2023 TESLA MODEL 3

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    adas collision warning

    127 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    128
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 4,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model-3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and abruptly stopped. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there were…"~500 mi, complaint #1854539
    • "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…"~3,400 mi, complaint #1872913
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stopped suddenly without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 5…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1911022
  2. #2

    steering electric assist

    1 stranded, 38 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    40
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 2,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated after leaving the dealer for a previous issue with a locked steering wheel, the contact was driving 50 mph on an entrance ramp as he accelerated to merge onto the highway, the steering wheel seized to t…"~1,798 mi, complaint #1952810
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel stiffened and became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering assist reduced warn…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1915192
  3. #3

    unintended acceleration

    26 unsafe

    26
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while parking, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb, and crashed into a building. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. The passen…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1913636
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds and making a turn, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unintendedly. Then the vehicle resumed driving normally. While her husband was driving at unknown speeds and appr…"~3,048 mi, complaint #1957225
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped accelerating after 3-seconds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be dia…"~48,426 mi, complaint #2047763
  4. #4

    adas autonomous driving system

    19 unsafe

    19
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving with the Autonomous Self Driving feature activated in rainy weather, the vehicle suddenly turned towards the left onto railroad tracks. The contact regained control of the vehicle and…"~14,469 mi, complaint #2175003
  5. #5

    other

    15 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    18
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact's daughter owned a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving during rain at 60 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle as the vehicle spun in a circle at hit a highway wall barrier. The barrier wall was damaged as a result of t…"~50,000 mi, complaint #2126205
  6. #6

    airbag system

    13 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH another vehicle suddenly entered the lane that the contact was driving on, causing the contact to strike the other vehicle. No air bags deploy, and the brake assist feature…"~8,728 mi, complaint #1869280
  7. #7

    steering rack mechanical

    12 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Steering rack failed. Not able to steer vehicle The consumer stated that the vehicle was repaired."complaint #1915043
    • "Car started pulling to the right after leaving the parking lot and vehicle warning stating Steering assist reduced. I pulled over to see the left wheel was turned in while the right wheel was straight ahead. Towed to nearest Tesla service center where they sta…"complaint #1915402
    • "Steering wheel stuck in straight position, unable to turn. Also, A/C line supermanifold defect present, needed to be replaced. Steering rack and harness both needed to be replaced. Tesla model 3, only had 40 miles before needing to be towed."complaint #1916402
    • "Steering wheel got jammed while driving on highway. Stopped vehicle on rode side and called for Tesla road side assistance. Tesla towed my vehicle and replaced steering rack. Invoice attached for details"complaint #1921169
    • "I picked up a new Tesla Model 3 on July 29, 2023. On July 31, I received a steering reduced alert as I was backing out of my driveway and could not move the steering wheel. After I did a hard power off, the alert went away. I called Tesla service, and was t…"complaint #1926904
  8. #8

    ev drive unit or inverter

    1 stranded, 10 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 int…"complaint #1853499
    • "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 safet…"complaint #1867175
    • "2023 Tesla Model 3- Consumer wrote about comparison of braking mode to non-EV's, experience driving a rented EV (Electrical Vehicle) w/ braking mode and suggestions to make EV's braking mode safer. When EV's accelerator is NOT pressed the EV goes into regenera…"complaint #1897659
    • "Car was purchased on Tuesday June 13th, on Wednesday June 14th with 50 miles on clock travelling down the centre lane of a Texas highway the vehicle presented a warning that it was powering down and to get off the road. The car slowed down due to the regen bre…"complaint #1902122
    • "soon after purchasing the vehicle (mile 43) while driving, the propulsion system failed completely and the screen instructed me to pull over but I could only drift as, again, pressing the gas pedal did nothing. This was a very dangerous incident and one that…"complaint #1902679
  9. #9

    software or update

    6 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This model has misleading user manual about park assist chime button, park assist front camera on button. Apparently they have removed the ultrasonic sensor and did not enable any user interface to do with Park assist in the control menu. This is misleading s…"complaint #1866024
    • "Software Version: 2023.12.10 Over the past month, I have experienced a recurring problem with my vehicle's auditory notification system. The issue first began a couple of software updates ago and has persisted through the most recent update. The problem manif…"complaint #1897866
    • "Turn signals shut off after three blinks with no lane change or steering wheel movement. Lane departure / assistance fails to function. Blind spot monitor / alert fails to function. Adaptive cruise control / braking fail to function. Problem first reported to…"complaint #1920546
    • "The Autopilot feature of my Tesla Model 3 was safe and effective prior to the update mandated by NHTSA. With the recent update, I now receive multiple warnings during my drive on a daily basis for checking my mirrors or adjusting the radio. These are loud and…"complaint #1962686
    • "Vehicle does not have the proper software updates needed to clear the two NHTSA recalls for my VIN."complaint #1967858
  10. #10

    adas lane keeping

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The Driver Assistance System fails. Specifically, the cruse control, parking assistance, blind spot monitor, display of other objects, lane identification, stop sign or traffic light recognition and other safety features fail repeatedly. "complaint #1932326
    • "Recent recall update makes auto pilot more dangerous and distracting. I am getting alerts while my hands are on the steering wheel and paying attention to the road, which then causes me to take my eyes off the road to see the alert. Which I then get kicked out…"complaint #1952201
    • "Tesla autopilot drifted over two lanes and into the side of a semi-truck on the freeway. It was night time but with plenty of light, no rain, and clearly marked lines separating the lanes. Not only did autopilot fail, but the features to help avoid drifting…"complaint #1977291
    • "I am writing to express my frustration with the excessive nagging prompts I've been experiencing while using Tesla's Autopilot feature. While I appreciate the safety measures required by the NHTSA, the frequency and intrusiveness of the alerts have become disr…"complaint #1980162
    • "Constant lane change while driving has gotten out of control. A couple of instance the vehicle has changed lanes without manual manipulation. This is getting out of hand and has certainly put risks on my family while operating vehicle."complaint #1982314
  11. #11

    door latch and hinge

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The rear door jammed shut. It would not open and we discovered there is no mechanical way for a passenger to open the back doors of a Tesla model 3. The car’s electrical system has to be on and functioning properly in order to exit from the back. This is terri…"complaint #1913112
    • "I am writing to file a claim regarding a safety issue with my Tesla vehicle, which is subject to the recall identified as NHTSA Recall Number 24V554. The recall involves a potential defect in the hood latch assembly, which may not detect an open condition. As…"complaint #2012941
    • "Component or System Failed: The critical safety issue involves Tesla's door locking system, specifically the lack of a readily accessible and obvious manual door release in the rear seat. This design flaw could prevent any child or passenger from knowing how t…"complaint #2024996
    • "On June 4th I was in a hurry to get to work, pushed open my car door and started to slide in at which point the door unexpectedly to me swung back shut, clamping my head behind my ear pressing it against the top of the door frame. Everything stuck for about 1…"complaint #2102015
    • "Due to the manual locks being looked at as a safety issue, I went and looked at the REAR door manual release for our Model 3. We also have a 2023 Model Y and I know they have a rear door release, as stupid as the location is, it is there. Well to my surprise,…"complaint #2136467
  12. #12

    hv system fault reduced power

    2 stranded, 6 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • " The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an alert chimed for several seconds before the infotainment screen went blank. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power, the A/C became inoperab…"~2,725 mi, complaint #2004093
    • "The contact rented a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50-60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The Engine Lost Power message was displayed, instructing the contact to pull over immediately; unable to drive, exiting an…"~39,500 mi, complaint #1953596
  13. #13

    wiper and washer

    6 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the rain with the windshield wipers activated, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact was able to turn the switch for the windshield wipers an…"~11,800 mi, complaint #1997139
  14. #14

    adas adaptive cruise

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I enabled the tesla adapter cruise control during my trip in interstate 15. All of sudden, the car stopped to a slow speed for no reason. There was nothing in front of my car at that time. I was able to step on the brake to disable the cruise control and ste…"complaint #1919010
    • "The vehicle slowed down at a very rapid rate when in cruise control for no reason. There were no other vehicles or obstructions anywhere near the vehicle. This happened 3 times. I reported these events to Tesla and they said it was a known issue called ghos…"complaint #1925554
    • "While on our first road trip in this vehicle, we engaged Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). After about 30 minutes, the vehicle suddenly (within 1-2 seconds), and without warning, decelerated from 75 mph to under 50 mph. After re-engaging ACC, exactly the same thi…"complaint #1932214
    • "The adaptive cruise control of the Tesla Model 3, like other Tesla models, rely on the cameras for determining speed. While driving on the freeway the Tesla Model 3 began to abruptly break almost causing a car to rear-end me. This has occurred multiple times s…"complaint #1986883
    • "When traveling on an interstate highway with a speed limit of 65 mph, with navigation system operating and with TACC engaged, the system sometimes resets the maximum speed to that of the speed limit of the exit ramp (usually 40 mph) when I am NOT exiting the h…"complaint #2022163
  15. #15

    brake hydraulics

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On Jan. 1, 2024 at around 2:19-2:20PM, the vehicle in front of me made a sudden brake causing my vehicle to trigger the Automatic Emergency Brake. My foot was on the brake pedal as well, I even floored the pedal to make my car stop right away but it continued…"complaint #1958995
    • "As I was approaching my off ramp (which has a very tight turn), my automatic brakes failed which caused me to slam onto the brakes, and skid into one of the off ramp signs. All 3 of my children were in the back, the back driver side window shattered, I lost my…"complaint #1968199
    • "My Auto Hold feature will intermittently malfunction. Although there's electronic (car's log) and I have pictures, Tesla service center is advising this is not a "serious" problem, I should pick up the car and re-create the error message and then return the ca…"complaint #1972484
    • "I was driving behind someone when a suv came over from left lane into the right lane in front of the cars that were in Front of me and made a sudden turn into a business. I was already applying the brake and was the 3 second rule behind the car in front of me,…"complaint #1989036
    • "when I was driving my Tesla Model 3 with FSD exiting [XXX] , the FSD directed me to a wrong routing. I corrected the direction by taking over the FSD, the car then lost its full braking system. I was not aware of it until my car slipped backward at a stop and…"complaint #1992128
  16. #16

    suspension arms and bushings

    5 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "During a road trip, autopilot started pulling to the left and right because the autopilot was struggling to center the car in the lane. Driving without autopilot showed that the car was pulling to one side. A wheel alignment by Firestone showed alignment specs…"complaint #1892518
    • "Rattle sound in suspension and not sure if part is loose or bushing is worn out not even 1 year old car."complaint #2017919
    • "The front left suspension arm failed and fell out as I was parking my car. If this would have happened at highway speeds it would have caused an accident because the car would have run into incoming traffic, potentially resulting in death. This occurred after…"complaint #2037552
    • "Front upper control arms replaced. Vehicle Only has 24,000 miles. "complaint #2093421
    • "During driving, Tesla car spontaneously stated multiple active safety features and regenerative braking were no longer available and stopped working during driving with multiple warnings appearing. Driver safety at risk during this as well as others safety due…"complaint #2135993
  17. #17

    glass and windshield

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a rock struck the front windshield, causing a crack. The contact stated that the front windshield had previously been replaced for the same failure. The vehic…"~23,000 mi, complaint #2030791
  18. #18

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    4 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "After Tesla upgraded their insurance driving behavior to raise rate when the driver side seat belt is not engaged; the car doesn’t warn the driver through visual or audio alert about driver side seat belt not engaged. The car clearly indicates if any of the pa…"complaint #1951501
    • "my model 3 is less than one year old, the both rear seatbelt buckles won’t latch"complaint #1988938
    • " I am writing to file a claim concerning a recall affecting my Tesla vehicle, identified by NHTSA Recall Number 24V376. The recall involves a defect in the seat belt reminder system software logic affecting certain Tesla models, including my own. The defect ca…"complaint #2012943
    • "FRONT LEFTSAFTEY RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT/SERVICE IS REQUIRED TESLA WANT TO CHARGE $351 TO START FOR THE SERVICE"complaint #2073338
    • "Seatbelt of drivers side won’t latch into compartment, putting myself and others at risk "complaint #2073810
  19. #19

    control module

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On August 5, 2023, my car charge got too low for me to make it to a charging station in Lafayette Louisiana. I had the vehicle towed on a flat bed. I put the car in Tow Transportation mode. While we were towing the car, I opened the car to check the battery…"complaint #1916498
    • "The car went forward when in reverse mode. After going to other modes (drive/neutral/park) and back to reverse, the car kept going forward. Reset the system and the issue persisted. Finally resolved after third restart. The car bumped up against the driveway g…"complaint #1978782
    • "What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Car stopped working in middle of road How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Luckly there were no traffic or car behind , I am not moving the…"complaint #2012478
    • "On August 7th, 2025 at around 8 AM in the morning, my vehicles mobile phone car key was in-operable and I was unable to get in the car which led me to trouble shoot how to fix this issue with the car. Upon researching I was directed by Tesla to directly comple…"complaint #2142131
    • "While driving, the side mirrors closed and the doors locked by themselves. Then, the front trunk opened, the rear trunk opened, and when I opened the door, the headlights turned on and the front trunk opened again. When I opened the door another time, the side…"complaint #2144347
  20. #20

    seat mechanism

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My Tesla Model 3 was delivered with the rear attachment bolts missing for both front seat rails. The rear seat rail end will lift up at least an inch when the seat is pushed gently from behind. "complaint #1859211
    • "Brand new Tesla Model 3 delivered a week ago. Passenger seat, front inside mounting bolt is not tight. Corner of the seat rail can move up/down 1/8-1/4". Can't tell how well attached it is. Potential safety concern. Passenger side back seat cushion also exhib…"complaint #1879646
    • "On July 5, 2023 my front passenger seat assembly was replaced due to a passenger safety restraint system fault. Two days ago I discovered two black self tapping bolts sitting behind the front passenger seat on the floor mat. The front passenger seat assembly w…"complaint #1939207
    • "When involved in a rear-end collision the drivers seat malfunctioned. It went into a laid down position and twisted causing a back injury."complaint #1958206
    • "Driver seat will adjust itself while driving down the road. While the seat is moving by itself it will also roll the da window down and no way to roll it up. While all things happening the heat will also stop working. "complaint #1959917
  21. #21

    wheel or rim

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Found wheel with 8000 miles with no damage form potholes or anything of the shorts to have a crack. "complaint #1949561
    • "I leased a Tesla 3 Performance Package on Oct 24, 2023. It was delivered to Connecticut, with the cold weather package, and unbeknownst to me, summer tires. Due to the summer tires and driving with them in temperatures unacceptable for their compound, I damage…"complaint #1967726
    • "This complaint is about a Tesla rental car from Avis which has just shown up in the salvage yard. Because the VIN of the wreck can not be identified I have used the VIN of another wrecked Tesla. Here is the wreck in question. [XXX] It is available for inspect…"complaint #2009811
    • "Rims cracked with normal usage. Current mileage under 17,000. This should not occur, and poses a safety risk with loss of tire pressure."complaint #2052738
  22. #22

    alignment and pull

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The steering wheel was received misaligned from the factory. When the steering wheel is held straight the vehicle veers to the left. "complaint #1892151
    • "After 1.5 months of ownership (I purchased the car end of May 2023) the steering wheel appeared tilted to the right, and car pulling to the wright when driving. I have taken the car to Tesla service centers for 4 separate service appointments. They have condu…"complaint #1934223
    • "Car at low mileage started having suspension issues and felt out of alignment. Took car to Goodyear where they found car was out of alignment as of car was not set up correctly at factory when made. Goodyear spend a few hours fixing alignment and tire setup. C…"complaint #1954086
  23. #23

    ev charging system

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The Tesla App allows the owner to transfer the App to another user for access to the vehicle. The App allows the other user to enter the vehicle and drive it. It also allow the other user to enter a credit card for the purpose of using the Tesla charging stati…"complaint #1971931
    • "Tesla, Part of charging port cover is melted. "complaint #2037815
    • "1. During summer months the wireless charger does not work and heats up the phone to hazardous levels, when I take it to service while under warranty, they are saying its a known issue and want to charge customers for replacing charging pad 2. The suspension…"complaint #2147078
  24. #24

    hv battery and range

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Battery Range incorrect, quickly dropped from 50% to 18% after 3 uses an estimated less then 10 miles caused the range to drop"complaint #1913759
    • "The battery range is showing on the computer and tesla website as 272 miles but real driving range is 150-160 miles. The car is in service right now for that issue. Service probably will say it depends on driving conditions, there is no problem with the batter…"complaint #1914336
    • "COMPONENT: Battery and Charging System SUMMARY: 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range lost 15% battery capacity (345→300 miles) in 2 months at 9,816 miles. Comparison vehicle shows this is a defect, not normal wear. DESCRIPTION: Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range,…"complaint #2176296
  25. #25

    trunk or liftgate

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to open the trunk and the trunk inadvertently closed on the contact's finger. The contact was taken to a medical specialist and sustained an inju…"~19,500 mi, complaint #2108353
  26. #26

    backup camera

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "On December 24th 2023, I was reversing into a parking spot with a protruding wall that was only 4 feet high, but the Tesla Model 3 reverse camera was unable to detect the wall. From the angle of the mirrors, it was difficult for me to tell there was a protrudi…"complaint #1962526
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the front trunk opened inadvertently, blocking the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times upon…"complaint #2129373
  27. #27

    engine stall or no start

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owned a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and merging right, the contact lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle stalled after crashing into the center median. The vehicle was totaled. No injuries were…"~500 mi, complaint #1982927
  28. #28

    infotainment head unit

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was driving in rainy weather and my windshield wipers were set to 'Auto' mode. The wipers were functioning correctly until I clicked on a menu item in the car operating system. The operating system became unresponsive to any touches and wipers stopped workin…"complaint #1865717
    • "Any time I get into the car and immediately start driving before the car has time to catch up with what I am doing, the NHTSA mandated safety sounds played when the car is in reverse or drive does not play until the cars computer can catch up and begin playing…"complaint #2054171
  29. #29

    interior trim

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My pant leg got caught on the plastic seat trim under the seat. Kept my leg trapped so I fell out of the car on the ground in the parking lot. Happened again the same day, but I caught myself before I fell. The incident caused a hole and rip in my clothing, b…"complaint #2094315
    • "The rear driver side door became impossible to open due to a trim piece failure - this is a safety hazard for rear seat passengers. "complaint #2179791
  30. #30

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While driving down the highway at less than 60 mph the rear drivers side window spontaneously exploded. There was no one next to me at the time. Nothing hit the window. It exploded and most of the glass blew out of the car onto the highway. I have video of the…"complaint #1961388
    • "The rear doors intermittently will not unlock. Even after hitting the unlock button from menu or short or long press of the driver unlock button or from the app unlock button. The driver only unlock feature is disabled. I have video that would not upload. Snap…"complaint #2183922
  31. #31

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This is an addition to my earlier complaint, NHTSA tracking number # 11520382. To reiterate, in this issue the suspension components failed even though the rim and wheel were pristine, and the sidewall did NOT have bubbles even a week after steering issues we…"complaint #1892717
    • "The car has issue with suspension, i know it is sporty suspension, but I drove so many sport cars. But this is the only one that has jarring issue, my whole upper half is shaking back an forward on bumpy wavy roads causing me to have lower back pain and if i p…"complaint #2039798
  32. #32

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire line: P Zero, Tire Size: 235/35/R20, DOT Number: (Not available). The contact stated while driving 65 MPH an hour after purchasing the vehicle brand new, the rear passenger's side tire exp…"complaint #1879874
    • "On 3/11/23, around noon time, I drove on I-280 N bound, just past Edgewood Road. It was nice weather, no wind, nothing extra loaded in the car, smooth clean road surface. All of a sudden I saw black pieces flying at my left side of the car through the window,…"complaint #1886136
  33. #33

    adas blind spot

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was traveling east on I-215 in [XXX] , exiting on [XXX] . I was in the RH lane, signaling to turn Rt. A small commercial van was in the two lanes Left of me with no turn signal on. Suddenly the van began coming into my lane. I turned my steering wheel slight…"complaint #2208093
  34. #34

    battery and charging

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Once the main battery dies the 12 volt dies within 15 minutes. I ran out of charge on a dark highway. Put on my flashers and within 15 minutes the 12 volt died and so did my emergency flashers. Reason being is Tesla uses the 12 volt for the main battery tempe…"complaint #1957119
  35. #35

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Design defect that caused the cooling system to fail and potentially not cooling the battery system. Per Tesla service center, leaves and debris which are common in everyday use got on top of the radiator, the fan on the back of the radiator sucked the debris…"complaint #1985046
  36. #36

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I turned into a parking lot across a gutter filled with ice from a snow plow and drug a block of ice under the car about 50 feet. When I stopped there was a blue fluid leaking out from under the car. I had the car towed to a collision repair shop. Estimated co…"complaint #1963188
  37. #37

    heater core and blower

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Vehicle heat pump system has had multiple failures leading to windshield fog leading to low/no visibility. Service center unable to get vehicle in in timely manner stating 3-4 weeks before it can be serviced. "complaint #1934215
  38. #38

    horn

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "after heavy rain and some driving the Horn was not audible. wrong way driver almost hit me and the horn was useless to alert them "complaint #1999519
  39. #39

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "1. My 90 year-old mother-in law got trapped inside the car in very bad weather because my phone key wouldn't open the door after I got out and walked her elderly friend to the door of her house about 20 feet away, and then walked back to the Tesla. I've been…"complaint #1991699
  40. #40

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was driving to work in the morning and there was a sudden jolt and then the steering wheel became very heavy and I had to pull over and stop the car, when I did do it showed me power steering failure and the steering was very hard to control and could not dr…"complaint #1915155
  41. #41

    stability and traction control

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle jerked hard with several alerts for the "Traction Control, ABS, Lane Departure feature displayed. Additionally, the Stability Control System was disabled, and the…"~48,380 mi, complaint #2128011
  42. #42

    steering column

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Incident Summary: On [XXX], I was in an accident and dropped my Tesla Model 3 at Tesla’s North Phoenix Collision Center in Nov 2024. I received the car back in Dec/Jan. Immediately, I noticed dangerous swaying, bouncing, and veering when hitting dips—especiall…"complaint #2100343
  43. #43

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "A large portion of the plastic accelerator pedal broke"complaint #1879469
  44. #44

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I picked up my Tesla Model 3 Performance less than a month ago and from day 1 it has been having vibrations from 40mph all the way up to 80-85 mph. I haven't driven it faster than that due to safety concern. I took it to Tesla and they said they needed to bala…"complaint #1886208
  45. #45

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The blinkers do not respond to the change in blinkers when I initiate the blinker (right or left) by using the stalk. There has been numerous times that I fully pull down or push up the blinker stall and it would not engage the blinker but today I am reporti…"complaint #2160656

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TESLA MODEL 3 directly.