2021 Tesla Model 3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has a complaint index of 75, ranking 3rd worst out of 9 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Owners logged 663 complaints and NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues making up 62% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #3 of 9 Model 3 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 663
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 22
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 46
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 19
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 134
- 141 city / 127 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 19 / 8
Top 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Drivers report the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system activating unpredictably or failing to respond, in some cases with the brake pedal feeling unresponsive on slick roads.
- Owners describe Full Self-Driving (FSD) or Autopilot steering the car toward oncoming traffic, medians, or objects and resisting driver attempts to regain control.
- Some drivers report sudden unintended acceleration while parking or maneuvering at low speed, in one case while entering a garage.
- Owners describe lane-keeping or Autopilot failing to detect another vehicle drifting into their lane, with no warning alert before a collision.
- One driver reported the dashboard and cabin electronics staying powered on after parking and leaving the vehicle.
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 ranks 3rd worst out of 9 Model 3 years, with a complaint index of 75 and an Avoid verdict. Collision Avoidance & Cameras problems account for 62% of its 663 complaints.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
- NHTSA data shows Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues lead at 62% of complaints, followed by Engine at 19% and Brakes at 19%. Median mileage at failure for the Collision Avoidance & Cameras category was 10,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns tied to the 2021 model, covering areas including Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, and Seat Belts. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Model 3 compare to other years?
- The 2021 model's complaint index of 75 is worse than 2017 through 2020 and better than 2022's index of 100, but still lands it an Avoid verdict relative to other Model 3 years.
- 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 annual fuel cost of $550.