How many Transmission & Powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Tesla Model 3?

NHTSA lists 17 complaints in this area for the 2021 Model 3, which is about 3% of the 663 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for 2021 Tesla Model 3 transmission or powertrain issues?

No. NHTSA does not list any related recalls for this problem area on the 2021 Model 3.

At what mileage do these powertrain problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 80,340 miles, though individual complaints describe failures occurring at other mileages as well.

Did these powertrain complaints lead to crashes?

Yes, NHTSA data shows 2 crashes tied to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Model 3, with no reported fires or injuries.

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

The 2021 Model 3 has 17 complaints (3% share), similar to 2018's 29 complaints (3% share) and higher in share than 2024's 3 complaints (1% share), based on NHTSA data across model years.

2021 Tesla Model 3 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, about 3% of its 663 total complaints. Two of these involved crashes, none involved fires, and there are no related recalls. Median mileage at failure was 80,340.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 17; 3% of 663
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 80,340 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicle suddenly loses power or drive on the highway, with the issue temporarily correcting itself after braking.
Rear motor disables unexpectedly, displaying a 'pull over safely' warning and locking up the drivetrain while shifting into reverse.
Car dies mid-drive after a warning message appears, sometimes requiring the rear motor power inverter to be replaced.
Vehicle comes to a stop and shifts itself into park mid-lane after an on-screen alert, with traffic approaching from behind.
High-voltage traction battery pack fails and throws a BMS error code that prevents charging, in some cases occurring more than once on the same vehicle.
Adaptive cruise control or autopilot applies unexpected heavy braking, sometimes misreading roadside signs as obstacles.

When 2021 Tesla Model 3 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 13, 2021, latest May 6, 2026.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2021 to May 2026; peak Aug 2021 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model 3

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Model 3 model year

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

20170 (0%)
201829 (3%)
201910 (2%)
20208 (2%)
202117 (3%)
202213 (2%)
202310 (2%)
20243 (1%)
20252 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Transmission & Powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Tesla Model 3?: NHTSA lists 17 complaints in this area for the 2021 Model 3, which is about 3% of the 663 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2021 Tesla Model 3 transmission or powertrain issues?: No. NHTSA does not list any related recalls for this problem area on the 2021 Model 3.
At what mileage do these powertrain problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 80,340 miles, though individual complaints describe failures occurring at other mileages as well.
Did these powertrain complaints lead to crashes?: Yes, NHTSA data shows 2 crashes tied to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Model 3, with no reported fires or injuries.
How does the 2021 Model 3 compare to other years for this issue?: The 2021 Model 3 has 17 complaints (3% share), similar to 2018's 29 complaints (3% share) and higher in share than 2024's 3 complaints (1% share), based on NHTSA data across model years.