Is the 2021 Tesla MODEL 3 reliable?

The 2021 Tesla MODEL 3 has 1205 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: SPEED CONTROL problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Tesla MODEL 3?

Top problems: SPEED CONTROL (402 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (349 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (125 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Tesla MODEL 3?

Yes, there are 21 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS, SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE, STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH, TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Contact any Tesla dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2021 Tesla MODEL 3?

The 2021 Tesla MODEL 3 has an EPA rating of 134 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $573. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

Is the 2021 Tesla MODEL 3 often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Tesla MODEL 3: very-low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Tesla MODEL 3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Tesla MODEL 3 is approximately $2,420/year (ev-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2021 Tesla MODEL 3 qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2021 Tesla MODEL 3 may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2021 Tesla MODEL 3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Tesla MODEL 3 has 1205 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 739. The most common issue is speed control problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: when i test drove the tesla model 3, there was an option to turn regenerative braking to low. this allowed the car to have more of a coasting effect when one lifts the foot off of the accelerator. when i received delivery of the car, the ability to reduce the regenerative braking effect was not avai. There are 21 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.

7 fire reports 66 crash reports 39 injuries

1205

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

SPEED CONTROL

402 complaints

33%

• WHEN I TEST DROVE THE TESLA MODEL 3, THERE WAS AN OPTION TO TURN REGENERATIVE BRAKING TO LOW. THIS ALLOWED THE CAR TO HAVE MORE OF A COASTING EFFECT WHEN ONE LIFTS THE FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN I RECEIVED DELIVERY OF THE CAR, THE ABILITY TO REDUCE THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING EFFECT WAS NOT AVAI
• ON FEBRUARY 28, 2021 AT 4:08 PM.. THE APPROXIMATE TIME OF MY ARRIVAL AT WORKPLACE WHICH IS ALSO DISPLAYED IN MY NAVIGATION. AS SOON AS I'M DOING A REVERSE TO PARK MY TESLA FOR SOME REASON AND IT DID HAPPEN SO QUICKLY ACCIDENTALLY PRESS THE ACCELERATOR HARDER AND AS A RESULT I CAUSE AN ACCIDENT TH
• On two separate occasions our Model 3 experienced uninitiated acceleration. Both times we were able engage the breaks and prevent any issue, but it’s disconcerting. We reported to Tesla on April 22nd and they said they would get back to us.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 14 crashes

“WHEN I TEST DROVE THE TESLA MODEL 3, THERE WAS AN OPTION TO TURN REGENERATIVE BRAKING TO LOW. THIS ALLOWED THE CAR TO HAVE MORE OF A COASTING EFFECT WHEN ONE LIFTS THE FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN I RECEIVED DELIVERY OF THE CAR, THE ABILITY TO REDUCE THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING EFFECT WAS NOT AVAI”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Tesla MODEL 3

Based on 61 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 9K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 7K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (21)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE27/01/2022

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.

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.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2021 Tesla MODEL 3

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$568

Per month

$47

Per mile

4.7¢

kWh/mi

0.25

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Tesla MODEL 3

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,420

Full coverage / month

$202

Liability only / year

$816

vs US avg

+45%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-luxury)1.62x

× theft risk0.85x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2420

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Tesla MODEL 3 Service Intervals

Oil change

N/A (electric vehicle)

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Cabin air filter

24K mi

EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

8 yr / 120K mi

EV battery

8 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / 50K mi

Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K

These are the terms for a new Tesla. If you're buying a used 2021 MODEL 3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Tesla dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2021 Tesla MODEL 3

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1205 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
SPEED CONTROL: WHEN I TEST DROVE THE TESLA MODEL 3, THERE WAS AN OPTION TO TURN REGENERATIVE BRAKING TO LOW. THIS ALLOWED THE CAR TO HAVE MORE OF A COASTING EFFECT WHEN ONE LIFTS THE FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN I RECEIVED DELIVERY OF THE CAR, THE ABILITY TO REDUCE THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING EFFECT WAS NOT AVAI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: TESLA MODEL 3, WHILE DRIVING WILL REPORT A LEFT/RIGHT COLUMN CAMERA, IS OBSTRUCTED DO TO CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAMERA COVER. WHILE DRIVING ON THIS INTERRUPTS ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS SUCH AS AUTO LANE CHANGE, BLIND-SPOT DETECTION, AND LANE DEPARTURE WARNING. THIS HAS ME CONCERN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: WHEN I TEST DROVE THE TESLA MODEL 3, THERE WAS AN OPTION TO TURN REGENERATIVE BRAKING TO LOW. THIS ALLOWED THE CAR TO HAVE MORE OF A COASTING EFFECT WHEN ONE LIFTS THE FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN I RECEIVED DELIVERY OF THE CAR, THE ABILITY TO REDUCE THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING EFFECT WAS NOT AVAI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE HEATING SYSTEM FAILED IN DANGEROUSLY COLD CONDITIONS IN A REMOTE AREA ON A WEEKEND TRIP TO THE ADIRONDACKS. I WASN'T ABLE TO REACH ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE APP, AND I END UP DRIVING IT 7 HOURS HOME WITHOUT ANY HEAT. THE HEAT SYSTEM FAILURE OCCURRED EARLY IN THE MORNING WHEN LEAVING OUR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 21 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)