Compare two vehicles

Spot recall, complaint, investigation, and fuel-cost differences before you trust the listing. No VIN required to start.

Vehicle A

Electric · 25.8238 kWh / 100 mi · All-Wheel Drive

Vehicle B

Electric · 25.109 kWh / 100 mi · All-Wheel Drive

No VIN required to compare

More recall homework

2021 Tesla Model 3

has more recalls listed.

More complaint activity

2022 Tesla Model 3

has more complaint records.

Open investigation signals

2022 Tesla Model 3

has more open investigations.

Lower estimated fuel cost

2021 Tesla Model 3

may cost less to fuel.

Short answer: Model 3 needs more recall homework, Model 3 has more complaint activity, Model 3 has more severity reports, Model 3 has more open investigation signals and Model 3 has the lower fuel-cost estimate. Confirm the exact VIN before buying.

Public-record comparison

Rows show model-year records, not exact VIN status.

Record 2022 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 Difference
Total recalls 17 21 Model 3 has 4 more recalls
Total complaints 741 640 Model 3 has 101 more complaints
Crash / Fire / Injury / Death reports 51 / 3 / 26 / 1 43 / 5 / 16 / 3 Model 3 has 14 more severity reports
Defect investigations 29 29 Similar
Open investigations 23 22 Model 3 has 1 more open investigations
Manufacturer communications 75 84 Model 3 has 9 more communications
Recall completion reports 109 128 Model 3 has 19 more reports
Warranty programs 0 0 Similar
Service campaigns 0 0 Similar
Software notices 40 40 Similar
Canadian recall records 0 0 Similar
Latest recall May 5, 2026 May 5, 2026 Similar
Latest complaint May 12, 2026 May 30, 2026 Model 3 has newer activity
Top complaint categories Top 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Vehicle Speed Control Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Service Brakes Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Service Brakes Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Vehicle Speed Control Forward Collision Avoidance
 Similar focus
Fuel type Electric Electric Same
Efficiency 25.8238 kWh / 100 mi 25.109 kWh / 100 mi Different
Estimated annual fuel cost 15,000 miles / year $600 $550 Model 3 about $50 less
Safety-rating records 2 4 Different availability

Practical next steps

What to ask each seller

2022 Tesla Model 3

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control forward collision avoidance repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

2021 Tesla Model 3

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had forward collision avoidance and service brakes forward collision avoidance repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

What to inspect first

2022 Tesla Model 3

  • Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras
  • Vehicle Speed Control Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras
  • Service Brakes Forward Collision Avoidance: vibration, pulsing, noise, stopping distance

2021 Tesla Model 3

  • Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras
  • Service Brakes Forward Collision Avoidance: vibration, pulsing, noise, stopping distance
  • Vehicle Speed Control Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras

Always get an independent mechanic inspection.

Do not buy on model-year data alone.

Confirm the exact VIN before purchase and check for new updates.

Learn what a VIN check can and cannot show