Owners have reported 63 crashes and 41 injuries to NHTSA for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints83
STEERING
Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2023 Tesla Model 3, including instances where the steering assist fails, leading to a complete loss of power steering. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn, sometimes resulting in crashes, with 14 incidents involving collisions and 5 injuries reported. A pattern emerges of steering problems occurring both at low speeds and during high-speed driving, with some vehicles showing issues at around 40,000 to 66,000 miles. Symptoms such as the vehicle veering unexpectedly, steering wheel lockups, and loss of control are noted, often without warning lights or prior indications. These issues present significant safety risks, including loss of control and increased crash potential, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 14 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports
Owner complaints79
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report frequent issues with the 2023 Tesla Model 3's forward collision avoidance systems, specifically related to "phantom braking" where the vehicle unexpectedly decelerates without any apparent obstacles. This behavior often occurs during highway driving, with multiple complaints describing sudden and aggressive braking that could lead to rear-end collisions. Some incidents have resulted in crashes, including one with an injury. Complaints also highlight problems with the vehicle's adaptive cruise control misinterpreting speed limits and failing to properly engage or disengage self-driving features, especially during transitions between different driving modes. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some owners experiencing problems as early as 6,730 miles.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints45
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, with two primary concerns emerging. Many complaints describe "phantom braking" where the car suddenly decelerates without apparent cause, often while using cruise control, which poses a risk of rear-end collisions. Sudden unintended acceleration is another reported issue, sometimes accompanied by brake failure, leading to crashes in several cases. These problems are noted at varying mileages, with some reports occurring as early as 2,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as 10 complaints involve crashes and 9 report injuries, highlighting the potential risk for loss of control.
Severity signals: 10 crash, 0 fire, 9 injury reports
Owner complaints36
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the autonomous driving features and door locking mechanisms. Complaints often describe unintended acceleration, failure of safety features such as cameras and sensors, and problems with the infotainment system going blank, leading to loss of control and visibility. Several reports highlight the inability to manually unlock rear doors in emergencies, creating potential safety hazards. Crashes are noted in eight complaints, with four reporting injuries, indicating significant safety implications. These issues appear at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 10 miles and others around 50,000 miles, suggesting variability in when these problems might arise. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical system concerns and the associated safety risks.
Severity signals: 8 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports
Owner complaints22
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues related to braking, particularly involving phantom braking and brake system failures. Complaints often describe sudden, unexpected braking while using cruise control or autopilot, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds. Several reports also mention malfunctioning regenerative braking and brake pedal failures, sometimes resulting in crashes. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as a few months into ownership. Safety concerns are highlighted by the occurrence of crashes and one reported injury, indicating potential risks associated with these braking system malfunctions.
Severity signals: 5 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints13
AIR BAGS
Owners report frequent airbag non-deployment in the 2023 Tesla Model 3, particularly during crashes, with nine incidents involving crashes and eight injuries noted. Complaints frequently mention that airbags fail to inflate despite significant impacts, sometimes resulting in head injuries or other harm. Several reports involve sudden unintended acceleration or brake system failures, contributing to loss of control and subsequent collisions. Issues are observed at varying mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as 8,728 miles. The non-deployment of airbags during crashes and associated safety system malfunctions present potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 9 crash, 0 fire, 8 injury reports
Owner complaints11
SUSPENSION
Owners report multiple suspension-related issues with the 2023 Tesla Model 3, including alignment problems and vibrations. Complaints frequently mention alignment issues being identified at low mileage, with some owners noting tire wear linked to alignment. Vibrations and instability while driving are also common, with some reports of fractured or failed suspension components, such as control arms and bolts. These issues have been reported at various mileage points, often before reaching 25,000 miles. Safety implications include one crash and one injury, with concerns about potential loss of vehicle control if components fail at higher speeds. This information is useful for potential buyers considering the Model 3, particularly regarding suspension reliability and potential safety risks.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints9
STRUCTURE
Owners report several structural issues with the 2023 Tesla Model 3, with the most common being the rear bumper detaching during rain or when driving through puddles, as noted by multiple owners. Complaints frequently mention the bumper falling off completely, which poses a potential road hazard. Additionally, some owners describe issues with door operation, including doors that swing back unexpectedly and cause injury. There are also reports of trunk struts failing, leading to the trunk not latching properly and causing electrical issues. Safety implications include one reported crash with injury and concerns about the lack of airbag deployment. These issues appear across different mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints7
POWER TRAIN
Owners report several power train issues with the 2023 Tesla Model 3, primarily involving sudden vehicle shutdowns and propulsion failures. Complaints frequently mention the car becoming unresponsive to the accelerator, with error messages such as "shift into drive" or "vehicle shutting down" appearing unexpectedly. These issues often occur at low mileages, with some incidents reported as early as 43 miles. One complaint involves a crash during parking due to unexpected acceleration, resulting in neck and back injuries. Safety implications are significant, as multiple owners describe being stranded in traffic or on highways, posing risks of collisions. Buyers should be aware of these potential power train malfunctions and the associated safety risks.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints3
ENGINE
Owners of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 report a recurring issue with the vehicle losing motive power while driving, with symptoms including sudden deceleration and error messages instructing drivers to pull over. Complaints frequently mention error codes and messages indicating the vehicle is not drivable, which can lead to hazardous situations on highways. The incidents occur at varying mileages, from as low as 386 miles to approximately 39,500 miles. In one case, a high voltage inverter issue was diagnosed and repaired. The loss of power and stalling without prior warning present potential safety risks, particularly on busy roads.
