2021 Tesla Model 3 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Updated on April 22nd, 2023 Author: Brian Jones

When asked about the top electric cars on the road, everyone already knows Tesla. However, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is supposed to provide more than what the previous years did. In fact, the electric automaker claims that this model is “built around the driver.” Yet, customers continue to complain about the same aspects, from the defective structure to the malfunctioning electrical system.

Click on other model year to view more problems:  2019  2020  2022  2023

NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3

Problems with the Structure

Over the years, Tesla has been known for a lot of reasons, but one of the major aspects is how poorly the cars are put together. It doesn’t appear that has changed with the 2021 model.

Read this Edmunds review. “Tesla is horrible at putting these cars panels together! My car was delivered and has a power trunk. When I got home I went to open the trunk. As it opened, it would immediately slam shut. After inspecting it, I saw that the trunk lid was not installed properly and there were paint shavings on my car. It had been scraping against the panel next to it and took the paint off both edges. There is zero customer support on this. I took it to a service shop and they fixed the trunk, but only applied a little touch up paint which came off on my first car wash. There is no one to call and no resources to get help or any kind of customer loyalty department. Now I am stuck with a car that was delivered imperfect for $72,000.”

Of course, the company doesn’t respond to any allegations or faults. Nothing is said, and people continue to think that Tesla is a top company. Still, many drivers continue to deal with parts falling off, cracking, chipping and breaking with no support from the manufacturer. Maybe instead of building electric cars, Tesla should go back to playing with LEGOs. At least no one will be disappointed when it all falls apart.

Problems with the Electrical System

Considering Tesla makes electric cars, one would think that the electrical system is top-notch. However, that would be untrue.

Even top automotive publishers know how defective this car is. Read what Motor Trend wrote. “Perhaps the biggest knock on the Tesla is the inconsistent Autopilot driver assistance feature. Despite being dubbed one of the most advanced systems in the market, in our testing it randomly turned off without warning. The system also didn’t bring the Model 3 to a stop when approaching a line of stopped cars, forcing the driver to intervene and apply the brakes.”

While there are no recalls yet for this vehicle, there is some coming down the pipeline for sure. After all, looking back on previous models, it’s clear to see that the defects have not been repaired. In fact, there was a massive recall for older Tesla models because the touchscreen would fail and increase the chance of an accident. It appears this model is following in its older siblings’ footsteps.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Cadillac pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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