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
426 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 28, 2023
Vehicle will repeatedly aggressively brake while using “Enhanced Autopilot”, posing a danger to any cars behind. Complaints given to Tesla have been unresolved.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 23, 2023
Adaptive cruise control falsely decelerated on dozens of occasions during a single 500 mile road trip. Sudden braking in the vicinity of other vehicles may cause a crash. Tesla's service technician stated "no hardware related faults were found" and "potential incorrect object detections leading to slowdowns may occur".
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.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Nov 12, 2023
Bought a 2023 Tesla model 3 performance that vibrates from the day I bought it. After 12 service visits, new wheels tires and even a new brake rotor the car is still vibrating. Tesla seems to say it’s normal and that all teslas drive like this but no other vehicle manufacturer has ever produced a car that vibrates. It’s unsafe and scary to drive this car the way it is. They tried fixing it at first hence why so many parts got replaced but since they don’t know how to fix it they wanna just push the “it’s normal and within spec” speech to me. Please get a recall going to address the ongoing steering wheel vibration problem faced by numerous owners as shown on numerous threads and forums. This is unacceptable.
Steering, Lane departure, Nov 11, 2023
Vehicle started displaying warning messages as I pulled out of garage - "steering assist reduced" and "lane departure avoidance features unavailable." Afterwards, I noticed vibration and clicking sensation while turning steering wheel and driving at low speeds. I performed a software reset but messages were still there. Then I performed controls, safety, power off procedure. Messages disappeared, but steering still felt jerky. This happened when the vehicle had approximately 2,300 miles on it. A few days later, when exiting the garage, steering wheel was initially locked. It then "popped" when I applied gentle pressure to turn the wheel and the warning messages returned. Steering felt stuttery afterwards. I scheduled service appointment with Tesla. They replaced steering rack. I have had no problems since. Currently at 3,700 miles.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 9, 2023, crash
vehicle auto stopped in the middle of the parkway
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 8, 2023
Random phantom breaking when using cruise control at high speeds. Goes from 70-40 mph and always worried someone is going to rear end me when my car automatically rapidly slows down for no reason. Huge hazard and risk!
Structure, Nov 7, 2023
The Tesla model 3 rear bumper came off completely while driving in rain when I drove into a very light puddle. Having a rear bumper detaching completely off could be a serious hazard for someone that driving a motorcycle on the road it could result in a deadly accident. this problem has been addressed to Tesla and they do not have a service bulletin or a recall for 2023 model only 2018 model through 2021 models. The vehicle has been inspected by Tesla. No warning signs where indicated when the rear bumper detached completely while driving
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2023, crash
I was reducing my speed as I approached a stoplight, and my vehicle rapidly and aggressively increased in speed. It made a revving sound and lurched forward, causing me to rear-end a truck. There is no possible way that this was human error and it was terrifying. The person who I rear ended mentioned that the impact felt like a double impact, as if I was continuing to accelerate after he was hit. I have requested the data from the accident time period from Tesla. An insurance representative is organizing an inspection. This was the second incident where the vehicle lurched forward on it's own. The first one happened about six months prior when I was at a complete stop. It did not cause an accident but it did frighten me into an audible scream. I did not report it because after some basic information gathering, I decided that it somehow must have been human error. Every claim I've seen has had the outcome of user issue. During both lurching incidents, a revving sound was made and it felt like and electrical surge of some sort. I am extremely clear on the fact that I did not cause the vehicle to dramatically crash and I feel helpless to know that it will likely be ignored by Tesla. What if I had been in front of a cross walk when the vehicle surged and lurched forward and a life had been seriously injured or even taken? Something must be done to expose this issue and get to the bottom of it. I am happy to provide any additional information in order to prevent this from creating future disasters. It just happened four days ago so the information I have is limited.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 6, 2023
Driving North/East on Highway 87 at 1215pm, kind of into the sun (Sun was to the right of us), the car would not maintain cruise control without constantly applying the brakes forcefully. No cars in the immediate vicinity during the event, though there were other cars on the highway at the time. Returning south on the same road, about an hour later, no issues whatsoever.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 3, 2023
As part of transitioning from radar to a camera based system (this affects model years '22 onward), Tesla, has "temporarily" disabled key features such as lane departure, blind spot alerts and emergency braking. Though disabled, these features are still selectable (not greyed out) when the user chooses safety options. These features, which are available on most modern cars, have been disabled for many months with no committed date to restore functionality ... this poses a major safety risk. This should impact Tesla's NHTSA safety rating which will pressure the company to re-enable these basic safety features ASAP. Thank you.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 29, 2023
Phantom Breaking when in adoptive cruise control
Seats, Oct 28, 2023
On July 5, 2023 my front passenger seat assembly was replaced due to a passenger safety restraint system fault. Two days ago I discovered two black self tapping bolts sitting behind the front passenger seat on the floor mat. The front passenger seat assembly was only connected to the car chassis by the two front mounting bolts. It was possible to tip the seat forward by pushing on the headrest. I am now able to screw these two bolts almost completely back into the chassis using fingertip pressure only. Either these bolts were never installed during seat replacement or they simply rattled loose and fell out. This attachment hardware needs to be designed for repeated installation removal cycles over the life of the vehicle and should require considerable torque for installation and removal. Something is seriously wrong!
Steering, Oct 27, 2023
Model 3 steering assistance just stopped working. The car was immobilized and towed
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 26, 2023
The car lost all adaptive driving features and power steering.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 24, 2023
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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 24, 2023
the car suddenly braked while using autopilot drivers assist while at highway speeds. There were no cars in front of me when it occurred. I had to take control of the car and accelerate to avoid causing a crash.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 22, 2023
Will Randomly slam on the brakes saying that there is something in front of cars on the highway. This has caused me to almost get into a few accidents suddenly slamming on the breaks at 75 mph. It has happened numerous times and the car feels unsafe to drive. One example it slammed on the brakes in front of an 18 wheeler causing it to almost hit me but I had to slam on the gas very rapidly. There is usually a warning light on about parking break not working when these happen.
Steering, Oct 22, 2023
Steering Issue Will be calling Tesla Service about this problem. Put the vehicle in Reverse to back out of a driveway and a message stating “Steering Assist Reduced” appeared on the display. Did not back up; could not turn the steering wheel. Put vehicle in Park and exited. After ten minutes put the vehicle in Reverse, no message, and was able to steer again.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 21, 2023
On 2 separate occasions, the cruise control set to 80 and suddenly decelerates. Very scary. Term being used in Tesla chat rooms is 'phantom breaking'.
Steering, Oct 18, 2023
1. Power steering diminished as I was driving. As the steering wheel was turned their was a "clicking feel" , more than a vibration. I drove slowly and safely returned home. The message on the screen was "steering assist reduced" steering may require increased effort. 2. I did fear for my safety and the safety of others on the road because I did not have full normal control of the steering wheel. I slowed speed to 20mph and carefully made my way home. 3. Yes, they determined my steering rack needed to be replaced. 4. Tesla service inspected the steering rack and determined it needed to be replaced. 5. The message displayed on my Tesla screen was "Steering assist reduced, steering may require increased effort".
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 18, 2023
Going down secondary road with cruise control on at 42 mph ; no auto steer just plain cruise control. The car all the sudden slams on the brakes for no reason causing the car behind to slam on brakes and almost causing a accident. This needs to be addressed or the cruise control disabled until they fix the issue.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 17, 2023, crash
Tesla Model 3 Policy #: [XXX] Claim Number: [XXX] I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to report an incident involving my Tesla Model 3 (Blue) and to initiate the process for an insurance claim. The incident occurred on [XXX], at approximately 2:15 PM. My fiancée was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident. Incident Details: - Date: [XXX] - Time: Approximately [XXX] - Vehicle: Tesla Model 3 (Blue) Location: The incident took place on the freeway merge from [XXX], where it merges onto [XXX]. Heading home. Circumstances: My fiancée was operating the vehicle in Autopilot mode while maintaining her hands securely on the steering wheel. As she approached the freeway merge from ramp [XXX], heading onto [XXX], she experienced an unexpected jolt. Despite her continuous control of the steering wheel, the Autopilot system seemed to be accelerating without her input. Simultaneously, my fiancée felt a sudden tire malfunction, which resulted in a significant loss of control over the vehicle. Despite her best efforts to maintain the car's position within the lane, the Tesla Model 3 veered off the freeway and entered the adjacent Ravine area. Impact and Airbags: Upon entering the Ravine area, the vehicle experienced a collision. multiple plants/highbrush/uneven terrain as well as having to maneuver around 2 large palm trees which resulted damage to side mirror. Notably, none of the vehicle's airbags were deployed during the incident, and there were no sensor alerts, except for the tire pressure warning light. Also there wasn't any record of dashcam recording when we checked the car. We are seriously concerned that the airbags did not deploy , attached are photos concerning the damage. I would like to emphasize that my fiancée was diligently following safety guidelines and had her hands on the steering wheel while using Autopilot. This incident occurred suddenly and unexpectedly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Oct 17, 2023
Lost power steering while driving. Luckily this occurred while I was going less than 5mph and near a parking lot, so was able to muscle the steering to a safe place. Received a warning from the car that “steering assist is reduced” randomly. Luckily we were going slowly and able to find a safe place to park, so my wife and kids were safe. Could barely turn the wheel enough to park safely. Once restarted a few hours later power steering worked again. Car has now been in a manufacturers shop for a week to try and figure out the issue.
Steering, Oct 17, 2023
Steering is very jerky/choppy - vehicle is hard to keep straight while driving on freeway.