Tesla Model Y Complaints
4,325 consumer complaints on file.
- #11573678February 23, 2024VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
UNKNOWN
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11573549February 23, 2024EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
I often experience significant lag for rearview camera and the turn signal indicator lights. Sometimes it takes up to 10 seconds for the rearview camera view to come up. It's dangerous because it's hard to tell if the car is in reverse or not. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts to change gear. I have similar experience with the turn signal indicators. It takes multiple attempts for the signals to come up, or there is often significant delay on when I turn on the signal and when the lights actually come on.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11573358February 22, 2024VISIBILITY/WIPER
Auto setting on windshield wiper does not activate wipers. It happens in a downpour and moderate rain. Other times it activates in a sunny day or with minimal water on window. When it fails, I have to manually turn on wiper which requires taking my eyes off the road to look at the screen to set the speed. This is very dangerous at one of the worst times when I need my eyes on the wet road and traffic. Tesla has refused to look at the sensors and claims there is no issue. I have contacted them twice about this and gotten a “it’s a firmware issue. We’ll send an update soon.”The problem has persisted for several months. I have attached screen shots of the messages from Tesla.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11573300February 22, 2024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Tesla is using camera-only detection for Forward Collision Warning system and this leads to numerous false positive alerts. This has happened from simply driving next to parked cars or slowly approaching vehicles at a traffic light. When these faulty alerts occur, a loud audible beeping is heard and red alerts are displayed on the screen. These faulty alerts are dangerous distractions, causing panic, fear, and uncertainty in the driver, causing them to take their attention off of the road while they assess what just occurred. This is a critical flaw in the functionality of Tesla vehicles that the company has refused to address.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572864February 20, 2024AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH with the Auto Pilot activated, the driver attempted to steer into the left lane to avoid a collision. The vehicle suddenly began to fishtail causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash into the concrete median. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed. The air bags did not deploy and the driver sustained a head contusion and later received medical treatment. No police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to the home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. The contact later received a recall notice for the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000(Electrical System). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 45,000.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572920February 20, 2024STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
My vehicle beeps liberally when parking in tight spots, anywhere near a line of any sort, etc. A few weeks after getting my vehicle in late November (I don’t remember the exact date), I was driving through construction at night and without warning, the steering “corrected” itself and I hit a cone causing 2 scuffs on my new vehicle. The steering locked, but thankfully I was able to get the vehicle back into the lane. When I called Tesla a few weeks later they asked for a specific date and time which I didn’t have. They said they were unable to help without that. Thankfully there was nothing more serious, but I would like my scuffs and steering fixed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572897February 20, 2024VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On almost a daily basis, with the cruise control set to maintain speed (vs the option of advanced speed control that will adjust to signs), the car will inexplicably and quite randomly decelerate aggressively at highway speeds. On four separate occasions just today (although it happens at least once or twice a day), with the cruise set to 70 MPH, the car will randomly decelerate aggressively or even change the max speed of the cruise to 55 MPH. On all occasions, the posted speed limit is 65 or even 75 mph. This is dangerous, particularly in DFW traffic during rush hours, with traffic flow moving at similar and often higher speeds in close proximity. Having my car aggressively decelerate without warning to 55 MPH has caused me to be tailgated and honked at. This has been happening since I've received my car. At first, I tried to use the advanced features of the cruise, but whilst driving on the Dallas Tollways, where the toll road has a speed limit of 75 MPH and the regular highway paralleling at 65, the car is unable to differentiate and would often interpret the wrong speed limit and aggressively brake. Going from the flow of traffic (close to 80 MPH) to 65. This is why I switched the cruise to absolute speed rather than any sort of posted adaptive. It's seems to have gotten progressively worse. So much so that I only use the cruise where traffic is light because of this issue's unexpected and random nature. Besides being dangerous, it's also very scary as it's completely unexpected and aggressive. I did make a service support call, but the Tesla technician said it's a known issue and no data available if/when it may be fixed. Currently, car is running software v11.1 2024.2.3
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572760February 19, 2024STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The Facts of the Incident: On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] PM, [XXX] , was driving our 2023 Tesla Model Y on Arizona State Route [XXX] ), a two-lane highway, enroute from Orange, California, to the Grand Canyon South Rim. The vehicle carried a total of four passengers, including my wife, myself, and another couple from San Diego. During our journey, an alarming and life-threatening situation unfolded. Without warning, our 2023 Tesla Model Y abruptly veered to the left, dangerously encroaching into oncoming traffic. Despite my immediate attempts to regain control by steering the vehicle away from the oncoming traffic, the steering wheel became unresponsive, effectively locking in place. This mechanical or software malfunction prevented me from correcting the perilous situation, resulting in a head-on collision with a large Ford 350 Truck, which was also traveling at a high speed, estimated to be more than 60 miles per hour. Fortunately, while there were injuries, there didn’t appear to be any life threating injuries. Because of the resources required to further investigate and do an analysis of the vehicle, as well as the challenge of dealing with Tesla Inc., law firms have declined to pursue further investigations. Morgan and Morgan initially started an investigation with Knott, LLC, Arizona, but then dropped the pursuit due to costs. The vehicle is still on-hold by my insurance company, USAA, but they may not hold it much longer before placing it on auction. However, it is urgent that NHTSA take possession and complete further analysis of this vehicle. Your assistance and consideration are appreciated, and I look forward to assisting with this investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 6
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572616February 18, 2024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle's primary Autopilot processor randomly and completely failed while in active use on February 10th, causing the vehicle to immediately change course towards a highway barrier at high speed. Since that moment, every time the Autopilot DAS computer is reset, the primary processor refuses to transition from the INIT state to the NOMINAL state and instead transitions to CRITICAL state. The vehicle had software update 2023.44.30.8 for recall campaign #23V-838, recall number SB-23-00-008 applied 1 month ago, which was supposed to decrease the probable misuse of the DAS system. However, many individuals reported that the recall immediately and irreversibly damaged their DAS computer, so Tesla offered them a free replacement without hassle. However, I have been struggling to work with Tesla's Carlsbad, California service center for over a week to get the DAS computer replaced at no cost, since the computer was damaged after an update caused the computer to become irreversibly damaged after their software update was installed -- a software update which was supposed to have made the Autopilot system safer, but which has instead unfortunately irreversibly damaged the Autopilot computer, and caused my vehicle to randomly and immediately weave towards a highway barrier at high speed. I am wrongfully being asked to pay in excess of $2500 for a replacement computer as a result of the update damaging the DAS computer. They claim the catch-all diagnosis of a "short circuit" internal to the DAS computer caused the damage which would be out of warranty, except the computer has never been opened by myself. They confirmed to me that they chose that diagnosis after a process of elimination without actually probing the electrical system within the computer. The Carlsbad service center refuses to give me an accurate estimate for any further engineering analysis, claiming it could take multiple hrs/days at $245/hr. This is extremely unreasonable and presents unlimited risk.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572574February 18, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Car decelerated drastically to a low speed when driving on the highway using cruise control.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572565February 17, 2024ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I was driving my vehicle and the vehicle suddenly started giving warnings. The gas pedal lost all power immediately and the car started to slow down. I then stepped on the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop and turned on the hazard light. However, after around 5 minutes, the car completely shut down and the hazard light also stopped functioning.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572462February 16, 2024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
When on Autopilot, the car engages in "ghost braking" for no valid reason. This has happened a couple of time. The last incidence happened today, 02/16/2024, at about 10:38 a.m. while on a freeway. I was lucky that there was no cars immediately following me, otherwise a chain accident with pile up would had happened. This was a very risky and scary incident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572333February 16, 2024EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The tail lights get condensation inside which causes the brake lamp not to be as bright, and when in freezing tempures it acutuly freezes making it worest. Tesla replaced it once and the same day the new tail lamp had condensation I reached out to Tesla and now they are stating "Tesla's tail lights are not actually sealed. There is a small pin hole in the center of the light to allow the transfer of moisture. Small amounts of condensation are very normal especially after heavy rains. After a few hours in the sunlight the moisture will dissipate." Tesla has refused to replace it and I find this a safty consern and do not know where to get help.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572282February 16, 2024LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
I am using Full Self Driving (FSD). When i look at my screen to control the cars map it gives me a strike. I have 5 strikes it removes FSD but also removed auto pilot that has lane centering and ALSO removes the camera so if I were to have a stroke, Tonic-clonic Seizure, or heart attack or for any other issue the vehicle would not pull over like it would in FSD/Auto Pilot. THIS MAKES IT VERY UNSAFE and I could argue it violates the ADA act! For privacy I have had one of the previous issues and bought the Tesla with FSD just in case it ever happens again!!! Now i don't have that safety measure for a week and I DRIVE A LOT on two lane 75 mph highways. The basic lane assist will even shut off if i hug the lane !! How Dangerous is that???? Now i have absolutely no safety features!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572269February 16, 2024STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle is not up to date. Needs “over the air” update for auto steering.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572226February 15, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I can’t use the full self drive capability without the car malfunctioning or slamming on the brakes. I paid extra for a service that not only doesn’t work but makes the car unsafe to drive. They’ve continually tried OTA updates and nothing can fix it. They need to recall this car and reimburse.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572255February 15, 2024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Slowed down entering a driveway when car sped up on its own , Forward Collision Warning/Emergency Automatic Breaking did not warn or do any breaking. NO SOUND or WARNING on the computer screen. I brake but the car still hit the post. I do not know what speed it accelerated to. I am not sure if Autopilot kicked in but the car accelerated when I have already released the accelerator. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? YES - injuries sustained. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? When calling Tesla on Dec 23, 2023 - was told by the rep that ticket has to be filed but I was disconnected and I was not able to get through the lines. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes - Car was totalled. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? I never saw any warning lamps come on as I always driven with distance. The camera was worked was worked on due to the wiper going on even when not raining on October 24 but the fix did not work. Once at the Emergency room, trying to call tesla or texting the no that responds when buying the car no longer accepting my text. The promise that when we get car accident, Tesla will call - no phone calls. All I received was text alert car suffered failure and was deactivated. I was in pain and not able to follow up and try to do report and look at pictures.. Today I just received a letter dated 2/8/2024 about Recall no 23V-838 in the mail. BUT the car is gone... The software version it had is 2023.27.7. The tech guy came here to the house on Oct 25, 2023 and checked everything.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572013February 14, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On 6/25/22 our 2021 Tesla Model Y with 16,163 miles had a sudden unintended acceleration, it didn't responded to the breaks and within seconds hit a parked car and finally stopped when it crashed to a large tree. It was a "Total Lost" by the insurance. Around 1pm on a clear sky day, driving out of a small gated residential community, before exiting I pulled over the side of the road for a few minutes, when I resumed the car suddenly accelerated to what felt like full speed. While I stopped by the side of the road the car remained in "D" mode, when I resumed I forgot that it was already on "D" and pushed the shift level down; we think the car went to Cruise Control to the last used speed which was probably a highway speed. The breaks didn't stopped the car and didn't cancel the accelaration. It traveled out of control less than 150 feet before it crashed to a large tree. For some "unknown" reason, the footage of the 4 cameras got erased from my usb memory stick. The only video left was the front camera and that video was cut a couple of seconds before the first crash. Tesla took almost a year on their "investigation" and the result was a long technical BS indicating that they didn't found anything abnormal. Driver airbag deployed.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 2
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11572002February 14, 2024STRUCTURE:BODY
The Tesla Y 2023 was in the garage. My wife backed the car carefully out of the home garage that she has done many many times without any problem. It is not clear what exactly happened, but over the time of a few seconds, the car jerked or lurched forward. There was moderate damage to the siding of the garage as well as the side passenger panel. My wife quickly pressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle but the damage to the garage and car was already done.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11571911February 14, 2024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Driving 30 mph on a two lane road at night, the car suddenly sounded a warning sound and slammed on the brakes, hard enough to make the tires skid. There was nothing in front of us on the road nor on the sides of the road. Road was clear and dry. No cars ahead of us or (fortunately) behind us.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0