2021 Tesla Model 3 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 3%of 673 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,450miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the body and structure of the 2021 Tesla Model 3, 3% of the 673 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,450 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“-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 told me that he would be working with the 'remarketing team' to get me a better than normal trade in quote. …”
NHTSA complaint #11413727, filed 2021-04, 5,100 miles“I wrote several months ago about my 2021 tesla model 3 that the rear doors do not have any mechanical door handle release and is a big safety concern also how can a manufacturer get away with this and also not informing the consumer that anyone sat in the back may perish if involved in a accident and can't get out.”
NHTSA complaint #11715697, filed 2026-02“We were not able to open the door after the 12 V battery died; fortunately we were not inside the car else this could have been catastrophic. There was no way for anyone trapped inside to come out.”
NHTSA complaint #11697191, filed 2025-11“Random phantom braking while using autopilot or cruise control. Causes the car to slam on brakes and has lost control once almost causing me to go off the road. Also, has brake-checked many cars that follow behind me while I'm using autopilot or cruise due to the phantom braking. Also Tesla Repair center in Chicago replaced my front bumper with a discolored front bumper that had the same issue of peeling on the inner edges of the bumper as the prior front bumper. …”
NHTSA complaint #11497987, filed 2022-12“Tesla doors are opened from the inside of the vehicle by pressing a button. In the event of a power failure, the buttons will not open the doors. The front doors have an additional manual release to open the door. However, the rear doors do not. In a power failure mode, rear seat passengers will be unable to open their doors to exit the vehicle. Newer model Teslas contain the manual release for the rear doors. However, I have contacted Tesla and they have no plans to address my vehicle. I consider this a life threatening issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11626097, filed 2024-11Related service bulletins
- 11001923Apr 16, 2024Certain Standard Range Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that received the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) HV Battery Retrofit did not receive the 2nd row floor reinforcement plate…
- 10243082Aug 2, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10240953Jun 16, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10240946Jun 8, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10235969Apr 27, 2023On some Model 3 vehicles, water may have leaked inside the trunk area through the trunk lid.
- 10235966Apr 17, 2023On some Model 3 vehicles, water may have leaked inside the trunk area through the trunk lid.
- 10235962Apr 5, 2023On some Model 3 vehicles, water may have leaked inside the trunk area through the trunk lid.
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model 3
411 complaintsBrakes
126 complaintsVehicle speed control
123 complaintsOther or unknown
95 complaintsElectrical system
80 complaintsLane departure
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsFuel system
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology