2021 Tesla Model 3 body & structure problems

Related recalls

• Recall 24V554000Jul 24, 20241,849,638 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

  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.

  Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026ILBody & StructureVisibility & Wipers

   The power liftgate strut failed in normal use and bent the trunk liftgate, which now strikes the rear glass every time the trunk opens or closes. The vehicle has not been in a crash and the trunk was not obstructed or misused. The driver-side power strut stopped operating and the trunk would not open or close properly. On 10/8/2026 Tesla Service (Buffalo Grove, IL) inspected the vehicle. The service record states the liftgate power strut was stuck in the closed position…

   NHTSA complaint #11769953 · source
2. Filed Sep 9, 202682,000 miCABody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the trunk strut failed, and the lift fractured, causing the rear glass to crack. There was a long crack from the edge to the top of the glass. The contact's husband cut the strut because the vehicle could not be driven with the truck ajar. A service appointment was scheduled on the App by text with the local dealer. A message was sent to the Tesla manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11763100 · source
3. Filed Jul 20, 2026CABody & Structure

   I am reporting a safety concern regarding the glovebox fascia on my Tesla Model 3. The material on the glovebox trim is peeling and separating, which appears to be caused by prolonged exposure to heat inside the vehicle. The peeling fascia creates concerns about the durability and integrity of the interior component, as the material may continue to deteriorate over time. Loose or damaged trim could potentially interfere with the proper use of the glovebox, create sharp…

   NHTSA complaint #11751588 · source
4. Filed Feb 4, 2026CABody & Structure

   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 · source
5. Filed Dec 22, 2025AZBody & Structure

   There is no manual door release for the rear doors. Thus rear passengers are at risk should the electrical system fail in a crash. Tesla should be required to provide a modification that allows rear passengers to manually open the rear doors.

   NHTSA complaint #11706553 · source
6. Filed Nov 17, 2025CABody & Structure

   I am the owner of a 2021 Tesla Model 3 and am filing this complaint due to a significant safety concern: my vehicle does not have manual or mechanical releases for the rear doors; only electronic mechanisms are present. In the event of a total power failure, accident, fire, or submersion, rear seat passengers would be unable to exit the vehicle through the rear doors, as there is no physical lever or alternative escape route directly available inside the rear seats. This…

   NHTSA complaint #11699856 · source
7. Filed Nov 3, 2025CABody & Structure

   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 · source
8. Filed Oct 6, 2025CABody & Structure

   This car is dangerous to rear passengers there's no mechanical door release cable so if there's a loss of electrical power and the car is involved in an accident the rear people or children are trapped

   NHTSA complaint #11691744 · source
9. Filed Apr 22, 2025DCBody & Structure

   While traveling over 230 miles from home on a road trip, my 2021 Tesla Model 3 suffered a complete and catastrophic failure. While in North Carolina, the vehicle became entirely unresponsive—doors would not unlock, windows couldn’t be operated, and I was completely unable to access the charging port, trunk, or frunk. The vehicle was effectively bricked without warning. This wasn’t a minor inconvenience—it was a serious safety issue. I was stranded out of state from Saturday…

   NHTSA complaint #11656199 · source
10. Filed Jan 27, 2025TXBody & Structure

    The Tesla model 3 has a manual release lever for each door in the front. The passenger side lever doesn't work, creating a safety issue if the car were to lose power then that door would not be able to be owned in case of an emergency. It was never used before and just doesn't work. I've heard this is a common issue on the 2021 model as it was the first refresh or re design.

    NHTSA complaint #11638685 · source
11. Filed Nov 19, 2024TXBody & Structure

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11626097 · source
12. Filed Oct 3, 2024AZBody & StructureElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the hood opened unintentionally, the A/C unit and the radio intermittently turned on and off, the infotainment system screen intermittently turned black and randomly turned back on, along with several other failures that occurred. No warning lights was illuminated. The failures occurred on several different occasions. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign…

    NHTSA complaint #11617973 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology