2021 Tesla Model 3 structure problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 — 2% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 20, 2026
“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…”
filed Feb 4, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Structure problems in other Model 3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model 3 | 2 | 10% |
| 2025 Model 3 | 6 | 5% |
| 2024 Model 3 | 5 | 2% |
| 2023 Model 3 | 22 | 5% |
| 2022 Model 3 | 10 | 1% |
| 2020 Model 3 | 19 | 4% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 22 | 4% |
| 2018 Model 3 | 59 | 6% |
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.