2021 Tesla Model 3 reliability record
Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,204
- 1,197 in the last 5 years
- Top problem area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
- 277 complaints
- Recalls on record
- 21
- see below
- Reported harm
- 80 reported crashes · 41 injuries · 6 deaths · 9 fires
What owners report fails — 2021 Tesla Model 3
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL 277
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING 228
- SERVICE BRAKES 124
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 122
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 91
21 recalls on record for the 2021 Tesla Model 3
- NHTSA 26V283000 · 2026 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 24V935000 · 2025 · TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 23V838000 · 2024 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operatio
- NHTSA 24V376000 · 2024 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during
- NHTSA 24V554000 · 2024 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2021 Tesla Model 3
A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.
Open TCO calculatorThese are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2021 Tesla Model 3 units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
NHTSA has 1,204 consumer complaints on record for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 and 21 recalls. The most-reported problem area is forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control (277 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2021 Tesla Model 3 units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
Owners most often report problems with: forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control (277), forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (228), service brakes (124), vehicle speed control (122). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
How much does it cost to own a 2021 Tesla Model 3?
Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.