KnownCarProblems2023 Tesla Model 3 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 428 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Tesla Model 3, most often about the driver assistance (45% of complaints, typically around 4,000 miles). It is 6th of 10 Model 3 model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
Most common 2023 Tesla Model 3 problems
Driver assistance
191 complaints · 45%Half of these problems showed up before 4,000 miles. Parts named most often: adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, warnings, assist.
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was diagnosed by a mobile application where it was diagnosed that the firmware needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stopped suddenly without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 5,000.
Steering
88 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 2,500 miles. Parts named most often: rack and pinion.
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, the steering wheel became firm with the message âautomatic steering unavailableâ displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted…
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel stiffened and became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering assist reduced warning light illuminated and a message displayed âsteering…
Speed control
69 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 25,500 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, throttle.
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds and making a turn, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unintendedly. Then the vehicle resumed driving normally. While her husband was driving at unknown speeds and approaching a stop, he crashed into an unknown Tesla. There…
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped accelerating after 3-seconds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the tires needed to be…
Other or unspecified
59 complaints · 14%Brakes
56 complaints · 13%The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The contact stated that there were no objects or other vehicles nearby when the failure occurred. The vehicle seemed to return to normal…
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while entering a parking lot, the brake pedal failed to respond, the driver was unable to control the steering wheel and crashed into a ford vehicle and a tree. The air bags deployed, and the vehicle stopped shortly after. The forward collision emergency…
Electrical
51 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 5,500 miles. Parts named most often: adas, propulsion system.
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while at a red light with the autonomous self-driving feature activated, the vehicle in front made a right turn while the light was still red, and the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The failure…
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The contact stated that there were no objects or other vehicles nearby when the failure occurred. The vehicle seemed to return to normal…
Body and structure
22 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: body.
Suspension
19 complaints · 4%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2023 Tesla Model 3 recalls
Lights: headlights
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. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed october 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-24-17-003.
Full defect summary
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."
Backup camera: software
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Steering: electric power assist system
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: pressure monitoring and regulating 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: warning light/devices
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: instrument cluster/panel
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: traction battery
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.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2023 model 3 and model y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
Steering: automated/adaptive steering
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.â owner notification letters were mailed april 15, 2023.â owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.â tesla's number for this recall is sb-23-00-001.
Full defect summary
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.â 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.
Lights: tail lights
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.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2023 model 3 and 2020-2023 model y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Air bags: curtain
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Lower lateral link detachment
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) has received 156 complaints alleging a suspension failure in model year (my) 2018-2020 model 3 and my 2021-2023 model y vehicles. The suspension failure involves the detachment of the front lower lateral link, which potentially causes a loss of vehicle directional control. In most cases, there was no advance warning or indication that the suspension failure would occur. â some cases cite noises occurring prior to failure, but note that the vehicle provides no visual warnings. Once the failure occurs, the vehicle may not be drivable, thus requiring a tow. Tesla has previously recalled vehicles for lateral link detachments through two recalls. Recall 2
Fsd collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) is opening this engineering analysis to evaluate teslaâs full self driving beta and full self driving (supervised) (collectively, fsd) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the systemâs ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond. Odi will evaluate the performance of fsd in degraded roadway conditions and the updates or modifications by tesla to the degradation detection system, including the timing, purpose, and capabilities of the updates, and teslaâs assessment of their safety impact. Teslaâs fsd is an
Traffic safety violations while full self driving ("fsd") is engaged
Summary
The office of defects investigation (âodiâ) is opening this preliminary evaluation (pe) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of fsd executing driving maneuvers that constitute traï¬c safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of fsd that tesla has labeled as "fsd (supervised)" and "fsd (beta)." tesla characterizes fsd as an sae level 2 partial automation system requiring a fully attentive driver who is engaged in the driving task at all times. Level 2 partial automation systems are designed to support and assist the driver in performing certain aspects of the driving task, requiring a driver to supervise and intervene as necessary.â the driver r
Compliance with standing general order 2021-01 reporting requirements
Summary
The office of defects investigation (âodiâ) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by tesla, inc. (âteslaâ) in response to standing general order 2021-01 (the âsgoâ), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the standing general order in place at the time required a report to be submitted within one or five days of tesla receiving notice of the crash. When the reports were submitted, tesla submitted them in one of two ways. Many of the reports were submitted as part of a single batch, while others were submitted on a rolling basis. Preliminary engagement betwe
Actually smart summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
Summary
On january 6, 2025, the office of defects investigations (odi) opened preliminary evaluation 24003 (pe24033) to investigate actually smart summon (summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to tesla, summon is a short-distance sae level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property. Odi analyzed complaint data provided by tesla as well as complaints submitted to odi from consumers to identify summon incidents resulting in crashes. Odi's analysis indicates that almost all summon reported crashes involved minor property damage claims with no reported incidents involving a vu
Fsd collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Summary
On october 17, 2024, nhtsaâs office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe24031) of teslaâs full self driving beta and full self driving (supervised) (collectively, fsd) to assess: the ability of the fsd system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other fsd crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are similar in nature to the four sgo-reported crashes identified in the opening document, and if so, the contributing circumstances for each of those crashes; and any updates or modifications by tesla to the fsd system that may affect the performance of fsd in degraded roadway visibil
Recall 23v838 remedy effectiveness
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) is opening a recall query to assess the remedy adequacy of recall 23v838. On december 12, 2023, tesla filed a defect information report (recall 23v838) applicable to all tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its autopilot system, which tesla described as an sae level 2 (l2) advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of teslaâs traffic-aware cruise control (tacc) and autosteer. In describing the safety defect, teslaâs defect information report (dir) explained that âthe prominence and scope of the systemâs controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse,â and tesla committed to th
Loss of steering control
Summary
On july 28, 2023, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe23014) to investigate instances of loss of electronic power-assisted steering in my 2023 tesla model 3 and my 2023 tesla model y vehicles manufactured by tesla, inc. The complaints allege a sudden and unexpected inability to turn the steering wheel or an increase in effort required to turn the steering wheel. These conditions were alleged to occur both during the drive cycle, at various speeds, and at vehicle start up. Consumers reported receiving the warning message âsteering assist reducedâ either before, during, or after the loss of steering control, and some consumers described their steeri
Loss of steering control
Summary
On july 28, 2023, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe23-014) after receiving 12 vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) reporting loss of steering control in model years (my) 2023 tesla model 3 and y vehicles. During pe23-014, odi interviewed complainants, sent an information request (ir) letter to tesla, and convened technical meetings with tesla that included a joint inspection of a crashed vehicle. The investigation identified 2,388 total complaints regarding the alleged defect, including 124 complaints through voqs and 2,264 complaints through manufacturer data. Odi is associating 1 crash to this investigation (11544655), where a driver was unable to
Sudden unintended acceleration
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition requesting that odi reevaluate its decision to deny dp20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12vdc systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by odi in dp20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the dp20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following odi number: 11528471.
Questions about the 2023 Tesla Model 3
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: driver assistance (191 complaints, typically around 4,000 miles); steering (88 complaints, typically around 2,500 miles); speed control (69 complaints, typically around 25,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 4, 2026 (lights). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2023 a bad year for the Tesla Model 3?
- It is 6th of 10 Model 3 model years by number of complaints, with 428 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.