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.
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.
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.
Water ingress into the rear light clusters is common, often leading to visible condensation and eventual failure of the LED units.
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.
Water can collect on the boot lid and run directly into the trunk when opened, or leak through the rear seals during heavy rain.