Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2023 Tesla Model 3
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 shows a higher number of recalls and complaints compared to some other models, with 12 recall campaigns and 429 owner complaints. Key issues relate to lighting, steering, and electronic systems. The high volume of reports suggests careful inspection is advised, but the broader data remains limited for a conclusive stance.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 429 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V507000 Low Beam Headlights May Be Too Bright/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V283000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V092000 Loss of Power Steering Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V935000 TPMS Light May Not Remain Illuminated/FMVSS 138 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V554000 Software May Fail to Detect Unlatched Hood NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V376000 Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V051000 Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V838000 Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V434000 Defective Pyrotechnic Battery Disconnect NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V085000 Full Self-Driving Software May Cause Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V844000 Taillight May Fail to Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V834000 Side Curtain Air Bag May Be Twisted/FMVSS 214, 226 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 179 complaints
- Steering 89 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 69 complaints
- Unknown or Other 59 complaints
- Service Brakes 54 complaints
- Electrical System 51 complaints
Of the 429 complaints on file, 73 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 429 complaints, owners report 50 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Headlights too bright
How to check: Test headlights for excessive brightness at night.
Loss of power steering assist
How to check: Check for consistent steering assist during acceleration.
Rearview camera image delay
How to check: Put in reverse and observe camera response.
Tail lights intermittent failure
How to check: Inspect tail light operation when vehicle is on.
Side curtain airbag twisted
How to check: Check airbag deployment locations for signs of twisting.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual noises from the engine.
Red flag: Knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for warning lights on the dashboard.
Red flag: Any persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Test steering for ease and response time.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 04
City driving
What to check: Observe electronic systems, like Autopilot, for errors.
Red flag: Autopilot failure or errors
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for power delivery smoothness.
Red flag: Hesitation or surging when accelerating
- 06
Braking
What to check: Assess brake response under firm pressure.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has any recall work been completed?
- Are there any known software issues?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
- Is the battery in its original condition?
- Have you experienced any power steering issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Battery health report
- Accident report
- Warranty status
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2023 Tesla Model 3? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.