415 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Forward Collision Avoidance · verdict AVOID 5/100
“I am writing to report several safety incidents that occurred while using Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode on my 2023 Model 3. Below are the details of the specific behaviors observed: - Right turn on red almost crashed into an oncoming car from the left - Hard emergency brake due to a bird that was in the opposite lane - Additional emergency brake around 10 seconds later for no reason - Running a red light by ”NHTSA complaint, 2023 Tesla Model 3 owner
“Two separate incidents occurred on July 10th and July 12th 2026 involving adaptive cruise control. While adaptive cruise control was engaged my car slammed on the brakes for no reason. There was nothing in the roadway to cause abrupt braking. The second time it occurred my car was close to being rear ended by a vehicle driving behind me. I took the car which is still under warranty to Tesla who confirmed there is a k”NHTSA complaint, 2023 Tesla Model 3 owner
“Whilst driving on highways which feature multiple speed limits - eg. 70 cars, 65 Trucks, 60 Buses. If full self driving more or when in adaptive cruise control - the car systems fail to recognize the restriction linked to the lower speed limits. As a result, you can be driving on Full Self Drive at 75mpm, the car sees a 65 followed by a 60 speed limit (neither applicable to cars), but the car brakes hard dropping t”NHTSA complaint, 2023 Tesla Model 3 owner
| Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 15/11/2022 | Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate. |
| 25/10/2021 | Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain SAFETY | 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, |
| 15/02/2023 | Steering:Automated/Adaptive Steering SAFETY | 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 syste |
| 19/06/2023 | Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery SAFETY | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective. |
| 12/12/2023 | Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving:Software SAFETY | 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 remed |
| 30/01/2024 | Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel SAFETY | 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 Brak |
| 28/05/2024 | Seat Belts:Front:Warning Light/Devices SAFETY | 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 |
| 24/07/2024 | Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | 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. |
| 17/12/2024 | Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 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, fail |
| 14/02/2025 | Steering:Electric Power Assist System SAFETY | 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 |
On the federal record it scores 5/100: 415 owner complaints (138.33 per year on the road) and 12 recall campaigns, 7 touching safety-critical systems.
The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Forward Collision Avoidance, with 172 of 486 categorised reports.
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 scored 5/100 on the federal record.