Is steering assist loss and pull to one side a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

16 NHTSA complaints have been filed about steering assist loss and pull to one side on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 (2023-12 → 2026-07). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11606441): "The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and it became difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle failed to respond while the brake pedal was depressed" Source: NHTSA.

Is glass cracking without a reported impact a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about glass cracking without a reported impact on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 (2024-01 → 2026-05). Reported component: STRUCTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11725899): "Mine resulted simply from a heat wave it crack down the middle in a c shape emanating from the top edge of the windshield. No contact evidence and no contact or accident occurred" Source: NHTSA.

Is phantom braking with adaptive cruise control engaged a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

26 NHTSA complaints have been filed about phantom braking with adaptive cruise control engaged on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 (2024-01 → 2026-08). Reported component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11755758): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Is autopilot and fsd lane and traffic-signal errors a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

21 NHTSA complaints have been filed about autopilot and fsd lane and traffic-signal errors on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 (2024-01 → 2026-08). Reported component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11726564): "The Full Self Driving (Supervised) system (FSD(S)) failed by running a red light. Video is available for inspection upon request" Source: NHTSA.

Is sudden unintended acceleration at low speed a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

15 NHTSA complaints have been filed about sudden unintended acceleration at low speed on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 (2023-12 → 2026-06). Reported component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11575391): "I have twice experienced a sudden acceleration when decreasing pressure on the accelerator pedal. It felt like the motor was producing full power. In both cases, I was able to quickly apply the brake which stopped the acceleration" Source: NHTSA.

Is brake pedal application not slowing the vehicle a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

8 NHTSA complaints have been filed about brake pedal application not slowing the vehicle on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 (2024-02 → 2025-12). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11697065): "The vehicle’s brakes did not work, automatic emergency brakes and collision warning both did not work. I pressed on the brake for about 5 seconds but the brakes did not work, resulting in a collision with the car in front" Source: NHTSA.

Is rear doors without manual emergency release a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

11 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rear doors without manual emergency release on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 (2024-07 → 2026-03). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11725482): "I discovered that the rear doors do not have a mechanical emergency release. Tesla service confirmed that my vehicle does not include any manual rear emergency door release system" Source: NHTSA.

Is airbag non-deployment in a collision a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model 3?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about airbag non-deployment in a collision on the 2023 Tesla Model 3 (2023-12 → 2025-11). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11697029): "During a major car accident the airbags for my Tesla, Model 3, 2023 did not deploy airbags although other impacted cars had full airbags deployed" Source: NHTSA.

2023 Tesla Model 3 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 carries 12 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering tail lights and curtain. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering assist loss and pull to one side.” Tesla vehicles have no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no timing belt, and no exhaust system to maintain. The schedule below is the entire factory-recommended service list. Tesla does not require dealer-stamped service intervals to maintain warranty — owners can service most items at home or at any qualified shop.

12 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Campaign #22V844000 · Nov 15, 2022

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

Risk: A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Campaign #21V834000 · Oct 25, 2021

Issue: 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, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.

Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Campaign #23V085000 · Feb 15, 2023

Issue: 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 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 complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Campaign #23V434000 · Jun 19, 2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.

Risk: A defective battery disconnect may not isolate the vehicle's high voltage battery after a crash or fault detection, increasing the risk of electrical shock and injury.

Fix: Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-16-005.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Campaign #23V838000 · Dec 12, 2023

Issue: 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 remedy. 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.

Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #24V051000 · Jan 30, 2024

Issue: 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 Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Campaign #24V376000 · May 28, 2024

Issue: 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 activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #24V554000 · Jul 24, 2024

Issue: 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.

Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Campaign #24V935000 · Dec 17, 2024

Issue: 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, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #25V092000 · Feb 14, 2025

Issue: 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, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #26V283000 · May 5, 2026

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #26V507000 · May 8, 2026

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Tesla Model 3.

6 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
Action #AQ25002 · opened Aug 20, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The ma…
View on NHTSA →
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Action #DP23002 · opened Jun 29, 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in…
View on NHTSA →
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Action #EA26002 · opened Mar 18, 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, w…
View on NHTSA →
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Action #PE25012 · opened Oct 7, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traﬃc safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that T…
View on NHTSA →
Lower Lateral Link detachment
Action #PE26006 · opened Jul 29, 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 156 complaints alleging a suspension failure in model year (MY) 2018-2020 Model 3 and MY 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles. The suspension failure involves the detachment of the front lower lateral link, which potentially causes a l…
View on NHTSA →
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
Action #RQ24009 · opened Apr 25, 2024
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Steering assist loss and pull to one side

STEERING

16 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2026-07

“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and it became difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle failed to respond while the brake pedal was depressed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11606441

“We picked up a brand new car and as soon as we drove it off the lot, we noticed that the steering was pulling hard to the right as if the steering wheel were too loose, especially at high speeds on the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569545

“Steering requires notably more effort to turn left than right, particularly as speed increases, putting vehicle control in question”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570228

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Glass cracking without a reported impact

STRUCTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-05

“Mine resulted simply from a heat wave it crack down the middle in a c shape emanating from the top edge of the windshield. No contact evidence and no contact or accident occurred”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725899

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11567734

“The roof glass is unusually susceptible to failing and cracking under minimal impact. A very small item such as a pebble impacted the roof. The glass cracked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739375

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Phantom braking with adaptive cruise control engaged

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

26 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755758

“Repeated "phantom braking". With cruise control engaged and zero traffic in front of the vehicle, false readings on the collision detection system will cause strong, sudden, and unpredictable braking”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11564335

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580882

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Autopilot and FSD lane and traffic-signal errors

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE

21 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-08

“The Full Self Driving (Supervised) system (FSD(S)) failed by running a red light. Video is available for inspection upon request”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726564

“The car completely missed the red and white gate, and just blew past it, damaging my windshield completely to smithereens and throwing glass all over the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746850

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578778

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden unintended acceleration at low speed

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

15 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2026-06

“I have twice experienced a sudden acceleration when decreasing pressure on the accelerator pedal. It felt like the motor was producing full power. In both cases, I was able to quickly apply the brake which stopped the acceleration”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11575391

“The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly accelerated independently. The contact lost control of the vehicle, coming to a complete stop after crashing into two poles and veering into a brick wall, where the vehicle briefly continued to…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11577455

“Three times while driving at low speed and attempting to reduce speed—even while pressing the brake pedal—my 2023 Tesla Model 3 unexpectedly accelerated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685171

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal application not slowing the vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2025-12

“The vehicle’s brakes did not work, automatic emergency brakes and collision warning both did not work. I pressed on the brake for about 5 seconds but the brakes did not work, resulting in a collision with the car in front”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11697065

“Despite pressing the brake pedal hard multiple times, the vehicle did not decelerate as expected and ultimately collided with the vehicle ahead. Throughout this incident, no collision warning, automatic braking, or other safety features activated, despite having all safety…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622852

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611655

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear doors without manual emergency release

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2026-03

“I discovered that the rear doors do not have a mechanical emergency release. Tesla service confirmed that my vehicle does not include any manual rear emergency door release system”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725482

“Well to my surprise, there is NO MANUAL REAR DOOR RELEASE in the model 3!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691405

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628269

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in a collision

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2025-11

“During a major car accident the airbags for my Tesla, Model 3, 2023 did not deploy airbags although other impacted cars had full airbags deployed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11697029

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626141

“I was rear ended and pushed into the car in front of me. My car was totaled and no airbags went off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562430

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 7 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Tire Rotation

Every 6,250 mi

Rotate tires every 6,250 miles or when tread depth difference exceeds 2/32". Performance models (Model 3 Performance, Model Y Performance) wear front tires faster — rotate at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Fluid Test

On condition / lifetime

Test brake fluid for moisture every 2 years on Model 3/Y, every 4 years on Model S/X. Replace if moisture content exceeds the test threshold. Regenerative braking dramatically extends fluid life vs ICE vehicles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Tire Pressure Check

Every 1,000 mi (monthly)

Check tire pressure monthly. Tesla's range estimates assume manufacturer-spec pressure; under-inflation costs 5-10% range and accelerates tire wear.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

On condition / lifetime

Model 3 / Model Y: replace every 2 years. Model S / Model X: replace every 3 years (HEPA filter, larger). Sooner in dusty climates or wildfire-prone regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

HEPA Filter (Model S / X with Bioweapon Defense Mode)

On condition / lifetime

Model S and Model X equipped with Bioweapon Defense Mode use a HEPA filter — replace every 3 years.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$130–$210

Shop

~$95–$150

DIY

~$35–$90

HEPA-grade replacement; aftermarket is improving but selection is narrower than standard cabin filters.

High-Voltage Battery — No Service

On condition / lifetime

The high-voltage battery is sealed and has no scheduled maintenance. Tesla's 8-year/100,000-150,000-mile battery warranty covers capacity retention to 70%.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

—

Shop

—

DIY

—

Traction battery service varies dramatically by vehicle ($5k–$20k+). Get a quote — we won't pretend to know.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

45 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 reflects Tesla's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →