Is my 2021 Tesla Model 3 affected by a recall?
NHTSA lists 22 safety recall campaigns covering this vehicle. A campaign covers a production range, so only your own VIN can answer it for your car.
NHTSA lists 22 safety recall campaigns covering the 2021 Tesla Model 3, the most recent reported August 4, 2026. A campaign covers a range of vehicles rather than every one built, so the only way to know whether yours is included is to check your VIN against NHTSA's own lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, whatever the car is worth and however old it is.
- Recall campaigns
- 22
- Most recent
- August 4, 2026
- Do not drive
- None
- Park outside
- None
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, as ingested August 17, 2026
All 22 campaigns, newest first
Every summary, consequence and remedy below is NHTSA's own wording, printed unedited. The campaign number is what a dealer needs if you call to ask whether yours is covered.
- Exterior lighting:headlightsNHTSA 26V507000 · reported August 4, 2026
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- The risk
- Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 15, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 20,349 vehicles
- Manufacturer number
- SB-24-17-003
- Back over prevention:softwareNHTSA 26V283000 · reported May 4, 2026
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."
- The risk
- A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 218,868 vehicles
- Owners notified
- July 3, 2026
- Manufacturer number
- SB-26-00-001
- Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemsNHTSA 24V935000 · reported December 17, 2024
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."
- The risk
- Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 696,281 vehicles
- Owners notified
- February 15, 2025
- Manufacturer number
- SB-24-00-018
- Electrical system:softwareNHTSA 24V554000 · reported July 24, 2024
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.
- The risk
- An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 1,849,638 vehicles
- Owners notified
- September 22, 2024
- Manufacturer number
- SB-24-00-012
- Seat belts:front:warning light/devicesNHTSA 24V376000 · reported May 28, 2024
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."
- The risk
- A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 125,233 vehicles
- Owners notified
- July 26, 2024
- Manufacturer number
- SB-24-00-008
- Electrical system:softwareNHTSA 24V153000 · reported February 27, 2024
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."
- The risk
- Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 6,557 vehicles
- Owners notified
- April 27, 2024
- Manufacturer number
- SB-24-00-006
- Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelNHTSA 24V051000 · reported January 30, 2024
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."
- The risk
- 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.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 2,193,869 vehicles
- Owners notified
- February 21, 2024
- Manufacturer number
- SB-24-00-003
- Electrical system:adas:driver monitoring:softwareNHTSA 23V838000 · reported December 12, 2023
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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 2,031,220 vehicles
- Owners notified
- February 10, 2024
- Manufacturer number
- SB-23-00-008
- Steering:automated/adaptive steeringNHTSA 23V085000 · reported February 15, 2023
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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 362,758 vehicles
- Owners notified
- April 15, 2023
- Manufacturer number
- SB-23-00-001
- Seat belts:rear/other:anchorageNHTSA 22V798000 · reported October 21, 2022
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.
- The risk
- An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 24,064 vehicles
- Owners notified
- December 20, 2022
- Manufacturer number
- SB-22-20-004
- Visibility:power window devices and controlsNHTSA 22V702000 · reported September 19, 2022
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."
- The risk
- A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 1,096,762 vehicles
- Owners notified
- March 31, 2023
- Manufacturer number
- SB-22-00-013
- Electrical system:adas:driver monitoring:camera/sensorNHTSA 22V317000 · reported May 9, 2022
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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 7 vehicles
- Owners notified
- July 8, 2022
- Manufacturer number
- SB-22-17-007
- Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelNHTSA 22V263000 · reported April 18, 2022
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."
- The risk
- 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.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 48,184 vehicles
- Owners notified
- June 17, 2022
- Manufacturer number
- SB-22-00-008
- Forward collision avoidance: warnings:external/pedestrian alertNHTSA 22V235000 · reported April 12, 2022
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."
- The risk
- Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 594,894 vehicles
- Owners notified
- June 6, 2022
- Manufacturer number
- SB-22-00-003
- Forward collision avoidance: warnings:external/pedestrian alertNHTSA 22V063000 · reported February 4, 2022
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."
- The risk
- Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 578,607 vehicles
- Owners notified
- April 12, 2022
- Manufacturer number
- SB-22-00-003
- Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:air handler/chamber, ducts, and valvesNHTSA 22V050000 · reported February 2, 2022
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."
- The risk
- Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 26,681 vehicles
- Owners notified
- April 1, 2022
- Manufacturer number
- SB-22-18-002
- Seat belts:frontNHTSA 22V045000 · reported February 1, 2022
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."
- The risk
- The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 817,143 vehicles
- Owners notified
- April 1, 2022
- Manufacturer number
- SB-22-00-002
- Steering:automated/adaptive steeringNHTSA 22V037000 · reported January 27, 2022
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.
- The risk
- Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 53,822 vehicles
- Owners notified
- March 28, 2022
- Manufacturer number
- SB-22-00-001
- Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency brakingNHTSA 21V846000 · reported October 29, 2021
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.
- The risk
- Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 11,728 vehicles
- Owners notified
- October 25, 2021
- Manufacturer number
- SB-21-00-004
- Air bags:side/window:curtainNHTSA 21V834000 · reported October 25, 2021
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."
- The risk
- A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 3 vehicles
- Owners notified
- December 23, 2021
- Manufacturer number
- SB-21-20-006
- Suspension:frontNHTSA 21V835000 · reported October 25, 2021
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.
- The risk
- A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 2,791 vehicles
- Owners notified
- December 20, 2021
- Manufacturer number
- SB-21-31-003
- Service brakes, hydraulic:critical fastenersNHTSA 21V387000 · reported May 25, 2021
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.
- The risk
- Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The remedy
- 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.
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Potentially affected
- 5,974 vehicles
- Owners notified
- July 23, 2021
- Manufacturer number
- SB-21-33-002
How to check whether yours is one of them.
Take the VIN off the driver's-side windshield or the door jamb sticker and put it into NHTSA's own recall lookup. It answers for that exact car, which no list on a page can. Recall work is free at a franchised dealer of that make, and it stays free however old the car is.
- 1. Find the 17-character VIN, lower corner of the windshield on the driver's side, or on the door jamb sticker.
- 2. Check it at nhtsa.gov/recalls, the agency's own lookup. Our decoder will tell you what the number means, but NHTSA is the one that knows whether your car is in a campaign.
- 3. If it is, call a franchised Tesla dealer and give them the campaign number. The repair is free.
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, safety recall campaigns. Summary, consequence and remedy are NHTSA's own wording, unedited. A recall is a manufacturer or agency decision that a vehicle does not meet a safety standard or contains a defect posing an unreasonable risk. It is not a complaint, and it is not an opinion about the car as a whole.
Registration counts: New York State DMV registration file, five New York City counties, August 17, 2026 snapshot. A registration is a record in a state database, not a car on the road, and the borough is where the registrant receives mail rather than where the car is driven. How we counted.
Fuel economy: EPA and DOE ratings published at FuelEconomy.gov, unaveraged, so each configuration is its own row. Recalls and complaints: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, the agency's own wording, as ingested August 17, 2026. Complaints are reports members of the public filed, not confirmed defects. The NYC registration study is the analysis these counts sit on top of.
234 vehicles in this directory, covering 520,848 registered cars. Data as of August 17, 2026.