2021 Tesla Model 3 forward collision avoidance problems
407 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the forward collision avoidance on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 — 61% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Interior camera circuit failed in the main computer as diagnosed by Tesla, it disables most safety features of the car, no collision warning or avoidance, no automatic emergency breaking, no lane departure warning or correction, no reverse cam, no cruise control or self driving, and probably more…”
filed Sep 10, 2026
“Tesla replaced the windshield on my 2021 Model 3 at the Tesla Service Center in Schaumburg, IL. Days after the installation, following a light rain, a film appeared on the exterior surface of the glass. In the presence of moisture the film hazes over and substantially obscures forward visibility…”
filed Aug 31, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) soundsCampaign 24V153000 · Feb 27, 2024
- Fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness…Campaign 22V317000 · May 9, 2022
- Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle…Campaign 22V235000 · Apr 12, 2022
- Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle…Campaign 22V063000 · Feb 4, 2022
- A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected…Campaign 21V846000 · Oct 29, 2021
Forward Collision Avoidance problems in other Model 3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model 3 | 7 | 33% |
| 2025 Model 3 | 29 | 25% |
| 2024 Model 3 | 48 | 22% |
| 2023 Model 3 | 177 | 42% |
| 2022 Model 3 | 532 | 70% |
| 2020 Model 3 | 156 | 35% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 169 | 28% |
| 2018 Model 3 | 202 | 20% |
| 2017 Model 3 | 8 | 31% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Tesla Model 3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.