2023 Tesla Model 3 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. Part of Generation 1 — 2017–2023.

20222024
Complaints
698
per 10K Sold
30.0
US Sales
232,702
Crashes
139
Fires
0
Injuries
86
Fatalities
Recalls
10

Worst 2023 Tesla Model 3 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1105 complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control

Avg mileage:9,899 mi
Crash-related:5
#292 complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking

Avg mileage:3,070 mi
Crash-related:17
#382 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:13,006 mi
Crash-related:14
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2023 Tesla Model 3.

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
105
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
9,899
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
92
complaints
Crashes
17
Fires
Avg Miles
3,070
Steering Defects
82
complaints
Crashes
14
Fires
Avg Miles
13,006
Unintended Acceleration
62
complaints
Crashes
19
Fires
Avg Miles
24,195
Brakes
50
complaints
Crashes
19
Fires
Avg Miles
6,455
Electrical Faults
43
complaints
Crashes
8
Fires
Avg Miles
12,347
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
29
complaints
Crashes
7
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
18
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
18
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Airbags
17
complaints
Crashes
12
Fires
Avg Miles
6,965
Lane Departure: Assist
14
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Warning
13
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
11,800
Seat Belt Issues
10
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
500
Seat-Related Issues
9
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
19,943
Fuel System
8
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Warnings
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Automatic System Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention:Warnings:External/Pedestrian Alert
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Propulsion System:Charging:Port
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2023 Tesla Model 3

10 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~7,956,897 vehicles.

25V092000Steering:electric Power Assist System
~376,241 affected

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.

24V935000Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
~696,281 affected

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."

24V554000Electrical System:software · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
~1,849,638 affected

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.

24V376000Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices
~125,233 affected

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."

24V051000Instrument Cluster
~2,193,869 affected

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."

23V838000Electrical System:adas:driver Monitoring:software
~2,031,220 affected

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.

23V434000Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
~26 affected

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.

23V085000Steering:automated/adaptive Steering
~362,758 affected

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.

22V844000Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
~321,628 affected

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

21V834000Air Bags:side/window:curtain
~3 affected

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."

Other Tesla Model 3 Years

2023 Tesla Model 3 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 698 NHTSA complaints, 139 crash-related, and 10 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control with 105 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Top reported problems: Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control (105 complaints, avg 9,899 mi); Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking (92 complaints, avg 3,070 mi); Steering Defects (82 complaints, avg 13,006 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 10,763 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 include 139 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 86 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 7,956,897 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Tesla Model 3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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