NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 430 owner complaints for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. It has 4 open investigations that name this model year, not counting audit queries.
Recalled components: electrical system, exterior lighting, steering, air bags, and 4 more. Most-described problem: phantom braking or false collision alerts (58 complaints, 13%). Most-reported area: forward collision avoidance (180 complaints, 42%).
More complaints than a typical Model 3 year
The 2023 drew 381 owner complaints in its first three years, against about 284 for a typical Model 3 year.
Years to avoid: 2022. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoid
12 safety recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model 3
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Fails federal standard 105 · 2,193,869 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-003.
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 risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
2,031,220 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-23-00-008.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
Fix: Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-16-005.
26 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-23-16-005.
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Fails federal standard 108 (lighting) · 20,349 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-17-003.
Risk: A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.
321,628 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-016.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.
376,241 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-25-00-004.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
362,758 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-23-00-001.
Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.
Fails federal standard 214 (side impact protection) · 3 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-21-20-006.
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 218,868 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-26-00-001.
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
1,849,638 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Latches, locks and linkages: hood, latch. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-012.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 125,233 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-008.
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
Fails federal standard 138 (tire pressure monitoring) · 696,281 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-018.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 10 investigations that name the 2023 Tesla Model 3, not counting audit queries; 4 are still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Lower lateral link detachment
Preliminary evaluation PE26006Open since Jul 29, 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 156 complaints alleging a suspension failure in model year (MY) 2018-2020 Model 3 and MY 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Suspension (front, control arm, lower arm).
FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Engineering analysis EA26002Open since Mar 18, 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Preliminary evaluation PE25012Open since Oct 7, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS, driver monitoring, software).
Unexpected brake activation
Preliminary evaluation PE22002Closed Jun 29, 2026 (opened Feb 16, 2022)
On February 16, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22002) to investigate reports of unexpected deceleration while driving with the adaptive cruise control system engaged… NHTSA's full summary
Engineering analysis EA24001Closed Jun 25, 2026 (opened Feb 1, 2024)
On July 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23014) to investigate instances of loss of electronic power-assisted steering in MY 2023 Tesla Model 3 and MY 2023 Tesla… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 25V-092, listed above.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Steering.
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts
Preliminary evaluation PE24033Closed Apr 3, 2026 (opened Jan 6, 2025)
On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS, autonomous/self driving).
FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Preliminary evaluation PE24031Closed Mar 18, 2026 (opened Oct 17, 2024)
On October 17, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031) of Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) to assess: the ability… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
Autopilot system driver controls
Engineering analysis EA22002Closed Apr 25, 2024 (opened Jun 8, 2022)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded PE21020 to EA22002 on June 8, 2022, to extend work and deepen the PE21020 crash analysis, to supplement that analysis with additional data, and to perform vehicle… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recalls 23V-085 and 23V-838, listed above.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system.
Loss of steering control
Preliminary evaluation PE23014Closed Feb 5, 2024 (opened Jul 28, 2023)
On July 28, 2023, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-014) after receiving 12 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting loss of steering control in model years (MY) 2023… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Steering.
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. A recall query is a review of whether a recall covered the right vehicles or whether its fix works. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
Defect petitions: requests for an investigation
NHTSA has 1 open defect petition that names the 2023 Tesla Model 3. A defect petition is a request from the public for an investigation, which NHTSA reviews before deciding whether to open one. The petition itself is not an investigation.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Speed control.
What owners report
Owners have filed 430 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Model 3. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Phantom braking or false collision alerts58 · 13%
Power steering problems or locked steering28 · 7%
Unintended acceleration or surging26 · 6%
Steering rack problems: sticking, play or pulling16 · 4%
Shaking, shuddering or vibration11 · 3%
Driver-assist errors or blocked-sensor messages10 · 2%
Most named: adaptive cruise control (115); automatic emergency braking (98)
Steering90 · 21%
Speed control69 · 16%
Brakes56 · 13%
Electrical system51 · 12%
Most named: adas, autonomous/self driving (4)
Lane departure systems28 · 7%
Most named: assist (16); warning (14)
Body structure22 · 5%
Most named: body (21)
Unknown or other59 · 14%
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Tesla Model 3 recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2023 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2022 Model 3 drew the most (666) and the 2023 drew 381.
Owner complaints
2023: 430 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Tesla Model 3
Model year
Complaints
2017
27
2018
1,040
2019
624
2020
455
2021
675
2022
774
2023
430
2024
224
2025
127
2026
31
Safety recalls
2023: 12 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Tesla Model 3
Model year
Recalls
2017
16
2018
19
2019
22
2020
21
2021
22
2022
18
2023
12
2024
5
2025
3
2026
1
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 430 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, the problems described most are phantom braking or false collision alerts (58), power steering problems or locked steering (28), and unintended acceleration or surging (26). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 open investigations that name the 2023 Tesla Model 3, not counting audit queries: lower lateral link detachment (PE26006, opened Jul 29, 2026), FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions (EA26002, opened Mar 18, 2026), traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged (PE25012, opened Oct 7, 2025), and 1 more. It has closed 6 others. An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect. NHTSA is also reviewing 1 defect petition that names it: sudden unintended acceleration (DP23002, opened Jun 29, 2023). A petition asks NHTSA to open an investigation and is not one itself.
How do I check if my Model 3 has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Tesla fixes safety recalls for free, often with an over-the-air software update.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: MODEL 3.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.