2021 Tesla Model 3 fuel/propulsion system problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 — 2% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“As we were normally driving, the car lost power immediately with no warning sign. After the power is lost, brake does not function, electrical door button doesn't function, hazard light doesn't function. Car was able to scroll to a complete stop to the side of the road. The steering wheel is…”
filed Sep 9, 2026
“BMS_a079 error. Battery is no longer able to charge. High voltage battery will need to be replaced. Basically rendering the vehicle useless unless the battery is replaced.”
filed May 30, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Model 3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Model 3 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 Model 3 | 4 | 2% |
| 2023 Model 3 | 8 | 2% |
| 2022 Model 3 | 9 | 1% |
| 2020 Model 3 | 6 | 1% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 8 | 1% |
| 2018 Model 3 | 24 | 2% |
| 2017 Model 3 | 1 | 4% |
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.