2021-2022 Tesla Model Y Tow Hitch Retrofit Issue
A manufacturer communication indicates that certain 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y vehicles, specifically those that underwent a tow hitch retrofit in service, might need a replacement LH Body Controller Module.
S'applique également à
- Tesla Model Y
- 2022
Tesla has identified a potential issue affecting certain 2021-2022 Model Y vehicles that have undergone a tow hitch retrofit through their service centers. This manufacturer communication, identified by NHTSA ID 10253651, advises that these specific vehicles may require the replacement of their Left-Hand (LH) Body Controller Module.
This issue pertains to the TRAILER HITCHES and STRUCTURE components of the vehicle, highlighting a potential compatibility or functionality concern arising after the retrofit procedure.
What's the Issue?
For 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y vehicles that received a tow hitch retrofit in service, there is a possibility that the LH Body Controller Module may need to be replaced. The exact reason for this requirement is not detailed in the summary, but it suggests a necessary update or correction to ensure proper vehicle function after the installation of the tow hitch.
Symptoms
The provided information does not specify particular symptoms that owners might observe if their vehicle requires this repair. However, issues with a body controller module could potentially affect various electrical systems, lighting, or even the functionality of the tow hitch itself. If you have a 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y that received a Tesla Model Y tow hitch retrofit and are experiencing any unusual electrical behavior or tow hitch-related problems, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected.
Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions
The primary trigger condition for this potential replacement is having a 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y that previously received a Tesla Model Y tow hitch retrofit at a Tesla Service center. This suggests that the issue is not with the original factory installation of a tow hitch, but specifically with units retrofitted post-purchase.
Repair Procedure Summary
The recommended repair involves the replacement of the LH Body Controller Module. This procedure would typically be performed by trained Tesla service technicians. Owners should expect this service to address any underlying compatibility or functional issues stemming from the tow hitch retrofit.
Owner Action
If you own a 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y and had a Tesla Model Y tow hitch retrofit performed by Tesla Service, it is recommended to contact your local Tesla Service center. You can inquire whether your vehicle is affected by this communication (NHTSA ID 10253651) and if a replacement of the LH Body Controller Module is necessary for your specific vehicle. Tesla Service will be able to check your vehicle's service history and determine the appropriate next steps.
Source: NHTSA ID 10253651
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the issue with the Tesla Model Y tow hitch retrofit?
- A manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10253651) indicates that certain 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y vehicles that received a tow hitch retrofit in service may require a replacement LH Body Controller Module.
- Which Tesla Model Y vehicles are affected by this issue?
- This issue specifically affects 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y vehicles that had a tow hitch retrofitted by Tesla Service.
- What is the LH Body Controller Module?
- The LH Body Controller Module is a critical electronic control unit in your Tesla Model Y that manages various electrical functions and systems, including those potentially related to the vehicle's structure and accessories like a tow hitch.
- What should I do if my Tesla Model Y had a tow hitch retrofit?
- If your 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y received a tow hitch retrofit, you should contact a Tesla Service center to determine if your vehicle requires the LH Body Controller Module replacement as per NHTSA ID 10253651.
What Tesla Model Y owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 7 model years.
- 4,325
- Owner complaints
- 43
- Recalls
- 146
- Service bulletins
- 588
- Crashes reported
- 26
- Fires reported
- 403
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
1,096 complaints, the 2nd most of 7 model years on file. Owners reported 90 crashes, 6 fires and 26 injuries for this year, which also has 23 recalls on file.
Trailer Hitches and Structure, the system this article covers, accounts for 165 of 4,325 complaints (4%), including 34 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2020 | 283 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,096 | |
| 2022 | 874 | |
| 2023 | 1,194 | |
| 2024 | 335 | |
| 2025 | 109 | |
| 2026 | 434 |
Most-reported systems
- Forward Collision Avoidance — 1,975
- Vehicle Speed Control — 589
- Service Brakes — 576
- Electrical System — 571
- Steering — 490
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V507000 — Exterior Lighting (Aug 2026)
- 26V283000 — Back Over Prevention (May 2026)
- 24V935000 — Tires (Dec 2024)
Recent owner reports about trailer hitches and structure
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.
Read owner complaints →Frunk (Hood) has been randomly opening at times when the car is parked. Today it opened after being parked at my office parking lot for 3 hours. I am concerned that this can occur while driving, especially on the highway, potentially causing a deadly accident.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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