2023 Tesla Model 3
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 1008 |
| 2019 | 609 |
| 2020 | 447 |
| 2021 | 656 |
| 2022 | 761 |
| 2023 | 417 |
| 2024 | 214 |
| 2025 | 113 |
| 2026 | 17 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
57% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 237 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
On 8/24/2026 at approximately 12:02pm, my 2023 Model 3 was parked in my assigned space in a covered apartment carport, with a concrete support pillar approximately one to two feet from the passenger side.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260824
I was pulling into a park spot , coming to a stop and the car within seconds accelerated into a building. There was no warning at all. Also, after the collision a warning popped on the screen saying that the emergency break was disabled.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221129
Also filed under BACK OVER PREVENTION and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Two separate incidents occurred on July 10th and July 12th 2026 involving adaptive cruise control. While adaptive cruise control was engaged my car slammed on the brakes for no reason. There was nothing in the roadway to cause abrupt braking.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260809
20% of complaints: steering — 85 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The steering rack in my 2023 Tesla Model 3 is defective and I can show it for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260716
16% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 68 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing throttle and accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
It happened in a parking lot around 8:20 pm on 09.13.23.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230916
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while their spouse was parking the vehicle and pressing the parking button, the vehicle suddenly accelerated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230911
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
13% of complaints: service brakes — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: electrical system — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing autonomous/self driving and inverter.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 21V834000 — check if this car was fixed
Unexpected Brake Activation
Autopilot System Driver Controls
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 22V844000 — check if this car was fixed
Defect Petition Interlock Request
Tesla, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 23V085000 — check if this car was fixed
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Loss of steering control
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 23V434000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 23V838000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of steering control
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V051000 — check if this car was fixed
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V376000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V554000 — check if this car was fixed
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V935000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 25V092000 — check if this car was fixed
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
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.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be 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.
Campaign 26V283000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2023 Tesla Model 3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (237 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (85 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (68 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V283000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V834000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V844000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V085000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V434000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V838000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V051000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V376000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V554000 (electrical system, latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V935000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V092000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have?
11 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.