Tesla · Model Year Profile · 2021

2021 Tesla Model Y: Recalls, Issues, and Bulletins

The 2021 Tesla Model Y has been subject to numerous recalls addressing critical safety concerns, including suspension fractures, camera cable defects, and software issues affecting driver assistance systems and pedestrian warnings. While no owner complaints or federal investigations have been…

Byeditor sarah mitchellUpdated
2021 TESLA Model Y safety profile — editorial illustration
Editorial illustration generated for this model-year profile.

The 2021 Tesla Model Y has faced a notable number of safety recalls, addressing a range of critical components from suspension integrity to advanced driver-assistance systems. Owners of this popular electric SUV should be particularly aware of potential 2021 Tesla Model Y issues related to camera cable installation, which can impair features like Autosteer, and software glitches leading to false collision warnings. This profile details the recalls, owner complaints, federal investigations, and manufacturer service bulletins associated with the 2021 Model Y, providing a comprehensive overview for current and prospective owners.

At a glance

The 2021 Tesla Model Y has been subject to 13 safety recalls, primarily affecting critical systems such as the suspension, seat belts, and various software functions related to safety and driver assistance. Despite the numerous recalls, there have been no owner complaints or federal investigations reported to NHTSA for this model year, which is an unusual but positive sign for owners.

Recalls

The 2021 Tesla Model Y has been involved in several safety recalls, with many addressing critical components and software. Owners should ensure all applicable recall remedies have been performed on their vehicle.

Camera and Collision Avoidance Systems

Two recalls address issues with the vehicle's camera and collision avoidance systems. NHTSA ID 22V317000 was issued for incorrectly installed fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals, which could result in swapped camera views and impair Autosteer functionality. Additionally, recall 21V846000 addressed a software error (version 2021.36.5.2) that could cause false forward-collision warnings or unexpected automatic emergency braking, increasing crash risk. Both issues highlight potential 2021 Tesla Model Y issues with critical safety features.

Brakes and Suspension

Several recalls pertain to the vehicle's braking and suspension components. Recall 21V387000 involved potentially loose brake caliper bolts, which could lead to caliper separation, contact with the wheel rim, and loss of tire pressure. The suspension also saw two recalls: 21V835000 for front suspension lateral link fasteners that could loosen, causing alignment shifts and instability, and 21V912000 for front and rear suspension knuckles that might fracture, reducing vehicle stability and control.

Seat Belts

Safety restraints were also a concern, with two recalls related to seat belts. Recall 21V389000 addressed improperly attached front seat shoulder belt fasteners, increasing injury risk in a crash. Similarly, 21V388000 focused on potentially improperly attached fasteners on the second-row seat belt retractors, posing a similar injury risk.

Software-Related Safety Features

A significant number of recalls involved software updates to address safety compliance and functionality. The