What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2023 Tesla Model 3

Early-defect pattern

44.4% of complaints about the 2023 Tesla Model 3 came in its first year of service — a higher share than 93% of the 177 2023 model-years on record. That points to problems present from new rather than wear. The most-reported system is collision avoidance (240 complaints), typically at 1.0 yr or about 4,000 miles.

Complaints
739
Median age at failure
1.2 yr
Median mileage
4,369 n=53
Crash / fire / tow
23.3% of reports
Safety recalls
10

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Collision avoidance
240 reports · 4,000 mi
1.0 yr
14.2%
Steering
87 reports · 3,000 mi
1.0 yr
21.8%
Speed control
67 reports · 48,426 mi
1.0 yr
31.3%
Other
57 reports
1.4 yr
22.8%
Service brakes
54 reports · 12,166 mi
1.1 yr
38.9%
Electrical system
50 reports · 7,200 mi
1.6 yr
20%
Lane departure
35 reports
1.5 yr
31.4%
Structure
24 reports
2.4 yr
25%
Air bags
20 reports · 12,166 mi
1.9 yr
65%
Suspension
19 reports
1.8 yr
21.1%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

26V507000 2026-08-05
Exterior lighting:headlights

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.

26V283000 2026-05-05
Back over prevention:software

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.

25V092000 2025-02-14
Steering:electric power assist system

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.

24V935000 2024-12-17
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems

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.

24V554000 2024-07-24
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

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.

24V376000 2024-05-28
Seat belts:front:warning light/devices

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.

24V051000 2024-01-30
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

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.

23V838000 2023-12-12
Electrical system:adas:autonomous/self driving:software

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.

23V434000 2023-06-19
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery

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.

23V085000 2023-02-15
Steering:automated/adaptive steering

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 pos

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.

In owners’ own words

Service brakes mileage not reported 3 mo in service
sudden, abrupt braking on multiple occasions when passing a specific location along NJ Garden State Parkway (near exit 89) while driving on auto pilot.
Service brakes mileage not reported 6 mo in service
We were driving down the road, emergency braking enabled came on and car came to a complete abrupt start 10ft from railroad tracks and would not do anything. Could not reset it. Nothing.
Service brakes mileage not reported 8 mo in service
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.
Speed control mileage not reported 3 mo in service
Driving west on 1-10 west of TLH vehicle suddenly decelerate if if there was slowed or stopped traffic ahead. I was alone on road.

Other Model 3 model years

20252024202320222021202020192018

How to read this