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
- 428
- Recalls
- 11
- Investigations
- 12
- Top problem
- Forward collision avoidance
Campaigns on file for 2023
Opened by NHTSA
57% of complaints
Complaints per year
2023: 428 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 1,028 |
| 2019 | 617 |
| 2020 | 450 |
| 2021 | 666 |
| 2022 | 766 |
| 2023 | 428 |
| 2024 | 219 |
| 2025 | 117 |
| 2026 | 26 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Forward collision avoidance
57% · 243 reportsMost commonly citing adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
Show 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, 2026-08-24
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, 2022-11-29
Also filed under Back over prevention
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, 2026-08-09
Steering
21% · 88 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion.
Show complaint excerpts
The steering rack in my 2023 Tesla Model 3 is defective and I can show it for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16
Vehicle speed control
16% · 69 reportsMost commonly citing throttle and accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
It happened in a parking lot around 8:20 pm on 09.13.23.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-16
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, 2023-09-11
Also filed under Power train
Service brakes
13% · 56 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I have a group of individuals that are hacking all of my accounts and trying to steal my car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-14
Also filed under Power train
Electrical system
12% · 51 reportsMost commonly citing autonomous/self driving and inverter.
Safety timeline
11 recalls · 12 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-12-23Air bags21V834000 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.
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2022-02-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-06-29 Unexpected Brake Activation
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2022-06-08Engineering analysisClosed 2024-04-25 Autopilot System Driver Controls
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2023-01-14Exterior lighting22V844000 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.
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2023-04-07Defect petitionClosed 2026-03-18 Defect Petition Interlock Request
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2023-04-15Steering23V085000 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.
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2023-06-29Defect petitionOpen Sudden Unintended Acceleration
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2023-07-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-02-05 Loss of steering control
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2023-08-18Electrical system23V434000 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.
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2023-12-12Electrical system23V838000 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.
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2024-02-01Engineering analysisClosed 2026-06-25 Loss of steering control
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2024-02-21Electrical system24V051000 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.
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2024-04-25Recall queryOpen Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
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2024-07-26Seat belts24V376000 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.
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2024-09-22Electrical system, latches/locks/linkages24V554000 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.
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2024-10-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-03-18 FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
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2025-01-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-04-03 Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
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2025-02-15Tires24V935000 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.
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2025-03-25Steering25V092000 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.
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2025-08-20Audit queryOpen Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
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2025-10-07Preliminary evaluationOpen Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
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2026-03-18Engineering analysisOpen FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
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Date not on fileBack over prevention26V283000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2023 Tesla Model 3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 243 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 88 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 69 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 26V283000 · Back over prevention
- Recall 21V834000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V844000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 23V085000 · Steering
- Recall 23V434000 · Electrical system
- Recall 23V838000 · Electrical system
- Recall 24V051000 · Electrical system
- Recall 24V376000 · Seat belts
- Recall 24V554000 · Electrical system, latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 24V935000 · Tires
- Recall 25V092000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.