What NHTSA's records show for the 2021 Tesla Model 3: 674 owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Forward Collision Avoidance (411), Service Brakes (126), Vehicle Speed Control (123). 46 complaints mention a crash and 5 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.
2021 Tesla Model 3 owner discussion: problems, repairs and buying advice
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What NHTSA's records show for the 2021 Tesla Model 3: 674 owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Forward Collision Avoidance (411), Service Brakes (126), Vehicle Speed Control (123). 46 complaints mention a crash and 5 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.
2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls and complaints at a glance
NHTSA lists 22 safety recall campaigns and 674 owner complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3. The most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (411), Service Brakes (126), Vehicle Speed Control (123). The most recent recall (NHTSA #26V507000, August 2026) covers the Exterior Lighting. Recall repairs are free at a franchised Tesla dealer. Recalls and complaints describe the model year, not a specific car — check the VIN for open recalls free, and for title, salvage and odometer history with a $9.99 report (Carfax charges $49.99).
Recall campaigns
22
Owner complaints
674
Complaints mentioning a crash
46
Complaints mentioning a fire
5
Most-reported problem areas
Component
Complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance
411
Service Brakes
126
Vehicle Speed Control
123
Electrical System
80
Lane Departure
34
Visibility/Wiper
32
Recall campaigns
NHTSA #26V507000 — Exterior Lighting (August 2026): 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…
NHTSA #26V283000 — Back Over Prevention (May 2026): 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…
NHTSA #24V935000 — Tires (December 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…
NHTSA #24V554000 — Latches/Locks/Linkages (July 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.
NHTSA #24V376000 — Seat Belts (May 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…
NHTSA #24V153000 — Forward Collision Avoidance (February 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…
NHTSA #24V051000 — Electrical System (January 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)…
NHTSA #23V838000 — Electrical System (December 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…
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases, retrieved 2026-11-07.
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