KnownCarProblems2021 Tesla Model 3 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 669 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Tesla Model 3, most often about the driver assistance (63% of complaints, typically around 8,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Model 3 model year since 2000 and has 22 recalls.
Most common 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems
Driver assistance
422 complaints · 63%Half of these problems showed up before 8,500 miles. Parts named most often: adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, warnings, assist.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle decelerated inadvertently. The contact stated that the vehicle would detect a non-existent road hazard causing the vehicle to slow down dramatically, almost causing a rear-end crash. The contact stated that there…
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle applied the brakes independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he experience the failure three times while using the cruise control feature that same…
Brakes
126 complaints · 19%Parts named most often: foundation components.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH as he was exiting a highway and slowing for a traffic signal at the bottom of the off-ramp his brakes failed to engage. The contact stated the brake pedal was stiff and he had attempted to use full leg force to depress the…
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while attempting to park at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however the vehicle accelerated independently. As a result, the contact crashed into the two parked vehicles on the side of the parking space she was attempting to park. No air bags were…
Speed control
123 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 10,500 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while her son was driving 70 MPH on autopilot, the vehicle independently decelerated to 45 MPH. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer…
The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that after reversing out of a parking space, then shifting to the drive position and lightly pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward at a very high rate of speed. The vehicle drove across a…
Other or unspecified
94 complaints · 14%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 hotel to drive home.…
Water intrusion immediately after touchless carwash . Water leaked from under the glovebox compartment. Driving off the carwash bay, water was heared sloshing then the leak
Electrical
79 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 7,000 miles. Parts named most often: adas, horn, body control module, propulsion system.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle applied the brakes independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he experience the failure three times while using the cruise control feature that same…
-body parts on car a lot were off aligned, service dept won't help or answer calls - sentry mode drains battery (sales rep said it doesn't, since the camera storage isn't stored on the car) - rear passanger door panel is not on correct - there was green tape inside the car - the window trim was hanging off. - adam…
Visibility and wipers
33 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Heat no longer works in the car's climate control. This apparently is tied to faulty humidity and temperature sensors that must work properly for the heating system to work, and Tesla service centers are aware of this yet are not proactively replacing them. This is a safety issue in cold climates since the windshield…
Steering
27 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: automated/adaptive steering.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle from her residence at 3 MPH and attempting to turn to the left, but failed to turn. The contact stated the vehicle continued to go straight and ran into a chain link fence. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The…
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving out of a parking space, the steering wheel seized. The message "front motor disabled. Continue driving" was displayed. The manufacturer was contacted and provided remote assistance, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle…
Body and structure
17 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: body.
-body parts on car a lot were off aligned, service dept won't help or answer calls - sentry mode drains battery (sales rep said it doesn't, since the camera storage isn't stored on the car) - rear passanger door panel is not on correct - there was green tape inside the car - the window trim was hanging off. - adam…
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH through standing water, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, he noticed that the rear bumper had separated from the frame. The contact found the rear bumper on…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls
Lights: headlights
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Backup camera: software
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Wheels and tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: warning light/devices
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Driver assistance: external/pedestrian alert
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: instrument cluster/panel
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: automated/adaptive steering
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.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.â owner notification letters were mailed april 15, 2023.â owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.â tesla's number for this recall is sb-23-00-001.
Full defect summary
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.â 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.
Seat belts: anchorage
Risk: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Driver assistance: automatic emergency braking
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: instrument cluster/panel
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Driver assistance: external/pedestrian alert
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Driver assistance: external/pedestrian alert
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
Risk: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Seat belts: front
Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Steering: automated/adaptive steering
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Driver assistance: camera
Risk: Unexpected activation of the aeb system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: curtain
Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Suspension: critical fasteners
Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: critical fasteners
Risk: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Fsd collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) is opening this engineering analysis to evaluate teslaâs full self driving beta and full self driving (supervised) (collectively, fsd) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the systemâs ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond. Odi will evaluate the performance of fsd in degraded roadway conditions and the updates or modifications by tesla to the degradation detection system, including the timing, purpose, and capabilities of the updates, and teslaâs assessment of their safety impact. Teslaâs fsd is an
Traffic safety violations while full self driving ("fsd") is engaged
Summary
The office of defects investigation (âodiâ) is opening this preliminary evaluation (pe) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of fsd executing driving maneuvers that constitute traï¬c safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of fsd that tesla has labeled as "fsd (supervised)" and "fsd (beta)." tesla characterizes fsd as an sae level 2 partial automation system requiring a fully attentive driver who is engaged in the driving task at all times. Level 2 partial automation systems are designed to support and assist the driver in performing certain aspects of the driving task, requiring a driver to supervise and intervene as necessary.â the driver r
Compliance with standing general order 2021-01 reporting requirements
Summary
The office of defects investigation (âodiâ) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by tesla, inc. (âteslaâ) in response to standing general order 2021-01 (the âsgoâ), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the standing general order in place at the time required a report to be submitted within one or five days of tesla receiving notice of the crash. When the reports were submitted, tesla submitted them in one of two ways. Many of the reports were submitted as part of a single batch, while others were submitted on a rolling basis. Preliminary engagement betwe
Actually smart summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
Summary
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. According to tesla, summon is a short-distance sae level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property. Odi analyzed complaint data provided by tesla as well as complaints submitted to odi from consumers to identify summon incidents resulting in crashes. Odi's analysis indicates that almost all summon reported crashes involved minor property damage claims with no reported incidents involving a vu
Fsd collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Summary
On october 17, 2024, nhtsaâs office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe24031) of teslaâs full self driving beta and full self driving (supervised) (collectively, fsd) to assess: the ability of the fsd system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other fsd crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are similar in nature to the four sgo-reported crashes identified in the opening document, and if so, the contributing circumstances for each of those crashes; and any updates or modifications by tesla to the fsd system that may affect the performance of fsd in degraded roadway visibil
Recall 23v838 remedy effectiveness
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) is opening a recall query to assess the remedy adequacy of recall 23v838. On december 12, 2023, tesla filed a defect information report (recall 23v838) applicable to all tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its autopilot system, which tesla described as an sae level 2 (l2) advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of teslaâs traffic-aware cruise control (tacc) and autosteer. In describing the safety defect, teslaâs defect information report (dir) explained that âthe prominence and scope of the systemâs controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse,â and tesla committed to th
Sudden unintended acceleration
Summary
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 have caused some or all of the incidents examined by odi in dp20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the dp20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following odi number: 11528471.
Defect petition interlock request
Summary
On march 21, 2023, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition requesting a ârecall of all tesla carsâ produced from 2013 to the date on which the petition was filed due to what petitioner considers to be the increased likelihood of pedal misapplication. Attached to the petition is a paper authored by petitioner. According to petitioner, the differences in the operator controls between the subject tesla vehicles and internal combustion engine powered vehicles promote driver pedal misapplication, leading to sudden unintended acceleration (sua) incidents. To fix this alleged defect, petitioner argues that the subject vehicles should be equipped with measures that require:
Pedestrian alert sounds
Summary
Nhtsa received a petition on or about july 18, 2022, requesting that federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the united states. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under odi number 11486072. Fmvss 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after march 1, 2021.on january 27, 2023, NHTSA opened defect petition (dp) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt
Autopilot system driver controls
Summary
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 evaluations to understand how teslaâs autopilot system may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driverâs supervision. To support this work, odi collected additional crash information and assessed vehicle control authority, driver engagement technologies, and related human factors considerations associated with partial automation via analysis of peer vehicle data and hands-on vehicle evaluation, assessments from NHTSA human
Questions about the 2021 Tesla Model 3
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: driver assistance (422 complaints, typically around 8,500 miles); brakes (126 complaints); speed control (123 complaints, typically around 10,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?
- 22 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 4, 2026 (lights). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Tesla Model 3?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Model 3 model year since 2000, with 669 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.