2023 Tesla Model 3: common problems and reliability

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 409 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance and steering. Owners most often flag front suspension/control arm failures: worn out control arms, loose steering racks, described as "almost inevitable" and a primary cause of high failure rates in mandatory vehicle inspections. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2023 model year

409
Owner complaints
11
Recalls
70
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Tesla Model 3 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2023 a good year for the Model 3?

Across the 8 Model 3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 25 (2017) to 746 (2022). With 409 complaints, the 2023 Model 3 sits about the same asthe model's median of 432.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

forward collision avoidance
170
steering
84
vehicle speed control
66
service brakes
54
electrical system
51

Recalls affecting the 2023 Model 3

exterior lighting:tail lights

Campaign 22V844000

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

air bags:side/window:curtain

Campaign 21V834000

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, t

steering:automated/adaptive steering

Campaign 23V085000

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

electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery

Campaign 23V434000

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

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of earlier models (pre-2024 "Highland") report significant mechanical reliability issues, particularly with suspension components, leading to high out-of-warranty repair…

  • Front suspension/control arm failures: Worn out control arms, loose steering racks, described as "almost inevitable" and a primary cause of high failure rates in mandatory vehicle inspections. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Build quality and water leaks: Trunk and frunk leaks that can recur after paid repairs. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Model 3. See the full Model 3 owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Model 3 listings typically run $19,889–$26,486 across 2017 to 2026 model years.

Other Model 3 model years

Compare every Model 3 year side by side to see how 2023 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Model 3 against its rivals