2021 Tesla Model 3 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 663 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, filed between 2020-12-28 and 2026-09-21. The most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (407, 61%), service brakes (125, 19%) and vehicle speed control (123, 19%). Owners reported 46 crashes, 5 fires, 19 injuries and 8 deaths in these complaints. NHTSA lists 22 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Tesla Model 3 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 407 | 61% | 10 | 1 | 8 |
| Service brakes | 125 | 19% | 11 | 1 | 5 |
| Vehicle speed control | 123 | 19% | 11 | 0 | 6 |
| Unknown or other | 94 | 14% | 7 | 0 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 78 | 12% | 7 | 1 | 4 |
| Lane departure | 32 | 5% | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 30 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 26 | 4% | 10 | 2 | 4 |
| Power train | 17 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 16 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 15 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 14 | 2% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 2% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 9 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 1% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Forward collision avoidance: 407 complaints
- 407 complaints of 663 (61%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 99 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 10 crashes, 1 fire and 8 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Tesla Model 3; the latest, campaign 24V153000, says: “A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.”
Service brakes: 125 complaints
- 125 complaints of 663 (19%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 99 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 11 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Tesla Model 3; the recall, campaign 21V387000, says: “The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.”
Vehicle speed control: 123 complaints
- 123 complaints of 663 (19%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 95 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 11 crashes, 6 injuries and 2 deaths in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 covers this system.
Electrical system: 78 complaints
- 78 complaints of 663 (12%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 15 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 7 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- 8 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Tesla Model 3; the latest, campaign 24V051000, says: “An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.”
Lane departure: 32 complaints
- 32 complaints of 663 (5%) name the lane departure — lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
- 18 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 6 crashes, 1 injury and 2 deaths in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 30 complaints
- 30 complaints of 663 (5%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 8 of them also name the unknown or other; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Tesla Model 3; the recall, campaign 22V702000, says: “The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 339 |
| 2023 | 93 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 43 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MODEL 3, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Tesla Model 3's most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (407 of 663 complaints), service brakes (125 of 663 complaints) and vehicle speed control (123 of 663 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?
NHTSA has 663 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, including 46 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Tesla Model 3's problems?
NHTSA lists 22 recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model 3; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.