Tesla owners have reason to celebrate this year. Tesla has jumped over 12 brands in the new 2025 J.D. Power Dependability Rankings, moving from nearly last to almost average overall. This represents one of the most dramatic improvements any automaker has achieved in recent J.D. Power history.
For 2025, Tesla scores 209 on the VDS study, a massive improvement over its score of 252 in 2024, and 242 in 2023. To put this in perspective, Tesla’s 43-point improvement means fewer problems per 100 vehicles, bringing the company closer to mainstream reliability expectations.
The timing couldn’t be better for prospective Tesla buyers. With the overall industry average of 202, Tesla is now within striking distance of passing Honda in next year’s rankings if things continue to go well for Tesla in dependability.
Understanding J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study
Before diving deeper into Tesla’s improvements, it’s helpful to understand what J.D. Power actually measures. This particular study looks at the problems reported by owners of three-year-old cars. The 2025 study specifically examined 2022 model year vehicles, giving Tesla’s more mature Model 3 and Model Y designs time to work out early production issues.
J.D. Power conducts its studies based on responses from 92,694 purchasers and lessees of new 2025 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The methodology combines traditional customer feedback with real-world repair data from franchised dealers.
Tesla’s Current Quality Standing
Tesla’s improved position places the company above several prestigious luxury brands. Tesla is now ranked above Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Acura, Genesis, and Subaru to name just a few. This is particularly noteworthy given that luxury brands typically struggle more with dependability due to their complex technology features.
Breaking Down Tesla’s Quality Data
| Metric | 2025 Score | 2024 Score | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Dependability Study | 209 PP100 | 252 PP100 | 202 PP100 |
| Year-over-Year Improvement | +43 points | -10 points | +16 points |
| Brand Ranking Position | Middle pack | Near bottom | Average |
| Initial Quality Study | Improved 62 PP100 | Previous baseline | 192 PP100 |
PP100 = Problems Per 100 Vehicles (lower scores indicate better quality)
What’s Driving Tesla’s Improvement
Several factors contribute to Tesla’s remarkable quality turnaround. Tesla is no longer a “startup,” and it is really not a young company anymore. What Tesla has become is a brand that makes two models, the Y and 3, in massive volumes and barely anything else.
This focus has allowed Tesla’s manufacturing teams to refine their processes continuously. The 2022 model year Y and 3 vehicles looked at in this study were not new and had been on the market for a few years. The smart folks in Texas and California who make Tesla vehicles had a chance to fix the early problems and continuously improve the two models that they make the most.
Tesla’s Initial Quality Performance
Tesla’s improvements extend beyond just long-term dependability. The improvement in BEVs is driven by a 62 PP100 improvement for Tesla. This means Tesla vehicles are experiencing fewer problems in their first 90 days of ownership compared to previous years.
Premium brands have improved 27 PP100 to 203 PP100 from 230 PP100 in 2024, largely driven by Tesla. Tesla’s contribution to the premium segment’s overall improvement demonstrates the company’s commitment to addressing quality concerns.
Common Problem Areas for Electric Vehicles
Understanding where Tesla and other electric vehicles face challenges helps set realistic expectations. For the first time, PHEVs, on average, have more problems than their battery electric vehicle (BEV) counterparts (237 PP100 vs. 212 PP100, respectively).
The infotainment category improves 1.9 PP100 yet remains the most problematic vehicle category in the study (42.6 PP100). Tesla’s advanced infotainment systems, while feature-rich, contribute to some of these challenges.
Government Safety and Recall Information
While Tesla’s quality scores improve, it’s important to stay informed about safety recalls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides comprehensive recall information for all vehicle manufacturers.
Recent Tesla Recalls in 2025
Tesla is recalling more than 375,000 vehicles in the United States due to a power steering issues, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Friday. This recall affects Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with software prior to 2023.
Tesla recalls more than 239,000 vehicles over rearview camera problem was Tesla’s first recall of 2025, followed by the power steering recall in February.
Tesla addresses most recalls through over-the-air software updates, minimizing inconvenience for owners. To fix the problem, Tesla released a free software update.
What This Means for Tesla Buyers
The dramatic improvement in Tesla’s reliability scores removes one of the biggest barriers to Tesla ownership. One big reason not to buy a Tesla before 2025 was the brand’s overall poor reputation for quality, durability, and reliability.
Current Tesla owners report high satisfaction despite past quality issues. Tesla always ranks very highly when it comes to owner satisfaction. The combination of improved reliability and maintained satisfaction suggests Tesla has found the right balance.
Tesla’s Quality Trajectory
Tesla’s focus on manufacturing excellence appears to be paying dividends. The company’s concentration on high-volume Model 3 and Model Y production allows for continuous improvement and quality refinement.
For potential buyers, these improvements mean Tesla vehicles are becoming more competitive with traditional automakers in terms of reliability while maintaining their technological advantages.
Government Resources for Vehicle Safety
Stay informed about vehicle safety through official government channels:
- NHTSA Recall Database – Check for recalls by VIN
- NHTSA Safety Ratings – 5-star safety rating system
- Tesla Customer Service: 1-877-798-3752
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Tesla’s 2025 reliability compare to luxury competitors?
A: Tesla now ranks above Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Acura, Genesis, and Subaru in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, marking a significant improvement from previous years.
Q: What’s the difference between Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies?
A: Initial Quality measures problems in the first 90 days of ownership, while Vehicle Dependability examines issues with three-year-old vehicles, providing insight into long-term reliability.
Q: Are Tesla recalls handled differently than other manufacturers?
A: Tesla often addresses recalls through over-the-air software updates, which can be more convenient than visiting a service center, though hardware issues still require physical repairs.
