Tesla Model 3 ranked last in TÜV 2025 reliability rating

For the second year in a row, the Tesla Model 3 sedan took the last place in the reliability rating for cars under 5 years old. This is the TÜV (Hauptuntersuchung) rating, which is based on the results of a mandatory inspection of the technical condition of vehicles operating on German roads. The inspection covers more than 160 points, in particular the condition of the brakes, suspension, lighting, steering and overall structure.

The Tesla Model 3 in the 2-3 and 4-5 year age categories scored the worst of all electric cars. The main issues were with the brakes, suspension and lighting.

Here's What We Know

According to Joachim Bühler, head of the TÜV Association, the main reasons for this poor result are deficiencies in maintenance and technical service.

Electric cars often face such problems due to their high weight and the use of regenerative braking, which reduces the load on the braking system, but at the same time leads to uneven wear and tear.

Which cars performed the best?

Interestingly, electric cars based on existing petrol models performed better. For example, the Volkswagen e-Golf and Mini Cooper SE had significantly fewer faults than the "from scratch" Renault Zoe or Tesla Model 3 models.

The leaders in terms of reliability were Porsche 911 Carrera (in the age groups 4-13 years) and Honda Jazz (in the category 2-3 years). But the anti-rating was led by Renault Twingo (12-13 years) and Dacia Dokker (6-9 years).

Source: ADAC