Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Tesla Model 3
Our scoring places the 2021 Tesla Model 3 at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this ev. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10, while Reliability at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional ev — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 5.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.8/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $35,480–$47,136, 133 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model 3 sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is a passable ev but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among EVs
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 ranks #176 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 35% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $35,480 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 33%.
$0 — 21 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Model 3 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Tesla Model 3 scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.4 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 133 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Tesla Model 3 (21 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
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…
Air bags / Side/window / Curtain 25/10/2021 · 21V834000
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…
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.
Electrical system / Software 01/02/2022 · 22V045000
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Disc / Caliper 25/05/2021 · 21V387000
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.
Showing 5 of 21 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2021 Tesla Model 3 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Tesla Model 3
Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
We rate the 2021 Tesla Model 3's reliability 5.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 21 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?
21 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 worth buying?
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #176 of 268 evs in our database (better than 35% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 cost?
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 starts at $35,480 and ranges up to $47,136 across trims (MSRP when new). At 133 MPG, expect roughly $395/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Model 3 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 10 Model 3 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.6/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electrical system, Air bags, Suspension, Service brakes, hydraulic (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Tesla Model 3
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Similar EV to Consider
Other evs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
