Model year
2021 Tesla Model 3
NHTSA lists 22 recalls and 671 complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (283), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (232), SERVICE BRAKES (126). NHTSA lists 13 investigations, including 5 investigations with no close date in the file. NHTSA rated 4 variants 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 113–142 MPGe combined and 23.7–30.0 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $550–$650, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2017 27 complaints
- 2018 1,033 complaints
- 2019 619 complaints
- 2020 452 complaints
- 2021 671 complaints
- 2022 770 complaints
- 2023 428 complaints
- 2024 221 complaints
- 2025 121 complaints
- 2026 29 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
26V507000 · Aug 4, 2026
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…
26V283000 · May 4, 2026
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…
24V935000 · Dec 17, 2024
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…
24V554000 · Jul 24, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; 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.
24V376000 · May 28, 2024
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…
24V153000 · Feb 27, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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…
24V051000 · Jan 30, 2024
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…
23V838000 · Dec 12, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING: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…
23V085000 · Feb 15, 2023
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…
22V798000 · Oct 21, 2022
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.
12 more recalls are in the NHTSA file for this name and are not listed here. Campaign numbers above link to NHTSA.
Complaints
671 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 46, fire flag on 5, injury field 19, deaths field 8. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE21020 | Autopilot & First Responder Scenes · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS | Aug 13, 2021 | Jun 8, 2022 |
| PE21023 | Tesla Passenger Play · EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:120/240 VAC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:RECEPTACLE | Dec 21, 2021 | May 26, 2023 |
| PE22002 | Unexpected Brake Activation · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL:SOFTWARE:SIGNAGE/SIGNAL RECOGNITION; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:… | Feb 16, 2022 | Jun 29, 2026 |
| EA22002 | Autopilot System Driver Controls · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Jun 8, 2022 | Apr 25, 2024 |
| DP22005 | Pedestrian alert sounds · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM | Jan 27, 2023 | Aug 7, 2023 |
| DP23001 | Defect Petition Interlock Request · UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Apr 7, 2023 | Mar 18, 2026 |
7 more actions are in the file and are not listed in this table.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR AWD Early Release | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.066 | NHTSA photo |
| 4 DR AWD Later Release | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.066 | NHTSA photo |
| 4 DR RWD Early Release | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.066 | NHTSA photo |
| 4 DR RWD Later Release | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.066 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Long Range AWD · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 141 | 127 | 134 | 25.1 | 353 | $550 |
| Model 3 Performance AWD · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 118 | 107 | 113 | 30.0 | 315 | $650 |
| Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 150 | 133 | 142 | 23.7 | 263 | $550 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2021 Tesla Model 3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.