2021 Tesla Model 3: Price, Value & Reliability
Updated
As of Nov 7, 2026, a used 2021 Tesla Model 3 lists for a median $24,594 (middle half $20,995–$27,195) at 65,800 mi, across 1,023 dealer listings. Reliability: avoid in our NHTSA complaint analysis. NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns covering the 2021.
Used 2021 Model 3 for sale
| Trim | Listings |
|---|---|
| Base | 1,018 |
| Standard Range | 4 |
| Long Range | 1 |
| State | Listings |
|---|---|
| California | 232 |
| Texas | 104 |
| Florida | 95 |
| Virginia | 66 |
| Georgia | 64 |
| North Carolina | 38 |
| Washington | 38 |
| Utah | 34 |
| Illinois | 31 |
| Arizona | 30 |
2021 Model 3 reliability and recalls
Verdict: Avoid — compared with the Model 3's other model years on severity-weighted NHTSA complaints.
| Component | Campaign | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 26V507000 | Aug 4, 2026 |
| Backup camera / back-over prevention | 26V283000 | May 4, 2026 |
| Tires | 24V935000 | Dec 17, 2024 |
| Electrical system | 24V554000 | Jul 24, 2024 |
| Seat belts | 24V376000 | May 28, 2024 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 24V153000 | Feb 27, 2024 |
| Electrical system | 24V051000 | Jan 30, 2024 |
| Electrical system | 23V838000 | Dec 12, 2023 |
| Steering | 23V085000 | Feb 15, 2023 |
| Seat belts | 22V798000 | Oct 21, 2022 |
| Visibility | 22V702000 | Sep 19, 2022 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 22V317000 | May 9, 2022 |
| Electrical system | 22V263000 | Apr 18, 2022 |
| Electrical system | 22V235000 | Apr 12, 2022 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 22V063000 | Feb 4, 2022 |
| Electrical system | 22V050000 | Feb 2, 2022 |
| Seat belts | 22V045000 | Feb 1, 2022 |
| Steering | 22V037000 | Jan 27, 2022 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 21V846000 | Oct 29, 2021 |
| Suspension | 21V835000 | Oct 25, 2021 |
| Air bags | 21V834000 | Oct 25, 2021 |
| Service brakes | 21V387000 | May 25, 2021 |
Check whether a specific car's recalls were completed by running its VIN.
Other Model 3 model years
More on the Model 3
2021 Tesla Model 3 FAQ
How much is a used 2021 Model 3 worth?
The median asking price is $24,594, with the middle half between $20,995 and $27,195, at a median 65,800 mi (1,023 listings).
Is the 2021 Model 3 reliable?
No — the 2021 is on our years-to-avoid list for the Model 3, based on severity-weighted NHTSA complaints against the model's other years.
Does the 2021 Model 3 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns that cover the 2021 Model 3, most recently exterior lighting (Aug 4, 2026). Check a specific car by VIN to see whether they were completed.