2021 Tesla Model 3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
63/100
#4 most-complained of 9 Model 3 years
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has a Complaint Index of 63 and ranks 4th worst of 9 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 663 complaints, 22 recalls, 46 crashes, and 8 deaths, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues making up 62% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 663
- Recalls
- 22
- Crashes / fires
- 46 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 19 / 8
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 134
- 141 city / 127 hwy
Top 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras413 (62%)
- Engine127 (19%)
- Brakes125 (19%)
- Other95 (14%)
- Electrical System84 (13%)
- Lane Departure32 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers31 (5%)
- Structure & Body29 (4%)
- Steering26 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires21 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle suddenly accelerating on its own at low speed, including into a garage or a parking lot.
- Some drivers say Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking activated unexpectedly or failed to activate, in one case deploying the airbag.
- Owners describe Autopilot or FSD Beta failing to detect obstacles or other vehicles, sometimes steering toward them instead of away.
- Some report the brake pedal feeling unresponsive or frozen during a slow-speed stop, with an ABS-like pulsing sound but no braking effect.
- Owners describe the dashboard and infotainment system staying illuminated with audio still playing after the car was parked and the driver had exited.
2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls
22 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V507000Aug 4, 2026Electrical System20,349 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 26V283000May 4, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras218,868 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention:software
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 24V935000Dec 17, 2024Suspension, Wheels & Tires696,281 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
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.
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.
2021 Tesla Model 3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 141 MPG
- Highway
- 127 MPG
- Combined
- 134 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $550
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Model 3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 model has a Complaint Index of 63 and ranks 4th worst out of 9 Model 3 years, giving it a Caution rating relative to other years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues are the top problem area, accounting for 413 complaints, or 62% of all complaints filed for this year, with a median failure mileage of 10,000 miles.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?
- NHTSA lists 22 recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Model 3 compare to other years?
- The 2021 Model 3 has a Complaint Index of 63, worse than 2017 (0), 2019 (38), and 2020 (13), but better than 2018 (75) and 2022 (100).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
- EPA rates the 2021 Model 3 at 134 MPG combined (141 city, 127 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $550.