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2021 Tesla Model 3 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has mixed reliability. There are 20 recalls and 626 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Tesla Model-3. Severity signals include 42 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (206), Vehicle Speed Control (105), Service Brakes (69).

Model 3 reliability snapshot

48/100
Latest model-year reliability score
2.0/5
RepairPal rating (overall)

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Tesla Model 3 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

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Most-reported 2021 Tesla Model 3 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Forward Collision Avoidance206
  • Vehicle Speed Control105
  • Service Brakes69
  • Unknown Or Other64
  • Electrical System60
  • Steering24

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Tesla Model 3

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Test for phantom braking during cruise control
  • Inspect HV battery health and charging capability
  • Check for loose or missing suspension bolts
  • Verify functionality of FSD and Autopilot systems
  • Examine for any warning lights related to airbags
  • Ensure steering wheel does not lock during low-speed maneuvers
  • Check for HVAC system functionality in cold conditions

What owners reported

2021 Tesla Model 3 owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 42 crashes, 5 fires, 19 injuries and 4 deaths to NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model 3. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints206

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners report that the 2021 Tesla Model 3 experiences frequent issues with forward collision avoidance systems, particularly involving sudden and unexpected braking, often referred to as "phantom braking." Complaints frequently mention the vehicle braking abruptly at highway speeds without any visible obstacles, sometimes mistaking shadows or road markings for hazards. These incidents have been reported to occur at various mileages, with some owners noting the issue persists across multiple software updates. Safety implications include potential rear-end collisions, with at least five complaints involving crashes and four injuries reported. Buyers should be aware that these braking issues can occur in various driving conditions, including during autopilot or adaptive cruise control use.

Severity signals: 5 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints105

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with the vehicle's speed control, particularly involving "phantom braking," where the car unexpectedly decelerates without apparent cause. These incidents often occur while using autopilot or cruise control, with some reports indicating the vehicle suddenly brakes from highway speeds, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, complaints describe unintended acceleration events, especially during parking maneuvers, leading to crashes and injuries. These issues appear across various mileages, with some incidents resulting in significant accidents and injuries. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems as they consider the safety and reliability of this model.

Severity signals: 6 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints70

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report frequent issues with the 2021 Tesla Model 3's service brakes, particularly involving "phantom braking" where the vehicle suddenly decelerates without warning while using cruise control or Autopilot. These incidents often occur at highway speeds, with the car abruptly slowing from 70-80 mph to significantly lower speeds, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Complaints also describe instances of unintended acceleration, including one report of a crash and another involving a fire after a brake failure. This pattern of braking issues is reported across various driving conditions, with some owners noting the problem soon after acquiring the vehicle. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring braking concerns that may affect safety and driving experience.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints64

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues related to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, with symptoms including unintended braking, incorrect lane navigation, and abrupt stops at bus turnoffs. Several complaints describe incidents where FSD malfunctions led to near-crashes or loss of control, with four reports involving actual crashes and four injuries. Additional complaints highlight problems with the HVAC system failing at around 7,500 miles and again at 84,000 miles, and touchscreen reboots rendering safety systems temporarily inoperable. Safety concerns are significant, as multiple reports suggest that these issues can lead to hazardous driving conditions, particularly when FSD is engaged. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential software and system reliability issues when considering this model.

Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints60

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving unexpected reboots of the central screen, which can lead to loss of control over critical vehicle functions such as signaling and HVAC. Many complaints highlight problems following software updates, including failures in autopilot, cameras, and other safety features, often necessitating costly repairs. These issues often occur at various mileage ranges, with some reports mentioning occurrences as early as 49,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, a fire, and injuries linked to these electrical failures. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially the potential for sudden loss of vehicle control and the associated repair costs.

Severity signals: 5 crash, 1 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints24

STEERING

Owners report several issues related to the steering of the 2021 Tesla Model 3, with frequent mentions of sudden loss of steering control and steering wheel lock-ups. Complaints often describe the vehicle unexpectedly steering into another lane or losing power steering while driving, sometimes accompanied by electronic anomalies. These issues frequently occur without warning and are sometimes linked to recent vehicle repairs or software updates. Multiple incidents have resulted in crashes, with reports of injuries and one involving a fire. Mileage at the time of failure varies, with some issues occurring as early as 12,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these safety implications, especially the risk of loss of control.

Severity signals: 9 crash, 1 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints13

POWER TRAIN

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Tesla Model 3 power train. A recurring problem involves the high-voltage battery pack failing to charge, sometimes accompanied by error code bms_a079, with failures noted at mileages ranging from 15,100 to 57,222. Sudden unintended acceleration is also mentioned, leading to two crashes without prior warning signs. Additionally, multiple owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or shutting down while driving, sometimes with a warning to pull over but not always allowing sufficient time to do so safely. These incidents occur across various mileages, with some reports indicating issues as early as 27,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, sudden stops, and near-miss situations on highways.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints8

SUSPENSION

Owners report several suspension-related issues with the 2021 Tesla Model 3, primarily involving problems with control arms and bolts. Complaints frequently mention missing or loose nuts and bolts in the rear suspension, with some noting that bolts had nearly slid out unnoticed, which could lead to dangerous situations. Symptoms described include knocking sounds, uneven tire wear, bumpier rides, and in one case, a sheared tie rod resulting in a crash. The issues are often reported around 20,000 to 50,000 miles, with some owners indicating that these problems were not preceded by any noise, vibration, or handling warnings. Safety implications are significant, as one owner experienced a crash due to a sudden loss of steering control, and another reported a wheel detachment, both of which could pose severe risks if they occur at higher speeds or on busy roads.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints8

LANE DEPARTURE

Owners report issues with the lane departure and Autopilot systems in the 2021 Tesla Model 3, with complaints frequently mentioning improper activation and lack of response during critical moments. Typical symptoms include the lane departure warning activating incorrectly during turns at low speeds, and unexpected steering actions when using Full Self-Driving (FSD) features, sometimes leading to crashes. Three complaints involve crashes, with one describing a failure to disengage FSD, resulting in a collision with median posts. Another crash report involves a lack of warning or automatic steering when a vehicle drifted into the owner's lane. Additionally, some owners note that condensation on camera covers disrupts driver assistance systems, affecting safety features like lane departure and blind-spot detection. These issues are reported early in vehicle ownership, with one crash occurring just 11 days after purchase.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints7

AIR BAGS

Owners report recurring issues with the airbag system in the 2021 Tesla Model 3, particularly concerning the front passenger safety restraint system. Complaints frequently mention a fault alert related to the passenger seat's occupancy sensor, which intermittently turns off the passenger airbag even when occupied. This issue is often accompanied by distracting warning signals while driving. Additionally, two reports involve crashes where airbags failed to deploy, raising concerns about the system's reliability in collision scenarios. The problem seems to occur in vehicles with varying mileages, with repair costs estimated between $500 and $2,000. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

2021 Model 3 recalls (20)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Model 3. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. TIRESNHTSA 24V935000Dec 17, 2024

    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."

    Consequence: 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.

  2. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V554000Jul 24, 2024

    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.

    Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and 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 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.

  3. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 24V376000May 28, 2024

    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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    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.

  4. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V153000Feb 27, 2024

    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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

  5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V051000Jan 30, 2024

    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. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  6. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V838000Dec 12, 2023

    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. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

    Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

    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.

  7. STEERINGNHTSA 23V085000Feb 15, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

    Consequence: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

    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.

  8. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 22V798000Oct 21, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.

  9. VISIBILITYNHTSA 22V702000Sep 19, 2022

    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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

    Consequence: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

    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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

  10. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V317000May 9, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: Swapped camera views can prevent the vehicle's cameras from detecting crossing objects and high-curvature lane lines, impairing the Autosteer and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) performance, and increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-17-007.

  11. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V263000Apr 18, 2022

    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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

    Consequence: The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  12. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 22V235000Apr 12, 2022

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

  13. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 22V063000Feb 4, 2022

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

  14. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITYNHTSA 22V050000Feb 2, 2022

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

    Consequence: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  15. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTSNHTSA 22V045000Feb 1, 2022

    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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    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.

  16. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V037000Jan 27, 2022

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

    Consequence: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

    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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

  17. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 21V846000Oct 29, 2021

    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. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

    Consequence: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  18. SUSPENSIONNHTSA 21V835000Oct 25, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.

  19. AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V834000Oct 25, 2021

    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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

    Consequence: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.

    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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.

  20. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 21V387000May 25, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.

Used-market value

2021 Tesla Model 3 resale snapshot

49.4%estimated value retained after 5 years
535listings in the model-level benchmark
$24,990median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Tesla Model 3 value by year →Full Tesla Model 3 market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2021 Tesla Model 3 on the road

121,610 2021 Tesla Model 3 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Tesla Model 3 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Hyundai Ioniq 6
Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 95
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Reliability verdict for the 2021 Tesla Model 3

With a 35/100 reliability score against a 79/100 segment average, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 lands well below typical expectations for its class. That gap signals elevated reliability risk in this model year, rather than a near-average outcome. Recall activity is elevated, reinforcing that this year carried more corrective action than most buyers should expect.

Complaints are not evenly spread. They cluster heavily around forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, pointing to a concentrated pattern in driver-assistance and speed-management behavior. Beyond that, the presence of service-brake and electrical-system reports shows additional exposure across core vehicle functions, with a meaningful share falling into unspecified categories. As a facelift/refresh year, the overall record reads as unsettled rather than stable.

Overall, this Model 3 year presents a high buyer risk level.

What you get in a 2021 Tesla Model 3 report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2021 Tesla Model 3 now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2021 Tesla Model 3 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 reliable?

With a 35/100 reliability score against a 79/100 segment average, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 lands well below typical expectations for its class. That gap signals elevated reliability risk in this model year, rather than a near-average outcome. Recall activity is elevated, reinforcing that this year carried more corrective action than most buyers should expect.

How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?

20 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Tesla Model 3. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems?

The most-reported 2021 Tesla Model 3 problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (206), Vehicle Speed Control (105), Service Brakes (69).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Tesla Model 3?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Tesla Model 3, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.