2021 TESLA MODEL Y

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    adas collision warning

    476 unsafe

    476
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 4,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH with the vehicle on auto pilot, a large commercial truck in the opposite lane passed the vehicle, which then applied the brakes and slowed from 55 to 35 MPH. The co…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1792161
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while entering or exiting the driveway on an incline, the automatic braking system engaged and locked up the tires in icy conditions. While reversing, the contact noticed that he was unable to turn…"~1,500 mi, complaint #1878929
    • "ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DETECT A STATIONARY OBJECT ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE ON "AUTOPILOT" THE CAR WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT WITHIN THE LANES OF THE HIGHWAY WITH NO OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS OR OBSTACLES AND CRASHED RIGHT INTO THE OBJECT RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE F…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1744599
    • "The contact owns a 2021Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 72 mph on autopilot when the vehicle suddenly activated the braking system. The contact took the vehicle off of autopilot mode causing the vehicle to function correct…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1795971
  2. #2

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 stranded, 38 unsafe, 2 broken, 5 annoyance

    46
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=19, median 32,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "HERE IS A 2021 TESLA MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39612087?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=3 IT HAS BEEN IN A ROLLOVER AND IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED. THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS SNAPPED OFF AND IT IS MOST PROBABLE THAT…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1739187
    • "HERE IS A 2021 TESLA MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD/ HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39928775?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=10 IT HAS DONE JUST 5000 MILES AND THE FRONT WHEEL HAS GONE WHOMPY THEN FALLEN OFF. TESLA IS STILL USING DEADLY DEFECTIVE SUSPENSION GIBLETS. ALL…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1745616
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a wheel alignment, and at that time he was informed that the lower control link subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact t…"~32,386 mi, complaint #1843002
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that after his daughter reversed the vehicle, bolts from the vehicle were discovered in the driveway. Upon inspection, it was discovered that two bolts from the driver's side suspension arm had separate…"~56,753 mi, complaint #1938626
    • "Heard loud clicking noises upfront when turning hard out of parking spot.Immediately I Checked front wheels manually on looseness, but could not detect any movement. Decided to drive home (20miles).I was very careful not to steer to hard through curves. Upon…"~60,640 mi, complaint #1853444
  3. #3

    steering electric assist

    32 unsafe

    32
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the steering wheel seized and the brakes failed to engaged. The vehicle went into autocorrect on its own and was swerving then crashed into a semi truck. No medical attenti…"~2,800 mi, complaint #1761494
  4. #4

    adas autonomous driving system

    30 unsafe

    30
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 4,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the self-driving feature independently activated and the vehicle decelerated to 50 MPH inadvertently within several seconds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact s…"~8,480 mi, complaint #1807140
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle attempted to turn left onto a side street while the Autonomous Self Driving feature was engaged. The contact stated that the vehicle began the left turn f…"~27,777 mi, complaint #1902125
  5. #5

    unintended acceleration

    29 unsafe

    29
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=19, median 2,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "PARKING MY CAR WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND READY TO ENGAGE PARK , CAR ACCELERATED IN HIGH SPEED AND DROVE TO ISLAND AND TRYING TO CONTROL THE WHEEL WHILE MY FOOT STILL ON BREAK TO AVOID HITTING OTHER CARS ON THE PARKING LOT , HIT SOME CURBS WHICH CAUSE THE…"~524 mi, complaint #1739759
    • "TODAY, MAR. 22, 2021, IN MY BRAND NEW 2021 TESLA MODEL Y, WHICH I HAVE NOW OWNED FOR ONE MONTH, I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AT A FAIRLY LARGE INTERSECTION ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF ANNAPOLIS, MD. I HAD MY FOOT RESTING ON THE FLOOR AS THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND IN HOL…"~795 mi, complaint #1735735
    • "WHILE I WAS PREPARING TO PARK. THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN AND JUMPED THE CURB. THE BREAK WAS NOT RESPONSIVE, AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR. THE CAR HIT A POLE AND STOPPED. I CALLED THE POLICE AND FILED A POLICE REPORT. THIS IS SECOND TIME THAT THI…"~1,995 mi, complaint #1727164
    • "The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The vehicle swiped the side of an apartment building before crashing into a tree and coming to a complete stop. The ai…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1854329
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while coasting into the garage, the vehicle independently accelerated. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer o…"~38,727 mi, complaint #2143426
  6. #6

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 23 unsafe

    24
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 20–45 MPH on a six-lane highway, the contact attempted a hard acceleration, and there was an abnormal banging sound heard. The battery was disconnected. The pyrotechnic fuse went into fail…"~58,044 mi, complaint #1993241
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud pop coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle lost autom…"~60,000 mi, complaint #2146130
  7. #7

    adas adaptive cruise

    21 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    23
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=17, median 4,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would slow down without warning while using the smart cruise control feature. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagno…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1768276
  8. #8

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    22 unsafe

    22
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Hi, I just read the news about NHTSA on Model X pretensioner recall and found my Model Y may have the same issue. The seatbelt hold on the driver's seat is extended a lot compared to the passages seat. "complaint #1883650
    • "rear seat belts do not latch. the male portion of the seatbelt will be able to go in fully, but there's no click or latch to prevent it from coming back out. this is a huge safety issue, but Tesla has refused to service it. there are no warning lamps or messag…"complaint #1898485
    • "On 7/18/2023 - my car reported the following: Replace Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat. In essence the seat sensor on the car malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. Tesla charged me $466.29 to replace this and said that this was n…"complaint #1911264
    • "•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The ‘Front Passenger Safety Restraint System’ had some unknown ‘fault’ and the car gave a prompt that service was required. This occurred: 6/2022 5/2023 8/2023…"complaint #1913719
    • "Front passenger safety restraint system fault intermittently appears and disappears. Might be defect of manufacture of harness squezed. Lots of users are complaining about said and manufacture wants $500 to repair what seems to be a recall. https://teslamotors…"complaint #1915549
  9. #9

    software or update

    1 stranded, 16 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    21
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WE HAVE LOST COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE TESLA PHONE APP. THE PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THREE DIFFERENT PHONES OF TWO DIFFERENT MODELS. WE HAVE USUALLY BEEN ABLE TO RE-ESTABLISH COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE TESLA PROCEDURES, BUT…"~870 mi, complaint #1738557
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-70 mph and merging onto the highway, the vehicle inadvertently swerved into the two other lanes. The display screen (eMMC) crashed. The contact attempted to reboot the sys…"~8,500 mi, complaint #1762097
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and at various speeds, the center console froze, turned off, and then rebooted. The contact stated that the steering, brakes, and accelerator pedal were still operable…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1855297
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the vehicle had received a software update through the Wi-Fi from Tesla. The contact stated that the camera for the autonomous self-drive feature had become excessively sensitive sounding the alarm…"~36,314 mi, complaint #1831180
  10. #10

    adas lane keeping

    17 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    18
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The Vehicle was in FSD Beta mode and while taking a left turn the car went into the wrong lane and I was hit by another driver in the lane next to my lane. the car gave an alert 1/2 way through the turn so I tried to turn the wheel to avoid it from going into…"complaint #1777564
    • "On Monday November 22 at around 6:15 PM CST, I was driving my model Y and had Tesla's Full Self Driving Beta software engaged. A right banked curve on a two lane road in a rural area came up with a vehicle coming around the curve the opposite direction. The Mo…"complaint #1784120
    • "Driving south on Interstate 89 in Vermont, approaching exit 2. Auto-pilot and auto-steer engaged. (Note: this vehicle does not have the optional "full self-driving beta" mode.) In the right lane, road curving to the left. The right-hand exit ramp appeared a…"complaint #1814097
    • "On June 2 around 3:40pm CDT while driving in cruise control on I-43 in Wisconsin around 70mph my car suddenly went into corrective lane assist with warning alerts and steering wheel action. There was no reason this should have happened. "complaint #1816896
    • "I was traveling early morning before sunrise over the tehachapi pass towards Mojave in California. Someone had lost a camper shell from the top of a pickup truck in the lane. It was still dark outside. I saw the obstruction in the road but the car cameras did…"complaint #1818647
  11. #11

    other

    14 unsafe, 1 broken, 3 annoyance

    18
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THESE ARE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS REGARDING COMPLAIN NUMBER 11406321. WE DID HAVE TO SHIFT INTO PARK IN ORDER TO USE THE KEY CARD. THAT IS NORMAL AND EXPECTED. "~870 mi, complaint #1738563
  12. #12

    backup camera

    17 unsafe

    17
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The backup warning system did not work when I backed out of a driveway on a dark night. I knew there was a black car (sedan I believe) parked along the curb across from the driveway, and could partly see it in the backup camera when the tail lights would turn…"complaint #1785022
    • "Hello, Tesla has released an update that will turn on the side camera when the blinker is activated. At night, the blinker can blind the camera making it difficult if not impossible to see any object. I'm concerned that this can cause the driver to turn int…"complaint #1791099
    • "The manufacturer updated the vehicle software in January 2022. This caused the rear camera to malfunction. The malfunction is that the view of the camera inside the vehicle pauses for periods. The driver is becomes unaware of the true distance between the vehi…"complaint #1791682
    • "Since the v11 upgrade, my backup camera has dropped frames and lags while backing up to the point that I have almost hit bollards while backing up. If a child walked behind the car, I would not know it."complaint #1792402
    • "The display of the rear view camera on the screen is not synched. Sometimes it shows something that happened moments earlier. For example, it may show me as I am walking toward the car. Then it “lags” as you back up, meaning that it shows you in an earlier pos…"complaint #1795411
  13. #13

    heater core and blower

    14 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "MY CAR'S INTERIOR HEATING STOPPED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING FROM KADOKA, SD TO BIG SKY, MT ON A ROAD TRIP. AS TEMPERATURES OUTSIDE WERE SUBZERO, INTERIOR WINDOWS FROSTED OVER, PREVENTING VISIBILITY AND CABIN TEMP FELL TO ZERO. MY WIFE AND I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO D…"~3,700 mi, complaint #1725578
    • "MY DEFROSTER HAS FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE CAR FAILS TO PROVIDE HEAT IN COLD TEMPERATURES, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THIS PRESENTS A DANGEROUS CONDITION WHEN DRIVING IN WINTER CLIMATES AND RESULTS IN THE WINDSHIELD ICING UP INSIDE AND OUT. I HAVE BEE…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1726351
  14. #14

    airbag system

    16 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "The contact's sister owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while her sister was driving on the highway(speed unknown) with the autopilot engaged, an 18-wheeler drifted into her lane and hit her vehicle. Due to the impact, her sister's vehicle hit…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1757910
  15. #15

    ev drive unit or inverter

    16 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 15MPH, THE REGENERATIVE BREAKING SYSTEM IS ENGAGED TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT THE TIRES BREAK TRACTION WHEN DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACE LIKE SNOW OR ICE. THE CAR THEN GOES OUT OF CONTROL AND SLIDES IN AN UNCONT…"~640 mi, complaint #1721949
  16. #16

    hv battery and range

    3 stranded, 13 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed the code BMSA079 on the computer, and messages "Vehicle Unable to Charge to Maximum Charge Level" and “Maximum Charge Level Reached - Reduced Maxi…"~155,000 mi, complaint #2162495
  17. #17

    infotainment head unit

    14 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 2,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I AM REACHING OUT TO SAY THAT I SAW THE MODEL S AND X RECALL FOR TOUCHSCREEN GLITCHES. I HAVE A MODEL Y 2021 AND I'M EXPERIENCING MANY OF THE SAME CONCERNS AND ISSUES WITH LOSS OF SAFETY FEATURES LIKE BACK UP CAMERA, PROXIMITY CENSORS, LAND CHANGE, AND MORE. T…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1719650
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the display screen would intermittently fail to operate as needed, without warning. The contact also stated that the power windows failed to operate as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to…"~9,400 mi, complaint #1856478
  18. #18

    suspension struts shocks

    12 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "HERE IS A MODEL Y THAT HAS JUST ARRIVED IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/59067410/PHOTOS/SALVAGE-2021-TESLA-MODEL-Y-MA-NORTH-BOSTON IT HAS TRAVELLED A MIND BOGGLING 283 MILES AND THEN THE WHEELS FELL OFF. THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION IS FUBAR. TH…"complaint #1728132
    • "HERE IS YET ANOTHER TESLA WITH A BROKEN SUSPENSION HTTPS://EREPAIRABLES.COM/SALVAGE-CARS-AUCTION/TESLA/MODEL+Y/VID-45992776 IT HAS DONE JUST 283 MILES SINCE BEING FACTORY GATED. IT HAS NOT BEEN IN A CRASH, THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS SIMPLY FALLEN TO BITS. TH…"complaint #1730382
    • "The car has less than 300 miles on it and I hear a loud clunk under the front of the floor by the pedals as if something is loose like the front motor or the suspension."complaint #1768396
    • "Two issues: 1) alarming clunking noise coming from suspension. 2) center command screen froze and then crashed completely (black screen) while driving, which resulted in a loss of controls like turn signals and speed indicator."complaint #1776138
    • "On today’s day 2/24/23 approximately 13:18 hours. While I driving my 2021 Tesla Model Y ,the rear suspension failed. The steering wheel is not responding and I was unable to turn it or control it. This resulted in the rear tire and rim pointing to the left. Th…"complaint #1876034
  19. #19

    brake hydraulics

    13 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WENT TO STOP ON BELLFLOWER AVE IN LONG BEACH AROUND 8 AM 2/11/21 TO TURN IN TO THE LONG BEACH VA AND HAD LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE. BASICALLY STOPPED FROM REGENERATIVE BRAKING. HAD TO PUSH BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO ENGAGE AT ALL. THANKFULLY DID NOT HAVE AN ACC…"~1,200 mi, complaint #1726493
  20. #20

    control module

    1 stranded, 10 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Backing out of garage, the driver began to smell acid and burnt electronics from the back of car. After driving back home from work the driver inspected the car. The back driver side door reeked of burnt electronics and the entire car had an acid smell. After…"complaint #1762675
    • "The Tesla’s operating system on the center screen froze. I was unable to view speed. I was also unable to turn on wipers, blinkers, or switch headlight beam setting. The operating system had to be rebooted while driving. This has happened twice. The firs…"complaint #1803992
    • "While driving the all functionality was lost and the screen went black"complaint #1875201
    • "Main console computer spontaneously rebooted mid-drive. Ability to know vehicle speed is not possible during reboot. After reboot, the vehicle turn indicators would not activate and when I attempted to enter “park,”, the vehicle continued to indicate that it w…"complaint #1931854
    • "Vehicle screen has phantom touches. Extremely unsafe as the vehicle will turn volume to max, turn heat/air up and down, and make other changes on its own and while driving. Almost caused several accidents. Tesla had made me wait for a month before they will fi…"complaint #1975737
  21. #21

    door latch and hinge

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the rear passenger’s side door, the door failed to open from the outside. The contact attempted to use the emergency release and the door failed to op…"~53,000 mi, complaint #1996530
  22. #22

    hv system fault reduced power

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Received Error code: VCFRONT_447 indicating a cabin heat issue, and a complete loss of heat within the interior of the vehicle. It appears this also is preventing the battery from fully warming up causing severe vehicle power reduction and lack of regen brakin…"complaint #1789314
    • "My wife and I were driving south on Interstate-93 in NH on Superbowl Sunday. Traffic was heavy and we were traveling about 65 mph when our 2021 Model Y Tesla started beeping and the following message came on the screen - “PULL OVER SAFELY, Vehicle shutting do…"complaint #1796593
    • "On June 28th 11:50pm with 174 mile range, my Tesla Model Y LR died while driving on fwy 5 with my 10 year old. I barely had time to exit, it gave me warning “PULL OVER SAFELY” “VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN”. I barely made it to off-ramp, my car completely shutdown at…"complaint #1820197
    • "The car suddenly stops responding with the entire system seems to be shut down. I cannot access any controls including lights, brakes and any other safety features. I reached out to tesla regarding this and even sent them a video showing the same. They are not…"complaint #1822911
    • "The vehicle loose power all of sudden while driving disabling all power including loss of power steering, failure of lane departure avoidance, regenerative brakes, parking breaks, traction and stability controls. This has caused hazardous dangerous conditions…"complaint #1826788
  23. #23

    steering rack mechanical

    1 stranded, 9 unsafe, 1 broken

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Backing out of garage and driveway & heard loud pop. Immediately stopped, put into drive and moved out of street, approx 6' (with car making awful noise and terrible steering wheel feel).. Exited vehicle and observed that drivers side front wheel was aimed…"complaint #1855793
    • "The right tie rod suddenly disconnected when I turned the steering wheel. The tie rod did not look damaged. The car lost all steering control. Fortunately I was in my driveway when it occurred. The car has 24,000 miles and has never been in an accident. The ca…"complaint #1896233
    • "The steering wheel locked up for 3 seconds. I returned the vehicle to Tesla and they said they replaced the control arms. I suspect the bearings in the steering control arms seized. I suspect the steering control arms are not robust enough to handle the weight…"complaint #1915251
    • "Steering Rack Dual motor. My auto pilot and lane departure warnings started to deactivate randomly within 10 to 15 minutes of driving. I took it into Tesla and they are saying this part needs to be replace. I’ve only had the car three weeks."complaint #1917642
    • "While driving, steering wheel locked! Prior to locking there were no warnings. While wheel locked, warning popped up-“ steering assist reduced.” I was going up a curved parking garage ramp when wheel locked, I was unable to turn my vehicle causing my car hit…"complaint #1937124
  24. #24

    wiper and washer

    7 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Wiper failure when set to automatic (rain-sensing) when vision system shut down due to poor visibility. A little background: I've been driving for 50+ years, about 1.5M total miles, most of it commuting. I'm a software engineer with 45+ years of experience,…"complaint #1752457
    • "The defroster system is not able to keep the windshield clear of ice buildup when driving even in light snow. This is because this is an electric vehicle, so there is no engine heat from underneath the hood to radiate towards the wipers. Between wiper cycles…"complaint #1792624
    • "Wipers have frozen down in place. Car is garaged and the buildup was from the road and not parked accumulation. New car <7k miles. Phantom breaking on the autopilot system where it will slam on the breaks always at some points on a commute and when driving in…"complaint #1796217
    • "Cameras did not work with turn signals. WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. Then the screen went blank. I don’t know if the hazard lights worked initially when pressed. This occurred in a rainstorm going over 60mph. We almost were in a wreck due to not being able to see a…"complaint #1804955
    • "Tesla’s automatic wipers does not always work and it’s a serious safety concerns. I have videos of the automatic wipers not working during a light and heavy rain and it hindered visibilities on the road. Sometimes I traveled for 2 mins without the wiper sweepi…"complaint #1806577
  25. #25

    glass and windshield

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that all the windows in the vehicle had become distorted, cloudy, bubbly, and delaminated, creating a visibility hazard while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer w…"~18,000 mi, complaint #1965882
  26. #26

    mirror

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TESLA ADDED NEW AUTO-DIMMING MIRRORS IF YOU ADJUST FOR A PERSON 5'10" OR ABOVE THE MIRRORS DON'T ADJUST TO SEE THE LEFT LANE. IT POINTS DOWN AND TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK DELIVERY OF VEHICLE AND MADE FORMAL COMPLAINT TO DELIVERY TEAM ON 11/27/2020. I WENT WITH…"complaint #1712806
    • "DRIVER SIDE MIRROR WON'T GO OUTWARD AND UP ENOUGH. I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING IN THE NEXT LANE. REALLY DANGEROUS FOR TALL PEOPLE LIKE 6'00""complaint #1713297
    • "THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR DOES NOT GOT FAR LEFT OR UP ENOUGH. I AM 5'11. I HAD ANOTHER MODEL Y BEFORE THIS WITHOUT THE AUTO DIMMING MIRRORS. DID NOT HAVE AN ISSUE AT ALL WITH THE MIRROR. RIGHT NOW THE MIRRORS I CANNOT SEE ANYTHING ON MY NEXT LANE ON DRIVER SIDE.…"complaint #1713961
    • "THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR CANNOT BE ANGLED LEFT ENOUGH TO DISPLAY PROPERLY WHAT'S ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AS SUCH, MORE THAN 1/3 OF THE MIRROR DISPLAYS THE CAR ITSELF INSTEAD OF POTENTIAL OTHER CARS OR OBJECTS ON THE REAR LEFT (SEE ATTACHED PICTURE).…"complaint #1714084
    • "THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR CANNOT EXTEND TO ALLOW NORMAL SIDE VIEW VISIBILITY. I AM ONLY 5'8" AND AT FULL OUTWARD ELECTRICAL MOTOR STOP, ABOUT 1/3 OF THE MIRROR SHOWS THE CAR BODY. I HAVE 55YRS OF DRIVING AND NEVER HAD A CAR WITH THIS LIMIT. MY WIFE, AT 5'2" IS AB…"complaint #1719665
  27. #27

    power windows and locks

    6 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The Back windows go up and down when trying to roll them up. "complaint #1816915
    • "Windows on certain model year 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles, model year 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles and model year 2019-2022 Model Y vehicles to correct performance of automatic window reversal systems to comply with regulatory standards"complaint #1848689
    • "Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No 118. Power operated window, partition, and roof panel system"complaint #1855125
    • "On November 5'2022 (12.30pm PST), we went to visit local bank. We parked the car and locked it. After locking the car ,we have started go towards bank and suddenly we noticed all four windows automatically started to open (eventually all windows were open and…"complaint #1855664
    • "The driver side window doesn’t roll all the way up when trying to close it automatically with one button push. It goes partially up the side and then will automatically roll down."complaint #1866061
  28. #28

    seat mechanism

    7 unsafe, 1 broken

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the middle seats were unlatched independently. The middle seat's unlatched warning message was displayed. No one was injured. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was co…"~24,917 mi, complaint #1880022
  29. #29

    wheel or rim

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "HEARD A LOUD POP WHEN TURNING WHEEL TO PUT IN REVERSE AND PARK. NOW ONE WHEEL POINTS STRAIGHT, ONE IS TURNED."~7,716 mi, complaint #1736555
  30. #30

    key fob and immobilizer

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "THESE ARE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS REGARDING COMPLAINTS NUMBERS 11406321 AND 11406325. SINCE THAT TIME WE HAVE HAD INCREASINGLY FREQUENT PROBLEMS WITH THE PHONE KEYS ON MULTIPLE PHONES. MY SUSPICION IS THAT THE PROBLEM I INITIALLY REPORTED IN CASE NUMBER 114063…"~880 mi, complaint #1738969
    • "THESE ARE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS REGARDING COMPLAINTS NUMBERS 11406321, 11406325, AND 11406632. ACCORDING TO TESLA DOCUMENTATION, LOSS OF PHONE KEY COMMUNICATION SHOULD GIVE 2 TO 3 MINUTES DRIVABILITY TO GET TO A SAFE STOP. THERE WAS NO STATEMENT THAT I FOUND I…"~900 mi, complaint #1739507
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated after placing the children in the vehicle, he was unable to enter the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle lost electric power while attempting to open the door with the key fob and with the ph…"~72,175 mi, complaint #2002795
  31. #31

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe, 1 broken

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Multiple occasions of the vehicle's heat/ac system failing in cold weather."complaint #1787337
    • "Regarding a Tesla Y, 2021with 10,000 miles; Durging a recent cold spell, winter driving conditions, the A/C Compressor/Heat Pump failed causing the windshield defrost to cease functioning, causing the visiblity to become poor to none at all, requiring that the…"complaint #1861910
    • "The heat pump stopped working twice, which requires a trip to the service center and the repair to restore function is a minimum of $3,000. The vehical has no heat at all, no defrost, no cabin heat nothing! This defect happens in the coldest parts of winter an…"complaint #2068145
    • "My heat pump and ac unit went out and Tesla wants me to pay $4000 for a faulty part that broke in less then 3 years "complaint #2169029
  32. #32

    adas blind spot

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "blind spot warning on the lower left corner of the screen, which is covered by the right hand when driving. With the turn signal, it is impossible to the blind spot warning video without taking the right hand off from the steering wheel. A dangerous situation…"complaint #1793097
    • "The blind spot warning creates a visual indication on the media control unit display in the center of the dashboard, but no aural warning or indication when looking at the side mirror. In effect, this requires the driver to look forward and towards the center…"complaint #1798463
    • "B pillar cameras have a known water intrusion issue rendering the camera inoperable and compromising the safety features of the vehicle. Tesla refuses to remedy this known design flaw. "complaint #1839327
    • "This report addresses concerns regarding recent safety updates in the Tesla Model Y, specifically focusing on the "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" and the blind spot warning system. These updates are intended to enhance driver awareness and prevent collisions. Howev…"complaint #2054290
  33. #33

    climate control module

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Tesla has dog mode, camping mode, and climate on mode, which shows the interior temperature on the screen and in the app. The Telsa was in "dog mode" and displayed on the screen and app that the interior of the car was 66 degrees, but A/C was clearly not on a…"complaint #1770563
    • "There is no heat in car. The Climate Control Failed. Cabin Climate Control System requires service is the error message. Its a known problem with Tesla Model 3 and Model y The temperature in the car was in the single digits. The window would not defrost and ha…"complaint #1789249
    • "The heat pump that supplies all heated air to the cabin stopped working completely. Safety was impacted because my windshield fogged up, making it impossible to see clearly out of my windshield or other windows. It was 11°F outside with no heating. I am not…"complaint #1791024
    • "Heatpump failed which caused a lack of cabin heat and in warmer weather would have caused charging issues due to lack of cooling possibly leaving me stranded. This had a warning on screen about loss of cabin conditioning. This happened over a mountain pass an…"complaint #1867016
  34. #34

    cruise control conventional

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "At random times, without warning, cruise control changes from set speed (e.g. 70mph) to 45mph and vehicle immediately begins hard braking to achieve new set speed. Any cars following may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a collision if the driver d…"complaint #1771996
    • "When driving with Cruise Control engaged, the car repeatedly brakes VERY HARD. Sometimes the braking is when there is a car in the opposing lane and is approaching but not over the line. Sometimes the sudden hard braking occurs for no apparent reason. But o…"complaint #1781105
    • "At night the wipers run when cruise control is engaged even though the windshield is clean and there is no precipitation. This situation also occurs when Autopilot is engaged. I've complained to Tesla's service center about this issue. I have text documentatio…"complaint #1850626
  35. #35

    driveshaft axle cv

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The bushing spontaneously separated from the axle/wheel making the car unsafe and undriveable. I cannot believe I am the only one. This needs to be investigated and the car needs to be recalled "complaint #2032484
    • "Suspension noise, front suspension or steering squeak or groaning while turning. Tesla service identified LH half Shaft was damaged and blaming it's due to outside influence because impact to the undershiled. This car should be still under 4 years and 50K wa…"complaint #2036320
    • "Both front half shafts failed and had to be replaced by Tesla. I did research and this part is known to be substandard, was recalled in China, and remains a problem in the US."complaint #2162673
  36. #36

    engine cooling

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I TALK TO SPECIALIST THEY SAID I HAVE COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE, AND GUY FROM TESLA FITZGERALD WHO REMOTELY CONNECTED TO MY CAR BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT WITH YOU , ALSO SAID I HAD COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE NOT RODENT PROBLEM... TESLA RODENT DAMAGE EXCUSE IS SCAM AND F…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1747266
    • "MY CAR WIRES GOT OVERHEATED BECAUSE OF FAILING COOLING SYSTEM , TESLA REFUSED TO PULL LOGS ON MY CAR, TALK TO TESLA REPS NAMED FITZGERALD WHO SAID I HAVE FAILING COOLING SYSTEM ... BUT THEY REFUSED TO FIX NEW CAR UNDER WARRANTY FORCING ME TO PAY EXTRA FOR DA…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1747347
  37. #37

    horn

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn was inoperable unless extreme pressure was applied. The dealer was made aware of the failure and sent a Tesla associate to the contact's residence to…"complaint #1789862
    • "The horn placement on my car VIN [XXX] ) 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid is difficult to find when in an emergent situation. The horn is a small button on the right side of the steering wheel rather than the center of the steering wheel. Twice in the past week, I…"complaint #1976902
    • "The pedestrian warning system and horn are speakers in newer Tesla's. The speaker is in the front right ahead of the wheel facing down towards the road. When it is raining or snowing, rain or snow get lodged into the speaker and it is completely inaudible. I s…"complaint #2058356
  38. #38

    lighting exterior

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The purpose of this missive is to complain about how blindingly bright the Tesla Model Y's headlights shine into the eyes of on-coming traffic and pedestrian. The Model 3's headlights are marginally less blinding (probably only because they are a few inches lo…"complaint #1959947
    • "We Americans need you to stop auto manufacturers from using blinding headlights on their cars. This will cause accidents and you will be liable for allowing this to begin with."complaint #1986415
    • "Low beams are too bright and aimed too high, constantly blinding other drivers. Automatic high beams are always turning on and will not automatically turn off when another vehicle is detected."complaint #2094437
  39. #39

    wiring harness

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The same week I purchased my Tesla Model Y, the screen would freeze and the touchscreen would cease to accept input. I took it into the service center twice in the same week and the cause turned out to be a pinched cable harness which was repaired under warran…"complaint #1750311
    • "2nd Tesla loaner is damaged by rodents Chew on Car Wires."complaint #2093396
    • "Plugged a charger cord for a Garmin watch into the center console USBC right side port. Overnight the USBC port, while connected to the cord but not to the watch or any other device, overheated and melted. It burned the cords male connection into two pieces an…"complaint #2106200
  40. #40

    alignment and pull

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Suspension has a defect from factory that prevents proper alignment. Per alignment shop the car cannot be aligned to factory specifications. Premature tire wear is potential safety hazard. "complaint #1886181
    • "I noticed some alignment issues becoming progressively worse with my car. Suddenly in a parking garage my front right tire over rotated and became stuck in the wheel well. I was able to free the wheel and the car said "alighnment issues but car is safe to driv…"complaint #2031695
  41. #41

    instrument cluster

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The main instrument cluster / screen turns off without notice while the car is in motion. This results in the loss of all displays and controls, such as 1. Speedometer 2. Defrost control 3. Turn signal noise 4. Windshield wiper setting 5. Battery capacity ga…"complaint #1796639
    • "I was driving to work this morning, February 7th, 2024 driving at freeway speeds. My Tesla touchscreen dropped out and went completely dark. The reset process is to press and hold for about 30 seconds and another 30 seconds for the full restart. I attempted th…"complaint #1965347
  42. #42

    paint and clearcoat

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE REAR BODY PANEL IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEELS HAVE PAINT ISSUE BEING HIT BY DEBRIS COMING FROM THE FRONT TIRES."complaint #1732307
    • "The paint on my Tesla Model Y is peeling and delaminating along both sides of the rear trunk/hatch seam, adjacent to the rear glass. The issue appears in the same location on both sides in a symmetrical pattern. There has been no accident, impact, or external…"complaint #2196145
  43. #43

    stability and traction control

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "In a rainy day I drove Tesla Model Y (AWD) on highway 1 in the Raleigh NC area. The highway 1 is under construction. There are only two lanes open with cement barriers on both sides. While I was driving on the left lane, the car suddenly lost control and sli…"complaint #1863517
    • "Alerts regarding vehicle steering, stability, emergency braking, lane control traction, received all at once and the Tesla AI advisor indicated others were reporting the same. No other vehicles in lanes around us showed up on the vehicle LCD screen as normall…"complaint #2067134
  44. #44

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y equipped with Continental Pro Contact RX tires, Tire Size 5255/4R/19XL(N/A). While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the contact stated that the front driver side tire popped as the low air pressure warning light appeared o…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1753948
  45. #45

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I am submitting this complaint to request an investigation into a serious safety defect involving my Tesla vehicle. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has experienced a significant and unexpected loss of acceleration when I attempted to enter or cross intersec…"complaint #2214476
  46. #46

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a recent experience with my 2021 Tesla Model Y, which is still under warranty. While using the vehicle, I observed an abnormal sound when revers…"complaint #1936416
  47. #47

    engine stall or no start

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that her husband was attempting to drive from a stationary position and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact exper…"complaint #1877932
  48. #48

    ev charging system

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The vehicle’s high-voltage battery and charging system experienced repeated failures, preventing charging while the vehicle was parked. This issue occurred three times: January 2024: Charging error “BMS_a079. Unable to charge” appeared. Vehicle was stranded a…"complaint #2161899
  49. #49

    interior trim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The trim that includes the controls for the front passenger seat became detached. I returned to the vehicle to find the seat had fully reclined on its own. This occurred in October 2022. I confirmed with other Model Y owners that they had the same problem occu…"complaint #1878577
  50. #50

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I am reporting a safety issue involving my 2021 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle recently displayed a “Parking brake function degraded” warning. The car has only 91,000 miles and is approximately four years old, which is far too soon for a failure of a critical safe…"complaint #2140864
  51. #51

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The power steering became reduced and diminished while driving. Tesla is stating that there is corrosion on the wiring harness ports on the power steering rack. There was no warning until after the incident, but now a “reduced power steering” annunciation appe…"complaint #2113302
  52. #52

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the TPMS warning light illuminated, with the “TPMS Fault” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer wher…"~94,000 mi, complaint #2073080
  53. #53

    trunk or liftgate

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Water collects in the rear bottom trunk compartment. This flooding has resulted in moId. It appears as though the rear trunk is not properly installed and I have seen this reported on forums by other Tesla owners. Here is an example: [XXX] I have sent my Tes…"complaint #1953109

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TESLA MODEL Y directly.