2021 Tesla Model 3
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2018 | 981 |
| 2019 | 592 |
| 2020 | 432 |
| 2021 | 647 |
| 2022 | 746 |
| 2023 | 410 |
| 2024 | 199 |
| 2025 | 108 |
| 2026 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 279 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY35% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 228 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY19% of complaints: service brakes — 124 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON FEBRUARY 28, 2021 AT 4:08 PM.. THE APPROXIMATE TIME OF MY ARRIVAL AT WORKPLACE WHICH IS ALSO DISPLAYED IN MY NAVIGATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210304
19% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 122 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while attempting to park at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however the vehicle accelerated independently.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231121
This accident involved a high speed collision on the 2nd floor of a parking garage at a hospital in a suburb of Houston, Tx. Both the driver and the passenger were killed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230911
ON FEBRUARY 28, 2021 AT 4:08 PM.. THE APPROXIMATE TIME OF MY ARRIVAL AT WORKPLACE WHICH IS ALSO DISPLAYED IN MY NAVIGATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210304
11% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 74 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021.
Campaign 21V387000 — check if this car was fixed
Autopilot & First Responder Scenes
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2.
Remedy: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Campaign 21V846000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 21V835000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla Passenger Play
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 21V834000 — check if this car was fixed
Unexpected Brake Activation
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 22V037000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.
Campaign 22V050000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Campaign 22V045000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022.
Campaign 22V063000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge.
Campaign 22V235000 — check if this car was fixed
Autopilot System Driver Controls
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
Campaign 22V263000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y vehicles. The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.
Remedy: Tesla Service will correct the swapped terminals and recalibrate the cameras, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 22V317000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 22V798000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 22V702000 — check if this car was fixed
Defect Petition Interlock Request
Tesla, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 23V085000 — check if this car was fixed
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 23V838000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V051000 — check if this car was fixed
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 24V153000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V376000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V554000 — check if this car was fixed
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V935000 — check if this car was fixed
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
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.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be 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.
Campaign 26V283000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Tesla Model 3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (279 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (228 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (124 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V283000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V387000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V846000 (forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V835000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V834000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V037000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V050000 (electrical system, visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V045000 (electrical system, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V063000 (electrical system, forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V235000 (electrical system, forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V263000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V317000 (electrical system, forward collision avoidance, lane departure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V798000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V702000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V085000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V838000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V051000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V153000 (electrical system, forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V376000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V554000 (electrical system, latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V935000 (tires) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?
21 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.