TroubleCAR
86
Trouble

2023 Tesla Model 3

Complaints: 397Avg mileage: 14,505 miSince: Nov 2022
Crash43 injured

Problem Areas

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
105
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
92
Steering
82
Vehicle Speed Control
62
Unknown or Other
54
Service Brakes
50
Electrical System
43
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
29
Suspension
18
Structure:Body
18

Complaints Over Time

Recent Complaints

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Feb 25, 2026Palmetto, FL
Crash1 injured

In autopilot mode on 1/28/26 the vehicle without any warnings went through a red light causing an accident. A week prior it failed to adjust speed in a 35 mile per hour zone maintaining 71.

SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 20, 2025Lilburn, GA
Crash1 injured

On [XXX], my 2023 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) suddenly accelerated on its own and the brakes failed to respond despite repeated pressing. To avoid hitting other vehicles, I turned into a property driveway and struck a tree. The airbags deployed. This was a case of sudden unintended acceleration combined with complete brake failure, creating a serious safety hazard. Forward Collision Warning also did not prevent the impact. A police report was filed by the Dekalb County Police Department, GA, USA (Report #[XXX], Case #[XXX]), which specifically documented brake failure as the cause of the accident. The report also notes that the driver was injured by the airbag and that the vehicle had to be towed from the scene. A copy of the police report can be provided upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
50,000 miSep 2, 2025Orlando, FL
Crash1 injured

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 the accident, and the contact was given a bill for $3,222.15. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact did not seek medical attention but suffered from both back and head pains. A police report was filed. Due to the accident, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle remained in their possession. The contact wrote a letter to the manufacturer about the failure, but had yet to receive a response. The vehicle was deemed a total loss as a result of the accident. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

AIR BAGS
Aug 29, 2025Baltimore, MD
Crash2 injured

Vehicle Information: 2023 Tesla Model 3 VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Summary of the Problem: On [XXX], while Autopilot was active, my 2023 Tesla Model 3 suddenly accelerated without driver input. I was pressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle surged forward uncontrollably, struck a fence and a tree, and caused major property damage. Both I and my wife (passenger) required urgent care treatment after the crash. Details / Safety Defect Evidence: •Tesla’s own raw logs show the accelerator spiked to 100% immediately before impact. •Brake pressure was recorded prior to impact, proving the brake pedal was applied. •Despite this, Tesla’s official Vehicle Data Report falsely states “manual brake not applied.” •Autopilot did not disengage when the brake was pressed, contrary to Tesla’s design claims. •The vehicle logged a “Near-Deploy Collision” at ~27 mph, yet the airbags did not deploy. Why This Is a Safety Defect: This incident reflects multiple critical failures: 1.Sudden unintended acceleration. 2.Failure of brake-override safety design. 3.Airbag non-deployment in a crash severe enough to trigger “Near-Deploy.” 4.Inaccurate Tesla reporting that conceals braking input. This defect created an extremely dangerous situation that could easily have resulted in fatalities. I am requesting NHTSA investigate Tesla vehicles for unintended acceleration, brake override failure, and airbag non-deployment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGS
Jul 14, 2025Warsaw, VA
Crash1 injured

The contact rented a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH in the rain, a vehicle in front of him abruptly slowed down. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle jerked to the side. The contact stated that the emergency braking system unexpectedly activated ("slams on") while he was driving due to the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system falsely detecting a potential collision. There were large rocks in the roadway, and there was no traction, causing him to crash into an embankment. The driver's side airbag did not deploy. The other airbags in the vehicle had deployed. The contact sustained a fractured rib, and medical attention was provided at the hospital. The vehicle was towed to a towing company. There were no reported fires. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown diagnosis was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

STEERING
Mar 26, 2025West Covina, CA
Crash1 injured

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering Wheel. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Single vehicle accident. Driver suffered injury. No other person or vehicle was involved. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Don't Know. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? In progress. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No indications were visible.

STEERING
Mar 12, 2025Montrose, CA
Crash1 injured

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.

AIR BAGS
Nov 19, 2024Cincinnati, OH
Crash1 injured

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.

SEAT BELTS
Nov 19, 2024Pittsburgh, PA
Crash1 injured

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)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 28, 2024Post Falls, ID
Crash3 injured

The system failed to detect the driver having a seizure and had no way for the passenger to break the vehicle. People in the vehicle and Others were put at the risk of a seizing person accelerating in a car that could not be prevented by the car or by the passenger. No dealer/service center has confirmed the issues. The vehicle is currently being inspected by police. No known warning signs/messages before the incident.

AIR BAGS
12,166 miAug 29, 2024Dunwoody, GA
Crash1 injured

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while entering a parking lot, the brake pedal failed to respond, the driver was unable to control the steering wheel and crashed into a Ford vehicle and a tree. The air bags deployed, and the vehicle stopped shortly after. The forward collision emergency braking system failed to engage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and shoulder and had bruises. Medical attention was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 12,166.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Aug 18, 2024Valley Springs, CA
Crash1 injured

model 3 self deleted after failing to maintain lane and crossed the white line, and off pavement, into eroded ditch.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Aug 6, 2024Columbia, MO
Crash1 injured

Vehicle was in cruise control, and cruise control did not deactivate causing the vehicle to propel into a building, causing airbag deployment. Safety sensors of car failed to recognize building, other vehicles, and obstructions as required.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Jun 6, 2024Los Angeles, CA
Crash1 injured

Tesla Motors has two self-driving features, a mode they call enhanced autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Enhanced Autopilot is used primarily on freeways, and allows the car to switch lanes without driver's assistance, while maintaining the speed of traffic. Full Self Driving is a separate system in and of itself that relies on far more sensors, and is far more complex, as it needs to be in order to handle all the nuances of allowing a car to drive itself on and around city streets. During the month of April ,Tesla previewed the supposed improvements in its full self driving mode by releasing it to everyone for free for that month. I was exiting the [XXX] freeway in Los Angeles, utilizing the enhanced autopilot feature to navigate myself to my destination. At this exit, the car makes a right on [XXX], drives down about 500 feet and then makes another right so that you're briefly traveling underneath the freeway from you'd just exited. As the car made that second right, while on what should have full self-driving mode, the car failed to navigate the angle of that turn and ran right into a steep curb at a fairly fast speed, destroying the right drive train, the right tire, the entire front bumper, and the cars wheel chassis and suspension system all still have to be fixed. I believe the malfunction was caused by the car failing to properly switch between enhanced autopilot and full self-driving if they utilize GPS to make that determination, because it felt almost as if the car was trying to switch into the lane to the right (which didnt exist there was the curb there) and not like it was attempting to negotiate or preparing to make a wider turn maneuver. I don't believe it even decelerated as it hit the curb. I broke my toe but otherwise am all right. Tesla won't honor their warranty and is threatening to repo the car they won't fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 22, 2024DIAMOND BAR, CA
Crash4 injured

This incident is reported by a law office. The car being driven by our client was a TESLA Model 3 which made a SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION when our client was slowly looking for a parking space at a parking lot. The TESLA car suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed without client pressing on the accelerator. On the contrary, our client was stepping on the brakes in an attempt to stop it but the TESLA did not stop but still continued to accelerate. This accident caused property damages and injuries to our client, his passenger, and others.

SEATS
Jan 15, 2024Tulsa, OK
Crash1 injured

When involved in a rear-end collision the drivers seat malfunctioned. It went into a laid down position and twisted causing a back injury.

AIR BAGS
Dec 28, 2023Murrieta, CA
Crash2 injured

I was rear ended and pushed into the car in front of me. My car was totaled and no airbags went off.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1,798 miDec 26, 2023Bristol, CT
Crash1 injured

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 the right in non-autopilot mode causing the contact to crash into the guardrail on the right side. The contact injured his neck and received medical attention. The emergency respondent was not called, but the contact obtained a police report. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but remains unrepaired, and needed engineers' diagnosis and legal investigation by Tesla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,798.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Oct 17, 2023San Jose, CA
Crash1 injured

Tesla Model 3 Policy #: [XXX] Claim Number: [XXX] I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to report an incident involving my Tesla Model 3 (Blue) and to initiate the process for an insurance claim. The incident occurred on [XXX], at approximately 2:15 PM. My fiancée was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident. Incident Details: - Date: [XXX] - Time: Approximately [XXX] - Vehicle: Tesla Model 3 (Blue) Location: The incident took place on the freeway merge from [XXX], where it merges onto [XXX]. Heading home. Circumstances: My fiancée was operating the vehicle in Autopilot mode while maintaining her hands securely on the steering wheel. As she approached the freeway merge from ramp [XXX], heading onto [XXX], she experienced an unexpected jolt. Despite her continuous control of the steering wheel, the Autopilot system seemed to be accelerating without her input. Simultaneously, my fiancée felt a sudden tire malfunction, which resulted in a significant loss of control over the vehicle. Despite her best efforts to maintain the car's position within the lane, the Tesla Model 3 veered off the freeway and entered the adjacent Ravine area. Impact and Airbags: Upon entering the Ravine area, the vehicle experienced a collision. multiple plants/highbrush/uneven terrain as well as having to maneuver around 2 large palm trees which resulted damage to side mirror. Notably, none of the vehicle's airbags were deployed during the incident, and there were no sensor alerts, except for the tire pressure warning light. Also there wasn't any record of dashcam recording when we checked the car. We are seriously concerned that the airbags did not deploy , attached are photos concerning the damage. I would like to emphasize that my fiancée was diligently following safety guidelines and had her hands on the steering wheel while using Autopilot. This incident occurred suddenly and unexpectedly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
500 miSep 11, 2023Winnetka, CA
Crash1 injured

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while their spouse was parking the vehicle and pressing the parking button, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The vehicle jumped the curb, crashing into two different vehicles to eventually be stopped after crashing into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. There was damage to the other vehicles and to the tree. The driver received injuries to their neck and back. Medical attention was not needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 500.