NHTSA lists 22 safety recalls and 675 owner complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3. It has 3 open investigations that name this model year, not counting audit queries.
Recalled components: electrical system, forward collision avoidance, seat belts, air bags, and 8 more. Most-described problem: phantom braking or false collision alerts (193 complaints, 29%). Most-reported area: forward collision avoidance (411 complaints, 61%; median mileage when it happened: 10,000).
More complaints than most Model 3 years
The 2021 drew 504 owner complaints in its first three years, against about 284 for a typical Model 3 year: 1.7 times as many. It is not a year to avoid, which takes at least twice the typical count and at least 50 complaints.
Years to avoid: 2022. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoid
22 safety recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model 3
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 105 · 2,193,869 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-003.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
2,031,220 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-23-00-008.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 101 (controls and displays) · 48,184 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-008.
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 141 (pedestrian alert sound) · 594,894 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-003.
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 141 (pedestrian alert sound) · 578,607 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-003.
Risk: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 103 (windshield defrosting) · 26,681 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system, air handler/chamber, ducts, and valves. Tesla campaign SB-22-18-002.
Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 817,143 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Seat belts: front. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-002.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
53,822 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-001.
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 141 (pedestrian alert sound) · 6,557 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-006.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.
Fix: 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.
7 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: adas, driver monitoring, camera/sensor; Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking; Lane departure systems: lane keep, automatic steering. Tesla campaign SB-22-17-007.
Risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Fix: 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.
11,728 vehicles.
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.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 125,233 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-008.
Risk: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Fix: 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.
24,064 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-20-004.
Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 214 (side impact protection) · 3 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-21-20-006.
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 218,868 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-26-00-001.
Risk: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Fix: 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.
5,974 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Brakes: critical fasteners; Brakes: foundation components, disc, caliper. Tesla campaign SB-21-33-002.
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 108 (lighting) · 20,349 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-17-003.
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Fix: 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.
1,849,638 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Electrical system: software; Latches, locks and linkages: hood, latch. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-012.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
362,758 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-23-00-001.
Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Fix: 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.
2,791 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Components: Suspension: critical fasteners; Suspension: front. Tesla campaign SB-21-31-003.
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 138 (tire pressure monitoring) · 696,281 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-24-00-018.
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 118 (power windows) · 1,096,762 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Tesla campaign SB-22-00-013.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 9 investigations that name the 2021 Tesla Model 3, not counting audit queries; 3 are still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Engineering analysis EA26002Open since Mar 18, 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Preliminary evaluation PE25012Open since Oct 7, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS, driver monitoring, software).
Unexpected brake activation
Preliminary evaluation PE22002Closed Jun 29, 2026 (opened Feb 16, 2022)
On February 16, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22002) to investigate reports of unexpected deceleration while driving with the adaptive cruise control system engaged… NHTSA's full summary
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts
Preliminary evaluation PE24033Closed Apr 3, 2026 (opened Jan 6, 2025)
On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS, autonomous/self driving).
FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Preliminary evaluation PE24031Closed Mar 18, 2026 (opened Oct 17, 2024)
On October 17, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031) of Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) to assess: the ability… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
Autopilot system driver controls
Engineering analysis EA22002Closed Apr 25, 2024 (opened Jun 8, 2022)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded PE21020 to EA22002 on June 8, 2022, to extend work and deepen the PE21020 crash analysis, to supplement that analysis with additional data, and to perform vehicle… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recalls 23V-085 and 23V-838, listed above.
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system.
Tesla passenger play
Preliminary evaluation PE21023Closed May 26, 2023 (opened Dec 21, 2021)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-023) on December 21, 2021, to evaluate the driver distraction potential and use frequency / circumstances of in-vehiclegame-play…NHTSA's full summary
Preliminary evaluation PE21020Closed Jun 8, 2022 (opened Aug 13, 2021)
On August 13, 2021, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-020) to assess the performance of Tesla’s Autopilot system… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Electrical system (ADAS).
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. A recall query is a review of whether a recall covered the right vehicles or whether its fix works. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
Defect petitions: requests for an investigation
NHTSA has 1 open defect petition that names the 2021 Tesla Model 3. A defect petition is a request from the public for an investigation, which NHTSA reviews before deciding whether to open one. The petition itself is not an investigation.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: MODEL 3. Component: Speed control.
What owners report
Owners have filed 675 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Model 3. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Phantom braking or false collision alerts193 · 29%
Cruise control problems21 · 3%
Air conditioning or heater failures15 · 2%
Backup camera problems14 · 2%
Unintended acceleration or surging13 · 2%
Loss of power or limp mode12 · 2%
Driver-assist errors or blocked-sensor messages12 · 2%
Most named: adaptive cruise control (283); automatic emergency braking (232) · Median 10,000 miles at failure, from 15 reports with mileage
Brakes126 · 19%
Speed control123 · 18%
Electrical system80 · 12%
Most named: adas, autonomous/self driving (7); adas (3) · Median 7,000 miles at failure, from 17 reports with mileage
Lane departure systems34 · 5%
Most named: assist (22); warning (15)
Visibility/wiper32 · 5%
Steering28 · 4%
Unknown or other95 · 14%
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Tesla Model 3 recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2021 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2022 Model 3 drew the most (666) and the 2021 drew 504.
Owner complaints
2021: 675 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Tesla Model 3
Model year
Complaints
2017
27
2018
1,040
2019
624
2020
455
2021
675
2022
774
2023
430
2024
224
2025
127
2026
31
Safety recalls
2021: 22 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Tesla Model 3
Model year
Recalls
2017
16
2018
19
2019
22
2020
21
2021
22
2022
18
2023
12
2024
5
2025
3
2026
1
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 675 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, the problems described most are phantom braking or false collision alerts (193), cruise control problems (21), and air conditioning or heater failures (15). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 open investigations that name the 2021 Tesla Model 3, not counting audit queries: FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions (EA26002, opened Mar 18, 2026), traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged (PE25012, opened Oct 7, 2025), and recall 23V838 remedy effectiveness (RQ24009, opened Apr 25, 2024). It has closed 6 others. An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect. NHTSA is also reviewing 1 defect petition that names it: sudden unintended acceleration (DP23002, opened Jun 29, 2023). A petition asks NHTSA to open an investigation and is not one itself.
How do I check if my Model 3 has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Tesla fixes safety recalls for free, often with an over-the-air software update.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: MODEL 3.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.