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The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has 652 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 21 active recall campaigns.
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has 652 NHTSA owner complaints and 21 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is cruise control at 108 complaints, typically surfacing around 19,460 miles (~$600 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Model 3 | 985 | 18 |
| 2019 Model 3 | 597 | 21 |
| 2020 Model 3 | 437 | 20 |
| 2021 Model 3 (this page) | 652 | 21 |
| 2022 Model 3 | 749 | 17 |
| 2023 Model 3 | 412 | 11 |
| 2024 Model 3 | 204 | 0 |
Significant reliability concerns on file. Read the trouble spots before buying.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: Standard
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2021 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD Later Release. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
⚠ The one to take seriously: cruise control is flagged critical on this model , showing up around 19,460 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Run the VIN from the listing — 21 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 2.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is powertrain (~$2,500) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
My car experienced a problem with the control arms and based on my research this is a known problem with Tesla Model 3 yet a recall hasn’t been issued
The supermanifold failed, causing the front defroster to not work properly, resulting in loss of visibility in freezing temperatures. This is a common problem with 2021/2022 model 3/model y with the new heat pump that was supposed to be fixed with a software update, but was…
When I test drove the Tesla model 3, there was an option to turn regenerative braking to low. This allowed the car to have more of a coasting effect when one lifts the foot off of the accelerator. When I received delivery of the car, the ability to reduce the regenerative…
Tesla pushed out a new user interface over Christmas. The new interface buries the wiper controls and defrost controls under sub-menus and you can no longer quickly access them while driving. It takes multiple clicks and requires you removing your eyes from the road for a long…
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA26002 on NHTSA →
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. PE25012 on NHTSA →
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ25002 on NHTSA →
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ24009 on NHTSA →
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. DP23002 on NHTSA →
How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 2.8 out of 10 based on 652 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
On the NHTSA data, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 2 fatality reports and 6 crash-related complaints on the cruise-control; Steering: 25 complaints, classified critical; Reliability score 2.8/10 — below the segment average; 21 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
Inspect the cruise control first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 108 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 19,460 miles. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
It scores 2.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 652 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is cruise control. Typical failure occurs around 19,460 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is cruise control, with 108 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 19,460 miles. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop.
The cruise control is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 19,460 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 652 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $600, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.