Defect Summary: 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."
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Executive Vehicle Verdict
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 is associated with 416 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 12 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database.
The most frequently reported component area is Forward Collision Avoidance, accounting for 78 reports (19% of total complaints). EPA records certify all-electric efficiency of 113 to 132 MPGe with an estimated driving range of 272–358 miles across 3 certified vehicle configurations.
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 416 consumer reports filed
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 12 official campaigns
- • Primary Defect Domain: Forward Collision Avoidance (78 / 19%)
- • Field Incident Signals: 71 crash / 1 fire / 36 injury reports
- • NCAP Crash Safety: 5 / 5 Stars Overall Laboratory Score
- • EPA Certified Range: 113 MPGe across 3 powertrain trims
What is the fuel economy and range of the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Official EPA laboratory test ratings, electric driving range, and annual energy cost estimates by certified vehicle variant
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 RWD 100% Electric | Electric Motor | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 138 MPGe | 126 MPGe | 132 MPGe | 272 mi | $550 / yr |
| Model 3 Long Range AWD 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 134 MPGe | 126 MPGe | 131 MPGe | 358 mi | $600 / yr |
| Model 3 Performance AWD 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 118 MPGe | 107 MPGe | 113 MPGe | 315 mi | $650 / yr |
What are the crash test safety ratings for the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Official 5-Star Safety Ratings evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR AWD | 6.6000000000000005% | ||||
| 4 DR RWD | 6.6000000000000005% |
Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2023 Tesla Model 3 models.
What defect complaints are reported for the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Summary of 416 verified consumer defect submissions filed with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2023 Tesla Model 3 problems & component breakdown (111 categories) →Are there open safety recalls on the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Manufacturer safety recall campaigns monitored and recorded by NHTSA
Defect Summary: 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."
Defect Summary: 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.
Quick Answers: Key Questions Drivers Ask About the 2023 Tesla Model 3
Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2023 Tesla Model 3
How many safety recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have?
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 is associated with 12 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns in AutoUtility's current federal records.
If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge. Because recall campaigns apply to specific production runs and equipment batches, vehicle owners should verify their 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
NHTSA records list 416 consumer defect complaints for the 2023 Tesla Model 3. The most frequently referenced vehicle system is Forward Collision Avoidance, appearing in 78 filings (19% of submissions).
Consumer complaints represent unverified owner submissions filed under federal reporting guidelines and describe reported component behavior rather than audited failure rates.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Under the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the 2023 Tesla Model 3 earned an Overall Safety Rating of 5 out of 5 stars across 2 tested configuration(s).
Laboratory evaluations include a 35 mph frontal barrier crash, side barrier and pole impact tests, and static rollover resistance assessments.
What is the electric driving range of the 2023 Tesla Model 3?
The all-electric 2023 Tesla Model 3 is EPA-certified for an estimated driving range of 272 to 358 miles per full charge across certified configurations.
Official EPA combined efficiency ratings reach up to 132 MPGe based on standardized dynamometer laboratory testing.
The specifications, safety ratings, defect reports, and recall campaigns published on this page are retrieved directly from official United States Government agency databases:
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI): Consumer complaints and defect reports.
- NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP): Frontal, side, and rollover 5-Star crash safety test ratings.
- U.S. EPA / FuelEconomy.gov: Standardized multi-cycle dynamometer fuel economy, MPGe, and electric driving range ratings.
Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.