2023 Tesla Model 3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2023 Tesla Model 3: 12 recalls, 428 owner complaints and up to 132 mpg combined.
Recalls
12 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V834000 · 2021 · 3 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A twisted side curtain air bag May improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
The 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #22V844000 · 2022 · 321,628 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 model 3 and 2020-2023 model y vehicles. One or both taillights May intermittently fail to illuminate.
Why it matters: A taillight that fails to illuminate May reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023.
Steering Vehicle recall #23V085000 · 2023 · 362,758 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.â 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge.â owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.â
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V434000 · 2023 · 26 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 model 3 and model y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect May be defective.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V838000 · 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #24V051000 · 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #24V376000 · 2024 · 125,233 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024.
Electrical, Latches & locks Vehicle recall #24V554000 · 2024 · 1,849,638 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024.
Tires Vehicle recall #24V935000 · 2024 · 696,281 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025.
Steering Vehicle recall #25V092000 · 2025 · 376,241 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #26V283000 · 2026 · 218,868 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #26V507000 · 2026 · 20,349 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 50 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Forward collision avoidance (179): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
- Steering (88): the most common themes are steering problems (77).
- Speed control / throttle (69): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (11).
- Other / unknown (59): the most common themes are electrical failure (6).
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 428 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 10 Model 3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 435). Complaints peaked in 2023 (211 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 0 years old, at a median of 3,400 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (766 complaints, 18 recalls), 2024 (219 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (192 kW AC 3-Phase) | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 138e | 126e | 132e | Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2023 Tesla Model 3.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2023 Tesla Model 3 problems?
Owners have filed 428 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (179), steering (88), speed control / throttle (69).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 132 mpg combined, across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2023 Tesla Model 3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.