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Tesla · Midsize Sedan

2023 Tesla Model 3

Electric
Midsize Cars
3 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
D
Safety Signal
60 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 12
Complaints73 crash · 1 fire · 50 injured · 1 died reported 428
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
EV rangebest configuration, EPA 358 mi
20272026202520242023202220212020201920182017

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 is sold in the U.S. as an electric midsize sedan with 3 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model 3 Long Range AWD, is EPA-rated at 358 miles with 131 MPGe combined efficiency. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of D. Owners have filed 428 complaints, most often about the forward collision avoidance. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Tesla Model 3 — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Tesla Model 3 · Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
Model 3 RWDElectricRWD192 kW AC 3-Phase138126132 MPGe272 mi25.510.4 h$550
Model 3 Long Range AWDElectricAWD98 and 195 kW AC 3-Phase134126131 MPGe358 mi25.811.5 h$600
Model 3 Performance AWDElectricAWD131 and 190 kW AC 3-Phase118107113 MPGe315 mi30.010 h$650

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 46206, 46204, 46205.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Model 3 Long Range AWD, Model 3 RWD10 / 10California ZEV / Federal Tier 3 Bin 0All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay Elite
Model 3 Performance AWD10 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 0 / California ZEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay Elite

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
GVWR classClass 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)

Fuel Economy

FuelElectric

Seating

Seat rows2
Seating capacity5 seats

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds1

Driver assistance

Standard: Adaptive cruise control, Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking, Rear cross-traffic alert

Optional: Parking assist

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim. Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length184.6 in
Width (body, without mirrors)72.8 in
Height56.7 in
Wheelbase113.4 in
Track, front63.0 in
Track, rear62.6 in
Curb weight3,627–4,072 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear47/53 to 48/52

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 4 configurations: 4-door Sedan Long Range AWD, 4-door Sedan Long Range RWD, 4-door Sedan Mid Range, 4-door Sedan Standard. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

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Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Exterior Lighting

SB-24-17-003
20,349 vehicles
Problem 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." Risk Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
NHTSA campaign 26V507000 reported Aug 4, 2026 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Back Over Prevention

SB-26-00-001
218,868 vehicles built Sep 30, 2022 – Jan 3, 2024
Problem 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." Risk A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
NHTSA campaign 26V283000 reported May 4, 2026 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

SB-25-00-004
376,241 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.
NHTSA campaign 25V092000 reported Feb 14, 2025 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Tires

SB-24-00-018
696,281 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
NHTSA campaign 24V935000 reported Dec 17, 2024 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Latches/Locks/Linkages

SB-24-00-012
1,849,638 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V554000 reported Jul 24, 2024 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Seat Belts

SB-24-00-008
125,233 vehicles 90% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash. Fix Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V376000 reported May 28, 2024 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Electrical System

SB-24-00-003
2,193,869 vehicles
Problem 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 Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems." Risk 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. Fix Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V051000 reported Jan 30, 2024 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

SB-23-00-008
2,031,220 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem 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 feature. Risk 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. Fix Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
NHTSA campaign 23V838000 reported Dec 12, 2023 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

SB-23-16-005
26 vehicles 81% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective. Risk 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. Fix Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-16-005.
NHTSA campaign 23V434000 reported Jun 19, 2023 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

SB-23-00-001
362,758 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem 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 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 to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exc Risk 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. Fix Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V085000 reported Feb 15, 2023 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Exterior Lighting

SB-22-00-016
321,628 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate. Risk A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V844000 reported Nov 15, 2022 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

SB-21-20-006
3 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash. 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. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V834000 reported Oct 25, 2021 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm — Lower Lateral Link detachment open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 156 complaints alleging a suspension failure in model year (MY) 2018-2020 Model 3 and MY 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles. The suspension failure involves the detachment of the front lower lateral link, which potentially causes a loss of vehicle directional control. In most cases, there was no advance warning or indication that the suspension failure would occur.  Some cases cite noises occurring prior to failure, but note that the vehicle provides no visual warnings. Once the failure occurs, the vehicle may not be drivable, thus requiring a tow. Tesla has previously recalled vehicles for lateral link detachments through two recalls. Recall 21

Opened Jul 29, 2026 · action PE26006 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas — FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond. ODI will evaluate the performance of FSD in degraded roadway conditions and the updates or modifications by Tesla to the degradation detection system, including the timing, purpose, and capabilities of the updates, and Tesla’s assessment of their safety impact. Tesla’s FSD is an advanced

Opened Mar 18, 2026 · action EA26002 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas — Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged open

The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that Tesla has labeled as "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)." Tesla characterizes FSD as an SAE Level 2 partial automation system requiring a fully attentive driver who is engaged in the driving task at all times. Level 2 partial automation systems are designed to support and assist the driver in performing certain aspects of the driving task, requiring a driver to supervise and intervene as necessary.  The driver remains

Opened Oct 7, 2025 · action PE25012 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas — Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements open

The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the Standing General Order in place at the time required a report to be submitted within one or five days of Tesla receiving notice of the crash. When the reports were submitted, Tesla submitted them in one of two ways. Many of the reports were submitted as part of a single batch, while others were submitted on a rolling basis. Preliminary engagement between ODI and T

Opened Aug 20, 2025 · action AQ25002 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving — Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts. closed

On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to Tesla, Summon is a short-distance SAE Level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by Tesla as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify Summon incidents resulting in crashes. ODI's analysis indicates that almost all Summon reported crashes involved minor property damage claims with no reported incidents involving a vu

Opened Jan 6, 2025 · closed Apr 3, 2026 · action PE24033 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas — FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions closed

On October 17, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031) of Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) to assess: the ability of the FSD system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other FSD crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are similar in nature to the four SGO-reported crashes identified in the opening document, and if so, the contributing circumstances for each of those crashes; and any updates or modifications by Tesla to the FSD system that may affect the performance of FSD in degraded roadway visibility

Opened Oct 17, 2024 · closed Mar 18, 2026 · action PE24031 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas:Driver Monitoring:Software — Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system, which Tesla described as an SAE Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of Tesla’s Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer. In describing the safety defect, Tesla’s Defect Information Report (DIR) explained that “the prominence and scope of the system’s controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse,” and Tesla committed to the deployme

Opened Apr 25, 2024 · action RQ24009 · the investigation’s page →

Steering — Loss of steering control closed

On July 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23014) to investigate instances of loss of electronic power-assisted steering in MY 2023 Tesla Model 3 and MY 2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles manufactured by Tesla, Inc. The complaints allege a sudden and unexpected inability to turn the steering wheel or an increase in effort required to turn the steering wheel. These conditions were alleged to occur both during the drive cycle, at various speeds, and at vehicle start up. Consumers reported receiving the warning message “Steering assist reduced” either before, during, or after the loss of steering control, and some consumers described their steering b

Opened Feb 1, 2024 · closed Jun 25, 2026 · action EA24001 · the investigation’s page →

Steering — Loss of steering control closed

On July 28, 2023, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-014) after receiving 12 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting loss of steering control in model years (MY) 2023 Tesla Model 3 and Y vehicles. During PE23-014, ODI interviewed complainants, sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Tesla, and convened technical meetings with Tesla that included a joint inspection of a crashed vehicle. The investigation identified 2,388 total complaints regarding the alleged defect, including 124 complaints through VOQs and 2,264 complaints through manufacturer data. ODI is associating 1 crash to this investigation (11544655), where a driver was unable to

Opened Jul 28, 2023 · closed Feb 5, 2024 · action PE23014 · the investigation’s page →

Vehicle Speed Control — Sudden Unintended Acceleration open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the DP20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number: 11528471.

Opened Jun 29, 2023 · action DP23002 · the investigation’s page →

Unknown Or Other — Defect Petition Interlock Request closed

On March 21, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting a “recall of all Tesla cars” produced from 2013 to the date on which the petition was filed due to what Petitioner considers to be the increased likelihood of pedal misapplication. Attached to the Petition is a paper authored by Petitioner. According to Petitioner, the differences in the operator controls between the subject Tesla vehicles and internal combustion engine powered vehicles promote driver pedal misapplication, leading to sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) incidents. To fix this alleged defect, Petitioner argues that the subject vehicles should be equipped with measures that require: (i)

Opened Apr 7, 2023 · closed Mar 18, 2026 · action DP23001 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System — Autopilot System Driver Controls closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded PE21020 to EA22002 on June 8, 2022, to extend work and deepen the PE21020 crash analysis, to supplement that analysis with additional data, and to perform vehicle evaluations to understand how Tesla’s Autopilot system may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver’s supervision. To support this work, ODI collected additional crash information and assessed vehicle control authority, driver engagement technologies, and related human factors considerations associated with partial automation via analysis of peer vehicle data and hands-on vehicle evaluation, assessments from NHTSA human fact

Opened Jun 8, 2022 · closed Apr 25, 2024 · action EA22002 · the investigation’s page →

Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings — Unexpected Brake Activation closed

On February 16, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22002) to investigate reports of unexpected deceleration while driving with the adaptive cruise control system engaged in Model Year (MY) 2021 – 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured by Tesla. The subject systems include Autopilot (all versions), Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC). These complaints have been colloquially referred to as “phantom braking”. ODI opened PE22002 to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to assess any resulting safety issues in the subject vehicles. The alleged defect is an unexpected and unrequested vehicle

Opened Feb 16, 2022 · closed Jun 29, 2026 · action PE22002 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Model 3

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2023 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Tesla publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2023 Tesla Model 3, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
428complaints filed

73 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 50 injuries · 1 deaths reported

16 per 10,000 built · Tesla reported 266,414 Model 3 built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2022: 11 · 2023: 211 · 2024: 104 · 2025: 55 · 2026: 47

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

We were driving down the road, emergency braking enabled came on and car came to a complete abrupt start 10ft from railroad tracks and would not do anything. Could not reset it. Nothing
Service Brakes Mar 9, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11510949
The undercarriage shield of my car disconnected and started dragging while I was driving in the rain. I did not collide into anything or hit a bump. I inspected my wheel well to discover a set of screws that were bunched up and not installed during manufacturing.
Structure Mar 9, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11511076
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while at a red light with the autonomous self-driving feature activated, the vehicle in front made a right turn while the light was still red, and the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
Electrical System at 3,400 miles Feb 13, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11506942
Multiple times on the highway the car would slam the brakes for no reason in autopilot mode reducing the speed significantly. In all cases it reduced the speed from around 70 mph to 40 mph. The road was clear with no vehicles in front
Forward Collision Avoidance Feb 12, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11506806
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Wiper blades activate for no reason while driving the vehicle in auto pilot. There is no ryme or reason as to when this happens, it just happens randomly at random times for unknown reasons.
Visibility/Wiper Feb 2, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11505120
After backing out of a parking place I could not switch into "drive". The car froze and had to be put into "tow mode" to be pushed aside and later taken to a dealer. Before being collected the car was partially blocking a car park, but there was no other safety risk. Warnings appeared when the event occurred, but not prior to.
Engine Jan 20, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11502899

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Tesla itself: 19 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 2 killed, 20 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 7.1 per 100,000 built. Every Model 3 model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 4k

miles, typically

Half the 35 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 2,000 and 23,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 22
10k–20k 4
20k–30k 2
30k–40k 1
40k–50k 3
50k–60k 1
60k–70k 1
70k–80k 0
80k–90k 0
90k–100k 0
100k–150k 1
150k + 0

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★7%
4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★7%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Driver-assist crash reports (255)

Source: NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01
255reports filed

4 fatality · 1 serious · 1 moderate · 4 no injury reported · 245 severity unknown

Jan 2023 to Sep 2026 · 238 with an air bag deployment · 25 towed

What was engaged, and what was hit

System named: not named in the filings

Crash partner: Unknown 104 · Other 56 · Passenger Car 50 · SUV 26

Filed by: Tesla, Inc.

IncidentSystemStruckInjury allegedStateSpeedReport
Aug 2026Level 2SUVunknownTX13 mph13781-16424
Aug 2026Level 2SUVunknownCA9 mph13781-16333
Aug 2026Level 2UnknownunknownCA30 mph13781-16332
Aug 2026Level 2Pole / TreeunknownTX39 mph13781-16312
Apr 2026Level 2UnknownunknownNC65 mph13781-14839
Apr 2026Level 2UnknownunknownTN42 mph13781-14802
Apr 2026Level 2Heavy TruckunknownTX—13781-14789
Apr 2026Level 2SUVunknownCA71 mph13781-14787
Apr 2026Level 2Pickup TruckunknownTX67 mph13781-14781
Apr 2026Level 2UnknownunknownTX79 mph13781-14682
Apr 2026Level 2Passenger CarunknownNJ23 mph13781-14641
Apr 2026Level 2Pole / TreeunknownFL13 mph13781-14611

Showing the 12 most recent of 255; every one is in this page’s JSON and the dataset.

A report under the General Order is a notice the manufacturer or operator must file within days of hearing of a crash in which a Level 2 driver-assist or automated-driving system was engaged within 30 seconds of impact. It is filed before anything is verified, and entities with telematics hear of far more crashes than entities that rely on complaints, so counts say as much about the reporting as about the car and are not comparable across makes. Nothing is normalised by fleet size. Every report on file, by make and year → · NHTSA’s page and files

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 76
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-05-08
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 40 over-the-air updates, 36 service bulletins

Most often about: Unknown Or Other, Equipment, Structure, Electrical System, Seats.

  • SB-26-33-001 Service bulletin
    2026-05-08 · Service Brakes
  • On certain Model 3 vehicles, brake lines may be corroded beyond acceptable limits, which may result in loss of brake fluid. Loss of brake fluid will result in a customer facing alert if the fluid reaches the predetermined level to trigger an alert. Upon customer complaint of a low brake fluid alert, evidence of a brake fluid leak, or a failed periodic roadworthiness inspection, inspect the brake l
  • SB-25-31-004 Service bulletin
    2025-06-24 · Suspension
  • A firmware diagnosis feature is being introduced on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that monitors wheel alignment over time. This feature detects changes in wheel alignment that may be related to incorrect tire pressures, degraded ball joints, bushings or damaged suspension links. If the feature determines that an inspection at a Tesla Service Center is required, a customer-facing alert will appear o
  • fsd-12-5-4-1_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the
  • fsd-12-5-4_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the
  • fsd-12-5-3_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the
  • 2024.38_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the
  • 2024.26.9_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the
  • SB-24-16-005 Service bulletin
    2024-09-04 · Electrical System
  • On certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, a defective electrical component inside the High Voltage Controller may prevent the vehicle from entering into drive mode, or may cause a graceful power-off.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 failed the safety inspection on 1.8% of first inspections — higher than the 1.1% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected.

New York inspections 1.8%

failed the safety inspection

4,720 initial inspections of 4,662 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2023 Model 3Every 2023 vehicleBehind it
Failed the safety inspection1.8%1.1%4,720
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.38%0.16%4,720
Miles driven a year10,40610,038odometer at inspection
Average odometer33,37632,673odometer at inspection

Electric vehicles get no emissions test in New York, so the safety inspection is the record here. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2023 vehicle” is every 2023 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Common questions about the 2023 Model 3

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 12 recall campaigns for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. The most serious on file is 26V507000, covering Exterior Lighting. 1 of them was filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

NHTSA gave the 2023 Tesla Model 3 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 5-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it D (60/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

Across the 3 EPA-rated configurations of the 2023 Tesla Model 3, the longest EPA range is 358 miles on a charge. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

Transport Canada measured it at 184.6 in long, 72.8 in wide (body, without mirrors), 56.7 in tall, on a 113.4 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 3,627–4,072 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

Owners have filed 428 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Tesla Model 3, most often about forward collision avoidance, steering, vehicle speed control. Of those, 73 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 50 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

The EPA smog rating for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 is 10 out of 10. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California ZEV, Federal Tier 3 Bin 0 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

The manufacturer has filed 76 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, most often covering unknown or other, equipment, structure. The most recent is dated 2026-05-08. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 failed the safety inspection on 1.8% of first inspections — higher than the 1.1% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected. The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 better than the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime?

The Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 86.1 to 76.4, on fuel & range. The Toyota Prius Prime is ahead on safety. We publish a full side-by-side of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 against the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime — specifications by family, equipment feature by feature, safety record and ownership costs. You can re-weight what matters to you and the verdict recalculates.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations3 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates3 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls12NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints428NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins76NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations13NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reports255NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01Crashes the manufacturer or operator reported with a Level 2 or automated-driving system engaged. Notices, filed before verification; not comparable across makes.
Specifications filed with NHTSA8 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

JSON for this page · API