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.
Lane departure, May 19, 2026
I was traveling east on I-215 in [XXX] , exiting on [XXX] . I was in the RH lane, signaling to turn Rt. A small commercial van was in the two lanes Left of me with no turn signal on. Suddenly the van began coming into my lane. I turned my steering wheel slightly to the Rt to avoid a collision. Suddenly the autocorrect turned my wheel sharply Rt, then sharply Left. The car was rocking so sharply I feared a rollover or collision. The blind spot camera on the driver’s side did not pick up the van on my Left. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, May 15, 2026
Full Self Driving software runs a red light in complete disregard of traffic laws.
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2026, crash
During Autopilot, the vehicle failed to recognize the curve (or did not input enough turning to steering) and accelerated at the curve thinking it is a straight to almost have me crash into a guard rail. No symptoms. No side damage or collisions with others.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 21, 2026, crash
While driving at highway speed under normal operating conditions with the accelerator engaged and no braking input, the vehicle suddenly experienced a sustained 6-minute-12-second ADAS/EDR degradation cascade. This included OVERHEAT_PROTECT_FANONLY activation, repeated AEB_CAN_STATE_UNAVAILABLE toggling, FAULT 14.0 brake-signal mismatch, impossible negative brake pressures, and 27+ ABS/EBD/ESP fault-lamp cycles. No warning lamps, messages, or alerts appeared prior to the cascade. The degradation resulted in loss of braking assist and stability control functions, causing two collision events (right-side T-bone impact followed by curb strike) despite no driver error or input. This failure mode matches the exact ADAS/EDR degradation pattern under active NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26002. Full technical details, timestamps, fault logs, sampling gaps, and EDR data are provided in the attached narrative PDF and supporting CSV files.
Electrical system, Structure, Mar 31, 2026
I am reporting a serious safety incident involving a 2023 Tesla Model 3. On March 29 at approximately 5:00 PM, while driving on the freeway at about 65 mph, the right-side passenger door suddenly opened while the vehicle was in motion. The door had been fully closed and latched prior to driving. There was no impact, obstruction, or warning indicating that the door was not secure. The opening occurred unexpectedly during normal driving conditions, creating a significant safety risk. After the incident, Tesla was contacted and indicated that a diagnostic inspection would require a fee, and they suggested the possibility of prior modification or tampering but did not provide a confirmed cause. The vehicle was purchased from a used car dealership, and the incident raises concerns about a potential mechanical or electronic failure of the door latch system and the safety of the vehicle as sold.This issue poses a serious risk to occupants and other road users, particularly at highway speeds. I am requesting that this incident be reviewed as a potential safety defect.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 23, 2026
The Full Self Driving (Supervised) system (FSD(S)) failed by running a red light. Video is available for inspection upon request. My safety was not at risk - this time - because the system waited until there was no cross traffic to resume motion, even though the light was still red. I have not tried to reproduce the problem for a dealer since it happens infrequently. (This is the third time in perhaps 6 months of subscription to TESLA's FSD(S). TESLA has not informed me of any inspections they have performed, even though they have been notified through the channel they provide. There was no indication from the car that it perceived any failure. It stopped only when I applied the brake. Prior symptoms include two previous incidents of stopping for a red traffic light, waiting until there was no cross traffic, then resuming motion while the traffic light was red. This is the first time I thought to save dash cam video.
Structure, Mar 20, 2026
Reporting a stress fracture in the front windhsield of my model 3 tesla. Looking online and speaking to attorney its a very common problem. Mine resulted simply from a heat wave it crack down the middle in a c shape emanating from the top edge of the windshield. No contact evidence and no contact or accident occurred. It’s now unsafe to drive my vehicle and tesla will not cover it under warranty. They are refusing to label it as a stress fracture though it clearly is. I’m filing this report so more awareness and pressure can be put on tesla to improve their windshield design. Its very unsafe to drive my car like this and now I’m forced to choose between my safety and affording a $1700 replacement. I have had several friends with the same problem and same response by tesla. My car had not been driven for 3 days and I have very low mileage, 18k. Car is 3 yrs old and in good condition.
Electrical system, Mar 19, 2026
Door cannot be opened during power loss / emergency. I am a Tesla Model 3 owner in California. I discovered that the rear doors do not have a mechanical emergency release. Tesla service confirmed that my vehicle does not include any manual rear emergency door release system. This raises a serious safety concern because, in the event of a crash, fire, or 12V power failure, rear passengers—especially children or elderly occupants—may be unable to exit the vehicle. I request NHTSA to investigate whether the absence of a mechanical rear emergency release complies with FMVSS 206 and whether Tesla’s design poses a safety risk during emergency egress.
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2026
The rear doors intermittently will not unlock. Even after hitting the unlock button from menu or short or long press of the driver unlock button or from the app unlock button. The driver only unlock feature is disabled. I have video that would not upload. Snapshots of video included.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 3, 2026
An incident that occurred while Full Self-Driving (FSD) was engaged. During the drive, the vehicle unexpectedly steered toward the curb while making a right turn. I was actively monitoring the vehicle and immediately took control of the steering, but the vehicle still made contact with the curb. After the incident, the vehicle developed steering misalignment, vibration while driving, and abnormal noise, which suggests possible suspension or wheel damage. Since FSD was engaged at the time, I would appreciate it if Tesla could review the vehicle logs and investigate whether there was any system malfunction or unexpected behavior from the FSD system.
Forward collision avoidance, Feb 25, 2026, crash
In autopilot mode on 1/28/26 the vehicle without any warnings went through a red light causing an accident. A week prior it failed to adjust speed in a 35 mile per hour zone maintaining 71.
Structure, Feb 23, 2026
The rear driver side door became impossible to open due to a trim piece failure - this is a safety hazard for rear seat passengers.
Suspension, Feb 16, 2026
A bolt securing the rear subframe assembly is loose and missing its nut. This condition has caused damage to the rear subframe assembly, which now requires replacement. The vehicle was inspected by a licensed dealer who confirmed on video that no impact damage, scraping, bending, or collision damage is present on any surrounding components. The only affected area is the bolt and nut connection point. The dealer's professional assessment is that this is consistent with a factory assembly defect — either the nut was never installed or was not properly torqued during manufacturing. No routine service or alignment would require access to this fastener. Tesla's service records for this VIN should confirm no prior work has been performed in this area, meaning the fastener has not been touched since the vehicle left the factory. Factory-installed suspension bolts of this type are typically secured with a locking mechanism or thread locker; a properly installed nut does not detach through normal vehicle operation. This constitutes a safety defect. A rear subframe fastener that was not properly secured at the factory could lead to suspension component failure, loss of vehicle control, and a serious accident. Tesla's service center has denied warranty coverage for this repair despite the vehicle being within its warranty period, citing that "a manufacturing defect would have presented itself earlier" and that because I am not the original owner, they "don't know what might have happened." Tesla quoted 2,812.49 to replace the damaged rear subframe assembly.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2026
COMPONENT: Battery and Charging System SUMMARY: 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range lost 15% battery capacity (345→300 miles) in 2 months at 9,816 miles. Comparison vehicle shows this is a defect, not normal wear. DESCRIPTION: Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, VIN: [insert VIN], 9,816 miles Defect: Between September 2025 and November 2025, displayed range at 100% charge dropped from 345 miles to 300 miles—a 15% loss in just 2 months. Evidence This Is A Defect: I own a second 2023 Model 3 (base model) with 66,680 miles that only dropped from 272→260 miles (4.4% loss). The Long Range with 7x FEWER miles has 3x MORE degradation, indicating a battery pack defect. Service Refusal: Tesla Service ran “range analysis” but refuses to test battery capacity or check for dead cells. Only provided scripted responses about EPA vs real-world driving, which doesn’t explain why my high-mileage vehicle has healthier batteries. Safety Concern: Rapid cell degradation may indicate failing cells, thermal management defect, or fire risk. Unpredictable range loss creates stranding risk. Request: Investigate 2023 Model 3 LR battery packs for systemic defects. Require Tesla to perform cell-level diagnostics and replace defective packs. Documentation available upon request.
Structure, Feb 10, 2026
Tesla has completely removed the rear door manual release latch in my late 2023 Model 3 Performance. This elevates the concern of the ongoing NHTSA Defect Petition DP25002 (opened December 2025), which investigates similar issues with emergency egress controls on Model 3 vehicles, citing them as "hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive." Again, in my late 2023 Model 3 Performance, these are entirely absent in the design. For some reason, Tesla has doubled down on the defect issue and completely removed the manual door release mechanism.
Electrical system, Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving with the Autonomous Self Driving feature activated in rainy weather, the vehicle suddenly turned towards the left onto railroad tracks. The contact regained control of the vehicle and was able to drive off the railroad tracks. The tires and rims were damaged due to the failure. The vehicle was taken for repairs, and the tires and rims were replaced, and an alignment was scheduled to be performed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 14,469.
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2026
There is no manual door release for rear doors in the Tesla model 3 RWD. This can pose a safety issue if the car has no power and passengers need to evacuate the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2026
am reporting an issue involving unexplained cracking of my Tesla windshield with no known impact or debris strike. Last night at approximately 6:20 PM, while in Chapel Hill, NC, I entered my vehicle and noticed a crack on the driver’s side of the windshield. The outside temperature at that time was about 28°F. There was no audible rock strike and I have no recollection of anything hitting the glass. The morning low temperature was approximately 14°F. To my awareness, the passenger-side crack was not present earlier that morning. Approximately 15 minutes ([XXX]EDT) before writing this statement, I was seated in the passenger seat and noticed a second crack on the passenger side. The temperature had risen to about 34°F. Again, there was no strike event that I recall while driving or parked. Both cracks appeared within a short time span during an unusually cold period with temperature changes between 14°F and 34°F. The passenger crack visually resembles an impact point, but I cannot identify any incident that would have caused it. My concern is that these cracks may indicate thermal stress, structural flex, a material defect, or bonding/installation issue. Windshield failure without impact presents a safety hazard due to reduced visibility and potential compromise of structural integrity during a collision. I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate this issue for potential safety implications. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 14, 2026
There is NO mechanism to unlock the rear passenger doors in case of electrical failure. No Emergency mechanical door opening in case of emergency. Passengers will NOT be able to get out of the LOCKED vehicle during an emergency (i.e. crash, battery fire, submerged in water, etc). This is an EXTREMELY IMMINENT DANGER for small kids who are sitting in car seats, since it will take even longer to release them from their straps in order to get out. The small rear windows are useless for escape. THIS FLAW DESIGN HAS ALREADY CAUSED DEATHS. Changes SHOULD BE MADE to enable emergence mechanical opening of the rear doors.
Structure, Jan 14, 2026
The entire bumper assembly fell off my Tesla Model 3 during the heavy rains on December 24. I didn't see it happen. It was just missing. But it may have happened on the freeway, when we drive through a flooded area. There is a history of this happening with this model when there is a lot of rain or you drive through a puddle. They admitted to this defect in 2020, but claim it was fixed. Apparently not. They are now telling me "we are unable to cover the repair under vehicle warranty because the condition was caused by outside factors," i.e., water. This cannot be normal.
Electrical system, Dec 26, 2025
The blinkers do not respond to the change in blinkers when I initiate the blinker (right or left) by using the stalk. There has been numerous times that I fully pull down or push up the blinker stall and it would not engage the blinker but today I am reporting it because now I almost changed the lane after engaging the blinker but it didn’t happen
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 26, 2025
There's a problem with the airbags, and the steering wheel is hard to turn.
Service brakes, Dec 2, 2025
Regen braking sporadically not working when going down mountain or steep roads. Sometimes they work and sometimes they won’t. This is after extensive driving on warm days while battery is between 70-80%. Support could not help me and they don’t have any technicians available. I’ve sent them videos and time stamps and they are ignoring the issue and unable to help due to lack of knowledgable representatives This is a serious safety concern
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2025
Compliance arm bolt securing it to the subframe is fractured. Tesla has dismissed my ongoing concerns of vibration and instability while driving. Stating they performed an in depth inspection of all suspension and subframe components and found nothing of concern during last service appointment. I did my own inspection and found the fractured bolt. Sent photo to service and they are trying to play it off as normal and safe to drive. Contacted several manufacturers and mechanics stating otherwise. Told this will end in catastrophic failure and loss of vehicle control but apparently Tesla wants me to drive it to the service department for next service
Suspension, Electrical system, Nov 8, 2025
1. During summer months the wireless charger does not work and heats up the phone to hazardous levels, when I take it to service while under warranty, they are saying its a known issue and want to charge customers for replacing charging pad 2. The suspension of the car is making sounds, Tesla wants me to pay labor charges for fixing it under warranty. The suspension issue happened in almost all the Tesla cars of my friends and neighbors.it needs to be a recall