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2021 Tesla Model 3Problems: Top Complaints, Recalls & Failures (NHTSA)

Every owner complaint and safety recall the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has on file for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, ranked by the component that failed most.

Complaints on file

657

Recalls issued

22

Crashes reported

45

Fires reported

5

What breaks most

  • Forward Collision Avoidance406 complaints · 61.8%
  • Service Brakes125 complaints · 19%
  • Vehicle Speed Control123 complaints · 18.7%
  • Electrical System76 complaints · 11.6%
  • Lane Departure31 complaints · 4.7%

Recalls on this model year

  • Electrical System › Adas › Autonomous/Self Driving › Software

    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 c

    Campaign 22V037000 · reported 27/01/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • 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 Sa

    Campaign 21V834000 · reported 25/10/2021 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • 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.

    Campaign 21V835000 · reported 25/10/2021 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Electrical System › Software

    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 Fede

    Campaign 22V045000 · reported 01/02/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper

    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.

    Campaign 21V387000 · reported 25/05/2021 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • 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.

    Campaign 21V846000 · reported 29/10/2021 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Electrical System › Software

    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 ve

    Campaign 22V050000 · reported 02/02/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Electrical System › Software

    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 veh

    Campaign 22V063000 · reported 04/02/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Electrical System › Software

    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 veh

    Campaign 22V235000 · reported 12/04/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

    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 an

    Campaign 22V263000 · reported 18/04/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking

    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.

    Campaign 22V317000 · reported 09/05/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls

    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 Vehi

    Campaign 22V702000 · reported 19/09/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage

    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.

    Campaign 22V798000 · reported 21/10/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering

    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 st

    Campaign 23V085000 · reported 15/02/2023 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Electrical System › Adas › Autonomous/Self Driving › Software

    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

    Campaign 23V838000 · reported 12/12/2023 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

    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 vehicle

    Campaign 24V051000 · reported 30/01/2024 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert

    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 Sta

    Campaign 24V153000 · reported 27/02/2024 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices

    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 requirem

    Campaign 24V376000 · reported 28/05/2024 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch

    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.

    Campaign 24V554000 · reported 24/07/2024 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

    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 co

    Campaign 24V935000 · reported 17/12/2024 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Back Over Prevention › Software

    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 vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen

    Campaign 26V283000 · reported 05/05/2026 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    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 Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps,

    Campaign 26V507000 · reported 05/08/2026 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer

What owners report

Forward Collision Avoidance

  • Tesla replaced the windshield on my 2021 Model 3 at the Tesla Service Center in Schaumburg, IL. Days after the installation, following a light rain, a film appeared on the exterior surface of the glas
  • The adaptive cruise control on Tesla vehicles is dangerous. The model in question is a 2021 Model 3 but its an issue with many model years. The cruise control tends to get confused and applies the b
  • On July 1, 2026, the vehicle was serviced by the manufacturer for GPS and camera malfunctions, and the vehicle computer was replaced. On the morning of July 2, 2026, during the first use of Autopilot

Service Brakes

  • The forward-facing camera and Autopilot computer system on my 2021 Tesla Model 3 has failed. The dashboard first showed intermittent warnings that "Automatic Emergency Braking is currently unavailable
  • I drove into my neighbor’s driveway to drop her off. As I slowed down and applied the brakes to stop, the car failed to respond. It continued forward, running over the flower and plant pots at the edg
  • What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - ABS, Automatic Emergency Braking, Traction Control, Stability Control failed while braking using t

Vehicle Speed Control

  • The forward-facing camera and Autopilot computer system on my 2021 Tesla Model 3 has failed. The dashboard first showed intermittent warnings that "Automatic Emergency Braking is currently unavailable
  • When using cruise control, there has been 4 times that the car has engaged in “phantom braking”. We were driving on highways going the posted speed limit of 70 mph, when the car suddenly slammed on t
  • 2 problems 1,Phantom braking when cruise control is activated. 2, There's no rear door mechanical release in the event of a electrical power failure in the event of R.T.A

Electrical System

  • The high voltage battery on my 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range suddenly failed without any prior warning or gradual degradation. The vehicle was consistently achieving approximately 180 miles of ran
  • The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was set to Self-Driving Mode, the vehicle suddenly stopped abruptly without the brake pedal depressed. The contact depr
  • This is my fourth high voltage battery failure on this vehicle. Battery replacements occurred at approximately 13,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 96,000 miles, and now at 121,000 miles. The first failure occ

Lane Departure

  • I was driving down Interstate 635 Lane Departure Assist on my 2021 Model 3 pulls me into the lane it senses im departing into when system is set to "assist" (if vehicle sense im straying into t
  • Component: Lane Support System — Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) Part of standard Autopilot safety suite (not FSD) activated without valid lane detection data and pushed the vehicle into the oncoming lan
  • On July 1, 2026, the vehicle was serviced by the manufacturer for GPS and camera malfunctions, and the vehicle computer was replaced. On the morning of July 2, 2026, during the first use of Autopilot

Excerpts are anonymized owner complaints as filed with NHTSA, trimmed to 200 characters.

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