2023 Tesla MODEL 3
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2023 Tesla MODEL 3 has 713 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 739. The most common issue is speed control problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: while traveling on the interstate at 75+ mph, which the cruise control engaged, the vehicle emergency braked 2 times during on one trip. the first felt like a fluke, speed was reduced by 10ish miles per hour. the second time was terrifying. i was traveling approximately 77 mph on the interstate and . There are 11 recalls issued for this model year.
713
Total Complaints
11
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
SPEED CONTROL
172 complaints- • While traveling on the interstate at 75+ mph, which the cruise control engaged, the vehicle emergency braked 2 times during on one trip. The first felt like a fluke, speed was reduced by 10ish miles per hour. The second time was terrifying. I was traveling approximately 77 mph on the interstate and
- • Picked up car from the dealership same day and had only 40 miles total on odometer. The car was running smooth. I was driving with my daughter in the passenger seat (12 yrs old) and got 2 error codes and my car went limp in the carpool lane. Basically went into neutral. Deceleration from 75mph .I ha
- • While moving car to DRIVE mode, Cruise Control was activated accidentally, which resulted in car moving on its own from a stopped position in garage. By the time it was learnt what has happened, the car rear ended another parked car. Luckily no human was in front of the car and thus grave body inju
“While traveling on the interstate at 75+ mph, which the cruise control engaged, the vehicle emergency braked 2 times during on one trip. The first felt like a fluke, speed was reduced by 10ish miles per hour. The second time was terrifying. I was traveling approximately 77 mph on the interstate and ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2023 Tesla MODEL 3
Based on 53 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 4K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
SPEED CONTROL
STEERING
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
ELECTRICAL
BRAKES
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.
Recalls (11)
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.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2023 Tesla MODEL 3
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2023 Tesla MODEL 3
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Tesla MODEL 3 Service Intervals
EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K
EV Incentives for 2023 Tesla MODEL 3
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
Historic eligibility: 2023 Tesla MODEL 3 vehicles purchased on or before September 30, 2025 may still qualify for the federal credit on the 2025 tax return. Check with a tax professional for your specific vehicle's eligibility.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 713 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐SPEED CONTROL: While traveling on the interstate at 75+ mph, which the cruise control engaged, the vehicle emergency braked 2 times during on one trip. The first felt like a fluke, speed was reduced by 10ish miles per hour. The second time was terrifying. I was traveling approximately 77 mph on the interstate and
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: While traveling on the interstate at 75+ mph, which the cruise control engaged, the vehicle emergency braked 2 times during on one trip. The first felt like a fluke, speed was reduced by 10ish miles per hour. The second time was terrifying. I was traveling approximately 77 mph on the interstate and
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐STEERING: The steering wheel was received misaligned from the factory. When the steering wheel is held straight the vehicle veers to the left.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: While traveling on the interstate at 75+ mph, which the cruise control engaged, the vehicle emergency braked 2 times during on one trip. The first felt like a fluke, speed was reduced by 10ish miles per hour. The second time was terrifying. I was traveling approximately 77 mph on the interstate and
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 11 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Tesla MODEL 3 — Year Comparison
How does 2023 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 713
- Recalls
- 11
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 127
- Injury reports
- 77
- Segment avg
- 739
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2023 Tesla MODEL 3