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: other or unspecified
59 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 1, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Car stopped working in middle of road How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Luckly there were no traffic or car behind , I am not moving the lane. Personal safety and passenger safety Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Tesla service center at spring field NJ , told me, Front module was at fault and replaced Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? By Tesla Service Center at Spring Feild NJ Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Car shows CP_A044 Unable Charge error while car is running suddenly Car shows move the vehicle side , it will shutdown then shut down the car.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2024
Opening the car door of the Tesla, my fingernail got caught between the handle and the handle frame and was completely ripped off.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 6, 2024
Full self drive FSD took car in opposite road direction, sudden lane changes, almost crash in upcoming traffic. Sudden stops in middle in road. FSD autopilot very dangerous driving that could cost crash. I can’t trust FSD
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, May 15, 2024
1. My 90 year-old mother-in law got trapped inside the car in very bad weather because my phone key wouldn't open the door after I got out and walked her elderly friend to the door of her house about 20 feet away, and then walked back to the Tesla. I've been able to reproduce the problem repeatedly, of course without my mother-in-law in the car. 2. Several near-misses because, unlike most other cars, the Tesla's blind-spot warning system, and many other basic control functions such as adjusting the windshield wipers, opening the glove compartment, etc, require you to take your eyes off the road. For example changing lanes requires you to look away from the lane you're about to move into to check the blind spot display on the touch screen. 3. Several near misses because easing up on the accelerator slows down the car forcefully 98% of the time, but does nothing 2% of the time. Specifically, accidentally flicking down on the right-hand control stick, which turns on the windshield wipers in most cars, activates cruise control and gives minimal feedback to the driver that cruise control has indeed been activated. In this circumstance, easing up on the accelerator pedal doesn't slow down the car at all. This is very frightening and unexpected and could easily cause an accident.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2024
While the car was on the full self-driving it hit a metal block on the road. After the accident there was leakage behind the left front wheel of blue liquid and was suspected to be battery coolant. The car was not drivable due to safety concern. The car functions were degraded and air conditioning was not working. Sensors were on and off. The self-driving could not identify block and did not slow down. The self-driving system has major defect which is not safe to use at all.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2024
I am writing to express my frustration with the excessive nagging prompts I've been experiencing while using Tesla's Autopilot feature. While I appreciate the safety measures required by the NHTSA, the frequency and intrusiveness of the alerts have become disruptive and distracting, ultimately compromising the driving experience.The Autopilot system's constant reminders to keep my hands on the steering wheel, despite maintaining proper supervision, interrupts my focus and undermines the entire principle by forcing drivers to focus on the nag rather than the road. The frequency of these alerts feels excessive and unnecessary, especially on familiar routes where the system performs reliably. Requiring Tesla to nag the driver more often is an unreasonable measure that ultimately does little for driver attention.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2024
When using FSD beta, vehicle would fail to stop for red lights. Vehicle also attempted to merge me both into a tractor trailer traveling the opposite direction and a jersey barrier. This is a very dangerous and unsafe system that will lead to many fatalities
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 27, 2024
The car went forward when in reverse mode. After going to other modes (drive/neutral/park) and back to reverse, the car kept going forward. Reset the system and the issue persisted. Finally resolved after third restart. The car bumped up against the driveway gate because it wouldn’t reverse despite the dashboard clearly indicating being in reverse. Contacted Tesla, who examined the system remotely and said no issue was identified. This was the second time this issue occurred, and Tesla offered no fix.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2024, crash
Unintended acceleration after I tried to park take off before I can parked it violently crash into the wall.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2024
The Tesla App allows the owner to transfer the App to another user for access to the vehicle. The App allows the other user to enter the vehicle and drive it. It also allow the other user to enter a credit card for the purpose of using the Tesla charging stations and purchasing Tesla products and services. However, when the other user tries to charge the vehicle (or make purchases of products and services), the credit card is not recognized. I was stranded in Lone Pine, CA in freezing temperatures because the App DOES NOT indicate that ONLY THE OWNER'S CREDIT CARD IS AUTHORIZED FOR THIS VEHICLE. I had to find out the hard way that my credit was not going to allow me to charge the vehicle. I could have been in serious trouble if I had been in the middle of nowhere.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 23, 2024, crash
Back in February my Tesla Model 3 started acting up Emergency Brake was disabled, automatic vehicle hold was disabled, and traction control was disabled all issues I reported to the company app with photo. This problem stated when a software update happened after the Tesla app requested it.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 22, 2024, crash
This incident is reported by a law office. The car being driven by our client was a TESLA Model 3 which made a SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION when our client was slowly looking for a parking space at a parking lot. The TESLA car suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed without client pressing on the accelerator. On the contrary, our client was stepping on the brakes in an attempt to stop it but the TESLA did not stop but still continued to accelerate. This accident caused property damages and injuries to our client, his passenger, and others.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2024
Unable to upgrade software. No yellow clock icon on my screen
Steering, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2024, crash
On [XXX], around 1:00, I was driving normally on the highway. I remember using autopilot, and the speed limit was 55 mph, but I'm not very sure. At that time, it was raining heavily, and I was following the car in front, not doing anything else. Suddenly, I noticed that the Tesla car turned sharply to the left by itself! I couldn't control it. Let me repeat: the Tesla car suddenly turned left by itself. I instinctively grabbed the steering wheel, turned in the opposite direction to correct it, and pressed the brakes, but it was too late. I collided with a car in the adjacent lane, and the car later turned about 180 degrees and stopped! The left side airbags in the front and back all deployed! However, I were not injured. I got out of the car, immediately called the police, and contacted the owner of the collided vehicle. Later, the police arrived to document the incident. I believe it was a malfunction of the Tesla that caused the accident! I did not make a left turn manually! It was in normal driving mode. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have no idea, should check Tesla's driving records and the recorded video from the incident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? On the day of the accident, in the morning, I noticed that the car exhibited a slight phenomenon of accelerating and then stopping on its own while I was driving, It was first appear but it wasn't severe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2024
Car windshield cracked when the defrost run after snow fall. Car was parked in the driveway.
Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2023, crash
I was pulling the car in to a parking lot in a mall. I was driving very slow to bring the car to a halt. All of a sudden the car just accelerated and went and hit a pillar right in front of the parking lot. I don't know what caused the vehicle to suddenly accelerate. I am pretty sure I did not step of the gas pedal. I checked the dashcam for recordings but couldn't find any. We have experienced this sudden unintended acceleration before on the road as well. I think I must have engaged auto-pilot or auto-steer by mistake which caused this.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 22, 2023
Recent recall update makes auto pilot more dangerous and distracting. I am getting alerts while my hands are on the steering wheel and paying attention to the road, which then causes me to take my eyes off the road to see the alert. Which I then get kicked out of autopilot. Was using autopilot and got an alert the max speed was reduced due to road conditions and when I looked at the alert got another alert to pay attention to the road, then was immediately kicked out of autopilot. This is extremely dangerous especially if road conditions are deteriorating and to have to constantly be looking at all the new and frequent alert. The recent recall has made me constantly have to take my eyes off the road. I can even check my side view mirrors without getting a pay attention alert.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Dec 20, 2023
Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Model 3 Autopilot Update To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model 3’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model 3 owner, I have generally found the vehicle and its features to be reliable and safe. However, the recent update has introduced an overly stringent hands-on-wheel detection mechanism that is not only inconvenient but also potentially hazardous. The new update requires frequent and often forceful interaction with the steering wheel to assure the system of driver presence. This change is drastically different from my previous experience, where I received only one hands-on-wheel violation in two years. The current sensitivity of the system disrupts the smooth operation of the autopilot, leading to frequent and abrupt disengagements. I have found myself struggling to maintain the system’s activation, inadvertently causing the vehicle to exit autopilot mode multiple times. This issue goes beyond mere inconvenience; it actively detracts from driving safety. The need for constant and sometimes aggressive adjustments to satisfy the system’s requirements is distracting and can lead to erratic vehicle behavior. The irony is stark: a system designed to enhance driving safety and ease is now a source of potential danger and stress. The unpredictability and over-sensitivity of the updated system could lead to dangerous situations, especially on highways or in heavy traffic, where sudden disengagement of the autopilot can be particularly risky. As a driver, I now find myself more focused on keeping the autopilot engaged than on the actual driving conditions and surroundings, which is surely contrary to the feature’s intended purpose. Please fix this issue. It is bad for everyone.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2023
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent rear drive unit internal part failure in my new Tesla Model 3. The incident has left me fearful that this issue may occur again, and I am genuinely worried for my safety. I implore you and all the employees at Tesla to be honest and transparent about this defect or failure. The gravity of the situation became apparent when I realized how fortunate I was that the car did not come to a halt on the train tracks. The potential consequences could have been catastrophic, not only for myself but also for the passengers on the train. It is alarming to think that such a dangerous situation could arise in a vehicle that is merely five months old. This level of negligence is unacceptable. The rear drive unit failed and the car stopped. I was instructed to reset. I did it twice but still not working. I am lucky it happened on a not busy street and was able to steer the car to the side of the road before it became disabled.
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2023, crash
When I was trying to park my Tesla Model 3 car it suddenly accelerated and hit a parked car in front of me. I took the car to the repair shop and told them the situation. My reason for the accident didn’t make sense to them so I stated that I may have pressed accelerator instead of brakes but I know that I didn’t press the accelerator. My car has been at the repair shop since 10/14/2023. So, far no one from the Tesla Motors, Inc. came to investigate the claim. Even if they repair the car, I don’t feel comfortable driving the car due to the fact that unintended acceleration may repeat itself.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2023
I was driving my 2023 Tesla 3 on the street last night and it suddenly slowed down and stopped. The error code DI_a137 appeared on my dash screen. I was able to pull to the side but my rear was at the edge of an intersection. My niece and I could have been hit as my car is black and it was dark. I was able to shut down and restart the car by and exiting and entering my car. I am scared to drive my car on the freeway or on busy streets. I could be rear ended if my Tesla 3 decides to slow and stop suddenly again.
Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2023
Vehicle heat pump system has had multiple failures leading to windshield fog leading to low/no visibility. Service center unable to get vehicle in in timely manner stating 3-4 weeks before it can be serviced.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2023
The steering feels extremely stiff and jerky
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2023
Steering wheel stuck in straight position, unable to turn. Also, A/C line supermanifold defect present, needed to be replaced. Steering rack and harness both needed to be replaced. Tesla model 3, only had 40 miles before needing to be towed.
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2023
Battery Range incorrect, quickly dropped from 50% to 18% after 3 uses an estimated less then 10 miles caused the range to drop