2023 Tesla Model 3 recalls and problems

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 12 safety recalls and 430 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Tesla dealer.

Recalls
12
Complaints
430
Crashes / fires
73 / 1
Injuries / deaths
50 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2023 Tesla Model 3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2023 Tesla Model 3 recalls

Recall 26V-507: Exterior Lighting

Reported Aug 4, 2026 · 20,349 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 26V-283: Back Over Prevention

Reported May 4, 2026 · 218,868 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 25V-092: Steering

Reported Feb 14, 2025 · 376,241 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 24V-935: Tires

Reported Dec 17, 2024 · 696,281 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 24V-554: Latches/Locks/Linkages, Electrical System

Reported Jul 24, 2024 · 1,849,638 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 24V-376: Seat Belts

Reported May 28, 2024 · 125,233 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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."

Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 24V-051: Electrical System

Reported Jan 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 23V-838: Electrical System

Reported Dec 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 23V-434: Electrical System

Reported Jun 19, 2023 · 26 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

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

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 23V-085: Steering

Reported Feb 15, 2023 · 362,758 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-844: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 15, 2022 · 321,628 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

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

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 21V-834: Air Bags

Reported Oct 25, 2021 · 3 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

2023 Tesla Model 3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Forward Collision Avoidance245
Steering90
Vehicle Speed Control69
Unknown or Other59
Service Brakes54
Electrical System51
Lane Departure36
Structure24
Air Bags20
Suspension19
Visibility/Wiper12
Power Train10

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 115
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 98
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 31
  • Structure › Body — 21
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 16
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 14
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 6
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 6

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 3,400 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2023 Tesla Model 3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Nov 9, 2026
1. Full Self Driving computer complete system failure. Happens everyday. 8 days still has same problem. 2. Problem showed itself 30 minutes after taking possession of the car. Gave me a panic attack because the car was driving itself and then "TAKE CONTROL IMMEDIATELY!!" was on the monitor. This caused me to jerk the wheel while in heavy traffic on [XXX] and I hit the brakes and almost caused an accident because I thought the car was going to crash. 3. Problem has happened everyday/3-5 times a day since taking ownership [XXX]. I checked the fault logs on [XXX] and there are over 100 incidents…
Steering · reported Oct 27, 2026
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
Steering · reported Oct 5, 2026
Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD, VIN [VIN]. 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 Self-Driving without apparent cause. This has happened multiple times, including at highway speeds, which I consider a safety hazard. The Tesla service center in Miami Gardens has been unable to fix the problem after multiple visits. I emailed Tesla's North America service team on September 23, 2026 (with a photo…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Sep 29, 2026
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.
Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Sep 25, 2026
On September 23 2026 at night I was driving my car under FSD and am in full control of vehicle my car is on speed of 54-55mph and in the middle of the road without any obstacle present on the road the car did the super ghost breaking and my car stopped 100% with the screen turning red with a warning of collision w am thankful to god that no one is coming from behind otherwise it might be loss of lid or serious medical emergency . We are aware and keeping on checking the surroundings but it’s very hard or nearly impossible to go to 50 mph from 0 mph in 0 seconds.

Other Tesla Model 3 years

Compare all Tesla Model 3 years · All Tesla models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model 3: 26V-507 (exterior lighting), 26V-283 (back over prevention), 25V-092 (steering), 24V-935 (tires), 24V-554 (latches/locks/linkages, electrical system) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

Owners report forward collision avoidance problems most often (245 reports), followed by steering (90). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 3,400 miles.

Are Tesla recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Tesla dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.