Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control — runs 5.9× the fleet median for that category across the 228 model-years tracked on this site.
411Complaints
11Recalls
70Crashes
1Fires
49Injured
1Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control (26% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control complaints here are 5.9× the median for that category across the 228 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 411 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES
A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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 repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES
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 repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I have had this car for 6 months. Three times within the past month sudden braking (phantom braking) occurred while driving on the high way…”NHTSA complaint 11532334 — filed 07/14/2023 · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
“When driving in highway using autopilot, the car suddenly slammed on the brakes. This made no sense at all as there were no cars in…”NHTSA complaint 11531955 — filed 07/13/2023 · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
“Scenario 1: Driving mid day in hot weather in desert highway with rolling hills and cruise control activated. Upon cresting a ridge with mirages the…”NHTSA complaint 11531185 — filed 07/09/2023 · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control issues are the most-reported category, cited in 107 of 411 NHTSA complaints (26%), followed by forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (95), steering (83), vehicle speed control (64). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have?
411 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 70 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 49 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes — 11 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 22V844000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2023 Tesla Model 3's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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