) and 1793.22 (Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act). These defects originated at delivery, were reported within the express warranty period, but Tesla failed to repair them—by deleting my original service complaint, annotating delivery issues without resolution, and cancelling the associated appointment—preventing conformity to warranty. The same issues persist and recur post-warranty expiration, substantially impairing the vehicle’s use, value, and safety
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711565January 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 the Tesla driver and other roadway users at risk because another driver or pedestrian would not hear the horn if the Tesla driver needed to get their attention. This problem occurred after receiving approximately 6-8 inches of snow and driving in the snow. It is possible the design of the Tesla allows for snow/rain to block the horn speaker causing it to not function correctly during and after snow/rain conditions. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I've submitted a service request via the Tesla app. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707862December 30, 2025
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front windshield fractured independently. In addition, the contact stated that there was no evidence of impact on the front windshield. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was parked in an underground parking garage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 4,050.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707174December 26, 2025
STEERING, WHEELS, SUSPENSION
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705606December 17, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
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 and with music down the passenger heard a very clear odd word which I can only assume was its desire, we declined. This is the umpteenth of many odd and offensive remarks that can cause odd distortion to within the immersive sound system and was what I previously attributed to rental vehicle blue tooths or dysfunctional family raising. Its offensive, distracting, and sometime low-level so unhealthy. Im awaiting the response from tesla but it should be documented as ive seen ISAC section on this website, and ive dealt with it since 2018 , and ended up having to put boxing gloves in my trunk for potentially violent followers trying to pair and talk obscene. Im not sure what but its been confirmed and im awaiting the reply from manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704947December 14, 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, but there was no noise coming from the horn. when I went back home I noted that the speaker used for the horn is located near the passenger side wheel well. The speaker was blocked due to snow accumulation. This is dangerous because that means whenever there’s any snow on the road and I try to press the horn in an emergency then I cannot I might get into an accident because of my horn failing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704827December 13, 2025
STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
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."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703615December 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Horn on vehicle is too quiet. Poses a safety risk for cars who will not be able to hear it. Volume needs to be increased or put an actual horn on the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702420December 2, 2025
STEERING, VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702268December 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Using the navigation system in self driving mode the turn signal indicators start 500 feet from the intended turn, regardless of speed, and not influenced by cross streets or parking lot driveways thay are present before the intended turn. This takes place regardless of upcoming cross streets or driveways, but based on distance only, giving drivers coming out of these cross streets and driveways an indication that i intend to turn sooner. This has caused several "close calls". Reference: "The California DMV driver handbook similarly instructs drivers to start signaling about 100 feet before a turn so that other road users have time to see and react to your intention. On freeways, the DMV further recommends signaling for at least five seconds before changing lanes, which is a related but separate guidance from the 100‑foot rule for turns." I consider this a serious safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702267December 1, 2025
STEERING
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..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701933November 28, 2025
STEERING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700187November 18, 2025
SUSPENSION, STEERING
I am reporting a safety issue involving my 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance. My steering wheel began shaking while driving, and the vehicle felt unstable, especially at speed. I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service in Las Vegas. Their inspection found that the outer tie rod nut on the passenger front side was loose, which created steering play and caused the steering wheel shake (documented in Tesla invoice #XXX). A loose tie rod nut is a serious steering safety defect that can result in loss of steering control. Tesla performed a four-wheel alignment and tightened the components but stated the issue is “maintenance” and not covered under warranty, despite the vehicle having only 12,890 miles. Tesla also stated the steering rack had “no issues,” but they did not perform any repair on the steering system beyond tightening the loose tie rod nut and charging me for alignment. They also did not explain how a nearly new vehicle could develop a loose steering component. A loose outer tie rod nut should never occur on a new car unless there is a defect or improper assembly from the factory. This poses a significant safety hazard, especially at highway speeds. Tesla did not treat this as a steering safety defect and only attributed it to alignment. They declined warranty coverage and did not fully address the root cause. I am filing this complaint because steering components should not loosen on a 2025 model vehicle, and the situation could have resulted in loss of control or an accident. I want NHTSA to be aware in case this issue appears in other vehicles of the same model year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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