Navigating the Road Ahead: A Deep Dive into the Most Common 2025 Tesla Model 3 Service Issues and Recalls

The promise of advanced automotive technology often brings with it the expectation of enhanced safety and unparalleled convenience. For owners of the 2025 Tesla Model 3, however, reported issues reveal a landscape fraught with significant concerns. Despite Tesla’s assurance that the Model 3 is “engineered for safety” and that features like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) reduce driver workload, a growing number of complaints to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) paint a different picture, highlighting various safety risks.

Consumers are expressing increasing frustration with the reliability and safety of key components and systems. The volume and severity of these problems necessitate a thorough examination, moving beyond marketing claims to the tangible experiences of real drivers. Our objective is to present an unbiased, evidence-based account of these recurring issues, helping current and prospective owners understand potential pitfalls and the actions being taken—or not taken—to address them.

In this comprehensive review, we delve into the most common and critical service issues affecting the 2025 Tesla Model 3. We’ll meticulously break down the complaints, focusing on those that directly impact safety and the driving experience, drawing exclusively from the detailed reports and recalls provided. Understanding these challenges, from FSD complexities to fundamental steering and braking anomalies, is crucial for making informed decisions on the road ahead.

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1. **Full Self-Driving (FSD) System Malfunctions**Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature remains in beta, explicitly “not fully autonomous,” requiring drivers to “stay alert and attentive” and “supervise” its operation. Despite these warnings, independent studies and regulatory reviews have “raised concerns about inconsistent behavior, misinterpretation of road signs, and crash risks,” particularly in complex environments. These observations are regrettably echoed by numerous complaints filed with the NHTSA concerning FSD on the 2025 Tesla Model 3.

A significant portion of consumer frustration stems from the FSD system’s erratic and unpredictable actions. An owner reported FSD “consistently caused a serious safety risk on the freeway,” habitually “tailgates cars at high speeds of 70-80 mph,” even “when there is no traffic and the other lanes are wide open.” Such inconsistent performance creates a profound lack of trust and presents undeniable safety challenges, demanding constant driver vigilance.

Problems extend to dangerous programming behaviors. For instance, after stopping at a red light, the vehicle “wants to keep advancing forward although the light is still red and has not changed.” This egregious misinterpretation of basic traffic signals could easily lead to an intersection collision. Another prevalent issue involves FSD struggling with fundamental lane keeping; even with “image in the screen correct,” the vehicle “has trouble staying within the line and needs to be corrected,” especially at intersections. These core failures undermine the very purpose of an advanced driver assistance system.

The cumulative effect is a system that often increases, rather than reduces, driver workload by demanding constant vigilance and rapid manual overrides. These issues highlight the critical need for further refinement and robust testing before FSD can genuinely deliver on its ambitious promise of autonomous driving. They must be “addressed first” before any “unsupervised version” is considered.

Car Model Information: 2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultimate Bright Theme
Name: Tesla Model 3
Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Production: 2017–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Designer: Franz von Holzhausen
Class: Mid-size car
BodyStyle: Sedan (car)
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: Tesla Model Y
Motor: unbulleted list
Transmission: Single-speed fixed (9:1 ratio)
Battery: unbulleted list
ElectricRange: unbulleted list
Charging: unbulleted list
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: unbulleted list
Width: cvt
Height: unbulleted list
Weight: cvt
Caption: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Categories: 2020s cars, ANCAP large family cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric powered mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., introduced in 2017. The vehicle is marketed as being more affordable to more people than previous models made by Tesla. The Model 3 was the world’s top-selling plug-in electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, before the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV based on the Model 3 chassis, took the top spot. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to pass global sales of 1 million. A facelifted Model 3 with revamped interior and exterior styling was introduced in late 2023 for countries supplied by Gigafactory Shanghai and in early 2024 in North America and other countries supplied by the Tesla Fremont Factory.

Get more information about: Tesla Model 3

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2. **Forward Collision Avoidance System Issues**Closely linked to FSD, the forward collision avoidance systems within the 2025 Tesla Model 3 have generated substantial complaints, accounting for “half of the forward collision avoidance complaints” tied to FSD. These systems, vital for preventing collisions, are exhibiting alarming inconsistencies. Complaints span both automatic emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control (ACC), indicating a systemic vulnerability in the vehicle’s environmental perception.

Owners frequently report the system misinterpreting objects or engaging brakes unnecessarily. A Maryland owner noted FSD’s “follow-distance is too close to the vehicle in front.” Both in FSD and auto cruise control, “many false alarms from overhead tree branches and cars that aren’t ahead of the Tesla” occur, leading to sudden, unexplained braking. This “engaging emergency brakes for no reason,” as described by a California owner, creates significant rear-end collision risks.

Further concerns involve the system’s performance during turns. The Maryland owner stated the car “takes turns too late and at unsafe speeds when autosteer and cruise control are both activated,” a problem that “also happens in FSD.” This inability to correctly judge appropriate turning speeds and timing puts occupants at risk. Such errors suggest fundamental flaws in sensor interpretation, leading to dangerous maneuvers rather than preventative safety actions.

The recurring nature of these issues, from phantom braking to misjudgment of road conditions, underscores a substantial safety defect within the forward collision avoidance suite. These are not minor inconveniences; they represent serious operational failures that can directly contribute to dangerous driving situations. Drivers are compelled to maintain an exceptionally high level of alertness even when driver-assist features are engaged.

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3. **Lane Departure Malfunctions**Among the most critical safety concerns reported for the 2025 Tesla Model 3 are severe lane departure malfunctions, particularly when the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is engaged. These failures directly lead to situations where the vehicle veers dangerously into “oncoming traffic,” representing a catastrophic failure of a core driver assistance system.

An alarming account from a Pennsylvania owner illustrates this. While using FSD with “Avoid Highways” on, the vehicle “turned on the left indicator” and “within 5 seconds,” the owner “realized it had actually taken me into the oncoming traffic lane.” The owner immediately “took over, stopped the car, and when the road was clear, safely steered back into the correct lane.” This occurred “around 3 PM on a bright, sunny day, with normal traffic,” underscoring the system’s inherent flaw.

Another “critical malfunction,” described by a Georgia owner, involved the vehicle steering “towards oncoming traffic” because “Yellow double lines were not recognized around a turn.” This happened despite the dealership declaring the car “fully functional.” The inability of FSD to correctly identify and adhere to fundamental road markings poses an existential threat on roads where opposing traffic is separated.

These lane departure malfunctions are not isolated incidents but a pattern of hazardous behavior, placing drivers and other road users in imminent danger. When the system instead guides the vehicle into the path of oncoming traffic, it fundamentally fails its safety mandate. Such critical malfunctions necessitate immediate and thorough investigation by both Tesla and regulatory bodies.

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4. **Steering System Problems**Beyond FSD complexities, fundamental steering system problems concern 2025 Tesla Model 3 owners. Issues range from complete loss of control to reductions in vital driving aids, compromising safety and confidence. Complaints suggest these anomalies can occur independently or in conjunction with driver assistance systems, hinting at underlying hardware or core software flaws.

Several owners reported the “steering wheel locked” during maneuvers, creating terrifying loss of control. A California owner, making a “wide right turn at an intersection,” heard “three warning beeps before the steering wheel locked.” Unable to “correct the steering,” the driver “drove over a curb, ultimately stopped by a fence.” This “issue has occurred multiple times,” indicating a persistent and severe defect.

Other complaints highlight degradation of active safety features. A Texas owner reported “Steering Assist is reduced, Traction Control disabled, and Stability Control disabled.” This combination is hazardous, as these systems are crucial for stability and control. The “heavy” steering and car “coasting unless holding the brake pedal,” made the vehicle “unsafe to drive.” Such basic safety feature failures are severe.

The varied and severe steering complaints—from sudden locking to disabled assists—underscore a profound reliability issue within a primary vehicle control system. These fundamental failures directly jeopardize a driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle. For a modern EV, these reports demand urgent attention and robust engineering solutions.

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5. **Brake System Failures**The integrity of a vehicle’s braking system is paramount to safety, and for the 2025 Tesla Model 3, “Service Brakes” issues have emerged. These include the unavailability of automatic emergency braking and, perhaps more disturbingly, sudden, unexplained deceleration or “phantom braking.” Such anomalies create immediate hazards and increase the risk of rear-end collisions.

One Florida owner stated “automatic emergency braking and steering are unavailable along with a few other features,” lamenting that the “Service center and car manufacturer not doing anything about it.” The failure of AEB renders a crucial safety layer inert, leaving drivers reliant on manual intervention. The lack of response regarding such a fundamental defect is concerning.

More harrowing are reports of phantom braking, where the vehicle abruptly decelerates. A California owner described two events: “once on city streets… it went from 40 mph to 0 mph instantly.” On the freeway, “going about 75 to 80 mph, it was on Auto Steer, and the car went from the speed I was going to almost 0.” The owner rightly feared, “We both could have been killed because of the last incident.”

These phantom braking incidents are a severe, recurring defect. The vehicle’s uncommanded, abrupt braking is a profound safety risk, compromising driver control and violating basic expectations of vehicle behavior. Remedying these brake system failures is an urgent priority to ensure the fundamental safety of the 2025 Tesla Model 3.

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6. **Reported Crashes Attributed to Driver-Assist Systems**The most tangible and alarming manifestations of driver-assist system malfunctions are “Reported Crashes” directly attributed by owners to features like Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Autopilot. These incidents provide concrete evidence of critical safety failures, leading to property damage and potential injury.

One harrowing account describes a crash at night while driving “30 mph with FSD Supervised Mode.” The Tesla Model 3 “suddenly made a left turn,” drove “over a curb and onto the grass,” and “crashed into the rear passenger’s side of three unoccupied vehicles that were parked in the driveway.” Despite airbag deployment, the driver was “not injured,” but the incident highlights FSD’s unpredictable and dangerous maneuvers.

Another crash occurred during parallel parking. An owner, “driving with Autopilot and the most updated version of FSD engaged,” saw the vehicle “made a sudden left turn and crashed into a curb.” The driver “took over manually” to prevent further damage, but the “front passenger side bumper was damaged.” Concerningly, “The Tesla Software did not detect the crash,” raising questions about system logging.

These reported crashes, including a “near-fatal accident” on a “U-shaped highway exit road” where a driver “pull[ed] the steering wheel at the last minute,” paint a grim picture. These incidents are not minor, but situations where the vehicle’s own systems contribute to or fail to prevent severe accidents. They serve as undeniable evidence of profound safety risks in Tesla’s current driver-assist technologies.

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7. **Sudden Unintended Acceleration**While phantom braking involves unexpected deceleration, an equally dangerous issue for some 2025 Tesla Model 3 owners is “sudden acceleration.” This involves the vehicle accelerating without driver input, even with the brake pedal depressed, leading to terrifying loss of control and high collision risk.

An alarming incident occurred in California, about “100 yards from the owner’s house” at “20 mph.” The Tesla “accelerated to over 40 mph and crashed into the garage.” The owner detailed pressing the brake, but “could not mitigate my car’s continual acceleration.” The vehicle “crashed through the lowered garage door… and came to a stop.”

Crucially, the owner was “not engaged in the self-driving feature,” distinguishing this from FSD issues. This points to a core vehicle control problem. The owner also questioned why “none of the airbags were deployed” and “why auto-braking did not engage against the house,” highlighting additional potential safety system failures.

Sudden unintended acceleration, especially combined with unresponsive brakes, is a severe, potentially catastrophic defect. For a vehicle to accelerate against driver command defies fundamental safety expectations. This issue, whether software, electrical, or sensor-related, demands immediate investigation to prevent further incidents.

Having thoroughly examined the critical driver-assist and control system flaws, our investigation now turns to a series of distinct, yet equally concerning, issues affecting the 2025 Tesla Model 3. These problems span electrical systems, signaling mechanisms, and specific component failures, many of which have led to official recalls. Understanding these areas is crucial for prospective and current owners to grasp the full spectrum of reliability challenges.

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8. **Faulty Turn Signal Buttons**A seemingly minor design choice has unfortunately translated into a significant safety concern for 2025 Tesla Model 3 owners: the replacement of a traditional turn signal stalk with steering wheel-mounted indicator buttons. Numerous complaints lodged with the NHTSA reveal that these buttons are prone to failure, creating hazardous situations during essential driving maneuvers. This design anomaly forces drivers to adapt to an unconventional interface that introduces inherent risks.

One of the primary issues reported is the jamming of these indicator buttons. Drivers describe instances where, upon pressing the button, it remains “jammed in,” failing to activate the turn signal. This malfunction is not just an inconvenience; it becomes a dangerous distraction, particularly when a lane change is urgent. The driver’s natural instinct to abort a critical maneuver to address a malfunctioning signal can lead to further collision risks.

The problem is compounded when drivers attempt to “unjam” the buttons, often resulting in erratic signaling. This can confuse other drivers on the road, as they might observe brief, incorrect, or intermittent signals. Such miscommunication of intent on the road significantly escalates the potential for accidents, undermining a fundamental aspect of safe driving communication.

Beyond mechanical sticking, owners also report that the indicator buttons can randomly disable if a finger is rested lightly on them for several seconds. When this occurs, both turn signal buttons become inoperative for a period of up to 12 seconds. A direct account from an owner highlights the severity, noting that this issue “nearly resulting in a car smash” while trying to navigate around an existing accident on the highway.

Despite these serious safety implications, Tesla’s initial responses to these complaints have been concerning. Owners report that Tesla deemed the disabling behavior “normal” and “expected,” and service centers often claimed an inability to reproduce the issue. While one owner eventually had their entire steering wheel replaced, the new unit exhibited the identical problematic behavior, indicating a systemic design flaw rather than an isolated defect. This consistent failure to provide a robust solution leaves owners vulnerable to recurring safety hazards.

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9. **General Electrical System Glitches**As electric vehicles, Teslas are inherently reliant on sophisticated electrical systems for nearly every function, from propulsion to infotainment. For the 2025 Model 3, a concerning number of reports point to general electrical system glitches, which are ranked “high on the list” of common problems according to NHTSA complaints. These unspecified electrical issues introduce a layer of unpredictability and worry for owners.

The nature of these complaints, categorized simply as “Electrical System” with nine reported incidents, suggests a range of potential faults rather than a single, easily identifiable problem. Such generalized issues can be particularly insidious because they can manifest unpredictably across various components and systems, often contributing to other operational anomalies that might initially appear unrelated.

Reliability of the electrical system is paramount in an EV, and any widespread glitches inherently raise questions about the vehicle’s long-term performance and safety. When the foundational electrical architecture experiences problems, it can lead to erratic behavior in everything from sensor readings to control module operations, directly impacting vehicle function and driver confidence.

Furthermore, the challenges associated with diagnosing and rectifying broad electrical system glitches can be significant. Unlike specific component failures, intermittent or generalized electrical issues are often difficult for service technicians to replicate, leading to frustrated owners who experience recurring problems without a definitive resolution. This ongoing cycle of complaint and inconclusive diagnosis undermines the promise of advanced automotive engineering.

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10. **Urgent Recalls: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)**Regulatory recalls represent a direct acknowledgment by manufacturers of safety-critical defects. For the 2025 Tesla Model 3, one such recall addresses a serious flaw in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a crucial component for maintaining safe driving conditions. This issue affects a vast number of vehicles, underscoring its widespread impact.

This particular recall encompasses “696,281 Tesla vehicles, including 2017-2025 Model 3 cars.” Such a broad scope across multiple model years indicates a persistent design or manufacturing vulnerability in a system designed to alert drivers to potentially hazardous tire conditions. The sheer volume of affected vehicles highlights the gravity of this safety lapse.

The core defect lies in the TPMS warning light, which “may not remain illuminated between drive cycles.” This means that even if a tire is underinflated and initially triggers a warning, the light might extinguish and fail to reactivate during subsequent drives. This intermittent functionality defeats the purpose of the TPMS, as it fails to provide continuous, essential safety information to the driver.

The safety implications of this defect are clear and severe. The NHTSA explicitly states that “If the tires are not properly inflated, this increases the risk of a crash.” Properly inflated tires are fundamental to vehicle handling, braking, and overall stability. A system that fails to consistently warn of low tire pressure leaves drivers unknowingly exposed to an elevated risk of tire failure, loss of control, and ultimately, an accident.

This recall serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly basic safety features can harbor critical flaws. While advanced technology often takes the spotlight, the reliability of foundational systems like TPMS remains indispensable for driver and passenger safety, demanding robust design and consistent functionality to prevent avoidable risks on the road.

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11. **Urgent Recalls: Rearview Camera**Another critical safety recall impacting the 2025 Tesla Model 3 pertains to the rearview camera system, an increasingly vital feature for safe maneuvering and parking. The failure of this system directly compromises a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, particularly in reverse.

This recall affects “239,382 Tesla vehicles, including the 2024 and 2025 Model 3.” The substantial number of affected units from recent model years underscores a significant component-specific vulnerability. Modern vehicles, particularly those with minimalist interior designs like Tesla, heavily rely on camera systems to provide essential situational awareness to the driver.

The defect originates from a “computer circuit board that may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image.” This electrical malfunction can lead to an intermittent or complete failure of the camera display, leaving the driver without a crucial visual aid. Such a technical glitch can occur unexpectedly, catching drivers off guard during critical moments.

The safety risk associated with this defect is unambiguous: “When the camera doesn’t display an image, this reduces the driver’s rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.” Drivers depend on the rearview camera for parking, reversing out of driveways, or navigating tight spaces. Its absence significantly impairs visibility, making these maneuvers inherently more dangerous and increasing the likelihood of striking obstacles or pedestrians.

This particular recall highlights the intricate dependency of contemporary vehicle safety on electronic systems. A seemingly straightforward component like a rearview camera, when compromised by an underlying electrical flaw, can have direct and serious consequences for operational safety, compelling immediate corrective action to restore essential driver assistance functions.

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12. **Urgent Recalls: Battery Pack Defect**Perhaps one of the most concerning recalls issued for the 2025 Tesla Model 3 involves a critical defect within the battery pack components, directly threatening the vehicle’s ability to maintain propulsion. This issue, identified in thousands of vehicles, has serious implications for immediate driving safety.

The recall targets “12,963 vehicles in the U.S.,” specifically encompassing “certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles.” Further detail specifies approximately “8,000 Model Ys and 5,000 Model 3s built in the US between March and August 2025.” This focused range suggests a specific manufacturing batch or component supplier issue, rather than a universal design flaw across all models.

At the heart of the problem is a “battery pack contactor” that “could lead to a sudden loss of drive power.” This is not a gradual degradation of performance but an abrupt and complete failure of propulsion. Such an event would leave a driver suddenly without acceleration capability, a terrifying prospect regardless of driving conditions.

The safety risk is stark: this defect “could result in the driver losing the ability to accelerate the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.” Imagine traveling at highway speeds or attempting to merge, only to experience an instantaneous loss of power. This scenario presents an immediate and severe hazard, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions or other severe accidents.

Tesla has taken action, stating it “will replace the affected battery pack contactor free of charge.” The automaker identified “36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to this condition” as of October 7, though notably, it was “unaware of any collisions, injuries or fatalities linked to the defect” at that time. The investigation also pointed to “Sistemas Mecatrónicos InTiCa S.A.P.I., a tier 2 supplier in Mexico, and SongChuan, a tier 1 supplier in Taiwan,” as involved parties, illustrating the complex supply chain challenges that can lead to critical component failures.

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13. **Airbag Malfunctions**Airbags are a cornerstone of passive safety in modern vehicles, designed to deploy in critical collisions to protect occupants. Reports concerning the 2025 Tesla Model 3, however, include disturbing indications of airbag malfunctions, raising fundamental questions about the vehicle’s occupant protection systems. Such issues undermine a primary safety promise.

The list of “other components and systems implicated in complaints include the airbags,” signaling a broader concern. More specifically, a chilling account detailed a crash where “none of the airbags were deployed.” This incident involved a Tesla accelerating to over 40 mph and crashing through a garage door, a collision severe enough to cause significant structural damage.

In the aftermath of this specific crash, the owner rightly “wondered why none of the airbags were deployed in this accident.” The failure of these crucial safety devices to activate in a substantial impact directly compromises occupant protection, potentially turning a damaging incident into one with severe injuries. This raises concerns not just about the airbags themselves, but also the crash detection sensors that trigger them.

Such reported failures go beyond mere inconvenience; they strike at the core of a vehicle’s ability to safeguard its occupants when an accident is unavoidable. The expectation is that in a collision of that magnitude, airbags would reliably deploy as a last line of defense. Their failure suggests a severe flaw in a critical safety system.

These incidents necessitate rigorous scrutiny into the calibration and reliability of the Model 3’s airbag deployment systems. For consumers, the knowledge that a fundamental safety feature may not activate when needed is a profound concern, adding another layer of uncertainty to the vehicle’s overall safety profile.

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14. **Exterior Lighting Issues**Effective exterior lighting is fundamental for safe driving, enabling drivers to see the road ahead and ensure their vehicle is visible to others, especially during low-light conditions or inclement weather. For the 2025 Tesla Model 3, a notable number of complaints registered with the NHTSA pertain to “Exterior Lighting Issues,” indicating a pattern of concern in this vital area.

The presence of “5 5” complaints specifically under the “Exterior Lighting” category in NHTSA data confirms that these are not isolated incidents but rather a recurring problem. While the context does not elaborate on the specific nature of these complaints—whether they involve headlights, taillights, brake lights, or other external illumination failures—their inclusion in regulatory reports signifies their seriousness.

Any defect in a vehicle’s exterior lighting system directly compromises both active and passive safety. Impaired headlights reduce a driver’s visibility of potential hazards, while malfunctioning taillights or brake lights prevent other drivers from accurately gauging the Tesla’s presence or deceleration. These are basic functions that are non-negotiable for safe road use.

The lack of detailed narratives for these specific complaints makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact vulnerabilities. However, the sheer fact that owners are reporting issues to the NHTSA suggests that these are not trivial concerns but problems that impact the functionality and safety of the vehicle, demanding attention from both the manufacturer and regulatory bodies.

Ultimately, these ongoing reports about exterior lighting, alongside other electrical and component-specific concerns, contribute to a broader picture of reliability challenges for the 2025 Tesla Model 3. They reinforce the need for thorough investigations and prompt, effective remedies to ensure that all vehicle systems, no matter how seemingly straightforward, consistently meet safety and performance standards.

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The extensive array of complaints and recalls surrounding the 2025 Tesla Model 3 paints a comprehensive picture for consumers. From advanced driver-assist systems exhibiting dangerous unpredictable behavior to fundamental electrical issues and critical component failures requiring urgent recalls, the documented problems demand a heightened level of awareness. While Tesla continues to innovate, these reports from real-world owners and regulatory bodies underscore the critical importance of rigorous testing, transparent communication, and swift, effective resolutions to uphold the promise of safety and reliability in advanced automotive technology. Empowering consumers with this knowledge ensures they can make informed decisions in an evolving automotive landscape, avoiding potential pitfalls and advocating for the highest standards of vehicle safety.