2023 Tesla Model 3 problems and recalls

Owner complaints on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 include 1 fatality report, 71 crashes and 1 fires across 417 filings.

417
Complaints
12
Recalls
71
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
49
Injuries
151.4
Severity index

Severity index 151.4 High. The index weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints. How it is calculated.

Middle half of all tracked vehiclesThis vehicle: 151.4p25 46p75 80cleanestworst
Severity index against the quartile range for all tracked vehicles.

Ranked 2 of 82 by severity index among 2023 vehicles with at least 40 complaints, highest first. 98% of those vehicles scored lower. Full 2023 ranking.

Components cited in complaints

Forward Collision Avoid…Forward Collision Avoidance: 174 complaints (41.7%)174 42%SteeringSteering: 85 complaints (20.4%)85 20%Vehicle Speed ControlVehicle Speed Control: 68 complaints (16.3%)68 16%Unknown Or OtherUnknown Or Other: 57 complaints (13.7%)57 14%Service BrakesService Brakes: 55 complaints (13.2%)55 13%Electrical SystemElectrical System: 51 complaints (12.2%)51 12%Lane DepartureLane Departure: 27 complaints (6.5%)27 6%StructureStructure: 22 complaints (5.3%)22 5%
A single complaint can cite more than one component, so shares total over 100%.
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints citing it
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE17441.7%
STEERING8520.4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6816.3%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5713.7%
SERVICE BRAKES5513.2%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5112.2%
LANE DEPARTURE276.5%
STRUCTURE225.3%

Complaints filed per year

01102202022: 112023: 2112024: 1042025: 552026: 36 (partial year)2223211242526
Complaints by the calendar year they were filed. The hatched bar is the current year to date.
YearComplaints
202211
2023211
2024104
202555
2026 (year to date)36
Filings in 2023 to 2025 ran 33.6x those in 2022 to 2022 (370 against 11).

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
26V50700005/08/2026EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSTesla, 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)

Other Tesla Model 3 model years

Severity index for every other model year on file. Compare all 8 years side by side.

Source. NHTSA public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-05. Complaints are unverified consumer reports. Totals vary with units sold and years on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.