NHTSA vehicle safety data

2023 Tesla Model 3 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 429 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Tesla dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2023 Tesla Model 3 owner complaints

Owners have filed 429 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Tesla Model 3, describing incidents dated November 5, 2022 to September 29, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Forward Collision Avoidance 179 complaints
  • Steering 89 complaints
  • Vehicle Speed Control 69 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 59 complaints
  • Service Brakes 56 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).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11774022 · Filed

    The steering wheel makes a grinding noise when it automatically adjusts (when the car starts). It also makes the same grinding noise when I adjust it

  • ODI #11768933 · Filed

    Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD, VIN 5YJ3E1EA3PF556059. Since the FSD software update from V12 to V14.1 (Supervised v14.1 Lite) in early August 2026, the vehicle repeatedly issues false 'apply steering wheel force' warnings while my hands are on the wheel, followed by sudden disengagement of Full…

  • ODI #11767747 · Filed

    Tesla has done away with a set maximum speed control when on FSD and uses speed profiles. These profiles can have the car speed at huge differences from the actual speed limit. Tesla previously gave the driver the option to control the maximum speed but eliminated it with version 14 FSD software.

Read all 429 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2023 Tesla Model 3 in 13 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

8 more NHTSA investigations
Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Low Beam Headlights May Be Too Bright/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #26V507000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported August 4, 2026 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 20,349 vehicles

Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-24-17-003 · Vehicles built through December 2, 2023 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111

NHTSA #26V283000 · Back Over Prevention — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported May 4, 2026 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 218,868 vehicles

Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-26-00-001 · Owners notified July 3, 2026 · Vehicles built September 30, 2022 – January 3, 2024 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Loss of Power Steering Assist

NHTSA #25V092000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported February 14, 2025 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 376,241 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-25-00-004 · Owners notified March 25, 2025 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

TPMS Light May Not Remain Illuminated/FMVSS 138

NHTSA #24V935000 · Tires — Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems · NHTSA notice

Reported December 17, 2024 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 696,281 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-24-00-018 · Owners notified February 15, 2025

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Software May Fail to Detect Unlatched Hood

NHTSA #24V554000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hood — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported July 24, 2024 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,849,638 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.3% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-24-00-012 · Owners notified September 22, 2024

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208

NHTSA #24V376000 · Seat Belts — Front — Warning Light/Devices · NHTSA notice

Reported May 28, 2024 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 125,233 vehicles

Repair completion: 89.92% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-24-00-008 · Owners notified July 26, 2024

Defect description

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."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105

NHTSA #24V051000 · Electrical System — Instrument Cluster/Panel · NHTSA notice

Reported January 30, 2024 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 2,193,869 vehicles

Tesla campaign SB-24-00-003 · Owners notified February 21, 2024

Defect description

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."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse

NHTSA #23V838000 · Electrical System — ADAS — Driver Monitoring — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported December 12, 2023 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 2,031,220 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-23-00-008 · Owners notified February 10, 2024 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Defective Pyrotechnic Battery Disconnect

NHTSA #23V434000 · Electrical System — Propulsion System — Traction Battery · NHTSA notice

Reported June 19, 2023 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 26 vehicles

Repair completion: 80.77% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-23-16-005 · Owners notified August 18, 2023

Defect description

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

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Full Self-Driving Software May Cause Crash

NHTSA #23V085000 · Steering — Automated/Adaptive Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported February 15, 2023 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 362,758 vehicles

Repair completion: 96.5% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-23-00-001 · Owners notified April 15, 2023 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Taillight May Fail to Illuminate

NHTSA #22V844000 · Exterior Lighting — Tail Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported November 15, 2022 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 321,628 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-22-00-016 · Owners notified January 14, 2023

Defect description

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

Safety consequence

A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Side Curtain Air Bag May Be Twisted/FMVSS 214, 226

NHTSA #21V834000 · Air Bags — Side/Window — Curtain · NHTSA notice

Reported October 25, 2021 · Tesla, Inc.

Potentially affected: 3 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Tesla campaign SB-21-20-006 · Owners notified December 23, 2021

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Other Tesla Model 3 model years

Check your 2023 Tesla Model 3 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Tesla Model 3 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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