2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance is a saloon/sedan powered by an electric motor, with an EPA-rated range of around 315 miles per charge. Owners often keep a Tesla Model 3 Performance workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine | Electric motor |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 97 cu ft (2,747 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| EPA Range | 315 miles |
| Efficiency | 30.0 kWh/100 mi |
| CO₂ Emissions | 0 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 10 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance, all with the Electric motor engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric motor | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 136 | 113 (118/107) | — | $650 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Running Costs: 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 22 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (8), Forward collision avoidance (3), Seat belts (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 26V507000, reported 5 August 2026. Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Back over prevention — campaign 26V283000, reported 5 May 2026. Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Tires — campaign 24V935000, reported 17 December 2024. Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
- Latches/locks/linkages — campaign 24V554000, reported 24 July 2024. Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 22 campaigns.
Owners have filed 666 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance. The most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (408), Service brakes (126), Vehicle speed control (123). Complaints include 46 reported crashes, 5 reported fires, 19 reported injuries, 8 reported deaths. That is well above the median of 322 complaints across the 6 Tesla Model 3 Performance model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Driver-assist sensors (3 recall campaigns · 408 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Brakes (126 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Throttle & cruise control (123 owner complaints) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
- Electrical system (8 recall campaigns) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance have?
It's powered by an electric motor with an EPA-rated range of around 315 miles per charge.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance?
It uses around 30.0 kWh per 100 miles.
Does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 22 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (8), Forward collision avoidance (3), Seat belts (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance?
Among the 666 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (408 complaints), Service brakes (126 complaints), Vehicle speed control (123 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.