Tesla Model 3 Complaints (2023)

417 consumer complaints on file.

• #11648326March 14, 2025
  STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES

  My dad was driving to work in the morning in the Tesla in the left lane of the freeway. Then the car started swerving on its own. He tried to regain control with the steering wheel but he couldn’t control it. The car wouldn’t turn when using the steering wheel and he was not using autopilot or lane assistance. He said it felt like the steering wheel and the car were not talking to each other. And the brakes weren’t stopping the car at all and because he couldn’t control the car it turned left into the divider and hit the divider and the car turn again to the right and automatically stopped in the middle of the second lane. The airbags deployed for the driver side. Thankfully there weren’t any other cars on the road at the time so there aren’t any injuries. But this crash could’ve caused serious injuries to him or other people. There were no warning signs, alerts, or noises before this happened. He has filed a claim with the insurance company. And a crash report was filed by the police.

  Crash:

  Yes

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11648233March 13, 2025
  SEAT BELTS

  Seatbelt of drivers side won’t latch into compartment, putting myself and others at risk

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11647943March 12, 2025
  STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR BAGS

  I was involved in an accident due to what I believe was a malfunction in my Tesla’s steering system. While driving, the car unexpectedly turned the wheel to the left on its own and collided with a parked car. Despite my efforts to regain control by turning the wheel to the right and applying the brakes, the vehicle did not respond, and I was unable to prevent the crash. Given the lack of control and failure of the braking system, I strongly believe there was a serious issue with the car that led to the accident.

  Crash:

  Yes

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  1

  Deaths:

  0

• #11647910March 12, 2025
  SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS

  FRONT LEFTSAFTEY RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT/SERVICE IS REQUIRED TESLA WANT TO CHARGE $351 TO START FOR THE SERVICE

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11643742February 19, 2025
  AIR BAGS

  UNKNOWN Moving collision resulted in insurance company describing damage as a total loss. It was inspected by an auto collision expert; his description, photos and estimate were forwarded to a claims specialist at the insurance company. The side of my head hit the window on the driver's side, but no airbags inflated. I feel this was a risk to my overall safety. There were no warning messages.

  Crash:

  Yes

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11640269February 3, 2025
  VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

  The full self driving is very dangerous. I had several events that put me in danger. Like, going to the wrong lane. Going to the wrong way. Changing lanes that almost hit a car good thing I took over right away. It made the other car upset and honk at me.

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11638856January 27, 2025
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I charged a 2021 Apple Macbook Pro with factory charging cable from the front USB-C charging port in a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The laptop charged up to around 70% but ended prematurely due to a melted charging cable and usb-c port (the connections from the usb-c port that the cable plugs into, and the part of the cable itself (male end) was melted and so hot that it burned my finger. I brought it to Tesla Service and they said it's not covered under warranty and are charging $377 + tax to replace it. The manual does not state any limitations as to what can/cannot be connected to the usb-c port. This issue has also been reported on Reddit: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11634754January 7, 2025
  AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING

  during a hydroplaning incident on a ramp, the tesla refused to budge or give any steer. Major issue was no air bags deployed during collision.

  Crash:

  Yes

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11634753January 7, 2025
  STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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 the sounds. Most times this can take 3 seconds or so but today I had an incident where it took over 30 seconds before it would start playing. The same issue can be detected when restarting the infotainment screen by holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel. When doing this the car will cease playing the sound for around 5 seconds while the computer reboots.

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11633765January 2, 2025
  WHEELS

  Rims cracked with normal usage. Current mileage under 17,000. This should not occur, and poses a safety risk with loss of tire pressure.

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11633501January 1, 2025
  STEERING

  What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering system appears to have malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to consistently pull to the right, even after multiple alignments with perfect specifications. This issue is ongoing, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The pulling to the right affects the vehicle's handling and requires constant manual correction by holding the steering wheel tilted to the left. This compromises my ability to control the car safely, particularly during acceleration or regenerative braking when the issue becomes more pronounced. I am concerned that this could lead to an accident or further mechanical failure. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue has been demonstrated and reproduced during test drives with Tesla service technicians. Despite this, I was told the behavior is "normal" or attributed to road crown, which does not align with my driving experience. Multiple alignments have not resolved the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by Tesla service centers. Technicians have confirmed the pulling during test drives, but no definitive resolution or explanation has been provided. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps or error messages have appeared. The problem began in September 2024 after I returned from a 4-month military deployment. During this time, the car was parked in my garage and not driven. The issue was first noticed immediately upon resuming use of the vehicle, which had approximately 12,000 miles on the odometer at the time.

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11630432December 12, 2024
  VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  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 diagnosed, and it was determined that the tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,426.

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11628269December 2, 2024
  UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Intersection collision with airbag deploy. Vehicle was totaled. Vehicle remained locked. Even after the collision when the doors were closed the vehicle remained locked. Unable to open rear doors from the inside.

  Crash:

  Yes

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11628010November 30, 2024
  FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, SEAT BELTS

  Software updates caused failure notifications (seat restraint system) and disabled cameras/emergency brakes, happened immediately right after software updates. All hardware performed and properly functioned before the software updates. 1. First failure noticed on the begin of March 2024, component affected : " Rear center safety restraint system fault". Second failure noticed on [XXX] component affected: " Autopilot cameras unavailable", "Automatic emergency braking is unavailable" 2. I feel extremely unsafe now when using the vehicle with failure notification of the car's components, especially while driving my children to school. I am unsure if the system failure that could causes accidents and put my kids at risk or danger. 3. First issue was notified Tesla representative immediately right after the software update (happened over night). They scheduled an appointment, but I saw a charge bill that I have to approve before taking the car in for an inspection. It happened when my car is just out of warranty. I called Tesla dealership in Buena Park, CA to discuss about my safety concerns and got told it might be just a software glitch and I should be ok to drive. (??). Second issue was also notified Tesla and got a schedule for an inspection/service on December 10th, 2024, and again with an approval of $650 that I might got charged for ahead of the service ???? (Why do I get charged for something that wasn't my false until Tesla pushed a bad software to make us pay for their bad scripts?) 4. There was no failure notification "at all" before the last 2 or 3 software updates. Tesla offered some kind of 1 month free FSD then software updates to remove the FSD then everything started to fall apart. I am very concerned with Tesla software updates now and failures it might cause that put our family at risk because of their bad scripts or batches. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11627183November 25, 2024
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

  If a Tesla software update fails it causes an APB version mismatch causing all safety features to become disabled until you schedule service for repairs. It is not covered outside of warranty even though it’s an issue caused by their update. If you google APB Version Mismatch, a lot of people have experienced it. Out of warranty repair is $2-3k for a computer replacement even though it was working fine before the update.

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11626500November 20, 2024
  UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  While my car was in full self-driving mode, it attempted to make a lane change to the right which almost caused a crash into another vehicle. I had to manually take control of the car. On November 18, 2024, I reported this to the Tesla Service Center in Arlington, VA. Without even inspecting the car, Tesla concluded there was no safety concern and therefore, they declined my request to expeditiously inspect and repair the car. This vehicle has had several problems related to the autopilot system and other systems, and Tesla agreed in August 2024 to take back the vehicle after I filed a lawsuit under my state's lemon laws. I still have the vehicle as I'm still waiting for Tesla to provide instructions on how/when/where to return the car. I am documenting this incident to showcase all steps I took to remedy the defective product Tesla sold me in case the defect results in injury or damage. In the meantime, I have contacted me attorney and requested they send a demand letter to have Tesla make the repairs ASAP since there are clear and present dangers not yet resolved.

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0

• #11626215November 19, 2024
  SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY

  Here’s a template for writing a formal complaint to SaferCar.gov about your Tesla issue: Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint - Tesla 2023 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a safety issue with my Model 3 manufactured in 2023. This issue has significantly affected the vehicle’s functionality and poses a potential safety risk. Details of the Issue: •VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) [XXX] •Date of Incident: [XXX] •Description of the Problem:: “While driving, the vehicle suddenly was out of control and was under control owned all airbags and airbag scratch my hand seatbelt was not function •Location of Incident: Everet, PA •Outcome: my car being towed, emergency took me to hospital Attempts to Resolve: I have contacted Tesla customer service about this issue , but the problem remains unresolved. Safety Concerns: This issue is not only inconvenient but also endangers my safety and the safety of others on the road. I am deeply concerned about the potential for this defect to cause accidents or injuries. I request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate this issue and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of Tesla vehicles. Contact Information: •Name: [XXX] •Address: [XXX] •Email: [XXX] •Phone [XXX] Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope to see this issue resolved promptly to prevent further incidents. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  Crash:

  Yes

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  1

  Deaths:

  0

• #11626141November 19, 2024
  AIR BAGS

  After a collision the screen flashed "Air bags deployed". The car then turned on the hazards, called 911 then vented the windows. The issue is the air bags did not deploy at all. I suffered a concussion and whiplash due to the accident. No warning lamps or messages ever appeared before while driving the vehicle.

  Crash:

  Yes

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  1

  Deaths:

  0

• #11624900November 13, 2024
  SUSPENSION

  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 put my back head on head rest on these road my back head will be bouncing on it non stop. I went to service center and they say the car drive normally ,I told them mode 3 2024 does. Ot have that issue they say it is completely redesigned suspension. I told them from the sporty cars I drove non have that issue. They say model 3 is different than other models. It is so frustrating buying 2023 and having this issue and tesla is not will ing to fix it and have to suffer back pain .

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  1

  Deaths:

  0

• #11623506November 4, 2024
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:PORT

  Tesla, Part of charging port cover is melted.

  Crash:

  No

  Fire:

  No

  Injuries:

  0

  Deaths:

  0