2023 Tesla Model 3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Model 3 years
- About as many complaints as other years 6th of 10 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 12 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 out of 5 stars
Owners have filed 428 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Tesla Model 3. That ranks 6th out of 10 Model 3 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is forward collision avoidance (179 complaints, 42%), typically at around 4,000 miles. Complaints mention 73 crashes, 1 fire, 50 injuries. There are 12 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 13 defect investigations involving it.
_Autofr%C3%BChling_Ulm_IMG_9282.jpg){kind=link}
- 428owner complaints
- 12safety recalls
- 13NHTSA investigations
- 73complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2023 Tesla Model 3 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance problems | 179 | 42% | 4,000 | “cruise control” (41%) | — |
| Steering problems | 88 | 21% | 2,430 | “service center” (17%) | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control problems | 69 | 16% | 25,737 | “cruise control” (32%) | — |
| Unknown or Other | 59 | 14% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes problems | 54 | 13% | 9,683 | “cruise control” (30%) | — |
| Electrical System problems | 51 | 12% | 5,300 | “service center” (10%) | — |
| Lane Departure | 28 | 7% | — | — | — |
| Structure | 22 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Suspension | 19 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Air Bags | 18 | 4% | 10,447 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 12 | 3% | 11,800 | — | — |
| Power Train | 10 | 2% | 500 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Back Over Prevention | 9 | 2% | 4,369 | — | — |
| Seats | 9 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 9 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Engine | 8 | 2% | 19,943 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 8 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 1% | 9,755 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 0% | 57,190 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 0% | 48,380 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Autohold Brake System/brake Hold | 1 | 0% | 48,380 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 0% | 80 | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 0% | 23,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2023 Tesla Model 3 recalls (12)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Exterior lighting:headlights
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Back over prevention:software
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Steering:electric power assist system
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
Electrical system:software; latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Seat belts:front:warning light/devices
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Electrical system:adas:driver monitoring:software
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
Risk: A defective battery disconnect may not isolate the vehicle's high voltage battery after a crash or fault detection, increasing the risk of electrical shock and injury.
Fix: Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-16-005.
Steering:automated/adaptive steering
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Exterior lighting:tail lights
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Risk: A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.
Air bags:side/window:curtain
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Lower Lateral Link detachment (PE26006) — opened Jul 29, 2026, still open.
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions (EA26002) — opened Mar 18, 2026, still open.
- Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged (PE25012) — opened Oct 7, 2025, still open.
- Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements (AQ25002) — opened Aug 20, 2025, still open.
- Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness (RQ24009) — opened Apr 25, 2024, still open.
- Sudden Unintended Acceleration (DP23002) — opened Jun 29, 2023, still open.
- Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts. (PE24033) — opened Jan 6, 2025, closed Apr 3, 2026.
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions (PE24031) — opened Oct 17, 2024, closed Mar 18, 2026.
- Loss of steering control (EA24001) — opened Feb 1, 2024, closed Jun 25, 2026, led to recall 25V092.
- Loss of steering control (PE23014) — opened Jul 28, 2023, closed Feb 5, 2024.
- Defect Petition Interlock Request (DP23001) — opened Apr 7, 2023, closed Mar 18, 2026.
- Autopilot System Driver Controls (EA22002) — opened Jun 8, 2022, closed Apr 25, 2024, led to recall 23V085.
- Unexpected Brake Activation (PE22002) — opened Feb 16, 2022, closed Jun 29, 2026.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD, VIN [redacted]. Since the FSD software update from V12 to V14.1 (Supervised v14.1 Lite) in early August 2026, the vehicle repeatedly issues false 'apply steering wheel force' warnings while my hands are on the wheel, followed by sudden disengagement of Full…
Tesla has done away with a set maximum speed control when on FSD and uses speed profiles. These profiles can have the car speed at huge differences from the actual speed limit. Tesla previously gave the driver the option to control the maximum speed but eliminated it with version 14 FSD software.
On September 23 2026 at night I was driving my car under FSD and am in full control of vehicle my car is on speed of 54-55mph and in the middle of the road without any obstacle present on the road the car did the super ghost breaking and my car stopped 100% with the screen turning red with a…
On September 20, 2026, at approximately 10:26 AM EDT, I was driving my Tesla on ON I-76 E MM 332.4 with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged. It was raining, the pavement was wet, and there was heavy road spray. The vehicle's front dashcam recording, time-stamped "Sep 20, 2026, 10:26:02 AM,"…
Bought a 2023 Tesla model 3 from Carvawna on aug 30th drove car steering wheel was shaking at 70 mph or more; took to tire shop 3 tire were bad and unsafe,tires were worn below 3/32nds in the center, 2 tires foam was detached and broke tire sensor 4th tire was barley legal cannot believe vehical…
Other Tesla Model 3 years
← 2022 Model 3 · 2024 Model 3 →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model 3 | 28 | 1 |
| 2025 Model 3 | 118 | 3 |
| 2024 Model 3 | 220 | 5 |
| 2023 | 428 | 12 |
| 2022 Model 3 | 767 | 18 |
| 2021 Model 3 | 669 | 22 |
| 2020 Model 3 | 451 | 21 |
| 2019 Model 3 | 617 | 22 |
| 2018 Model 3 | 1,031 | 19 |
| 2017 Model 3 | 26 | 16 |
See all Tesla Model 3 problems by year, every Tesla model, or the Tesla VIN decoder.
Similar Tesla models
Embed this 2023 Tesla Model 3 badge on your site
Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Owners most often report forward collision avoidance, steering, vehicle speed control problems. The top one, forward collision avoidance, accounts for 179 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Yes, 12 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2023 Tesla Model 3 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Model 3 model years, the 2023 has about as many complaints as a typical year, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.