Model year 2021 · Midsize Cars

2021 Tesla Model 3: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings

EPA rates the 2021 Tesla Model 3 at 113–142 MPGe combined with 263–353 miles of EPA-rated range across 3 versions. NHTSA lists 22 safety recalls and 673 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Safety recalls

22

EPA combined MPGe

113–142

NHTSA overall rating

5/5

Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT

Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Tesla dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.

2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 22 safety recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, newest first.

Exterior lighting: Headlights

NHTSA 26V507000 Reported Aug 4, 2026
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-17-003)
Units affected
20,349 (estimate)
Problem
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."
Risk
Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 26V283000 Reported May 4, 2026
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-26-00-001)
Units affected
218,868 (estimate)
Problem
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."
Risk
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Tires: Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA 24V935000 Reported Dec 17, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-018)
Units affected
696,281 (estimate)
Problem
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."
Risk
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 24V554000 Reported Jul 24, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-012)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Latches/locks/linkages: Hood: Latch
Units affected
1,849,638 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Risk
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Front: Warning light/devices

NHTSA 24V376000 Reported May 28, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-008)
Units affected
125,233 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 24V153000 Reported Feb 27, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-006)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert
Units affected
6,557 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA 24V051000 Reported Jan 30, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-003)
Units affected
2,193,869 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Adas: Driver monitoring: Software

NHTSA 23V838000 Reported Dec 12, 2023
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-23-00-008)
Units affected
2,031,220 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Steering: Automated/adaptive steering

NHTSA 23V085000 Reported Feb 15, 2023
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-23-00-001)
Units affected
362,758 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Rear/other: Anchorage

NHTSA 22V798000 Reported Oct 21, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-20-004)
Units affected
24,064 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Risk
An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Visibility: Power window devices and controls

NHTSA 22V702000 Reported Sep 19, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-013)
Units affected
1,096,762 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk
A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking and 2 more components

NHTSA 22V317000 Reported May 9, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-17-007)
Components
Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking; Electrical system: Adas: Driver monitoring: Camera/sensor; Lane departure: Lane keep: Automatic steering
Units affected
7 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y vehicles. The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.
Risk
Swapped camera views can prevent the vehicle's cameras from detecting crossing objects and high-curvature lane lines, impairing the Autosteer and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) performance, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will correct the swapped terminals and recalibrate the cameras, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-17-007.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA 22V263000 Reported Apr 18, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-008)
Units affected
48,184 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V235000 Reported Apr 12, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-003)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert
Units affected
594,894 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V063000 Reported Feb 4, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-003)
Components
Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert; Electrical system: Software
Units affected
578,607 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V050000 Reported Feb 2, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-18-002)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Visibility: Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: Air handler/chamber, ducts, and valves
Units affected
26,681 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Risk
Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Front and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V045000 Reported Feb 1, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-002)
Components
Seat belts: Front; Electrical system: Software
Units affected
817,143 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Steering: Automated/adaptive steering

NHTSA 22V037000 Reported Jan 27, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-001)
Units affected
53,822 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Forward collision avoidance: Software and 3 more components

NHTSA 21V846000 Reported Oct 29, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-00-004)
Components
Forward collision avoidance: Software; Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking; Forward collision avoidance: Warnings; Forward collision avoidance: Sensing system: Camera
Units affected
11,728 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Risk
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Side/window: Curtain

NHTSA 21V834000 Reported Oct 25, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-20-006)
Units affected
3 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk
A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Suspension: Critical fasteners and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V835000 Reported Oct 25, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-31-003)
Components
Suspension: Critical fasteners; Suspension: Front
Units affected
2,791 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Risk
A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes, hydraulic: Critical fasteners and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V387000 Reported May 25, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-33-002)
Components
Service brakes, hydraulic: Critical fasteners; Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components: Disc: Caliper
Units affected
5,974 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Risk
Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.

2021 Tesla Model 3 fuel economy by version

EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination; electric figures are in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.

2021 Tesla Model 3 EPA fuel economy
VersionEngineTransmissionDriveFuelCity/Hwy/CombElectric rangeFuel cost/yrCO2 g/mi
Model 3 Long Range AWDElectric (98 and 195 kW AC 3-Phase)Single-speedAll-Wheel DriveElectricity141/127/134 MPGe353 mi
25.1 kWh/100 mi
$5500
Model 3 Performance AWDElectric (131 and 190 kW AC 3-Phase)Single-speedAll-Wheel DriveElectricity118/107/113 MPGe315 mi
30 kWh/100 mi
$6500
Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWDElectric (198 kW AC 3-Phase)Single-speedRear-Wheel DriveElectricity150/133/142 MPGe263 mi
23.7 kWh/100 mi
$5500

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.

EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.

2021 Tesla Model 3 crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

2021 Tesla Model 3 NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicleOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover riskForward collision warning
2021 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD Early Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars6.6%Standard
2021 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD Later Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars6.6%No
2021 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD Early Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars6.6%Standard
2021 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD Later Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars6.6%No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.

Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.

2021 Tesla Model 3 owner complaints

Owners have filed 673 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Tesla Model 3, most recently on Oct 24, 2026. 46 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 19 injured people and 8 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.

Most-cited components in 2021 Tesla Model 3 complaints
Component named in complaintsMentions
Forward collision avoidance: Adaptive cruise control283
Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking232
Service brakes126
Vehicle speed control122
Unknown or other94
Forward collision avoidance: Warnings78
Electrical system67
Visibility/wiper32
Steering27
Lane departure: Assist22

Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.

Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

Other Tesla Model 3 model years

Tesla Model 3 by model year
YearCombinedRecallsComplaintsOverall rating
2027 Model 3111 MPGe———
2026 Model 3111–139 MPGe1295/5
2025 Model 3109–137 MPGe3122—
2024 Model 3112–137 MPGe5222—
2023 Model 3113–132 MPGe124285/5
2022 Model 3113–132 MPGe187735/5
2020 Model 3113–141 MPGe214525/5
2019 Model 3116–133 MPGe226205/5
2018 Model 3116–130 MPGe191,0345/5
2017 Model 3126 MPGe1627—

All Tesla Model 3 years compared · Decode a VIN

Other 2021 Tesla models

Sources

  • Recalls: NHTSA recall flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010), dated Oct 27, 2026, plus a live check of api.nhtsa.gov in your browser.
  • Complaints: NHTSA consumer complaint flat files (COMPLAINTS_RECEIVED), counts only — we do not republish complaint text.
  • Crash tests: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API.
  • Fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov vehicles file (U.S. DOE and EPA), dated Sep 29, 2026.
  • NHTSA, EPA and DOE do not endorse OpenVIN. Vehicle names identify vehicles only; OpenVIN is not affiliated with Tesla.