Last updated: 2026-03-04

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed
2023 Tesla Model 3

2023 Tesla Model 3 Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 scores 57/100 ("Mixed"). With 10 recalls and 386 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

2023 is the last model year of the First generation.

Recalls

10

Complaints

386

Complaint Rate

16.6

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$832

Major Repair Risk

N/A

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
61/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
40/100 (Mixed)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
57/100 (Mixed)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
80/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues

STEERING (83)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (79)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (45)

10 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2023 is the last model year of the First generation.

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 2 years after the last refresh (2021).
  • 1st generation Model 3 (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

First generation

2017redesign
2018
2019
2020
2021refresh
2022
2023selected

Should You Buy the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 scores 57/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2023 is the last model year of the First generation.

With 386 owner complaints and 10 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in steering (83) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on steering (83) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2024 Tesla Model 3, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2022 Tesla Model 3 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • 5-star NHTSA crash rating
  • Well-established generation

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
  • STEERING issues reported (83 complaints)

Compare 2023 Tesla Model 3 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 10 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • STEERING (83)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (79)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (45)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (22)
  • AIR BAGS (13)
  • SUSPENSION (11)
  • STRUCTURE (9)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (9)
  • SEAT BELTS (7)
  • SEATS (7)
  • POWER TRAIN (7)
  • WHEELS (4)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (4)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)
  • ENGINE (3)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
  • VISIBILITY (1)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
  • TIRES (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

10

recalls on record

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 10 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

16.6

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 9.2

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

63

Fires

0

Injuries

41

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 Tesla Model 3 Recall Details

10 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V0920002025-02-14

STEERING

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.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

24V9350002024-12-17

TIRES

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."

Consequence

Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

24V5540002024-07-24

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

2023 Tesla Model 3 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 6.6%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Reminder System (Not Available)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Tesla Model 3 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$832

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2023 Tesla Model 3 Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated Cost
Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis$122 – $179
General Diagnosis$122 – $179
Noise Diagnosis$122 – $179
Vibration Diagnosis$122 – $179
No Start Diagnosis$122 – $179
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection$183 – $269
Engine Oil Light Diagnosis$122 – $179
Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing$122 – $179
AC Diagnosis$122 – $179
Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection$122 – $179

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

When Buying a Used 2023 Tesla Model 3

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Test for phantom braking by using adaptive cruise control
  • Inspect steering for stiffness or pulling to one side
  • Check for uneven tire wear indicating alignment issues
  • Verify all safety features and alerts are functioning properly
  • Ensure manual door release mechanisms are accessible
  • Confirm no error messages appear on the infotainment system
  • Inspect for any signs of structural damage or loose components

Check Any 2023 Tesla Model 3's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 Model 3 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Tesla Model 3 with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2023 Tesla Model 3 Common Problems by Component

386 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

83
79
45
61
STEERING (83)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (79)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (45)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36)SERVICE BRAKES (22)AIR BAGS (13)SUSPENSION (11)Other (61)

STEERING

83 complaintsSafety-related

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.

83 complaints total14 crashes5 injuries

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

79 complaintsSafety-related

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.

79 complaints total3 crashes1 injury

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

45 complaintsSafety-related

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.

45 complaints total10 crashes9 injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

36 complaintsSafety-related

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.

36 complaints total8 crashes4 injuries
SERVICE BRAKES (22 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

22 complaintsSafety-related

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.

22 complaints total5 crashes1 injury
AIR BAGS (13 complaints)

AIR BAGS

13 complaintsSafety-related

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.

13 complaints total9 crashes8 injuries
SUSPENSION (11 complaints)

SUSPENSION

11 complaintsSafety-related

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.

11 complaints total1 crash1 injury
STRUCTURE (9 complaints)

STRUCTURE

9 complaintsSafety-related

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.

9 complaints total1 crash3 injuries
POWER TRAIN (7 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

7 complaintsSafety-related

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.

7 complaints total1 crash1 injury
ENGINE (3 complaints)

ENGINE

3 complaints

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.

3 complaints total

When Do 2023 Tesla Model 3 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,000–3,000 milesPhantom braking
1,000–3,000 milesSteering issues
2,000–3,000 milesSuspension alignment problems

Best & Worst Tesla Model 3 Years

Best Tesla Model 3 Years to Buy

The best Tesla Model 3 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 67/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (62/100) and 2023 (57/100).

Tesla Model 3 Years to Avoid

The worst Tesla Model 3 year is 2018 with a score of 46/100, primarily due to electrical system (139) issues. Also avoid 2021 (48/100).

See full Tesla Model 3 years-to-avoid analysis →

Tesla Model 3 Reliability Score Trend

Tesla Model 3 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 59/100 compared to 49/100 for older years.

avg 54
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Tesla Model 3 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201846/100Mixed
201949/100Mixed
202054/100Mixed
202148/100Mixed
202250/100Mixed
202357/100Mixed
202462/100Good
202567/100Good

Tesla Model 3 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202662/100 (predicted)Predicted11
202567/100+5Good387
202462/100+5Good4183
2023(selected)57/100+7Mixed10386
202250/100+2Mixed16729
202148/100-6Mixed20626
202054/100+5Mixed20416
201949/100+3Mixed21569
201846/100Mixed18951

2023 Tesla Model 3 Common Questions

2 questions from 2023 Tesla Model 3 owners.

wipers are not working

my tesla Y wipers are not working and water is coming from bottom

VisitorMay 27, 2025

Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them?

2018 Tesla model 3 Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them? Comes with blue connector but not the 2 antenna connectors in the RH mirror and the 1 antennas connector in the LH mirror. Wanting to use these antennas on new mirror. Are they easy to switch to new mirrors that do not come with the antennas?

VisitorAug 7, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has a "Mixed" reliability rating (57/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 10 recalls and 386 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Tesla Model 3 include: STEERING (83 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (79 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (45 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have?
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 10 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 expensive to maintain?
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 may have above-average maintenance costs. Its reliability score of 57/100 and 386 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue