IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2021 Tesla Model 3

The 2021 "Refresh" Model 3 was a significant upgrade: black exterior trim replaced chrome, a heat pump was added for much better winter range, a power trunk was included, and the centre console was redesigned. Chinese-built (MIC) models from this era showed notably better build quality than earlier Fremont cars.

What changed for 2021

  • •Heat pump added — major improvement for UK winter range
  • •Black exterior trim replacing chrome
  • •Power trunk
  • •Redesigned centre console with wireless phone charging
  • •Heated steering wheel on LR and above
  • •Chinese-built models from March 2021 onwards

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Heat pump sensor failure (SB-22-18-002) on early 2021 builds
  • !Upper control arm squeak still possible
  • !Rear light condensation persists
5
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
3
Minor

The 2021 period has 4 more issues than the Tesla Model 3 average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Heat Pump / Sensor Failure (SB-22-18-002)

SeriousCooling System

2021 and early 2022 "refresh" models with heat pumps can experience a loss of heating in winter. This is often caused by faulty refrigerant pressure sensors (Recall SB-22-18-002) which can fail and prevent the compressor from operating correctly.

Most affected: Refresh models with black exterior trim

Estimated cost: £0–£1,500 (often warranty)Affects: 2021–2022Often appears around: 5,000–20,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •No cabin heat in cold weather
  • •Defrost function fails
  • •Loud grinding noise from the front

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Verify the heater works on max setting in cold conditions
  • ✓Check for climate-related alerts in the service menu
  • ✓Confirm if Service Bulletin SB-22-18-002 has been addressed

Upper Control Arm Failure

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The front upper control arms frequently develop a loud squeaking or "old bed spring" creaking noise due to water ingress into the ball joint. This is very common in the UK due to wet weather and road salt.

Most affected: All Model 3 variants

Estimated cost: £300–£600Affects: 2019–2022Often appears around: 15,000–40,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Loud squeaking when turning or over bumps
  • •Knocking noise
  • •Steering feel changes

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen for creaking while stationary by turning the wheel
  • ✓Check if the arms have been replaced with the updated part (plastic vs metal housing)

Rear Light Condensation

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Water ingress into the rear light clusters is common, often leading to visible condensation and eventual failure of the LED units.

Most affected: All Model 3 variants

Estimated cost: £200–£400 (per unit)Affects: 2019–2024Often appears around: Any

Typical symptoms

  • •Visible water droplets inside lights
  • •Flickering LEDs
  • •MOT failure for light function

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect lights after rain or a car wash
  • ✓Look for green algae growth inside lens
  • ✓Verify all LED segments work

Paint Durability & Stone Chips

MinorBodywork & Rust

The paint on Model 3 is known to be relatively soft, making it highly susceptible to stone chips and "sandblasting" on the rocker panels and sills.

Most affected: All Model 3 variants, especially US-built models

Estimated cost: £200–£1,000 (PPF/Respray)Affects: 2019–2023Often appears around: 5,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Visible chips on bonnet and sills
  • •Paint flaking near wheel arches
  • •Dull finish on lower panels

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the lower sills and rear wheel arches
  • ✓Look for "sandblasting" effect behind wheels
  • ✓Check if mud flaps or PPF are installed

Boot Water Ingress

MinorBodywork & Rust

Water can collect on the boot lid and run directly into the trunk when opened, or leak through the rear seals during heavy rain.

Most affected: Pre-refresh models (chrome trim)

Estimated cost: £100–£300Affects: 2019–2021Often appears around: Any

Typical symptoms

  • •Damp carpet in boot
  • •Water dripping from boot lid when open
  • •Musty smell in cabin

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check under the boot floor for standing water
  • ✓Inspect condition of the main boot seal
  • ✓Check for updated "lip" seal on later models

Buying Tips for the 2021 Tesla Model 3

  • ✓The 2021 Refresh is the best Model 3 to buy — heat pump makes a huge difference to winter range
  • ✓Verify build date: November 2020 onwards for heat pump fitment
  • ✓Check if Service Bulletin SB-22-18-002 has been addressed on 2021–2022 cars
2020 Tesla Model 32022 Tesla Model 3

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Other Tesla Model 3 Year Periods

201920202021202220232024

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