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#BS-2021-TESMOD-4AE92021 Tesla Model 3Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 1,261 owners and 22 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 1,261 complaints, 86 crashes, 9 fires, and 22 recalls. Complaint rate is 23.2x the class average.
Top reported problems
window shattered while driving
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
283 owners reported forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control issues — failures commonly reported around 9K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (46 reports) • Median: 9K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control (283 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2021 Tesla Model 3: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control complaints account for 22% of all reports filed for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, with 283 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 9,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 9K-mile mark.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking complaints account for 18% of all reports filed for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, with 232 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, with 126 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Speed Control Issues
Speed Control complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, with 122 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to speed control-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2021 Tesla Model 3. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (22 recalls)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
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."
SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
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.
+ 17 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2021 Tesla Model 3 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (13)
5 investigations still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
Pedestrian alert sounds
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Defect Petition Interlock Request
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Autopilot System Driver Controls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
+ 8 more in the full report
The worst model year for the Tesla Model 3 is the 2020 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is electrical.
2021 Tesla Model 3 vs. Class Average (Midsize Cars)
This vehicle
1,261
Class avg
54
23.2x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical midsize cars vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 1,261 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 22 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Tesla Model 3 Model Years
View all Tesla Model 3 years →2021 Tesla Model 3: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2021 Tesla Model 3 Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 1,261 owner reports. Know before you buy.