Reliable Auto DB

2023 Tesla Model 3 reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 424 complaints with NHTSA after 4 years, or 127 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Model 3 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 62. NHTSA has 12 recalls on file, including Headlights, Back-over prevention, software, and Electric power steering.

2019 Tesla Model 3
Photo by Vauxford, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

424

Per year

127

Recalls

12

Years on the road

4

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Forward collision avoidance (177 of 424), then Steering (87) and Speed control (68). The most filings arrived in 2023 (211 of 424). Those filings include 72 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, 36 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Next to 2022 and 2024

The 2022 Model 3 has 765 complaints, 222 per year, and the 2024 has 216 complaints, 72 per year. The 2023 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022. The 2023 has more complaints per year than the 2024.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2023 Tesla Model 3. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (12)

Recall exterior lighting, headlights 2026-08-05 · NHTSA campaign 26V507000
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."
Remedy The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Recall back-over prevention, software 2026-05-05 · NHTSA campaign 26V283000
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."
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.
Recall Electric power steering 2025-02-14 · NHTSA campaign 25V092000
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.
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.
Recall tires, tire pressure monitoring 2024-12-17 · NHTSA campaign 24V935000
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."
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.
Recall latches, locks, and linkages, hood, latch 2024-07-24 · NHTSA campaign 24V554000
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.
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.
Recall seat belts, front, warning light 2024-05-28 · NHTSA campaign 24V376000
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."
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.
Recall electrical system, instrument cluster 2024-01-30 · NHTSA campaign 24V051000
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."
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.
Recall electrical system, driver assistance, self-driving, software 2023-12-12 · NHTSA campaign 23V838000
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.
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.
Recall electrical system, propulsion system, traction battery 2023-06-19 · NHTSA campaign 23V434000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
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.
Recall steering, adaptive steering 2023-02-15 · NHTSA campaign 23V085000
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.
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.
Recall exterior lighting, tail lights 2022-11-15 · NHTSA campaign 22V844000
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.
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.
Recall air bags, side and window, curtain 2021-10-25 · NHTSA campaign 21V834000
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."
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.

Complaints by component (424 total)

Forward collision avoidance
177
Steering
87
Speed control
68
Service brakes
54
Electrical system
51
Lane departure
27
Structure
22
Suspension
19
Air bags
18
Visibility and wipers
12
Powertrain
10
Seat belts
10
Back-over prevention
9
Seats
9
Wheels
9
Engine
8
Fuel and propulsion system
8
Latches, locks, and linkages
4
Hydraulic brakes
2
Electronic stability control (ESC)
1
Exterior lighting
1
Hydraulic brakes and auto hold
1
Tires
1
Visibility
1
Show 16 more Show less
Crash-flagged

72

Fire-flagged

1

Injury reports

36

Death reports

1

Complaints filed per year

11202221120231042024552025432026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "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…"
    Wheels · filed 2026-09-16
  • "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…"
    Steering · filed 2026-09-15
  • "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…"
    Powertrain, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance · filed 2026-09-14
  • "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…"
    Forward collision avoidance, Back-over prevention · filed 2026-09-14
  • "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:…"
    Suspension · filed 2026-09-10

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2023 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars
2023 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Model 3 Long Range all-wheel drive — Automatic (1-speed) All-wheel drive 134 126 131 MPG / 358 mi range $600
Model 3 Performance all-wheel drive — Automatic (1-speed) All-wheel drive 118 107 113 MPG / 315 mi range $650
Model 3 rear-wheel drive — Automatic (1-speed) Rear-wheel drive 138 126 132 MPG / 272 mi range $550

Specs and fitment

First generation, 2017–2023
Body styles Sedan
Tire size 235/45R18 (18-inch), 235/40R19 (19-inch), 235/35R20 (20-inch), 245/35R20 (Performance 20-inch)

Known issues for this generation

Recall 23V-838 covers 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Autosteer versions up to the remedy software. NHTSA states that 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, which can increase crash risk if the driver does not remain prepared to intervene. The campaign lists 2,031,220 vehicles across those models; Tesla's remedy is an over-the-air software update. Recall 21V-835 covers certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles whose front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen and allow the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame; recall 23V-235 expands that fastener issue to certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. Recall 21V-387 covers certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles whose brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.

Compare

Previous year 2022 Tesla Model 3 Next year 2024 Tesla Model 3 See every Tesla Model 3 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 reliable?

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 424 complaints with NHTSA after 4 years, or 127 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Model 3 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 62. NHTSA has 12 recalls on file, including Headlights, Back-over prevention, software, and Electric power steering.

What are common problems with a 2023 Tesla Model 3?

The complaints owners file most often name Forward collision avoidance (177 of 424), then Steering (87) and Speed control (68). The most filings arrived in 2023 (211 of 424). Those filings include 72 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, 36 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2022 Model 3 has 765 complaints, 222 per year, and the 2024 has 216 complaints, 72 per year. The 2023 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022. The 2023 has more complaints per year than the 2024.

Has the 2023 Tesla Model 3 been recalled?

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 12 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

Owners have filed 424 complaints about the 2023 Tesla Model 3 with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2023 Tesla Model 3 get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 is 125.3 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What generation is the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

First generation (2017-2023), before the Highland refresh.

Does the US Tesla Model 3 have a factory towing rating?

No. The Model 3 is not equipped to tow in the US and Tesla does not publish a US towing capacity for it. A tow package is sold in Europe and some other markets; those ratings are not US ratings.