2023 Tesla Model 3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
88/100
#2 most-complained of 9 Model 3 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 425 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 88 out of 100 — #2 highest of 9 Model 3 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is collision avoidance & cameras (183 complaints, 43% of the total). Complaints report 72 crashes, 1 fire, 50 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 425
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes / fires
- 72 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 50 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 131
- 134 city / 126 hwy
Top 2023 Tesla Model 3 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 ranks #2 of 9 among Model 3 model years (Complaint Index 88/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 425 complaints and 12 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
- The most reported problem areas are collision avoidance & cameras (183 complaints), steering (87 complaints), and engine (75 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 3,400 miles.
- Does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, most recently reported 2026, covering electrical system, collision avoidance & cameras, steering, and suspension, wheels & tires.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
- EPA rates the 2023 Tesla Model 3 at 131 MPG combined (134 city / 126 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $600. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.