carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $35,480–$47,136 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $40,159 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $40,159 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $38,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $37,820 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $36,650 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $35,480 | |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $34,311 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $33,141 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $31,971 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $30,802 | Read review → |
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 by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Adas / Autonomous/self driving / Software 27/01/2022 · 22V037000 | 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… |
| Suspension / Critical fasteners 25/10/2021 · 21V835000 | 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.
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