2023 Tesla Model 3 Problems

What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2023 Tesla Model 3, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Tesla Model 3, 2017 to 2023 model years
Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0
How the 2023 compares

Too new to judge fully

It has been on the road 3 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older Model 3 year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the driver assist systems, which half of owners reported by about 4,000 miles.

Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Model 3 years from 2017 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

Owners have filed 429 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Tesla Model 3. The most reported problem area is the driver assist systems (196, 46% of complaints), followed by the steering and the cruise control and acceleration. That ranks 6th of 8 Model 3 years from 2017 to 2024 for complaints. It has 12 recalls.

Complaints429filed with NHTSA
Recalls12for this model year
Crashes7350 injuries reported
Fires1reported in complaints

5 of these complaints came from Utah owners.

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Most reported problems

Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2023 Tesla Model 3 before you buy.

Driver assist systems

196 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 4,000 miles. Parts named most: Adaptive cruise control (114), Automatic emergency braking (97), Warnings (36).

What to check before you buy

  • Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
  • Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
  • Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

Im using full self driving (fsd) and it scans the lot and chose to pull into an empty spot half way in and reverse almost smacking a car in the rear. It didnt appear it was gonna stop even though the car was showing on the screen. I do have the dash cam from where i had to step on the break for it to disengage.Owner complaint, filed 2026
On 8/24/2026 at approximately 12:02pm, my 2023 Model 3 was parked in my assigned space in a covered apartment carport, with a concrete support pillar approximately one to two feet from the passenger side. I entered a destination and activated FSD (Supervised) from Park, a Tesla-designed feature. Vehicle telemetry recorded in the dashcam…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Steering

89 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 2,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
  • On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
  • A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

The steering wheel makes a grinding noise when it automatically adjusts (when the car starts). It also makes the same grinding noise when I adjust itOwner complaint, filed 2026
Steering becomes very stiff or notchy where you have to pull it out of position or correct it constantly. Doesn't want to return to center! When you stop it returns to normal feeling then as soon as you get up to speed it becomes stiff again.Owner complaint, filed 2026

Cruise control and acceleration

69 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 26,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
  • Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

Tesla has done away with a set maximum speed control when on FSD and uses speed profiles. These profiles can have the car speed at huge differences from the actual speed limit. Tesla previously gave the driver the option to control the maximum speed but eliminated it with version 14 FSD software.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped accelerating after 3-seconds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 48,426 miles

Brakes and stability control

56 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
  • The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
  • Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle jerked hard with several alerts for the "Traction Control, ABS, Lane Departure feature displayed. Additionally, the Stability Control System was disabled, and the message “Brake Hold Unavailable” was displayed. The contact stated that the…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 48,380 miles

Electrical system

51 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 5,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
  • Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
  • Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

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.Owner complaint, filed 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…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Body, doors and structure

24 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy

Parts named most: Body (21).

What to check before you buy

  • Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
  • Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
  • Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.

Tools that help

What owners said

Vehicle: Tesla Model 3 Issue: Power trunk failed to detect obstruction Date of incident: July 5, 2026 Location: Surprise, AZ During normal use of the vehicle, my child pressed the “close trunk” button while I was leaning into the trunk area. The powered trunk began closing and did not stop when it made contact with my head. Instead of…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The roof glass is unusually susceptible to failing and cracking under minimal impact. A very small item such as a pebble impacted the roof. The glass cracked. I understand the roof glass is a structural component. I would not expect a roof to require complete replacement due to a minor pebble.Owner complaint, filed 2026

Suspension

19 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
  • Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
  • Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.

Tools that help

What owners said

I am filing an official safety complaint regarding a severe, premature failure of the front lower suspension system on my 2023 Tesla Model 3. While operating the vehicle, the front lower compliance links (Part numbers: 2188359-10-B, 2188354-10-B) and the lower lateral links (Part number: 1044341-00-G) suffered critical mechanical bushing…Owner complaint, filed 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…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Seats and seat belts

19 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
  • Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

I am writing to file a claim concerning a recall affecting my Tesla vehicle, identified by NHTSA Recall Number 24V376. The recall involves a defect in the seat belt reminder system software logic affecting certain Tesla models, including my own. The defect causes a failure to provide audible and visual seat belt reminders when the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Driver seat will adjust itself while driving down the road. While the seat is moving by itself it will also roll the da window down and no way to roll it up. While all things happening the heat will also stop working.Owner complaint, filed 2024

Air bags

18 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
  • Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

During a major car accident the airbags for my Tesla, Model 3, 2023 did not deploy airbags although other impacted cars had full airbags deployed. This posed a risk to my safety as a driver due to not having the proper equipment deployed during a major accident. This was noticed by the emergency personnel on the scene who stated that…Owner complaint, filed 2025
UNKNOWN Moving collision resulted in insurance company describing damage as a total loss. It was inspected by an auto collision expert; his description, photos and estimate were forwarded to a claims specialist at the insurance company. The side of my head hit the window on the driver's side, but no airbags inflated. I feel this was a…Owner complaint, filed 2025

Lights, wipers and visibility

14 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
  • Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a rock struck the front windshield, causing a crack. The contact stated that the front windshield had previously been replaced for the same failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 23,000 miles
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the rain with the windshield wipers activated, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact was able to turn the switch for the windshield wipers and the wiper blades started operating as needed. There were no warning lights…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 11,800 miles

Transmission and drivetrain

10 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
  • Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
  • Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
  • If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

What owners said

I have a group of individuals that are hacking all of my accounts and trying to steal my car. They first hacked my emails then my Tesla account and now they are actually on the Teslas computer system and have been in the vehicle accessing the screen. After they hacked the system and stopped updates the car started having a bunch of…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Purchased 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance in January 2024. On [XXX] at approximately 2 pm, I got a flat tire drivers side front on a remote highway outside of Reno Nv. At that time, I found out that I didn't have a spare tire or jack supplied by Tesla. I called Tesla Roadside Service and was told before they would send out assistance, I…Owner complaint, filed 2024

Wheels and tires

10 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
  • Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
  • The tire pressure light should go out after startup.

Tools that help

What owners said

Bought a 2023 Tesla model 3 from Carvawna on aug 30th drove car steering wheel was shaking at 70 mph or more; took to tire shop 3 tire were bad and unsafe,tires were worn below 3/32nds in the center, 2 tires foam was detached and broke tire sensor 4th tire was barley legal cannot believe vehical passed 150 inspection; silver rock only…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Rims cracked with normal usage. Current mileage under 17,000. This should not occur, and poses a safety risk with loss of tire pressure.Owner complaint, filed 2025

Engine and cooling

8 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
  • Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
  • Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
  • Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact rented a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50-60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The Engine Lost Power message was displayed, instructing the contact to pull over immediately; unable to drive, exiting and re-entering the vehicle may restore operation. Following the directions, the…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 39,500 miles
Within one day of taking ownership of a new 2023 tesla model 3, the car suddenly stopped running, slowing rapidly to a crawl on the highway, causing a potential hazardous situation. Error code DI_a137 appeared onscreen, and a message that the vehicle was not drivable. After several minutes on the shoulder, the car behaved normally. I…Owner complaint, filed 2023

Fuel system

8 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
  • On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
  • Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

Design defect that caused the cooling system to fail and potentially not cooling the battery system. Per Tesla service center, leaves and debris which are common in everyday use got on top of the radiator, the fan on the back of the radiator sucked the debris and caused the damage to the radiator to leak. the radiator’s design may be…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Car accelerated by itself. Approximately 4:30pm december 3. I just exited freeway and pulled my foot off the pedal and it started to decelerate then there was a chime sound and the car suddenly shot forward. I slammed the brakes as quick as i could. Luckily no one was around. The driving conditions were terrible, it was raining hard and…Owner complaint, filed 2022

Tesla Model 3 complaints by year

Compare the 2023 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.

Compare with similar 2023 electric cars

Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.

CarVs. its other yearsRecallsMost reported
2023 Tesla Model 3Too new to judge12Driver assist systems
2023 Tesla Model YToo new to judge17Driver assist systems
2023 Toyota CamryToo new to judge2Driver assist systems
2023 Honda AccordToo new to judge5Driver assist systems
Compare side by side

2023 Tesla Model 3 recalls

This is every recall issued for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.

Lights Headlights

Aug 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V507000
Risk
Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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."

Backup camera

May 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V283000
Risk
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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."

Steering Electric power assist system

Feb 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V092000
Risk
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Tires Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Dec 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V935000
Risk
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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."

Doors, hood and latches

Jul 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V554000
Risk
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Seat belts Warning light / devices

May 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V376000
Risk
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update.
Full recall summary

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."

Electrical system Instrument cluster / panel

Jan 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V051000
Risk
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.
Fix
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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."

Electrical system Autonomous / self driving

Dec 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V838000
Risk
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…
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Electrical system Traction battery

Jun 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V434000
Risk
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.
Fix
Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.

Steering Automated / adaptive steering

Feb 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V085000
Risk
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.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Lights Tail lights

Nov 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V844000
Risk
A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

Air bags Curtain

Oct 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V834000
Risk
A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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."

2023 Tesla Model 3 questions

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

The most reported problem areas on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 are the driver assist systems (196 complaints), the steering (89 complaints) and the cruise control and acceleration (69 complaints). Within the driver assist systems, owners most often name the adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and warnings.

Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 a good year to buy?

Too new to judge fully. It has been on the road 3 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older Model 3 year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the driver assist systems, which half of owners reported by about 4,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Model 3 years from 2017 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have?

NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. The most recent, from Aug 2026, covers the headlights. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.

At what mileage do 2023 Tesla Model 3 problems start?

Half of the owners who reported a problem with the driver assist systems gave a mileage of about 4,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the steering gave a mileage of about 2,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.

Which Tesla Model 3 years should I avoid?

The Model 3 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2018. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2017. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.

Looking at a 2023 Tesla Model 3?

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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.