Complaint volume
412 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2023 Tesla Model 3 Complaints
412 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, grouped by component category.
412 Total complaints
70 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
36 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are forward collision avoidance, steering, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 70 crash reports, 1 fire report, 36 injury reports, and 1 fatality report. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 39 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 14,505 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to forward collision avoidance, steering, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2023 Tesla Model 3
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2023 Tesla Model 3 complaints?
70 Crash
1 Fire
36 Injury
1 Fatality
56 Towed
26 Medical attention
What are the most common 2023 Tesla Model 3 complaint categories?
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 76
STEERING 51
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 20
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11
STRUCTURE 10
VISIBILITY/WIPER 9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8
412 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | soon after purchasing the vehicle (mile 43) while driving, the propulsion system failed completely and the screen instructed me to pull over but I could only drift as, again, pressing the gas pedal did nothing. This was a very dangerous incident and one that makes me fearful of putting my family back in the vehicle. I have repeatedly asked to speak with anyone at tesla about this issue but have had no email or phone calls returned or been given phone numbers that do not work. I received a message today that i am required to take back possession of the "repaired" car or be charged 100 dollar per day fee to keep their loaner. I do not wish to be behind the wheel when the other manufacturing defects are discovered but Tesla has given me no alternatives. A quick online survey of online forums indicates this is a recurring issue and one that tesla seems to treat with a "lets fix and hope it doesn't happen again" attitude. again, this is not a "failure to start" issue. this was a dangerous incident Tesla offers zero avenue to address with their corporate staff. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving on 15 freeway between Riverside CA to Las Vegas NV, I put the car in cruise control. While near Barstow, the car hard brakes dropping speed quickly. Luckily no other car was near. I changed lanes to pull on the side as I wasn’t sure what was happened, as it actually felt like the car had locked up. I did take the car out of cruise control and that seemed to fix the problem. I’ve used cruise control before and the adaptive braking has been manageable, this was extreme. On 4 June 2023. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Car was purchased on Tuesday June 13th, on Wednesday June 14th with 50 miles on clock travelling down the centre lane of a Texas highway the vehicle presented a warning that it was powering down and to get off the road. The car slowed down due to the regen breaks 60-0 in just a few seconds resulting in a near miss pile up. When the Tesla tow truck arrived the driver advised that this was not the first time he has seen this issue. The error codes i managed to gather from the vehicle were as follows: DIR_a126, DIR_a137, DIR_a063, BMS_a170 (coolant and rear drive unit issues) The consumer is requesting help with his vehicle. If you require further information please let me know, this nearly caused a serious incident on an extremely busy highway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | When adaptive cruise control is engaged, the vehicle harshly brakes. This occurs very randomly and is abrupt. The operator needs to quickly take control and accelerate as the speed is reduced significantly. One incident, the speed was 80 mph and it reduced to less than 60. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While in cruise control, the car suddenly reduced its speed; there is no obstacle in the path of the cat that would warrant such an action. This deceleration is sudden and violent and when it happens is dangerous for following drivers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Software Version: 2023.12.10 Over the past month, I have experienced a recurring problem with my vehicle's auditory notification system. The issue first began a couple of software updates ago and has persisted through the most recent update. The problem manifests sporadically, having occurred three times within the past month. When this issue arises, all system sounds, excluding radio and media, cease to function for the duration of my ride and persist across all future rides until the vehicle is hard rebooted. There are no visible warning signs or error messages on the dashboard to indicate that the system sounds are malfunctioning. Proof of issue - https://youtube.com/shorts/VbDErQVVzp4?feature=share The malfunctioning system sounds include but are not limited to: 1. Forward Collision Warning Sounds 2. Seatbelt Warning Sounds 3. Blinker Indicator Sounds 4. EV Reverse Sounds 5. System Notifications 6. All alerts and warnings Attempts to Resolve the Issue: To temporarily rectify the issue, I performed a hard reboot on the vehicle's system. This measure restored the sounds, but the problem consistently returns. **Safety Concerns:** This issue poses a significant safety concern as the lack of audible notifications increases the risk of accidents, particularly due to the absence of forward collision warning sounds, seatbelt warning sounds, and blinker indicator sounds. Additional Observations: It is important to note that this issue began a few software updates ago and has persisted despite subsequent updates. There are no error messages or warnings on the dashboard when the auditory system malfunctions, making the problem harder to detect until an auditory notification is expected but not heard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On a clear sunny day driving on the freeway at 75mph on a 70mph speed limit, the regular cruise control(not Autopilot) was engaged. Experienced 4 separate incidents of strong emergency brakes being activated by the vehicle automatically for 2-3 secs, dropping speed by 10-15mph. As the driver I disengaged the cruise control by strongly accelerating the vehicle. Also multiple incidents of brakes engaging slightly for 1 second , always when driving on a straight freeway, with zero other vehicles present in the front or rear. The road had a slight incline then a slight decline. Just as the vehicle reaches the top of the incline the brakes activated. No warning lamps of sounds, just immediate sharp braking one all incidents. As the driver I felt very unsafe, and glad there were no vehicles close behind, which could have resulted in a rear collision. Vehicle has not been inspected by any party. As a Tesla driver I do not trust the Standard Cruise control feature any more. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2023 Tesla Model 3- Consumer wrote about comparison of braking mode to non-EV's, experience driving a rented EV (Electrical Vehicle) w/ braking mode and suggestions to make EV's braking mode safer. When EV's accelerator is NOT pressed the EV goes into regenerative braking mode. No brake lights are triggered because brake pedal wasn't pressed. Consumer listed two "real world dangers". Consumer recommendation- The regenerative braking of EV's should also trigger brake lights notifying vehicles behind the EV that the pace of the vehicle is slowing with the same force. as if brakes where applied. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Vehicle breaks suddenly for no reason under a variety of circumstances. there is no pattern I could identify. i went on line to see if there is an update. many others with the same problem. Very dangerous if there is a car behind. Happens every day or so at freeway speed. Tesla needs to fix this! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | When driving and using “autopilot” or just cruise control, the vehicle will randomly brake. Sometimes it brakes lightly, but sometimes it will violently slow the vehicle down, without warning. There is no obstacle in front of the vehicle. If another vehicle is behind the car when the car randomly brakes, this can potentially cause a rear-end event or potentially cause the car that is behind to swerve to avoid an accident. I submitted a service request to Tesla, but Tesla responded by stating that there was no malfunctions that needed to be addressed. They described various scenarios in which the computer would determine a need to brake. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | While crossing the rump and side walk to garage the car, as usual slowly proceed to enter the Garage but immediately the car went into extremely fast speed by itself and hit the side of the Garage, damaged the Garage wall, The garage opener, the cabinet, then hit the water softener and our other car in the front. It also smashed the bike against the wall , damaged the side wall cause a bulge to outside of the structure. The garage frame and right side of the Garage door fell on top of the car almost killed our daughter who was at the front passenger seat. The car brake did not stop the car, the alarm did not go off, the air bags did no inflate. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 2 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| May 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Phantom braking. Traveling highway 5 Southbound between Red Bluff, CA and WIliams, CA at 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly and firmly applied brakes as if attempting to avoid a collision with an obstacle closely ahead. The braking force was enough to activate the seatbelt restraint. There was no traffic for at least a 1/4 mile ahead and behind and no obstacle. I managed to flip the ACC lever up to disable it during the braking but felt that I was losing control of the vehicle. After ACC was disabled normal operation ensued. Speculation: The incident occurred mid-May and the area is agricultural and therefore teeming with bugs that collect on the front of the car. The forward camera may have been hit by a bug and the visual recognition system may have mistaken the bug for a large obstacle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Tesla 3 2023 is making hard breaks on auto pilot even though there is no objects. It’s happened over 30 times in last 7 days. It’s scary bcz other cars Coming behind can leads to life threatening accidents. Pls help | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The contact rented a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while testing the collision avoidance system the vehicle was moving at 2 mph and the brake pedal was not depressed the collision avoidance system did not activate. The vehicle collided with another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30. The VIN was not available. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | 30 |
| May 2023 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Car steering felt stuck and slid off the road which resulted in crashing into a tree. Tesla features did not help stay in the lane or break in an emergency. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| May 2023 | STEERING | Power steering failure. Vehicle became extremely difficult to turn while moving. Was unable to turn wheel while stopped. Restarted car and power steering came back online and failed again. Restarted a second time and power steering worked for the remainder of the drive. I am currently working with Tesla service to inspect and fix any issues. Safety concern, yes. was not able to make gradual turns while driving. Dealer/service center confirmation: not yet, car is being towed to service center today 5/5/23 inspection: no, car will be inspected by Tesla service center soon Warning: yes internal car system gave me a warning that power steering was not function and that steering may require extra effort. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | STEERING,SUSPENSION | This is an addition to my earlier complaint, NHTSA tracking number # 11520382. To reiterate, in this issue the suspension components failed even though the rim and wheel were pristine, and the sidewall did NOT have bubbles even a week after steering issues were observed. I will submit pictures of the failed suspension components following my service center visit next week. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | STEERING,SUSPENSION | During a road trip, autopilot started pulling to the left and right because the autopilot was struggling to center the car in the lane. Driving without autopilot showed that the car was pulling to one side. A wheel alignment by Firestone showed alignment specs consistent with a strike, however the car was not actually struck during the trip. The rims and wheel look intact and brand new, without cracks or bubbles. A visit to the Tesla service center showed that the right hand rear control arm has an enlarged hole, indicating abnormal wear and tear on the suspension elements for a 4-month car with 7,000 miles. The car's steering wheel still feels loose even though the car drives straight. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Hello, I have experienced 2 times the same issue with this new car model. I was driving on a interstate with 2 lanes, no cars in front of me and fortunately no cars behind, I was in autopilot mode and emergency brake system got engaged for no reasons apparently (Phantom braking) and I had to take over immediately. It was scary and I was lucky that no car was behind as it could have created definitely a worse scenario. The first time I was entering a bridge and the color of the asphalt was a bit different from the main road that might have triggered this phantom braking. The second time I entered in a driving area in the shade, here the phantom braking might have been triggered by a sudden change in the sun light. Regards. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | STEERING | The steering wheel was received misaligned from the factory. When the steering wheel is held straight the vehicle veers to the left. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The vehicle gives false forward collision warnings which increases my insurance premium. This happened multiple times in the last month. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2023 TESLA MODEL 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLE RANGING FROM MINOR TO DANGEROUS. THE CONSUMER STATED UPON THE FIRST DAY OF POSSESSING THE VEHICLE, RUBBER AROUND THE WINDOWS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS REPLACED AND A MONTH LATER THE PHONE WAS NOT CONNECTING TO THE BLUETOOTH IN THE VEHICLE, NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM STATES VEHICLE IS ON THE RIGHT WHEN THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM WAS NOT ENGAGED, GLOVE BOX WILL NOT OPEN, WINDOW WILL GO DOWN WITHOUT NOTICE, THE APP TO LOCK AND UNLOCK VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS, WINDOWS SQUEAKING WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, SELF LOCKING DEVICE WORKS SPORADICALLY, AND VIDEO RECORDING DEVICE STOP WORKING. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The car phantom brakes 50% of the time when I use Enhanced Autopilot Feature on the highway | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Automatic emergency braking. Phantom braking without any real incident | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | At random times the vehicle will slam on the brakes although there is nothing in front of it. It has happened with vehicles behind me and I have averted multiple crashes by luck I suppose. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |