CarRecallWatchThe 2021 Tesla Model 3 has 22 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 674 complaints with NHTSA, including 46 crashes, 5 fires, 19 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance (599 reports).
2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls
Headlights Too Bright, Can Dazzle Oncoming Drivers
Certain Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have low beam headlights that are brighter than federal limits allow.
Delayed Rearview Camera Image Raises Backover Crash Risk
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles running software version 2026.8.6 may show the rearview camera image late after the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
Tire Pressure Warning May Not Stay On, Hiding Low Tire Pressure
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not stay lit between drive cycles.
Hood May Open While Driving, Blocking View
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles may have a hood latch assembly that fails to detect when the hood has not been fully latched after being opened.
Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver
Some Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have a seat belt warning light and chime that do not activate as intended when the driver is unbelted.
Muted pedestrian alert sounds can raise crash risk
A factory reset can mute the Pedestrian Warning System sounds on certain Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model X vehicles.
Dashboard brake and ABS warning text too small to read easily
The instrument panel on these Tesla vehicles displays the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights in an incorrect font size.
Driver Misuse Risk With Autosteer Driver-Assist Feature
This recall covers vehicles with Autosteer, an SAE Level 2 driver-assistance feature.
Software may let vehicle run intersections or exceed speed limits
Certain Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta software, or with that software pending installation, may act unsafely around intersections.
Rear seat belt may not work properly in a crash
Some vehicles had their second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor incorrectly reassembled during service.
Power Windows May Pinch Occupants and Injure Them
Certain Tesla vehicles may have a power window automatic reversal system that does not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.
Cameras May Miss Objects, Raising Crash Risk
Some cameras in these vehicles were wired incorrectly at the factory.
Speed unit may not display in Track Mode, raising crash risk
Certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles may fail to show the speed unit (mph or km/h) on the speedometer while in Track Mode.
External speaker can drown out pedestrian warning sounds
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles from model years 2017 through 2022 have a Boombox feature that can play sounds through the external speaker while the vehicle is moving.
External speaker can drown out EV pedestrian warning sounds
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles have a Boombox feature that can play sound through an external speaker while the car is moving.
Software glitch may reduce windshield defrosting and visibility
A software error can cause a heat pump valve to open unintentionally, trapping refrigerant inside the evaporator.
Seat Belt Chime May Not Sound, Raising Injury Risk
Certain Tesla vehicles may not sound the audible seat belt reminder chime when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt.
Vehicles May Roll Through All-Way Stops, Raising Crash Risk
Certain Tesla vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the "rolling stop" function to take the vehicle through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a complete stop.
False Braking Alerts Could Cause Sudden Stops
Some Tesla vehicles from 2017 to 2019 may have a communication error in their forward collision avoidance system.
Curtain airbag may twist and fail to protect in crash
Some Tesla Model 3 vehicles from the 2020, 2021 and 2023 model years may have a left and/or right side curtain airbag that was not properly secured to the roof rail.
Front suspension bolts may loosen, risking crash
Certain Tesla vehicles may have front suspension lateral link fasteners that loosen over time.
Loose Brake Caliper Bolts Can Damage Tires and Raise Crash Risk
Some Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have loose brake caliper bolts.
Most common 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems
Problem areas named in the 674 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 599 |
| Service Brakes | 126 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 123 |
| Unknown Or Other | 95 |
| Electrical System | 81 |
| Lane Departure | 43 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 32 |
| Steering | 28 |
| Structure | 17 |
| Power Train | 17 |
What owners report
Over the past week when using autopilot the Tesla has jerked to the right and slowed down. I took control immediately every time, and I'm unsure if it thought it was coming to an emergency stop or trying to swerve off the road.
Immediately following the installation of over-the-air software version 2026.32.3, the vehicle's center touchscreen lost all driving visualization capabilities. The backup camera now displays a black/non-responsive screen, removing federally mandated back-over protection. Additionally, the vehicle no longer provides active safety alerts, such as forward collision warnings or blind-spot obstructions, and driver-assist technologies (Autopilot) are entirely unavailable. Official Manufacturer Diagnosis: A physical diagnostic review of the vehicle's alert and signal history by Tesla Service confirmed an internal hardware communication failure directly induced by the software rollout. The official
2021 Tesla Model 3 with approximately 110,000 miles. Loud creaking/squeaking noise from the front suspension (primarily passenger side) when driving at low speeds over bumps and during slow turns. The noise matches the known front upper control arm ball joint water intrusion issue documented in Tesla service bulletin SB-20-31-006 and widely reported by other Model 3 owners. No warning lights, messages, or other symptoms. The component is available for inspection. I have scheduled a service appointment with Tesla but the vehicle has not yet been inspected or repaired by the manufacturer or any independent shop. While currently only a noise (NVH) issue, progressive wear of this ball joint can
During a Tesla over-the-air software update, while the vehicle was charging at a Tesla V4 Supercharger, the Hardware 3 Autopilot/car computer failed and entered a permanent boot loop. All cameras became inoperative, including the federally required rearview backup camera, and the vehicle lost Autopilot and automatic emergency braking. Tesla has diagnosed the failure as a car-computer failure, and the failed computer is available for inspection. The vehicle was not in a collision and had no prior damage; the failure occurred during a Tesla-initiated update. A non-functioning rearview camera eliminates the driver's rear view and increases the risk of a backover collision, and the loss of autom
Multiple watchdog daemon failures triggering every ADAS system to become unavailable at random. in one instance I had FSD enabled, mid turning a corner to freeway onramp FSD disengaged, provided no warning or alert, and almost caused me to run into another car (thankfully I have a habit of holding onto the steering wheel). I have reported the problem to tesla service which they acknowledge the multiple alerts/warnings on my car however it wont be seen by them for 15 days from 10/18/2026 The vehicle is available for inspection The warnings only appeared after failure occurs. sometimes its right away when car is put in drive, other times it happens without warning mid drive. I have not
2021 Tesla Model 3 questions
Does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 22 safety recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model 3: Headlights Too Bright, Can Dazzle Oncoming Drivers; Delayed Rearview Camera Image Raises Backover Crash Risk; Tire Pressure Warning May Not Stay On, Hiding Low Tire Pressure; Hood May Open While Driving, Blocking View; Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
Based on 674 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (599), Service Brakes (126), Vehicle Speed Control (123).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Tesla Model 3 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.