Your vehicle report
2023 Tesla Model 3
The problems owners report. The recalls to check. The evidence behind each.
Your vehicle at a glance
Complaint patterns and official recall records, kept distinct.
- Owner complaints
- 429
- Received Nov 2022 to Oct 2026
Owner reports
Most reported problems
- 1Automatic emergency braking applies without reason34 complaints · 7.9% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 2Power steering cuts out while driving26 complaints · 6.1% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 3Cruise control fails to disengage26 complaints · 6.1% of this vehicle’s complaints
Official NHTSA records
Recalls to check
- Recall #26V507000Tesla, 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."
- Recall #26V283000Tesla, 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."
BrakeNews signals
Flagged complaint patterns
Unusual complaint patterns with no matched recall yet. A flag does not mean a recall will happen.
- Automatic emergency braking applies without reasonFirst signal: May 2023
- Steering wanders or pulls at highway speedFirst signal: Dec 2025
Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA, not failure rates or a reliability ranking. Reported in these complaints: 73 crashes, 1 fire, 50 people injured, 1 death.
Explore by system
Where do owners report problems?
Choose an area on the car or a system below to explore the reported problems.
Illustrative only; not this vehicle’s exact design. Areas represent complaint categories, not confirmed defective parts.
Showing all 20 listed problems by system.
Engine & powertrain
Brakes
Electrical & lights
Airbags, belts & seats
Steering, suspension & tires
Body, doors & glass
- Rear door latch fails to open or close
- Glass shatters or cracks without impact
- Windshield wipers work intermittently or fail
1 more problem
Driver assistance
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Other
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Complaint history
When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.
Show as a table
| Month | Complaints |
|---|---|
| November 2022 | 5 |
| December 2022 | 6 |
| January 2023 | 6 |
| February 2023 | 6 |
| March 2023 | 12 |
| April 2023 | 7 |
| May 2023 | 16 |
| June 2023 | 14 |
| July 2023 | 25 |
| August 2023 | 40 |
| September 2023 | 33 |
| October 2023 | 20 |
| November 2023 | 12 |
| December 2023 | 20 |
| January 2024 | 19 |
| February 2024 | 11 |
| March 2024 | 8 |
| April 2024 | 12 |
| May 2024 | 8 |
| June 2024 | 7 |
| July 2024 | 5 |
| August 2024 | 14 |
| September 2024 | 7 |
| October 2024 | 3 |
| November 2024 | 8 |
| December 2024 | 2 |
| January 2025 | 5 |
| February 2025 | 2 |
| March 2025 | 6 |
| April 2025 | 0 |
| May 2025 | 5 |
| June 2025 | 6 |
| July 2025 | 6 |
| August 2025 | 3 |
| September 2025 | 7 |
| October 2025 | 8 |
| November 2025 | 4 |
| December 2025 | 3 |
| January 2026 | 3 |
| February 2026 | 7 |
| March 2026 | 6 |
| April 2026 | 2 |
| May 2026 | 3 |
| June 2026 | 7 |
| July 2026 | 3 |
| August 2026 | 5 |
| September 2026 | 10 |
| October 2026 | 2 |
| Total | 429 |
Problems owners report
Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.
| Problem | Complaints | Share | Share ratio | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic emergency braking applies without reason | 34 | 7.9% | 4.6× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: May 2023 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 1.4% |
| Power steering cuts out while driving | 26 | 6.1% | 1.6× | NHTSA recall #25V092000 |
| Cruise control fails to disengage | 26 | 6.1% | – | |
| Unintended acceleration despite braking | 23 | 5.4% | 1.6× | |
| Steering wheel seizes or locks suddenly | 18 | 4.2% | – | |
| Rear door latch fails to open or close | 16 | 3.7% | 8.2× | |
| Brake pedal sinks due to leaking lines | 14 | 3.3% | – | |
| Steering wanders or pulls at highway speed | 14 | 3.3% | 3.8× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Dec 2025 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 4.6% |
| Glass shatters or cracks without impact | 11 | 2.6% | 1× | |
| Seat belt fails to latch or retract | 10 | 2.3% | 2.2× | |
| Airbags fail to deploy in crashes | 10 | 2.3% | 4.3× | NHTSA recall #21V834000 |
| Windshield wipers work intermittently or fail | 8 | 1.9% | – | |
| Check engine light comes on repeatedly | 5 | 1.2% | 1.5× | |
| Power steering rack leaks fluid | 5 | 1.2% | – | |
| Ignition key sticks or will not turn | 4 | 0.9% | – | |
| Trailer frame, axle, or hitch fails while towing | 4 | 0.9% | – | |
| Tires blow out or tread separates | 4 | 0.9% | – | |
| Suspension struts and shocks wear out early | 4 | 0.9% | 9.9× | |
| Battery drains and dies when parked | 4 | 0.9% | – | |
| Brake booster fails, leaving stiff pedal | 4 | 0.9% | – |
AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.
Recalls
NHTSA recall #26V507000August 4, 202620,349 vehicles affected
exterior lighting: headlights
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."
Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #26V283000May 4, 2026218,868 vehicles affected
back over prevention: software
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."
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #25V092000February 14, 2025376,241 vehicles affected
steering: electric power assist system
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.
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #24V935000December 17, 2024696,281 vehicles affected
tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
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."
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #24V554000July 24, 20241,849,638 vehicles affected
electrical system: software; latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
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.
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #24V376000May 28, 2024125,233 vehicles affected
seat belts: front: warning light/devices
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."
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #24V051000January 30, 20242,193,869 vehicles affected
electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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."
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #23V838000December 12, 20232,031,220 vehicles affected
electrical system: adas: driver monitoring: software
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.
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #23V434000June 19, 202326 vehicles affected
electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #23V085000February 15, 2023362,758 vehicles affected
steering: automated/adaptive steering
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.
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #22V844000November 15, 2022321,628 vehicles affected
exterior lighting: tail lights
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #21V834000October 25, 20213 vehicles affected
air bags: side/window: curtain
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."
A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Remedy
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.
Other model years
About this data
NHTSA complaints and recalls through October 2026. Complaints are counted once each, however many components they name. Original complaints are on NHTSA's page for the 2023 Tesla Model 3.
Problem groups are formed by AI and may be approximate. BrakeNews flags unusual complaint patterns; they are not official defect findings. Investigation reports are written and checked by AI, with no human review. Owner reports do not establish that a defect exists.
Read the methodology and track record · Check current recalls by VIN