Should I buy a 2021 Tesla Model 3 with documented lighting problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented lighting issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2021 Tesla Model 3 lighting problems

moderate Owners of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the lighting at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →

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Complaints

Recalls

Avg fix

$250

lighting complaints on the Tesla Model 3, by model year
Model year	lighting complaints
2018 Model 3	14
2019 Model 3	6
2020 Model 3	11
2021 Model 3 (this page)	6
2022 Model 3	6
2024 Model 3	18

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 26V507000 August 5, 2026

Tesla, Inc

Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had lighting trouble with your 2021 Tesla Model 3? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the lighting problem on the 2021 Tesla Model 3?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to lighting?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover lighting issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Tesla/Model 3. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.