2021 Tesla Model 3 Vehicle Speed Control Problems
NHTSA component category: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How vehicle speed control ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 647 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 overview page.
What owners report
“Constant âphantom brakingâ when using autopilot on the freeway and other roads. When the pavement changes color, the car slams on the brakes in the…”NHTSA complaint 11443861 — filed 12/15/2021
“My Tesla Model 3 is brand new and delivered in 2021, the vehicle has had no recalls or issues report by the manufacture and is…”NHTSA complaint 11442622 — filed 12/04/2021
“Driving normally, with cruise control (not auto steering) engaged vehicle will spontaneously and dangerously apply emergency breaking. This happens regularly to the point I wonât…”NHTSA complaint 11441906 — filed 11/29/2021
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have vehicle speed control problems?
Vehicle Speed Control is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Tesla Model 3: 122 of 647 complaints on file (18.9%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have in total?
647 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 43 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 19 reported injuries, and 4 reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's vehicle speed control category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
