.jpg&w=1600&q=75)
Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data
2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls
Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2021 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.
Recall summary by component22
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Electrical system | 8 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 |
| Seat belts | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 |
| Air bags | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 |
Safety recalls22
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Aug 5, 202626V507000 | Exterior lighting: headlightsHeadlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 26V507000
|
| May 5, 202626V283000 | Back over prevention: softwareA delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 26V283000
|
| Dec 17, 202424V935000 | Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systemsDriving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V935000
|
| Jul 24, 202424V554000 | Latches/locks/linkages: hood latchAn unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V554000
|
| May 28, 202424V376000 | Seat belts: front warning light/devicesA seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V376000
|
| Feb 27, 202424V153000 | Forward collision avoidance: warnings external/pedestrian alertPedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V153000
|
Buying a used 2021 Tesla Model 3? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure
Owner complaints by component669
NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Complaints | % |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 408 | 61 |
| Service brakes | 126 | 19 |
| Vehicle speed control | 123 | 18 |
| Unknown or other | 94 | 14 |
| Electrical system | 79 | 12 |
| Lane departure | 32 | 5 |
| Visibility/wiper | 31 | 5 |
| Steering | 27 | 4 |
| Structure | 17 | 3 |
| Power train | 17 | 3 |
| Suspension | 15 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 15 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 9 | 1 |
| Air bags | 8 | 1 |
10 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.
Latest reports
- Electrical system
“High Voltage battery BMS error.”
- Suspension
“The owner reported a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center in [XXX], where it was diagnosed on XXX, at 47,821 miles.”
- Structure
“The power liftgate strut failed in normal use and bent the trunk liftgate, which now strikes the rear glass every time the trunk opens or closes.”
Other Tesla Model 3 model years
- 20253 recalls121 complaints
- 20245 recalls220 complaints
- 202312 recalls428 complaints
- 202218 recalls767 complaints
- 202122 recalls669 complaints
- 202021 recalls451 complaints
- 201922 recalls617 complaints
- 201819 recalls1,031 complaints
- 201716 recalls26 complaints
All years: 2026 · 2025 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · 2019 · 2018 · 2017
Other Tesla models
2021 Tesla Model 3 recall questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?
NHTSA lists 22 safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Tesla Model 3. The most recent, 26V507000 (reported August 5, 2026), concerns exterior lighting. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.
What are the 2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls for?
The largest group is electrical system, with 8 campaigns. Others: forward collision avoidance (3), seat belts (2), exterior lighting (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
Forward collision avoidance is the most-reported component, named in 408 complaints out of 669 filed with NHTSA (61%). Across all complaints, owners reported 46 crashs and 5 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How do I check if a recall is open on my 2021 Tesla Model 3?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Tesla recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Tesla dealer.
Check a specific Tesla by VIN
Need the factory options too? See the Tesla build sheet & window sticker guide.