- Safety
- 5
- of 5 stars
- Recalls
- 11
- on record
- MPG
- —
- combined
Fatalities reported
Owner complaints to NHTSA include 1 report involving a death. Read the complaint record closely.
Vehicle Summary
2023 Tesla Model 3
Before You Buy
Safety record at a glance
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Owner complaints
- 412
- Complaints citing a crash
- 70
These are raw counts from NHTSA records. They are not normalized by how many of these vehicles are on the road, so a model that sold in large numbers will tend to show more of everything. We do not publish a composite safety or reliability score.
11 Recalls on Record
These recalls have been issued by the manufacturer. Contact any authorized dealer to verify they have been completed — repairs are free.
Safety recalls
11 NHTSA campaigns affecting this model year.
- 22V844000high
Lighting issue
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 21V834000high
Airbag system issue
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
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.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 23V085000high
Steering issue
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
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.
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.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 23V434000high
Electrical issue
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
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.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 23V838000high
Electrical issue
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
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.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 24V051000high
Electrical issue
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 24V376000high
Lighting issue
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
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.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 24V554000high
Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 24V935000high
Tire/wheel issue
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 25V092000high
Steering issue
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.
Consequence
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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.
- 26V283000high
Backup camera software issue
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."
Consequence
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Full campaign recordRemedy
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 crash-test ratings
NCAP star ratings and the underlying test breakdown for the 2023 Tesla Model 3.
Frontal crash
- Driver
- 5 / 5
- Passenger
- 5 / 5
Side crash
- Driver
- 5 / 5
- Passenger
- 5 / 5
- Side pole
- 5 / 5
Rollover
- Rollover risk
- 6.6%
- Dynamic tip
- No Tip
Driver-assistance technologies
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
What the ratings mean
NHTSA gives the 2023 Tesla Model 3 5 out of 5 stars overall. NHTSA does not publish enough comparable results for this class and year to rank it against peers.
NHTSA published results for every NCAP test in this program, so the overall star rating rests on a complete set of crash and rollover results.
NHTSA's dynamic test put this vehicle's rollover probability at 6.6% in a single-vehicle crash — the figure behind the rollover star rating, published here because the star alone hides how wide each band is.
Fuel economy & emissions
The EPA holds no fuel-economy record for this model year.
The EPA does not publish a record for every model year.
Consumer complaints
412 owner reports filed with NHTSA.
- 412
- Total
- 70
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 49
- Injuries
Most reported components
- OTHER144
- STEERING74
- BRAKES48
- ELECTRICAL39
- AIR BAGS18
Serious Concerns
412 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA. 1 report involves a death. 49 reports involve injuries. 70 reports involve a crash.
Most reported problems
Safety timeline
Every dated recall and NHTSA investigation for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, newest first.
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation EA24001
Loss of steering control
- Recall
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation PE24033
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation DP23001
Defect Petition Interlock Request
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation EA26002
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation PE24031
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation PE25012
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation AQ25002
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
- Recall
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation PE24033
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
- Recall
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation PE24031
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
- Recall
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation EA22002
Autopilot System Driver Controls
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation RQ24009
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation PE23014
Loss of steering control
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation EA24001
Loss of steering control
- Recall
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.
- Recall
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.
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation PE23014
Loss of steering control
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation DP23002
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
- Recall
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.
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation DP23001
Defect Petition Interlock Request
- Recall
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.
- Recall
A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation EA22002
Autopilot System Driver Controls
- Investigation opened
NHTSA opened investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Recall
A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Dates are the NHTSA report-received date for recalls and the ODI open/close date for investigations. Crash-test ratings are not shown here because the source does not provide a reliable publication date for them.
Specifications & ratings
Specifications
- Body class
- Unknown
- Drive type
- Unknown
- Engine
- 0L 0-cyl
- Fuel type
- Unknown
- Transmission
- Unknown
- Seats
- 0
NHTSA crash ratings
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Explore related
Safety timeline
Full timeline- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation EA24001
Loss of steering control
- Recall
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation PE24033
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
- Investigation closed
NHTSA closed investigation DP23001
Defect Petition Interlock Request