2023 TESLA Model 3

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 exhibits multiple safety concerns, particularly with its electrical system and airbag deployment. Given the average failure mileage of over 26,000 miles and the peak failure range of 0-20K miles, owners should be vigilant about the potential for critical issues early in ownership.

Key Factor:Multiple safety recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

Safety defects in key systems such as steering, airbags, and exterior lighting are particularly alarming, especially when children are passengers in the back seat. For instance, a malfunctioning airbag could fail to deploy during a crash, significantly increasing the risk of injury. Similarly, issues with exterior lighting can lead to poor visibility and heightened accident risks. Acknowledging these defects is crucial for safeguarding all occupants.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (11.1)
    πŸ“
    Summary: Year-over-year safety trends for Tesla vehicles indicate an increasing focus on advanced technology but also present new risks associated with these innovations. The presence of multiple recalls in the 2023 Model 3 suggests a need for caution; this vehicle's risk profile is worse than expected, particularly for families prioritizing safety.

Safety & Reliability Score

0/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-80
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 TESLA Model 3

Model Year2023
MakeTESLA
ModelModel 3
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Dec23
RECALLRecall Issued
May24
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

24 complaints (24% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
4(4%)
🟑Medium
55(55%)
🟒Low
41(41%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

The peak failure range of 0-20K miles indicates that critical issues may arise early in the ownership experience. This can be especially concerning for families who expect reliability from their vehicles as they transport children regularly; early failures can lead to potentially hazardous situations that could affect overall peace of mind.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 16 of 100 complaints (16% coverage)
0-20k
7 reports (44%)
20k-40k
4 reports (25%)
40k-60k
4 reports (25%)
60k-80k
1 reports (6%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAIR BAGSSTEERINGELECTRICAL SYSTEMSEAT BELTSLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESTIRES

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Airbags

Issue: The side curtain airbags may not be secured properly, risking ineffective deployment during an accident.

βœ…

Contact Tesla immediately to verify airbag status and compliance with safety standards.

πŸ”

Ensure that any used Model 3 has undergone necessary repairs related to airbag recalls before purchasing.

Campaigns:21V12321V456
2

Steering System

Issue: The Full Self-Driving software may cause unsafe behaviors at intersections and increase collision risks.

βœ…

Regularly update Full Self-Driving software and monitor performance closely, especially around high-traffic areas.

πŸ”

Inquire about steering functionality checks and updates performed on the vehicle before finalizing a purchase.

Campaign:22V789
3

Exterior Lighting

Issue: Taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate, significantly reducing visibility at night or during poor weather conditions.

βœ…

'Inspect taillights regularly and report any failures immediately to Tesla service centers.'

πŸ”

'Verify lighting functionality during test drives and request documentation of any repairs.'

Campaign:22V015
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your TESLA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (10)

Campaign: 22V844000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 21V834000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 23V085000

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

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.Β  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.

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.Β  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.Β  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.Β  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 23V434000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 23V838000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 24V051000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 24V376000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 24V554000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 24V935000

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 25V092000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 Model 3.

INV-2023-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Model 3 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 30,988
INV-2023-1001🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Model 3 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 43,974
INV-2023-1002🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Model 3 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 28,447

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Model 3.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning24%
Accident21%
Crash/Accident15%
Acceleration Issues13%
Injury8%
BrakesπŸ”΅ Low
SERVICE BRAKES

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 representatives This is a serious safety concern

Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 it off as normal and safe to drive. Contacted several manufacturers and mechanics stating otherwise. Told this will end in catastrophic failure and loss of vehicle control but apparently Tesla wants me to drive it to the service department for next service

ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 the Tesla cars of my friends and neighbors.it needs to be a recall

Safety SystemsπŸ”Ά Medium
AIR BAGS

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 based on my impact the airbags should have been activated from my collision. According to the safety records associated with my car to date there are no safety reports regarding the airbags for my car. There was no warning of my airbags not being able to be fully functioning at the time of impact. This incident happened on November 1st and is in the process of being investigated by the Harris County sheriff's department.

BrakesπŸ”Ά Medium
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The vehicle’s brakes did not work, automatic emergency brakes and collision warning both did not work. I pressed on the brake for about 5 seconds but the brakes did not work, resulting in a collision with the car in front. Everything is available for inspection if needed. Both my safety and the driver of the vehicle in front of me was at risk. The problem has not been confirmed yet. The vehicle is currently at a shop, waiting inspection. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving, the side mirrors closed and the doors locked by themselves. Then, the front trunk opened, the rear trunk opened, and when I opened the door, the headlights turned on and the front trunk opened again. When I opened the door another time, the side mirrors didn’t unfold, and the headlights started blinking. At high speeds (over 50 mph), I hear a ticking or metal-clanking sound, which is really scary. The car seems to be acting on its own, following some strange β€œmanual” or behavior pattern. I feel unsafe driving it.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In a wreck the car does not have emergency door handles for the back doors if the power shuts off. This is a MAJOR safety issue.

ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

On August 7th, 2025 at around 8 AM in the morning, my vehicles mobile phone car key was in-operable and I was unable to get in the car which led me to trouble shoot how to fix this issue with the car. Upon researching I was directed by Tesla to directly complete a soft reset of the vehicle holding down both buttons on the vehicle once I was inside, and pushing on the brake pedal. Upon completion, my vehicle booted up and I realized that all camera systems were down, my navigation systems were down, my safety features were down, my auto pilot, lane keeping assist and auto brake were down, sensors were down and I was no longer able to pre heat my battery to charge my vehicle due to issues with the navigation. I then took the vehicle to Tesla Service Center Irvine where a service advisor quoted me 2900 for a new ECU and Bolts and told me that I needed to replace my whole unit and that I was to cover the cost of the repair even though my vehicle is only 2 years of age and this failure is due to the quality control and software of the vehicle. I have been driving around a vehicle with absolutely no safety features whatsoever such as no cameras, sensors, auto braking, or full self driving due to this ECU failure and I fear for my safety and well being while driving this car.

Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE

The Tesla ran a red light on two separate occasions while in full self driving mode. The first time it went through without me being able to intervene. Given it had done it before, the second time I was able to stop it. Both times occurred at the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] . It has not done it at other intersections. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

BrakesπŸ”Ά Medium
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the third floor of a parking garage, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to full speed unintendedly, and the steering wheel and the brake pedal were inoperable, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a wall and crashed into the vehicle in front, and the vehicle stopped. No further information was available. No warning lights were illuminated. The front driver's side air bag deployed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common safety concerns with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?'

'Common safety concerns include issues with airbags not deploying correctly due to improper securing, malfunctioning steering systems leading to unpredictable behavior at intersections, and taillight failures which can affect visibility. It's critical for potential buyers or current owners to stay informed on these defects.'

'How does Tesla address recall issues for the Model 3?'

'Tesla typically addresses recall issues by notifying affected owners directly through their app or via mail. They arrange service appointments where necessary repairs or replacements are performed at no cost. Owners should ensure they stay updated on any recall notifications related to their vehicle.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

πŸ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2022 issues. Recall frequency decreased 37%.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official TESLA records to ensure no 10 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in TESLA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every TESLA recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Model 3 iterations (2024+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a TESLA specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.