The Lemon Index
20222024Too new: partial score · still collecting complaintsThe 2023 Tesla Model 3 hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2023 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.
Too new: partial score · most complaints: automatic emergency braking
428 owner complaints, first 3 years 113–132 MPGe combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
What breaks most on the 2023 Tesla Model 3
- Phantom braking (collision system)38 complaintsmostly at 865–4,000 miles (1,400–6,400 km)
- Steering rack / power steering24 complaints
Specific parts named in the 430 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 834 and 20,000 miles (1,300–31,000 km) (the middle half of the 39 complaints, of all 428 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V507000 (lights), 26V283000 (back over prevention) and 25V092000 (steering) done? It has 12 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Tesla's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 428 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 19K miles (1K to 31K km) on the car (39 of all 428 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The vehicle applied sudden and strong braking in clear road for no reason. It has done it on many occasions in the 2000 miles we have had the vehicle.
2023 Tesla Model 3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11536692
More owner reports
Autosteer was engaged while approaching Weatherford, OK on I40 - Sporadically, the vehicle slammed on the brakes, even though nothing was in front of me, and nothing was behind. The vehicle dropped in speed by almost 20 mph.
NHTSA complaint 11559994
The car phantom brakes constantly (at least every 10 miles) when using cruise control. You will be driving highway speed and the car will slam on the brakes for no reason,, making the cruise control dangerous and unusable
NHTSA complaint 11580882
Recalls 12
- Lights · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- Steering · recall issued 2025
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.
Show all 12 recalls
- Tires · recall issued 2024
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure.
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2024
The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2024
In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended.
- Electrical · recall issued 2024
An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.
- Electrical · recall issued 2023
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
- Electrical · recall issued 2023
The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
- Steering · recall issued 2023
The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a…
- Lights · recall issued 2022
One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model S (All Variants) 5 HB AWD Early Release | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $550–$650 (USD) a year in electricity (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year).
Every Tesla Model 3 year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2023 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/tesla-model-3/?y=2023" title="Tesla Model 3 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/tesla-model-3/2023/">Lemon Index</a> (2023 Tesla Model 3 reliability)</p>Two windows: the 2023 scores 156 here (complaints in its first 3 years) and 247 on its EV page (complaints filed by the end of 2024). Different windows, so the numbers differ.
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn about one and a half times the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 156; 100 is average). The Tesla Model 3 year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2022.
What are the most common 2023 Tesla Model 3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (57%), steering (21%) and speed control (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have?
12 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2023 Tesla Model 3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2023 Tesla Model 3 problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 834 and 20,000 miles (1,300–31,000 km) (the middle half of the 39 complaints, of all 428 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2023 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 cost in fuel a year?
About $550 to $650 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works