2023 Tesla Model 3 Safety Report

2023 Tesla Model 3 Safety Analysis

396Complaints
10Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
82/100Reliability Score
64Crash Reports
43Injuries
Most reported components: Forward Collision Avoidance (74)Steering (49)Unknown Or Other (27)Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance (20)Electrical System (18)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (14)Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (11)Visibility/Wiper (9)Structure (8)Vehicle Speed Control (8)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Tesla Model 3

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 Tesla Model 3. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2023 Tesla Model 3 Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenHigh (10)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsHigh (396)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports64Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubForward Collision AvoidanceCompare forward collision avoidance issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2024Compare against the 2024 Tesla Model 3 with 186 complaints and 4 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2018Check the 2018 Tesla Model 3 before buying across this generation.

Tesla Model 3 Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Tesla Model 3 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Tesla Model 3 Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2024 Tesla Model 3 186 4 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2022 Tesla Model 3 734 16 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2021 Tesla Model 3 630 20 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2020 Tesla Model 3 419 20 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2019 Tesla Model 3 574 21 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2018 Tesla Model 3 955 18 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.

2023 Tesla Model 3 Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 Tesla Model 3, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Forward Collision Avoidance

74 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Tesla only

Steering

49 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Steering issues Tesla only

Unknown Or Other

27 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Tesla only

Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance

20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Tesla only

Electrical System

18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System issues Tesla only

Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance

14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Tesla only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Tesla Model 3

The 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 has accumulated 396 complaints and 10 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Among the complaints, 64 involved crashes and 0 involved fires. There have been 43 reported injuries and 0 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance (74 complaints), steering (49 complaints), unknown or other (27 complaints). Key known issues to be aware of include Autonomous Driving Software, Battery and Charging System, Windshield Cracking. Ensure your Tesla Model 3 is up to date with the latest software and recalls. Regularly check for any issues with the battery, windshield, and manual door release.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 receives a reliability score of 82 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 Tesla Model 3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★★
5/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Side Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Rollover
★★★★★
5/5

Known Issues for the 2023 Tesla Model 3

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Tesla Model 3:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Autonomous Driving Software
Issues with Full Self-Driving (FSD) have been reported, including running red lights and unexpected steering. Ensure software is up to date.
Medium Rare 30k-60k miles
Battery And Charging System
Battery capacity loss of 15% in 2 months at 9,816 miles. Monitor battery health and consider regular maintenance.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Windshield Cracking
Unexplained cracking of windshields has been reported. Monitor for any signs of damage.
Low Occasional 0-100k miles
Manual Door Release
No manual release for rear doors in RWD models. This can be a safety hazard in case of electrical failure. Consider alternative solutions.
High Occasional 0-100k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Tesla Model 3:

Battery And Charging System 23% of complaints

Issues with battery capacity and charging have been reported.

Autonomous Driving Software 15% of complaints

Recalls and issues with FSD have been reported.

Windshield 10% of complaints

Unexplained windshield cracking has been reported.

Manual Door Release 8% of complaints

No manual release for rear doors in RWD models has been reported.

Recall Details for the 2023 Tesla Model 3

The following 10 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 by NHTSA:

Steering:Electric Power Assist System
Campaign #25V092000 14/02/2025

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.

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Campaign #24V935000 17/12/2024

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."

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch
Campaign #24V554000 24/07/2024

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.

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Seat Belts:Front:Warning Light/Devices
Campaign #24V376000 28/05/2024

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."

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
Campaign #24V051000 30/01/2024

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."

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving:Software
Campaign #23V838000 12/12/2023

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.

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery
Campaign #23V434000 19/06/2023

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

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Steering:Automated/Adaptive Steering
Campaign #23V085000 15/02/2023

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 traf...

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights
Campaign #22V844000 15/11/2022

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.

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain
Campaign #21V834000 25/10/2021

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."

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Tesla Model 3

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 8 complaints involved crashes. 9 reported injuries or fatalities.

Crash Reports: 8 Injury/Fatality Reports: 9
Forward Collision Avoidance
03/23/2026

The Full Self Driving (Supervised) system (FSD(S)) failed by running a red light. Video is available for inspection upon request. My safety was not at risk - this time - because the system waited until there was no cross traffic to resume motion, even though the light was still red. I have not tried to reproduce the problem for a dealer since it happens infrequently. (This is the third time in per...

ODI #11726564
Structure
03/20/2026

Reporting a stress fracture in the front windhsield of my model 3 tesla. Looking online and speaking to attorney its a very common problem. Mine resulted simply from a heat wave it crack down the middle in a c shape emanating from the top edge of the windshield. No contact evidence and no contact or accident occurred. It’s now unsafe to drive my vehicle and tesla will not cover it under warranty...

ODI #11725899
Electrical System
03/19/2026

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 crash, fire, or 12V power failure, rear passengers—especial...

ODI #11725482
Electrical System
1 Injured 03/07/2026

The rear doors intermittently will not unlock. Even after hitting the unlock button from menu or short or long press of the driver unlock button or from the app unlock button. The driver only unlock feature is disabled. I have video that would not upload. Snapshots of video included.

ODI #11722702
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance
03/03/2026

An incident that occurred while Full Self-Driving (FSD) was engaged. During the drive, the vehicle unexpectedly steered toward the curb while making a right turn. I was actively monitoring the vehicle and immediately took control of the steering, but the vehicle still made contact with the curb. After the incident, the vehicle developed steering misalignment, vibration while driving, and abnorma...

ODI #11721846
Forward Collision Avoidance
Crash 1 Injured 02/25/2026

In autopilot mode on 1/28/26 the vehicle without any warnings went through a red light causing an accident. A week prior it failed to adjust speed in a 35 mile per hour zone maintaining 71.

ODI #11720413
Structure
02/23/2026

The rear driver side door became impossible to open due to a trim piece failure - this is a safety hazard for rear seat passengers.

ODI #11719933
Suspension
02/16/2026

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 components. The only affected area is the bolt and nut connection poi...

ODI #11718285
Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System
02/12/2026

COMPONENT: Battery and Charging System SUMMARY: 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range lost 15% battery capacity (345→300 miles) in 2 months at 9,816 miles. Comparison vehicle shows this is a defect, not normal wear. DESCRIPTION: Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, VIN: [insert VIN], 9,816 miles Defect: Between September 2025 and November 2025, displayed range at 100% charge dropped from 345 miles to 3...

ODI #11717616
Structure
02/10/2026

Tesla has completely removed the rear door manual release latch in my late 2023 Model 3 Performance. This elevates the concern of the ongoing NHTSA Defect Petition DP25002 (opened December 2025), which investigates similar issues with emergency egress controls on Model 3 vehicles, citing them as "hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive." Again, in my late 2023 Model 3 Performance, these are entirely...

ODI #11717070
Electrical System
02/09/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving with the Autonomous Self Driving feature activated in rainy weather, the vehicle suddenly turned towards the left onto railroad tracks. The contact regained control of the vehicle and was able to drive off the railroad tracks. The tires and rims were damaged due to the failure. The vehicle was taken for repairs, and the t...

ODI #11716718
Unknown Or Other
02/07/2026

There is no manual door release for rear doors in the Tesla model 3 RWD. This can pose a safety issue if the car has no power and passengers need to evacuate the vehicle.

ODI #11716471
Unknown Or Other
01/27/2026

am reporting an issue involving unexplained cracking of my Tesla windshield with no known impact or debris strike. Last night at approximately 6:20 PM, while in Chapel Hill, NC, I entered my vehicle and noticed a crack on the driver’s side of the windshield. The outside temperature at that time was about 28°F. There was no audible rock strike and I have no recollection of anything hitting the glas...

ODI #11713633
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other
01/14/2026

There is NO mechanism to unlock the rear passenger doors in case of electrical failure. No Emergency mechanical door opening in case of emergency. Passengers will NOT be able to get out of the LOCKED vehicle during an emergency (i.e. crash, battery fire, submerged in water, etc). This is an EXTREMELY IMMINENT DANGER for small kids who are sitting in car seats, since it will take even longer to rel...

ODI #11711027
Structure
01/14/2026

The entire bumper assembly fell off my Tesla Model 3 during the heavy rains on December 24. I didn't see it happen. It was just missing. But it may have happened on the freeway, when we drive through a flooded area. There is a history of this happening with this model when there is a lot of rain or you drive through a puddle. They admitted to this defect in 2020, but claim it was fixed. Apparent...

ODI #11710903
Electrical System
12/26/2025

The blinkers do not respond to the change in blinkers when I initiate the blinker (right or left) by using the stalk. There has been numerous times that I fully pull down or push up the blinker stall and it would not engage the blinker but today I am reporting it because now I almost changed the lane after engaging the blinker but it didn’t happen

ODI #11707201
Steering,Electrical System,Air Bags
12/26/2025

There's a problem with the airbags, and the steering wheel is hard to turn.

ODI #11707074
Service Brakes
12/02/2025

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 the issue and unable to help due to lack of knowledgable rep...

ODI #11702604
Suspension,Unknown Or Other
11/14/2025

Compliance arm bolt securing it to the subframe is fractured. Tesla has dismissed my ongoing concerns of vibration and instability while driving. Stating they performed an in depth inspection of all suspension and subframe components and found nothing of concern during last service appointment. I did my own inspection and found the fractured bolt. Sent photo to service and they are trying to play ...

ODI #11699418
Suspension,Electrical System
11/08/2025

1. During summer months the wireless charger does not work and heats up the phone to hazardous levels, when I take it to service while under warranty, they are saying its a known issue and want to charge customers for replacing charging pad 2. The suspension of the car is making sounds, Tesla wants me to pay labor charges for fixing it under warranty. The suspension issue happened in almost all t...

ODI #11698357

Showing 20 of 396 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2023 Tesla Model 3

NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.

Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
NHTSA RQ24009 Open

Component: Electrical System:Adas:Driver Monitoring:Software

Opened 2024-04-25

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system, which Tesla described as an SAE Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of Tesla’s Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer. In describing the saf...

Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
NHTSA PE25012 Open

Component: Electrical System:Adas

Opened 2025-10-07

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 violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that Tesla has labeled as "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)." Tesla characterizes FSD as an SAE Level 2 partial automation system requiring a fully attentive driver who is engaged in the driving task at all times. Level 2 par...

Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
NHTSA PE24033 Closed

Component: Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving

Opened 2025-01-06 · Closed 2026-04-03

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. According to Tesla, Summon is a short-distance SAE Level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by Tesla as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consu...

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
NHTSA PE24031 Closed

Component: Electrical System:Adas

Opened 2024-10-17 · Closed 2026-03-18

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 of the FSD system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other FSD crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are similar in nature to the four SGO-reported crashes identified in the opening document,...

Loss of steering control
NHTSA PE23014 Closed

Component: Steering

Opened 2023-07-28 · Closed 2024-02-05

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 Tesla Model 3 and Y vehicles. During PE23-014, ODI interviewed complainants, sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Tesla, and convened technical meetings with Tesla that included a joint inspection of a crashed vehicle. The investigation identified 2,388 total complaints regar...

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
NHTSA EA26002 Open

Component: Electrical System:Adas

Opened 2026-03-18

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. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond. ODI will evaluate the performance of FSD in degraded roadway conditions and the updates ...

Loss of steering control
NHTSA EA24001 Open Recall 25V092

Component: Steering

Opened 2024-02-01

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 Tesla Model 3 and Y vehicles. During PE23-014, ODI interviewed complainants, sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Tesla, and convened technical meetings with Tesla that included a joint inspection of a crashed vehicle. The investigation identified 2,388 total complaints regar...

Autopilot System Driver Controls
NHTSA EA22002 Closed Recall 23V085

Component: Electrical System

Opened 2022-06-08 · Closed 2024-04-25

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 evaluations to understand how Tesla’s Autopilot system may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver’s supervision. To support this work, ODI collected additional crash information and assessed vehicle control authority, driver e...

Sudden Unintended Acceleration
NHTSA DP23002 Open

Component: Vehicle Speed Control

Opened 2023-06-29

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 have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the DP20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number: 11528471.

Defect Petition Interlock Request
NHTSA DP23001 Closed

Component: Unknown Or Other

Opened 2023-04-07 · Closed 2026-03-18

On March 21, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting a “recall of all Tesla cars” produced from 2013 to the date on which the petition was filed due to what Petitioner considers to be the increased likelihood of pedal misapplication. Attached to the Petition is a paper authored by Petitioner. According to Petitioner, the differences in the operator controls between the subject Tesla vehicles and internal combustion engine powered vehicles promote driver ped...

Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
NHTSA AQ25002 Open

Component: Electrical System:Adas

Opened 2025-08-20

The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the Standing General Order in place at the time required a report to be submitted within one or five days of Tesla receiving notice of the crash. When the reports were su...

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Tesla Model 3

Has the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 been recalled?

Yes, the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 has 10 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 have?

The 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 has 396 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 64 involved crashes. 43 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3?

The 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 involve forward collision avoidance (74 complaints), steering (49 complaints), unknown or other (27 complaints). Other affected components include vehicle speed control,forward collision avoidance, electrical system, service brakes,forward collision avoidance.

How many crash reports does the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 have?

There are 64 crash reports associated with the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 out of 396 total complaints (16.2% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 have?

There are no fire reports for the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 in the NHTSA database.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3.

How many injuries are reported for the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3?

43 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2023 TESLA MODEL 3?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 396 complaints, 10 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3?

The components with the most failures on the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 are: 1. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (74 complaints), 2. STEERING (49 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints), 4. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (20 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18 complaints). FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE is the single most-reported problem area with 74 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2023 TESLA MODEL 3?

Ensure your Tesla Model 3 is up to date with the latest software and recalls. Regularly check for any issues with the battery, windshield, and manual door release. The 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 has 396 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).

How reliable is the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3?

The 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 receives a reliability score of 82/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 396 owner complaints, 10 recalls, and 64 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Autonomous Driving Software and Battery and Charging System.

What are the known issues with the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3?

Known issues with the 2023 TESLA MODEL 3 include: Autonomous Driving Software, Battery and Charging System, Windshield Cracking, Manual Door Release. These are based on patterns found across 396 NHTSA complaints. 10 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

What are the common issues with the Tesla Model 3's battery and charging system?

The battery can lose capacity quickly, and charging issues have been reported. Regular maintenance is recommended.

Are there any recalls related to the Tesla Model 3's autonomous driving software?

Yes, there have been recalls for issues with FSD, including unexpected steering and running red lights.

What safety concerns should I be aware of with the Tesla Model 3's rear doors?

There is no manual release for rear doors in RWD models, which can be a safety hazard in case of electrical failure.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Ensure your Tesla Model 3 is up to date with the latest software and recalls. Regularly check for any issues with the battery, windshield, and manual door release.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Tesla Model 3

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. The data includes 396 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 10 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 64 reported crashes, 43 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Tesla Model 3 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16