2021 Tesla Model 3 Review

Name: 2021 Tesla Model 3
Brand: Tesla

Price Range: $17,691 - $33,990

2021 Tesla Model 3 Sedan Top Rated Award Winner

Great

8.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2021 Model 3 delivers an impressive driving experience compared to other non-luxury electric vehicles. Its minimalistic interior design feels chic, modern and upscale. The rear-wheel-drive layout and powerful electric motor also provide natural athleticism and quicker acceleration than anything in its price range. If you're in the market for an electric vehicle, the Model 3 is virtually unbeatable for the price.

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Average price: $26,073

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Appraise My 2021 Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 model years

Tesla Model 3 for Sale

Tesla Model 3 types

Pros

Class-leading range, performance and handling
Comfortable seating and lots of interior room
Access to Tesla's prolific Supercharger fast-charging stations

Cons

Touchscreen interface can lead to driver distraction
No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support

What's new

Increased range and efficiency
New interior and exterior trim
Standard integrated wireless phone charger
Standard Range Plus trim renamed midway through the model year
Part of the first Model 3 generation introduced for 2017

Overview

Written by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr

Updated: 12/7/2021

Can a car be "insanely amazing"? Well, that's how an owner described the Model 3 on an Edmunds consumer review. Is there some hyperbole here? Most definitely. But even from our more measured standpoint, the Model 3 is an impressive sedan. And it's getting even better for 2021.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2021 Tesla Model 3
Standard Range Plus Sedan
$23,555
fair price
$671 above market
- 43,432 miles
- 263 mi range
- 8 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
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Located in Chantilly, VA
Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price!Clean CARFAX. CARFAX One-Owner.White 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD 1-Speed Automatic Electric MotorS...
Listing Information:
VIN:
5YJ3E1EA0MF100001
Stock:
100001ADA
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
New Listing
2021 Tesla Model 3
Standard Range Plus Sedan
$26,998
- 33,649 miles
- 263 mi range
- 18 mi away
- Free delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
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Located in Gaithersburg, MD
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency and pricing without document or processing fees. Certain cars may hav...
Listing Information:
VIN:
5YJ3E1EA4MF058349
Stock:
70015945
Certified Pre-Owned:
No

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More range is always a good thing with an electric vehicle, and the Model 3 obliges. The base Model 3's range rises from 250 miles to an EPA-estimated 263 miles of range. Similar gains are in store for the Long Range AWD and the Performance. Other 2021 changes include black exterior trim instead of chrome, a standard wireless phone charging pad, a power trunklid, metal steering wheel control dials instead of plastic, and a new window design to help reduce outside noise.

The Model 3 is a great pick for an EV, but it's not the only one for 2021. Specifically, we've found the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia Niro EV, Polestar 2 (Polestar is a new boutique EV brand from Volvo) and Volkswagen ID.4 to also be viable choices. So should you stick with Silicon Valley's finest or go with an alternative? Read our Model 3 Expert Rating below to help you decide.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds' editorial team lived with a 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range for nearly two years, logging 24,000 miles. As an all new-design for Tesla, it had a few teething problems at first. But most of the issues were electronic in nature and were later sorted out via software updates. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 differs from our early long-term Model 3 by way of improved cabin materials and different powertrain options. It's the same generation, though, so many of our observations still apply. Check out our 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range coverage to learn more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Great

8.4

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Tesla Model 3 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

9/10

How does the Model 3 drive? The Model 3 feels sporty and engaging thanks to strong off-the-line performance, intuitive and responsive steering, and coordinated and nimble handling. The straight-line thrust we admired in the early Long Range models can still be found in the entry-level Standard Range Plus trim. In Edmunds' testing, a Standard Range Plus accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, which is much quicker than potential rivals such as the Chevrolet Bolt and Kia Niro EV. The high-end Dual Motor models are in another league of "quick."

The standard 18-inch all-season tires aren't the grippiest, but they offer sufficient stick to live up to most of the spirited driving you'll be doing on the street. True high-performance driving, however, is limited by the heavy-handed stability control. Still, this Tesla delivers an unmatched driving experience in the EV segment.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the Model 3? We found the Model 3 to be a pleasant place to sit, and that feeling held up for hours at a time. Our one gripe is the non-perforated leather seats — they don't breathe all that well if you're in a warmer climate. Otherwise, the seats are cushy and provide nice support.

The innovative climate controls are adjusted via the touchscreen, and they allow both driver and front passenger to direct the vents on either side of the cabin. Other manufacturers have since replicated this system. The cabin is quiet and keeps wind, electric propulsion and most road noise at bay. Ride comfort is agreeable most of the time, but it can sometimes feel overly busy if the road surface is broken or uneven.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The Model 3's controversial interior design looks modern and cutting-edge. The driving position is highly adjustable and feels great, and the cabin is surprisingly roomy thanks to its minimalistic approach and all-glass roof. Forward visibility is also fantastic thanks to the low hoodline (due to the lack of an engine).

The large 15-inch touchscreen is the central control center for everything. While it doesn't block your view, it commands a lot of your attention for too many routine tasks — such as adjusting the mirrors or turning on your windshield wipers — that should be doable without looking.

Technology

7/10

How’s the tech? The Model 3 navigation display is impressive because of its size, and it's one of the few that pulls Google Maps data in real time. That sometimes means spotty information in areas with poor reception, but otherwise the interface is easy to use. The Autopilot traffic-aware cruise and lane management system is one of the better systems out there, and cruise control will even slow for approaching curves (though sometimes a bit too conservatively).

The Model 3's lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto puts it at a disadvantage compared to many competitors. Bluetooth is the only way to bring your smartphone into the audio environment, which is not always as stable as being connected via USB. You can, however, stream content (usually only when parked) from places such as Hulu, Netflix, Spotify and YouTube directly to the infotainment system.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The Model 3's trunk can hold far more than you'd expect thanks to a broad pass-through and SUV-like fold-flat rear seats. The trunk's stated capacity (12.3 cubic feet) isn't that impressive especially compared to the space in other mainstream electric vehicles, but we were surprised by what it could fit — an extra-large mountain bike, for example. The Model 3 is also one of the few vehicles in the segment with a front trunk, providing a useful 2.7 cubic feet.

Inside, cabin storage is pretty decent. However, the front cupholders lack anti-tip tabs, so cups and bottles aren't likely to fit snugly. The car seat anchors are tucked tightly between the seat cushions, so you must take care to avoid scratching the leather as you hook up. Once in, even rear-facing car seats will fit behind an average-size driver.

Range and Efficiency

8/10

How are the range and efficiency? [Editor's note: The following relates to the 2020 Model 3 Standard Range Plus, which is what we tested. EPA range and efficiency estimates have changed slightly since then, but our general takeaways still apply.] The Model 3's EPA-estimated efficiency is great, especially for its performance output. The Standard Range Plus' EPA combined rating of 24 kWh used per 100 miles bests the ratings of most other EVs, including the Chevrolet Bolt, BMW i3 and Kia Niro. The Model 3's EPA range is also pretty good at 250 miles for the Standard Range Plus, though we failed to hit this target in our real-world testing.

In Edmunds' real-world range test, the Model 3 went 232 miles before needing to be recharged, 18 miles shy of the EPA estimate. Other vehicles in the segment generally beat their range estimates in our testing. Conversely, the Model 3 was slightly more efficient than the EPA's number. We calculated an average consumption of 23 kWh/100 miles (the lower the number, the more efficient the car is). This is puzzling considering the Tesla fell short of its range target.

Value

8/10

Is the Model 3 a good value? The entry-level Model 3 is surprisingly impressive and has improved in build quality over the early-production Long Range model cars. Total cost ultimately depends on your appetite for unlocking the Full Self-Driving Capability features (and future potential features), but showing some restraint could put you into a genuinely luxurious Model 3 for about what a fully loaded Hyundai Kona Electric or Kia Niro EV costs.

The Model 3 comes with the usual assortment of charge cord options, including a standard 120-volt household adapter, a 240-volt SAE public charge equipment adapter and a NEMA 14-50 RV park adapter. It also works with Tesla's proprietary nationwide Supercharger network, which charges a modest fee per use.

The Model 3 is pretty comparable to other luxury electric vehicles in warranty coverage. But a big benefit to owning a Tesla are the periodic software upgrades and improvements beamed directly to your car over the air.

Wildcard

9.5/10

Never did we imagine a world in which we'd prefer driving an electric car to a BMW. But Tesla made that possible with the Model 3, at least in the case of comparing it against the latest BMW 3 Series. From its balanced chassis to the smooth, quiet and instantaneous electric propulsion, the Model 3 will alter your perceptions of what EV driving is all about.

It could have been easy for this budget Tesla to feel generic and ordinary, especially in trying to keep the price under $40,000. But instead it's a genuine luxury experience with cutting-edge tech that doesn't just meet the status quo but far exceeds it. We have Tesla to thank for making EVs aspirational.

2021 Tesla Model 3 trim level differences

The Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric sedan that comes in three trim levels: Standard Range Plus (later renamed to simply the base Model 3 midway through the model year), Long Range and Performance. Each trim is differentiated primarily by levels of driving range and acceleration from a battery-electric powertrain. Be aware that Tesla updates the Model 3 on an ongoing basis rather than by model year, so what follows might not necessarily reflect the most current offering. Highlighted features include: Compare the 2021 Tesla Model 3 trim levels in-depth.

Which Model 3 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Because range really is peace of mind in an EV, we'd recommend the Long Range AWD. Not only do you get an EPA-estimated range of 353 miles but you get a faster onboard charger for quicker fill-ups. The all-wheel-drive system affords improved traction in inclement weather but also benefits dry-weather handling and performance. We're also fans of the upgraded 14-speaker audio system that's standard on this trim level.

2021 Tesla Model 3 EV Insights

Trim:

Model 3 Standard Range Plus

Estimated Range Based on Age

238 miles

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 238 miles.

Estimated range mapfrom

Charging

NACS

Plug Type

7.8 hrs

240V Home Charging

EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.

When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?

EV Battery Warranty

8 yrs or 100,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Estimated battery warranty remaining is 3 years or 30,000 miles for this car.

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Cost to Drive

$51/mo

Model 3

$214/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

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Reliability

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 21 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

21 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 26V283000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-26-00-0
Manufactured from:: 2021-10-05 to 2022-10-30
Number of vehicles affected:: 218868
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be 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.

Recall Number:: 24V935000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-24-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 696281
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 24V554000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-24-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 1849638
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 24V376000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-24-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 125233
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 24V153000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-24-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 6557
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 24V051000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-24-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 2193869
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: 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.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 23V838000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-23-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 2031220
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: 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.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 23V085000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-23-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 362758
Defect Description:: 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. 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.
Defect Consequence:: 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.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 22V798000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-22-20-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 24064
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 22V702000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-22-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 1096762
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 22V317000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-22-17-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 7
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: 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.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 22V263000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-22-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 48184
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: 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.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 22V235000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-22-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 594894
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 22V063000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-22-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 578607
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 22V050000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-22-18-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 26681
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 22V045000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-22-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 817143
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 22V037000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-22-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 53822
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 21V846000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-21-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 11728
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 21V835000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-21-31-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 2791
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 21V834000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-21-20-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 3
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 21V387000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-21-33-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 5974
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
EV battery Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Tesla Model 3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

36 reviews

5(67%)

4(8%)

3(8%)

2(6%)

1(11%)

See all 36 reviews of the Tesla Model 3

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 Model 3 Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Standard Range Plus

Est. Market Value	$24,607
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	263 miles
Cost to Drive	$51/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	7.8 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Model 3 models:

Automatic Emergency Braking: Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
Active Cruise Control: Maintains a set gap between the Model 3 and the car you're following. It comes to a complete stop and resumes following too.
Lane Keeping Assist: Warns if you are drifting out of your lane and will nudge the steering to get you back in line.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover6.6%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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