2023 Tesla Model 3: owner complaints and recalls

Analysis of 412 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 11 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.

412
Complaints
11
Recalls
70
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
49
Injuries
174.3
Severity index

Severity index 174.3 - High. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.

Among the 80 2023 vehicles we track with at least 40 complaints on file, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 ranks 4 of 80 by severity, where 1 is the worst. Its severity is higher than 95% of its model-year peers. See the full 2023 ranking.

What actually fails

ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints citing it
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE17041.3%
STEERING8520.6%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6616.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5613.6%
SERVICE BRAKES5413.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5112.4%
LANE DEPARTURE276.6%
STRUCTURE225.3%

The single most-reported system is FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, cited in 170 of 412 complaints (41.3%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.

Complaints filed per year

2022: 112023: 2112024: 1042025: 552026: 312223242526
YearComplaints
202211
2023211
2024104
202555
2026 (year to date)31
Complaint volume is rising - the last three years carry 33.6x the filings of the three before them, which usually signals a wear-related defect surfacing with age.

Recall campaigns

CampaignReportedComponentSummary
22V84400015/11/2022EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTSTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
21V83400025/10/2021AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAINTesla, 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 Fede
23V08500015/02/2023STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERINGTesla, 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,
23V43400019/06/2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERYTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
23V83800012/12/2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARETesla, 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
24V05100030/01/2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANELTesla, 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
24V37600028/05/2024SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICESTesla, 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 comp
24V55400024/07/2024LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCHTesla, 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.
24V93500017/12/2024TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMSTesla, 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
25V09200014/02/2025STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMTesla, 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 r
26V28300005/05/2026BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARETesla, 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
Source. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-07-25. Complaints are unverified consumer reports; volume is influenced by how many units were sold and how long the vehicle has been on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.