no report yet
Exterior lighting: headlights
NewRisk. Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
2023 Tesla Model 3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 429 owner complaints about the 2023 Tesla Model 3, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-434 the manufacturer reports only 73% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Tesla Model 3 has problems
429 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
179Forward collision avoidance31 crash/fire/injury
89Steering16 crash/fire/injury
69Vehicle speed control21 crash/fire/injury
54Service brakes21 crash/fire/injury
51Electrical system10 crash/fire/injury
27Lane departure
22Structure
19Suspension
18Air bags
8615 other systems18 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 179 | 31 |
| Steering | 89 | 16 |
| Vehicle speed control | 69 | 21 |
| Service brakes | 54 | 21 |
| Electrical system | 51 | 10 |
| Lane departure | 27 | 6 |
| Structure | 22 | 6 |
| Suspension | 19 | 4 |
| Air bags | 18 | 13 |
| 15 other systems | 86 | 18 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2023 Tesla Model 3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Back over prevention: software
NewRisk. A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q2
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.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Risk. Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q2
Electrical system: software
Risk. An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Front: 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Electrical system: 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Driver monitoring: 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…
repaired · 2025 Q2
Propulsion system: 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…
repaired · 2025 Q1
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…
repaired · 2024 Q4
Exterior lighting: tail lights
Risk. A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Side/window: curtain
Risk. A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Tesla.
Best & worst years
2023 vs. every other Model 3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Model 3 median. How we score
'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2023 Tesla Model 3 safety ratings
2023 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (6.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
13 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2023 Tesla Model 3, and the recalls they led to.
- Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting RequirementsOpen
- Defect Petition Interlock RequestNo recall
- Sudden Unintended AccelerationOpen
- Autopilot System Driver ControlsLed to recall 23V-085
- Loss of steering controlLed to recall 25V-092
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility ConditionsOpen
- Unexpected Brake ActivationNo recall
- Loss of steering controlNo recall
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility ConditionsNo recall
- Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.No recall
- Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engagedOpen
- Lower Lateral Link detachmentOpen
- Recall 23V838 Remedy EffectivenessOpen
In owners' words
What Model 3 owners report
Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
1. Full Self Driving computer complete system failure. Happens everyday. 8 days still has same problem. 2. Problem showed itself 30 minutes after taking possession of the car. Gave me a panic attack because the car was driving itself and then "TAKE CONTROL IMMEDIATELY!!" was on the monitor. This…
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,"…
Own a 2023 Model 3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.