2021 TESLA MODEL 3 Complaints

View complaints related to 2021 TESLA MODEL 3. The complaints found here are submitted by actual consumers with first hand experience. There are more than 640 complaints submitted for the 2021 TESLA MODEL 3. You can submit your own complaint to the NHTSA or call the Hotline, Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm at (888) 327-4236, TTY: (800) 424-9153.

  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Lehighton , PA

    Interior camera circuit failed in the main computer as diagnosed by Tesla, it disables most safety features of the car, no collision warning or avoidance, no automatic emergency breaking, no lane departure warning or correction, no reverse cam, no cruise control or self driving, and probably more. Only Tesla can replace it because it's vin matched to the car, for $2400. This part should be more durable

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Greenwood , IN

    As we were normally driving, the car lost power immediately with no warning sign. After the power is lost, brake does not function, electrical door button doesn't function, hazard light doesn't function. Car was able to scroll to a complete stop to the side of the road. The steering wheel is locked. Again, BRAKE DID NOT FUNCTION after the power is lost. No button works, no screen turns on, car is not able to turn to neutral. There was no collision prior and no warning prior. Tried to file a police report. But Officer [XXX], badge # XXX, refused due to there was no collision and no accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Los Angeles, CA

    The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the trunk strut failed, and the lift fractured, causing the rear glass to crack. There was a long crack from the edge to the top of the glass. The contact's husband cut the strut because the vehicle could not be driven with the truck ajar. A service appointment was scheduled on the App by text with the local dealer. A message was sent to the Tesla manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Roselle, IL

    Tesla replaced the windshield on my 2021 Model 3 at the Tesla Service Center in Schaumburg, IL. Days after the installation, following a light rain, a film appeared on the exterior surface of the glass. In the presence of moisture the film hazes over and substantially obscures forward visibility from the driver's seat. The first occurrence was on 8/22/2026 while leaving a venue in heavy pedestrian traffic. Forward visibility was significantly degraded. During that drive the vehicle's driver-assist system issued a take-control prompt and returned control to the driver. The system did not display a reason for the prompt, so I cannot attribute it; I am reporting that it occurred while visibility through the windshield was degraded. The condition is not removable by normal means. Windshield wipers and washer fluid do not clear it. The defroster/defogger does not clear it, which rules out interior condensation. It required manual scrubbing to reduce, and it has recurred repeatedly since. It presents only in high humidity or after precipitation; in dry conditions the glass appears normal. The condition did not exist prior to the windshield replacement. I have photographs taken from the driver's seat showing the obscured view. I reported this to Tesla on 8/22/2026 through two in-app channels; both were closed without a response. I escalated by email on 8/24/2026. The service manager responded and scheduled an inspection. As of this filing the substance has not been identified, no cause has been determined, and no correction has been made. The condition remains active. I am filing because a windshield that intermittently obscures forward vision under ordinary weather conditions is a driving hazard, and because the vehicle has been operated in that condition while awaiting resolution. No crash, injury, or fire has occurred.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Cypress, TX

    My 2021 Tesla Model 3 with approximately 70,000 miles developed front suspension problems. It began with squeaking, creaking and groaning, similar to a rusty playground swing, especially while turning or when the suspension moved. The noise was worse in hot weather and progressively became extremely loud and constant during normal driving. I also began hearing intermittent knocking/"bonking" or clunking. I could even hear the suspension when the vehicle compressed as I sat in the driver's seat. There were no warning lights or messages. Tesla inspected the vehicle and diagnosed both front lower lateral links and both front lower compliance links as needing replacement, along with an alignment. Tesla estimated approximately $1,960. CPR EV Repair replaced the diagnosed lower suspension components. After removal, the bushings showed significant visible deterioration, including cracked, torn and separated rubber around the inner sleeves. CPR EV also advised that the front upper control arms were worn and would need replacement. I was concerned for my safety because failure or separation of a deteriorated front suspension component while driving could affect steering or vehicle stability and potentially cause loss of control. Although I did not experience a complete separation or crash, the rapidly worsening and eventually constant symptoms made me concerned about continuing to drive. I have Tesla's estimate, CPR EV documentation and photographs of the deteriorated components after removal.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Tampa, FL

    my 2021 tesla model 3 required replacement of both front upper control arms due to premature wear. the vehicle developed suspension noise, and an inspection determined both upper control arm assemblies with ball joints needed replacement. the repair cost was $1,845, including a wheel alignment. i am aware of numerous similar owner reports involving premature front suspension component failures in tesla model 3 vehicles and am submitting this complaint because i believe this may represent a broader safety-related issue.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Dallas, TX

    I was driving down Interstate 635 Lane Departure Assist on my 2021 Model 3 pulls me into the lane it senses im departing into when system is set to "assist" (if vehicle sense im straying into the left lane as an example, it will pull me further towards the left lane markings and requires an abnormal amount of effort into recentering the vehicle within the lane I am in). Vehicle has since been driven in "warning" setting since this event with no further issues.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - West Jordan, UT

    The adaptive cruise control on Tesla vehicles is dangerous. The model in question is a 2021 Model 3 but its an issue with many model years. The cruise control tends to get confused and applies the brakes during normal driving leading to very unsafe conditions for the Tesla and anybody behind it. The issue can happen in any environment and from 1-2 times per drive. There are no warnings or indications that the car is about to apply the brakes. The car has not been inspected by a service center but is in good working condition.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Lake Harmony, PA

    Passenger side view mirror intermittently gets stuck in the "reverse" position while in drive gear. I have the side view mirrors settings to where they are in a certain position when in reverse gear, and then a different position when in drive gear. I will reverse out of a parking spot and then proceed on my drive. Every now and then, the passenger side mirror will still be in the "reverse" position while driving and I only notice it when making a lane change and looking at the mirror and its pointed down at the ground in its reverse position. This has distracted me a few times as I expect the mirror to be in the normal drive position and I'm unable to see any cars in my blind spot. The issue has never occured on the driver side mirror, and has happened for the past few months. I have to correct this each time it does this by going into the mirror settings and hitting the reset position button.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Bakersfield, CA

    I am reporting a safety concern regarding the glovebox fascia on my Tesla Model 3. The material on the glovebox trim is peeling and separating, which appears to be caused by prolonged exposure to heat inside the vehicle. The peeling fascia creates concerns about the durability and integrity of the interior component, as the material may continue to deteriorate over time. Loose or damaged trim could potentially interfere with the proper use of the glovebox, create sharp edges, or become a distraction while driving. I am requesting that Tesla inspect the affected area and determine the appropriate repair or replacement to ensure the vehicle remains safe and maintains proper interior component quality.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE