2023 Tesla Model 3 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 425 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, filed between 2022-11-12 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (178, 42%), steering (87, 20%) and vehicle speed control (68, 16%). Owners reported 72 crashes, 1 fire, 50 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2023 Tesla Model 3 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 178 | 42% | 30 | 1 | 15 |
| Steering | 87 | 20% | 15 | 0 | 7 |
| Vehicle speed control | 68 | 16% | 21 | 0 | 16 |
| Unknown or other | 58 | 14% | 10 | 0 | 11 |
| Service brakes | 54 | 13% | 21 | 0 | 10 |
| Electrical system | 51 | 12% | 9 | 0 | 5 |
| Lane departure | 27 | 6% | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| Structure | 22 | 5% | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Suspension | 19 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Air bags | 18 | 4% | 13 | 1 | 9 |
| Visibility/wiper | 12 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 10 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 10 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 9 | 2% | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 9 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Forward collision avoidance: 178 complaints
- 178 complaints of 425 (42%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 42 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 30 crashes, 1 fire, 15 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 covers this system.
Steering: 87 complaints
- 87 complaints of 425 (20%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 9 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 15 crashes and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2023 Tesla Model 3; the latest, campaign 25V092000, says: “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…”
Vehicle speed control: 68 complaints
- 68 complaints of 425 (16%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 42 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 21 crashes and 16 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 covers this system.
Service brakes: 54 complaints
- 54 complaints of 425 (13%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 35 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 21 crashes and 10 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 covers this system.
Electrical system: 51 complaints
- 51 complaints of 425 (12%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 9 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 9 crashes and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2023 Tesla Model 3; the latest, campaign 24V051000, says: “An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.”
Lane departure: 27 complaints
- 27 complaints of 425 (6%) name the lane departure — lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
- 16 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 7 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 211 |
| 2024 | 104 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 44 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MODEL 3, model year 2023. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2023 Tesla Model 3 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2023 Tesla Model 3's most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (178 of 425 complaints), steering (87 of 425 complaints) and vehicle speed control (68 of 425 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have?
NHTSA has 425 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, including 72 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2023 Tesla Model 3's problems?
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model 3; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.