2023 Tesla Model 3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2023 Tesla Model 3 ranks 2nd worst out of 9 model years with a complaint index of 88 and 425 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues dominate, making up 43% of complaints, alongside 12 recall campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 88/100
- #2 of 9 Model 3 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 425
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 12
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 72
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 50
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 131
- 134 city / 126 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 50 / 1
Top 2023 Tesla Model 3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras183 (43%)
- Steering87 (20%)
- Engine75 (18%)
- Other58 (14%)
- Brakes56 (13%)
- Electrical System52 (12%)
- Structure & Body33 (8%)
- Lane Departure27 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires26 (6%)
- Airbags18 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden, uncommanded acceleration while parking or maneuvering at low speed, resulting in collisions with parked cars, buildings, or garages.
- Several reports state the automatic emergency braking or collision avoidance system failed to engage before a crash.
- Some drivers say airbags did not deploy and brake assist failed to activate even in vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
- One report describes the steering feeling stuck before the vehicle left the road and struck a tree, with no lane-keeping or emergency braking assistance engaging.
- A fatal crash was reported involving roadway departure, a guardrail and pole impact, and rollover, prompting a request for a crashworthiness investigation.
2023 Tesla Model 3 recalls
12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V507000Aug 4, 2026Electrical System20,349 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
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."
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 26V283000May 4, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras218,868 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention:software
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."
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind 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 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.
- NHTSA 25V092000Feb 14, 2025Steering376,241 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Steering:electric power assist system
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.
Risk: 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.
2023 Tesla Model 3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 134 MPG
- Highway
- 126 MPG
- Combined
- 131 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Model 3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 reliable based on complaints?
- NHTSA data shows the 2023 Model 3 has a complaint index of 88, the second highest among all 9 model years, with 425 complaints and 72 crashes reported.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2023 Model 3?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues account for 43% of complaints, the largest share, followed by Steering at 20% and Engine at 18%.
- Does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2023 Model 3, covering areas including Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, and Steering, none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2023 Model 3 compare to other years?
- The 2023 model ranks worse than the 2024 (complaint index 25, Good) and 2025 (complaint index 13, Best) model years, but better than the 2022 model year, which has the highest complaint index at 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
- EPA rates the 2023 Model 3 at 131 MPG combined (134 city, 126 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $600.