TESLA MODEL 3 (2020) recall — Forward Collision Avoidance
Tesla is recalling 2020 Model 3 vehicles with software version 2021.36.5.2 due to potential false forward-collision warnings and sudden stops that could increase crash risk. Owners must update software via OTA to fix the issue.
Use caution until it’s fixed
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Contact the company & request your remedy
What happened, in plain English
Tesla is recalling certain 2020 Model 3 vehicles that may stop suddenly due to a software error in the automatic emergency braking system. This could increase crash risk if the car stops unexpectedly while driving. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/80046-tesla-model-3-2020-recall-aeb-system-may-stop-sudden.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/80046-tesla-model-3-2020-recall-aeb-system-may-stop-sudden · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #21V846000
Cite this page
“Tesla Model 3 (2020) Recall: AEB System May Stop Sudden Unexpectedly.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80046-tesla-model-3-2020-recall-aeb-system-may-stop-sudden. Based on NHTSA recall #21V846000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V846000).
Why it’s dangerous
A software error can cause the car to stop unexpectedly without warning, potentially increasing crash risk. The system may activate the automatic emergency brake when it shouldn't, leading to sudden stops.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2020 Tesla Model 3 vehicles with software version 2021.36.5.2 are affected. Drivers using these vehicles are most at risk of sudden stops during driving.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your 2020 Tesla Model 3 has software version 2021.36.5.2. The recall covers vehicles from 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y with this specific software version.
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Tesla- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Update Software Now
Contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 to download the free over-the-air software update that fixes the issue.
What NHTSA says to do
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Questions people ask
How do I know if my Tesla Model 3 is affected?
Your 2020 Model 3 is affected if it has software version 2021.36.5.2.
Is there a risk of injury from this issue?
The recall states that unexpected activation may cause sudden stops, increasing crash risk, but does not specify injury details.
How can I get the software update?
Tesla will send a free over-the-air software update; contact customer service at 1-877-798-3752 to initiate the update.
Contact Tesla
We’ve drafted a message you can send Tesla to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 21V846000 — Tesla Tesla Hello, I own a Tesla that is covered by recall 21V846000 from Tesla. The official recall notice states: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #21V846000 (October 29, 2021)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 4, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.