How many engine-related complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Tesla Model 3?

NHTSA lists 127 Engine-area complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, which is 19% of the 663 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 engine or acceleration issue?

No. NHTSA does not list any related recall tied to this Engine complaint area for the 2021 Tesla Model 3.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this Engine area is 10,650 miles.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

NHTSA records 11 crashes and 6 injuries associated with the Engine-area complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, with no fires reported.

How does the 2021 Model 3 compare to other years for this issue?

The 19% share of complaints in this area for 2021 is higher than 2018 (10%), 2019 (12%), and 2020 (16%), but lower than 2022 (23%).

2021 Tesla Model 3 Engine Problems

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has 127 Engine-area complaints to NHTSA, 19% of its 663 total complaints, with 11 crashes and 6 injuries reported. The median mileage at failure is 10,650 miles, and NHTSA lists no related recall for this area.

Engine complaints: 127; 19% of 663
Crashes reported: 11
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 10,650 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while parking at low speed, resulting in collisions with parked cars, curbs, or buildings.
Some describe the vehicle accelerating on its own while the brake pedal was fully depressed, disputing Tesla's claim of pedal misapplication.
Others report unexpected acceleration episodes that they managed to stop by braking before any collision occurred.
One owner reported intermittent engine power loss on the highway that recurred multiple times over about ten minutes each time before the car was towed.
A separate report describes the dashboard and cabin electronics staying on and failing to shut off after the car was parked and the doors closed.

When 2021 Tesla Model 3 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 28, 2020, latest Jun 12, 2026.

127 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2020 to Jun 2026; peak Feb 2022 (39).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model 3

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Model 3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20174 (15%)
2018100 (10%)
201973 (12%)
202070 (16%)
2021127 (19%)
2022178 (23%)
202375 (18%)
202424 (11%)
202517 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine-related complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Tesla Model 3?: NHTSA lists 127 Engine-area complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, which is 19% of the 663 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 engine or acceleration issue?: No. NHTSA does not list any related recall tied to this Engine complaint area for the 2021 Tesla Model 3.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this Engine area is 10,650 miles.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: NHTSA records 11 crashes and 6 injuries associated with the Engine-area complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, with no fires reported.
How does the 2021 Model 3 compare to other years for this issue?: The 19% share of complaints in this area for 2021 is higher than 2018 (10%), 2019 (12%), and 2020 (16%), but lower than 2022 (23%).