Does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have recalls?

NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, including Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel; Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera; Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems?

Owners filed 674 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (411), service brakes (127), vehicle speed control (123), electrical system (80).

How much does a 2021 Tesla Model 3 cost to own for 5 years?

About $41,586 over 5 years ($693/month) at an estimated $15,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2021 Tesla Model 3

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 48/100. Expect about $41,586 to own it for five years, or $693 a month. NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 674 complaints.

Recalls: 22
Complaints: 674
5-yr cost: $42k
kWh/100mi: 25

Weak

Ownership Score

2021 Tesla Model 3 vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Model 3?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

22 recalls may apply

For the 2021 Tesla Model 3. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $15,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$41,586

$693/month · $0.69/mile

Depreciation	$7,133
Insurance (national avg.)	$16,200
Fuel / charging	$2,560
Maintenance	$6,144
Repairs	$3,456
Loan interest	$4,178
Taxes & fees	$1,915

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

674 complaints46 involved a crash5 involved a fire

Forward Collision Avoidance411
Service Brakes127
Vehicle Speed Control123
Unknown Or Other95
Electrical System80
Lane Departure34

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 5 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 5 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2021 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD Later Release

What to check on a used 2021 Tesla Model 3

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Driver-assist systems
- Ask if the systems work as designed and if any warnings stay on.
- Test the backup camera and parking sensors if fitted.
Brakes
- Press the pedal firmly: it should feel solid, not sink or pulse.
- Listen for grinding or squealing when stopping.
Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 a good car to buy?: The 2021 Tesla Model 3 earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 48/100. Expect about $41,586 to own it for five years, or $693 a month. NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 674 complaints.
Does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have recalls?: NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, including Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel; Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera; Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems?: Owners filed 674 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (411), service brakes (127), vehicle speed control (123), electrical system (80).
How much does a 2021 Tesla Model 3 cost to own for 5 years?: About $41,586 over 5 years ($693/month) at an estimated $15,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.