The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is associated with 656 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 22 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Forward Collision Avoidance, accounting for 200 reports (30% of total complaints). EPA records certify all-electric efficiency of 113 to 142 MPGe with an estimated driving range of 263–353 miles across 3 certified vehicle configurations.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 656 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 22 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Forward Collision Avoidance (200 / 30%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 45 crash / 5 fire / 16 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 113–142 MPGe (3 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD 100% Electric | Electric Motor | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 150 MPGe | 133 MPGe | 142 MPGe | 263 mi | $550 / yr |
| Model 3 Long Range AWD 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 141 MPGe | 127 MPGe | 134 MPGe | 353 mi | $550 / yr |
| Model 3 Performance AWD 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 118 MPGe | 107 MPGe | 113 MPGe | 315 mi | $650 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
Electric Range & Charging: The 2021 Tesla Model 3 provides an official EPA-rated driving range of up to 353 miles on a single battery charge.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR AWD Later Release | | | | | 6.6000000000000005% |
| 4 DR AWD Early Release | | | | | 6.6000000000000005% |
| 4 DR RWD Later Release | | | | | 6.6000000000000005% |
| 4 DR RWD Early Release | | | | | 6.6000000000000005% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 Tesla Model 3 models.
View complete 2021 Tesla Model 3 crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems & component breakdown (104 categories) →
Affected Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 15, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Affected Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Defect Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Affected Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Defect Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
View all 2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls & campaign history (22 campaigns) →