My 2025 Tesla Model 3 Left the Service Center, But the App Still Thinks It’s There, Now I’m Unable to Use Any Mobile Controls

Most car owners leave the service center expecting everything to work, not to find their app still convinced the car is still inside the shop. Here's how one simple error left this Tesla driver stuck in what felt like digital limbo.

It’s easy to take technology for granted when you’ve spent over $40,000 on a car that’s supposed to feel like it came from the future. But when that futuristic convenience suddenly disappears, even something as basic as turning on the AC from your phone can start to feel like a luxury that slipped through your fingers. And for some Tesla owners, it’s part of a wider pattern of inconsistencies with Tesla’s app and service coordination. This afternoon, I came across a Facebook post from Jose Hernandez in the “Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club” group that caught my attention for just that reason. He had just picked up his 2025 Tesla Model 3 from the service center, but 24 hours later, the Tesla app still insisted his vehicle was in service mode. That meant no remote lock or unlock, no preconditioning, and zero mobile functionality unless he used his Apple Watch.

Here's what Jose wrote: "Hello group, my 2025 Model 3 got out of service yesterday and my cellphone app is still showing that the vehicle is in Service. I am unable to access any of the mobile functionality. It works fine on my Apple Watch, but on my cell phone it still shows like that. My local Tesla service team tells me it would go away once I drive off their service center. 24 hours later and it’s still showing the app on service."

For Tesla owners who rely heavily on the app—and let’s face it, that’s most of us—this can be a frustrating roadblock. Mobile app connectivity is the gateway to nearly everything in Tesla ownership, from climate control to unlocking the frunk. And yet, Jose is not alone in this experience.

When the App Doesn’t Catch Up

Jose’s issue sparked several insightful responses, each offering a different layer of perspective. Some were empathetic while others pointed fingers at the broader service experience, and a few shared their own cautionary tales.

Ritchelyn Rodriguez-Peterson chimed in with, “Why is your car in service? That's odd for being new.” While the question was simple, it highlights a broader concern that newer Teslas are already finding their way into service bays more frequently than some might expect. We’ve covered similar sentiments in our piece on what it’s like when a Tesla Model 3 hits 200,000 miles and still drives like new, showing how varied these ownership experiences can be.

Adam Dammer took a more technical angle, advising, “Have you completed all the steps in the app? Like vehicle pickup etc. Double check that you have completed all the steps and respond to any messages the service team may have sent you. That was the issue when I had my M3 serviced.”

That’s an important point. Tesla’s app interface requires owners to tap through various service completion steps after a visit to the shop. If you don’t officially acknowledge the handoff or complete the service acknowledgment, the app may behave as if your vehicle is still on Tesla property. 

Coty Kelly offered a much more intense version of Jose’s problem, saying: “Yeah the service centers suck at this. You have to manually take it out of service mode. I tried to ‘drive off’ like they said, and as I pulled out into traffic I noticed it was limited to 10 mph stuck in service mode. Luckily there was a turn in so I could get out of the way.”

For Coty, it was a safety issue of an unexpected limitation that could’ve caused real danger had there not have been room to pull over. Tesla service centers often suggest a simple drive-away will solve the issue, but this experience and Jose’s ongoing frustration suggest otherwise.

In other instances though, Tesla's service has been quite accommodating. A Tesla Model Y owner needed a warranty repair, and a technician drove 2.5 hours from out of state just to replace both headlights in the driveway, showing that it's not all good or bad with their service.

Even when the app works though, some owners are still finding reasons to visit the service center. Kim Presch Berry shared her situation regarding the FSD: “I’m taking my brand new Model 3 to the shop Wednesday because my FSD isn’t working. I paid $8000 and can’t use it.”

Stories like Kim’s highlight how some owners encounter bumps with advanced features, even early in ownership. In contrast, others have had a far smoother entry into the Tesla ecosystem—like in this story about a former Toyota Tundra owner who switched to a Tesla Model 3 and came away fully convinced, describing a transition that was surprisingly seamless and overwhelmingly positive.

When High-Tech Features Cause Low-Tech Frustrations

What all these stories seem to hint at is a growing tension between Tesla’s promise of cutting-edge digital convenience and the real-world reliability of that tech. It’s one thing when your phone freezes up, but when your car app does and your physical key backup is missing or forgotten, the situation gets more complicated fast.

It also adds to the growing sense of excitement many buyers feel when stepping into the Tesla ecosystem. I’ve spoken with owners who came from traditional brands and were genuinely impressed by how much smarter and more connected their driving experience became, even if it required a brief learning curve. 

Tesla has certainly changed the industry by removing friction from things like dealership visits and service paperwork, but that only works if the digital tools replace them cleanly. When the Tesla app doesn’t reflect reality, like when it thinks your car is still in the shop while it’s sitting in your driveway, owners are left in a confusing middle ground with no clear recourse.

Now this might sound like a small deal to some, but what’s worse is that the support process can be hit or miss. Some owners get same-day callbacks, while others are told, like Jose, to just "wait it out." How many more owners are out there quietly dealing with supposedly minor issues like these without ever posting about it?

Key Takeaways

1. Don’t assume the app will update instantly after service. Always check whether the vehicle is out of Service Mode manually. Try resetting the app, logging out and back in, and contacting Tesla support immediately if the issue persists beyond an hour.
2. Have a physical key or alternative unlock method ready. Relying on the app alone can backfire. Whether it's an Apple Watch, key card, or fob, redundancy is essential in EV ownership.
3. Always review post-service steps in the app. Even if the car seems ready to drive, it might still be digitally flagged in service mode unless you complete every service follow-up action.
4. Document your issues immediately. Take screenshots, note timestamps, and request service transcripts when needed. It’s easier to make your case if Tesla’s support needs to escalate the issue.
5. Know that support consistency varies. Some service centers are fantastic, others are overloaded. Don’t be afraid to escalate if needed, and check community groups for faster tips while you wait.

What About You?

Have you ever had a problem with Tesla’s app that left you stuck or confused?

And do you think Tesla needs to make the app experience more transparent and foolproof, or are these rare bugs just part of owning bleeding-edge tech?

Don't hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: The “Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club” public Facebook group and Tesla’s Gallery, respectively.