--- title: "2021 Tesla Model 3 Parts and Specs" description: "Everything for the 2021 Tesla Model 3: oil type and capacity, battery group size, tire sizes, wiper blades, filters, service schedule, and common problems, verified, sourced, and in one place." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2021" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2021 Tesla Model 3 parts and specs Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place. 1st generation (original, pre-Highland), 2017-2023, Compact EV sedan. ## Quick facts | Quick fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Engine oil | None, fully electric | | Battery | Group 85B24LS (JIS; 12V 45 Ah) through ~Nov 2021 production; 16V Li-ion after | | Tire size | 235/45R18 (base trim) | | Wiper blades | 26" / 19" | | Cabin filter | Tesla 1107681-00-A (two filters per car, sold as a pair; later revisions -00-B/-00-C interchange) | | Key fob battery | CR2032 (optional accessory key fob). The standard key card and phone key have no battery to replace. | ## Specifications for the 2017-2023 Model 3 ### Oil & filter Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/oil). ### Battery BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/battery). ### Tires & wheels Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/tires). ### Wiper blades Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/wipers). ### Air & cabin filters Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/filters). ### Bulbs Headlight, fog and marker bulb types [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/bulbs). ### Brakes Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/brakes). ### Fluids Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/fluids). ### Service schedule What's actually due at every mileage interval [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/service-schedule). ### Problems & reliability Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/common-problems). ### Key fob battery Which coin cell the remote takes [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/key-fob-battery). ### Specs Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/specs). These specifications are shared across every Model 3 of the 1st generation (original, pre-Highland) generation. See the [2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 overview](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023) for the full picture, or the [Tesla Model 3 guide](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3) to compare every generation. ## What changed for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2021 | Major running refresh: heat pump replaces the PTC heater, chrome delete, powered trunk, new center console, double-pane front glass, 82 kWh pack on LR/Performance, ranges rise (SR+ 263 mi, LR 353 mi, Performance 315 mi) | ## Known problems with the 2021 Tesla Model 3 5 of the 6 issues we track for the 2017-2023 generation are documented against the 2021 model year. ### Phantom braking on Autopilot / TACC (moderate) Sudden, unneeded hard braking at highway speed while using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control or Autopilot, often repeatedly in one drive. Complaints spiked after Tesla dropped radar for camera-only 'Tesla Vision' in mid-2021. NHTSA opened investigation PE22-002 in February 2022 covering an estimated 416,000 2021-2022 Model 3/Y and closed it in 2025-2026 without a defect finding; software updates have reduced but not eliminated reports. No hardware fix exists, keep firmware current. NHTSA investigation PE22-002 (closed, no defect finding). Typical cost: N/A (software behavior; no repair). ### Heat pump failure / loss of cabin heat in cold weather (major) 2021+ cars use a heat pump whose expansion-valve software could let refrigerant migrate and shut the compressor down in sub-14°F weather, killing cabin heat and defrost. Tesla recalled 2021-2022 cars (26,681 vehicles) and fixed it over the air with firmware 2021.44.30.7+. Separate from the recall, hardware failures of the heat pump sensor/EXV and compressor are among the most reported cold-climate issues; covered under the 4-yr/50k basic warranty, expensive after. NHTSA 22V-050 (Tesla firmware 2021.44.30.7). Typical cost: Free (OTA recall / warranty); ~$1,500-$3,000 for out-of-warranty heat pump hardware. ### 12V lead-acid battery dies every 3-4 years (pre-Dec 2021 cars) (moderate) The small 85B24LS 12V battery in the frunk area runs constant loads (sentry, computers) and wears out faster than in a gas car, often around year 3-4, sometimes with little warning beyond an on-screen alert. If it dies completely, the car won't wake and the doors need the manual release procedure. Replace promptly when the warning appears; Tesla mobile service does it cheaply, or it's a 30-minute DIY. Cars built after ~December 2021 got a 16V Li-ion battery that eliminates the problem. Typical cost: $85-$180 (Tesla OEM battery + mobile service); ~$130-$300 aftermarket/lithium upgrade. ### Front upper control arm creak / squeak (moderate) A creak or groan from the front end at low speed over bumps or while turning, caused by the front upper control arm ball joints (early arms were prone to water intrusion). Extremely common on 2017-2021 cars; Tesla revised the part. Fix is replacing the upper arm(s), cheap part, moderate labor, and independent shops can do it. Typical cost: $200-$600 per side at a shop (~$60-$100/part DIY); up to ~$1,000/side at some Tesla service centers. ### Window automatic-reversal (pinch protection) recall (minor) Testing showed the windows could close with more force than FMVSS 118 allows before reversing, a pinch-injury risk. Tesla recalled nearly 1.1 million vehicles including every 2017-2022 Model 3 and pushed an over-the-air calibration fix, no service visit needed. Verify the recall shows closed for your VIN on NHTSA's site. NHTSA 22V-702 (Tesla SB-22-00-013). Typical cost: Free (OTA update). 1 more issue is reported in other 2017-2023 years: Touchscreen yellow border / banding (early cars) (2017-2019). Full detail, costs and sources on the [Tesla Model 3 problems and years to avoid](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/common-problems) guide. ## Which powertrains were offered in the 2021 Model 3? | Powertrain | Trims | Oil | Oil capacity | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Single Motor RWD (Long Range RWD / Mid Range / Standard Range Plus / RWD) | Long Range RWD (2017-2019), Mid Range (2018-2019), Standard Range / SR+ (2019-2021), RWD with LFP battery (2022-2023) | N/A | None (EV) | | Dual Motor Long Range AWD | Long Range AWD | N/A | None (EV) | | Dual Motor Performance AWD | Performance (20-in Über Turbine wheels, bigger front brakes, lowered suspension, track mode) | N/A | None (EV) | ## About the Tesla Model 3 The Tesla Model 3 is the car that made EVs mainstream in America, and from a parts-and-maintenance standpoint it splits cleanly into two eras. The original car (2017-2023) launched as a Long Range RWD sedan and grew into a three-powertrain lineup, single-motor Standard Range/RWD, dual-motor Long Range AWD, and Performance, picking up a heat pump, powered trunk, and double-pane glass in the 2021 refresh and an LFP battery on the base RWD in 2022. The 'Highland' refresh (2024-2025) reworked the body, suspension, and interior but kept the same service items. There is no engine oil, no spark plugs, and no dealer service schedule. Tesla's official list is just tire rotations every 6,250 miles, cabin filters every 2 years, a brake fluid health check every 4 years, and winter brake-caliper cleaning. What owners actually look up: the 12V battery gotcha (cars built through roughly November 2021 use a small 85B24LS lead-acid battery that dies every 3-4 years; later cars use a lifetime 16V Li-ion pack), tire sizes and the universal 42 psi placard pressure (heavy EV + XL-rated tires means fast tread wear), the two-stage cabin filter replacement behind the passenger footwell, and a recall history that is almost entirely fixed over-the-air, window pinch (22V-702), heat pump software (22V-050), TPMS light (24V-935), plus the long-running phantom-braking complaint file (NHTSA PE22-002, closed without a defect finding). For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the [full Tesla Model 3 guide](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3). ## Other Tesla Model 3 years - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2022) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017) Data confidence for this generation: Verified. ## Sources - [Tesla DIY Guide, Replacing the Low Voltage Lead-Acid Battery (85B24LS spec, Li-ion transition dates)](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Public/diy/model3/en_us/GUID-2588F809-41E3-43F1-84E5-6745C7C18DBE.html) - [Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual, Maintenance Service Intervals](https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/model3/en_us/GUID-E95DAAD9-646E-4249-9930-B109ED7B1D91.html) - [Tesla Support, Vehicle Maintenance (cabin filter, brake fluid, desiccant, rotation intervals)](https://www.tesla.com/support/vehicle-maintenance) - [Tesla DIY Guide, Replacing Wiper Blades (26 in / 19 in)](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Public/diy/model3/en_us/GUID-949BFDA4-8D73-43A6-AAA5-98AE1129AC25.html) - [Tesla DIY Guide, Replacing Cabin Filters](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Public/diy/model3/en_us/GUID-DB0A1E3C-926E-498C-A2FD-A27B8421A471.html) - [NHTSA Part 573 report, recall 22V-702 (window automatic reversal)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V702-4365.PDF) - [NHTSA ODI resume, investigation PE22-002 (unexpected brake activation, 2021-2022 Model 3/Y)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2022/INOA-PE22002-4385.PDF) - [Consumer Reports, Tesla heat pump recall 22V-050 details](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/tesla-recall-faulty-heat-pump-loss-of-heating-a5384954255/) - [Wheel-Size.com, 2018 Tesla Model 3 OE fitments and 42 psi pressures](https://www.wheel-size.com/size/tesla/model-3/2018/) - [Tesla Model Y/3 Owner's Manual, Wheels and Tires (129 ft-lb lug torque)](https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/modely/en_eu/GUID-FDDB10EF-FFA9-46EB-B8CC-03614AE92B6B.html) - [Tesla Motors Club, 16V Li-ion low-voltage battery (15.5 V / 6.9 Ah) documentation thread](https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/made-in-china-model-y-has-15-5-lithium-battery-to-replace-12v-lead-acid.248076/) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.