2023 Tesla Model 3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 426 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 9 Model 3 model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 72 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 50 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 5, 2026
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."
Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Campaign 26V507000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareMay 5, 2026
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."
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V283000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemFeb 14, 2025
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.
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsDec 17, 2024
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."
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJul 24, 2024
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.
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, warning light/devicesMay 28, 2024
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."
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelJan 30, 2024
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."
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.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, adas, autonomous/self driving, softwareDec 12, 2023
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.
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.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion system, traction batteryJun 19, 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
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.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, automated/adaptive steeringFeb 15, 2023
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.
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.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, tail lightsNov 15, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtainOct 25, 2021
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."
A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V834000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: forward collision avoidance
179 reports, newest first. Show all
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 14, 2023
My Tesla Model 3 has had 3 phantom braking episodes since I bought the car new in June 2023. All 3 episodes were when the cruise control was on. Without any warning, the car will violently slow from 70mph to about 25mph in a very short time. My guess, less than 2 seconds. The tires loose grip on the road surface and the car will come to a stop. In all 3 instances, I needed to apply the accelerator to get the car moving again. During all 3 phantom braking episodes, there were no vehicles behind me that could of rear ended me. If so, the vehicle(s) behind me would have no doubt rear ended me. All 3 instances occurred on clear warm days close to Yermo CA on Interstate 15. I reported this phantom brake issue with the local Tesla location and they reviewed my cars software and said nothing was wrong. The system is working as intended. Once my Tesla Model 3 phantom breaking started, I have researched the issue online and noted a tremendous amount of complaints and reports to your agency. This phantom braking needs to be fixed and until then disclosed when a customer buys a Model 3.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 13, 2023
When driving in highway using autopilot, the car suddenly slammed on the brakes. This made no sense at all as there were no cars in front of it.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 9, 2023
Phantom braking occurred 3 times over the span of several minutes while driving at highway speeds. The first two incidents occurred while utilizing Autosteer. The third time occurred while only using cruise control.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 9, 2023
Scenario 1: Driving mid day in hot weather in desert highway with rolling hills and cruise control activated. Upon cresting a ridge with mirages the car slams on the brakes until the mirage dissipates. Also as another car approaches and its reflection is bounced back from the mirage in the road surface the car slams on the brake until the reflection shifts or the mirage dissipates. Scenario two: Driving on freeway mid day in warm weather and brightly illuminated freeway and approaching dark shadows under an overpass. The car slams on the brakes until closer to the overpass. 20-40 mph deceleration noted. The specific freeway section had a slight descending roadway leading into the shadow and then ascended on the other side so that a continuing road surface was not immediately visible beyond the shadow.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 8, 2023
We have experienced several episodes of the car suddenly breaking for no reason when using cruise control. The speed is very quickly reduced a good 15 mph without warning.this is not only very alarming as drivers/passengers but it is incredibly dangerous. If there was a car following closely behind us, they would have hit us.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 8, 2023
On July 6th, at 6:42pm, while driving 70 MPH on California Highway 152, on a clear day (88 degrees F), with no traffic around our car, the car slammed on the brakes, taking the speed from 70 MPH to 46 MPH in a period of 5 seconds (with most braking in the first couple seconds). I was using the cars' built-in Autopilot system. The car did the same thing about 2 minutes earlier, so we happened to have been recording a video of the cars operation when it happened this second time. The car did the same exact behavior on June 29th at 10:30am, on the same highway but different location. It was also a sunny day, and there were (thank goodness) no cars near us when it happened. That time, it braked so hard it triggered the ABS system.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 7, 2023
I was driving on a divided highway in the right hand lane out of two lanes. To the right was a grassy berm. To the left of the road was a grassy median. I was driving with the adaptive cruise control enabled and set to about 70MPH. Full self driving was not enabled. There were no vehicles or other obstacles visible ahead or to the sides, no vehicles following. Without any reason I could perceive, the vehicle abruptly decelerated rapidly. I pressed my foot on the accelerator pedal and the car stopped decelerating and resumed normal operation at roughly 40MPH. If another vehicle had been following me, the unexpected rapid deceleration could have resulted in a collision. This vehicle is a rental car owned by Hertz, and I have not had the vehicle inspected or diagnosed by any dealer, service center, the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The Alert log in the vehicle computer showed at 6:16pm, code EPBL_a180: Emergency brake applied (see attachment).
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 5, 2023
Tesla has serious safety issues automatic emergency, braking Blindspot warning, Lane, departure warning, and other basic safety features which are very common in the cars these days. I purchased Tesla for my teenage child. In past three months we have encountered multiple instances where Tesla was not able to perform as promised this morning I was driving tesla loaner Vehicle when I was heading to pick up my car and someone drifted into my lane without warning and Tesla did not apply emergency brakes or generated any warning signals. I have notified Tesla service about the incident and past incidents to tesla service representative. Tesla representative at Costa Mesa office opened the service request to get the software diagnosis completed so that they can get to the bottom of it, but [XXX] from Irvine office called me and he is in denial that it is a car issue and blame it on me that it is between the car and the car owners manual, I have requested an escalation from Tesla service Center. In the meantime, I am filing this complaint so that NHTSA can start their investigation before. It is too late and some life is lost because of irresponsible behavior by Tesla and send in selling the features which do not work I have Lexus RX 350, 2017 model and all these features work seamlessly in the car , I am shocked Tesla is falsifying and and selling inaccurate features to the consumers which cannot be discovered until it is too late. Please start investigation investigation ASAP. Thank you. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 3, 2023
Multiple times the car while on cruise control has slammed on brakes due to seemingly nothing. It's without warning our alert and it is extremely violent. It happens at least once every week.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 1, 2023
While in cruise control vehicle will brake hard as if it detects something in front but there’s really a clear road.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 29, 2023
Tesla's traffic aware cruise control (adaptive cruise) frequently brakes hard for no reason (aka "phantom braking"). This behavior occurs multiple times per week during my daily commute on a two lane highway. It happens at different locations, different times of the day, and with or without other vehicles around. "Autopilot" is disabled so there is no auto steering or lane centering. Unnecessary hard braking will significantly increase the chances of a collision with other vehicles, especially with higher levels of traffic. This problem is a well known issue with "vision only" Teslas with no radar and has been documented by many other owners. This issue has been occuring since the vehicle was new and is a system design issue, not a specific part failure. There are no warnings or other messages. There is currently no way to disable adaptive cruise control and use basic fixed-speed cruise control.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 27, 2023
Vehicle automatically applies the breaks while using the cruise control. Braking occurs randomly and very suddenly at highway speeds with no warning. The car slowed rapidly to about 25 mph. This has occurred twice in the last 6 weeks in two different locations. Fortunately, there were no vehicles following at a close distance. If there had been, the sudden application of the brakes would almost certainly have resulted in a rear-end collision with the car that was following us.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 22, 2023
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance Autopilot cameras "saw" things that are not there while driving during daytime on the highway aka phantom braking. This resulted in quick automatic braking making for a very uneasy drive with fear of being rear-ended when it happens. Yes, my vehicle is available for inspection. Our safety was put at risk due to potential to be rear-ended. Also, this happened on an icy road which has potential to cause sliding. I called the Tesla sales department where I purchased the vehicle. They said there was nothing they could do and that Tesla is working on it. There are many websites discussing the problem. My vehicle has not been inspected by Tesla. They told me there is nothing we can do. I have not contacted my insurance company or police. I'm not aware of any warning signs. You are driving on a highway during the day at 80 mph, the car's cameras "see" something that is not there, and it automatically brakes hard.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 20, 2023
I was driving from Palmdale, CA up to Mojave, CA at 7:05PM on June 16. The car was close to Rosamond, CA on the highway when it engaged FULL brakes. I started in the right lane, the autopilot was ON and set to 79MPH. The only cars visible on the highway were my car and the car in front of me. There were no other cars immediately visible to me or autopilot in front of me or behind me - other than us two. My car was traveling faster than the car in front of me, so at ~3-5 car lengths I started a left turn signal to merge into the left lane, and overtake the small car (silver Toyota?) in front of me in the left lane. When I started the left turn signal the autopilot disengaged as expected. I got in the left lane then stopped the signal, and turned ON autopilot @ 79MPH. My car started overtaking the car in the right lane, the car beside me was now in my right blind spot. Then all of a sudden my car engaged FULL brakes and went from 79 MPH to maybe 30MPH? As a reminder there were no cars in front of me or behind me. The other car was to my right. I quickly assessed the situation to confirm I wasn't going to be rear ended by the car to my right and pushed the gas peddle as hard as I could to accelerate back to 70+ MPH. I checked to see the sun was behind me so the car's cameras were definitely not blinded, I sped far enough away from the car next to me to take a photo of the area I was driving in. Please see the photo attached to see the condition of the sky and to confirm the roads were completely empty when the tesla decided to brake in its full capacity for what I believe to be no reason at all. I fully believe if there was someone behind me in the left lane even at a safe distance I would have been inadvertently rear ended as there was no reason or cause for the car to be breaking that hard. I'm sure Tesla can provide telemetry data from my car to corroborate my version of the events.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 19, 2023
Car unexpectedly brakes while using the cruise control. This can occur multiple times on a long drive without warning and for no apparent reason.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 16, 2023
On several occasions ( 8 or 10 times) while driving at highway speeds, with little traffic, on an extended trip, the vehicle suddenly applied the brakes for no apparent reason. I have learned that this is called "phantom braking". On one such occasion, I narrowly avoided being struck from behind by another vehicle following me by applying the accelerator. I have not yet reported this problem to Tesla, but intend to.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 14, 2023
While driving on 15 freeway between Riverside CA to Las Vegas NV, I put the car in cruise control. While near Barstow, the car hard brakes dropping speed quickly. Luckily no other car was near. I changed lanes to pull on the side as I wasn’t sure what was happened, as it actually felt like the car had locked up. I did take the car out of cruise control and that seemed to fix the problem. I’ve used cruise control before and the adaptive braking has been manageable, this was extreme. On 4 June 2023.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 8, 2023
When adaptive cruise control is engaged, the vehicle harshly brakes. This occurs very randomly and is abrupt. The operator needs to quickly take control and accelerate as the speed is reduced significantly. One incident, the speed was 80 mph and it reduced to less than 60.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 27, 2023
While in cruise control, the car suddenly reduced its speed; there is no obstacle in the path of the cat that would warrant such an action. This deceleration is sudden and violent and when it happens is dangerous for following drivers.
Forward collision avoidance, May 27, 2023
On a clear sunny day driving on the freeway at 75mph on a 70mph speed limit, the regular cruise control(not Autopilot) was engaged. Experienced 4 separate incidents of strong emergency brakes being activated by the vehicle automatically for 2-3 secs, dropping speed by 10-15mph. As the driver I disengaged the cruise control by strongly accelerating the vehicle. Also multiple incidents of brakes engaging slightly for 1 second , always when driving on a straight freeway, with zero other vehicles present in the front or rear. The road had a slight incline then a slight decline. Just as the vehicle reaches the top of the incline the brakes activated. No warning lamps of sounds, just immediate sharp braking one all incidents. As the driver I felt very unsafe, and glad there were no vehicles close behind, which could have resulted in a rear collision. Vehicle has not been inspected by any party. As a Tesla driver I do not trust the Standard Cruise control feature any more.
Forward collision avoidance, May 26, 2023
2023 Tesla Model 3- Consumer wrote about comparison of braking mode to non-EV's, experience driving a rented EV (Electrical Vehicle) w/ braking mode and suggestions to make EV's braking mode safer. When EV's accelerator is NOT pressed the EV goes into regenerative braking mode. No brake lights are triggered because brake pedal wasn't pressed. Consumer listed two "real world dangers". Consumer recommendation- The regenerative braking of EV's should also trigger brake lights notifying vehicles behind the EV that the pace of the vehicle is slowing with the same force. as if brakes where applied.
Forward collision avoidance, May 19, 2023
Vehicle breaks suddenly for no reason under a variety of circumstances. there is no pattern I could identify. i went on line to see if there is an update. many others with the same problem. Very dangerous if there is a car behind. Happens every day or so at freeway speed. Tesla needs to fix this!
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, May 18, 2023
When driving and using “autopilot” or just cruise control, the vehicle will randomly brake. Sometimes it brakes lightly, but sometimes it will violently slow the vehicle down, without warning. There is no obstacle in front of the vehicle. If another vehicle is behind the car when the car randomly brakes, this can potentially cause a rear-end event or potentially cause the car that is behind to swerve to avoid an accident. I submitted a service request to Tesla, but Tesla responded by stating that there was no malfunctions that needed to be addressed. They described various scenarios in which the computer would determine a need to brake.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 14, 2023
Phantom braking. Traveling highway 5 Southbound between Red Bluff, CA and WIliams, CA at 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly and firmly applied brakes as if attempting to avoid a collision with an obstacle closely ahead. The braking force was enough to activate the seatbelt restraint. There was no traffic for at least a 1/4 mile ahead and behind and no obstacle. I managed to flip the ACC lever up to disable it during the braking but felt that I was losing control of the vehicle. After ACC was disabled normal operation ensued. Speculation: The incident occurred mid-May and the area is agricultural and therefore teeming with bugs that collect on the front of the car. The forward camera may have been hit by a bug and the visual recognition system may have mistaken the bug for a large obstacle.
Forward collision avoidance, May 13, 2023
Tesla 3 2023 is making hard breaks on auto pilot even though there is no objects. It’s happened over 30 times in last 7 days. It’s scary bcz other cars Coming behind can leads to life threatening accidents. Pls help