Tesla Model Y Complaints

4,325 consumer complaints on file.

#11542999September 6, 2023
STEERING
Please note that I am not the owner of the vehicle and I am making this report in the public interest to try and save lives. The defect affects all 2023 Tesla Model Y cars and I have used the VIN of a junkyard Model Y to be able to complete the form. I have also used a fictitious USA address to satisfy your website requirements. My genuine contact details are available I understand that it is perfectly lawful for a non USA resident and a non owner to file a complaint. A Tesla Forum in Germany has a report from an owner detailing severe corrosion on the Ground terminal on his [XXX] car. This looks like galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. I think a bad ground connection might be the reason for the spate of power steering complaints on this model and possibly also causing brake booster failure. Tesla has been blaming the steering rack and replacing it. I think it is highly unlikely that the steering rack is faulty and it is much more likely that bad ground connections are the cause. The 2023 Model Y has some changes from the 2022 model including the use of so large aluminum castings. I think this may increase the risk of Galvanic corrosion and be the cause of the alarming increase in failures. Fatal crashes into oncoming vehicles may have been caused by this. Here is the thread: [XXX] Quote: Premature corrosion MY? Tesla Model Y Model Y Issues/Errors 19 March locobmw 19 March A bit frightening - after 3 months the contacts are already badly corroded. I'm going to report this to the SEC INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542911September 6, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle completely locked me out. It was unresponsive to key card access as well as unresponsive to mobile app access. I was unable to unlock or open any door/latch/trunk or frunk. I’m no one was inside because they would’ve been stuck with no way out. This is a major safety concern. I happened to be in a safe area but if this were on a really hot day or if people/minors/children were in the car, it could’ve been fatal. This is a design flaw in the vehicle. If the 12V battery dies, the car locks and you cannot get in or out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542597September 5, 2023
STEERING
Was driving on the interstate and a notification that “Steering assist reduced” came on the screen. About 10 minutes later my steering wheel became extremely hard to turn. I almost crashed going thru the tunnel! For the next many days I never had issues and thought it was a technical problem, because you would think if power steering is not working it wouldn’t magically work again 5 minutes later when you turn the car on. I had service done to fix something else in the car and had them take a look. There is an issue with the steering rack and want me to pay 3k to fix. My car only has 54k miles on it. So I’ve done some googling and found that I am not the first and won’t be the last to have this issue! It’s funny that Tesla service knew immediately what was wrong but at the same time didn’t know why it would happen. Sounds like it’s not my problem and I shouldn’t be paying 3k for it. Especially if brand new cars are also having the same issue. Today it did the exact same thing but then magically works again after I power off the car. It’s been about a week since the first incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542805September 5, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY, VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am writing to formally submit a complaint against the Tesla Service Center in Rockville, Maryland. My concerns relate both to a potential safety issue and the subsequent handling of repairs to my vehicle. 1. **Safety Concern:** On 08/25/2023, the driver-side window of my Tesla vehicle shattered spontaneously without any evident external cause. This sudden malfunction while the car was in use is alarming, representing a significant safety concern for passengers and other road users. I believe that such a defect warrants immediate attention, especially if this is a recurring issue among other Tesla vehicles. 2. **Unsatisfactory Service Post-incident:** After bringing my vehicle to the service above center for repairs, I was relieved that the window issue would be addressed under warranty. However, when my car was under Tesla’s care, another Tesla customer hit and damaged it within their premises. What is profoundly distressing is how the service center addressed this matter. Instead of accepting responsibility for an accident that happened in their domain, they deflected responsibility, advising me to coordinate with the other car owner for repairs. This has not only added to my inconvenience, but it has also cost me additional time off from work to address damages that were not my fault. Moreover, now I am faced with being without my vehicle for an extended period, given that the body shop estimates a 4-5 day repair timeline. In total, I have been without my car for nearly two weeks due to the initial window concern and the subsequent collision. This situation has raised concerns about the structural safety of Tesla vehicles and the integrity and responsibility of their service centers. Such a dismissive approach to customer care is unexpected from a brand of Tesla's stature. I strongly believe that no customer should face such challenges and inconvenience, especially when entrusting their vehicle to a service center.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542771September 5, 2023
TIRES, TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
GOODYEAR TIRE, 255/40R20 101W XL I have had to replace 5 tires on my Tesla in 13 months. 3 were from nails, one was from running over a pothole and one was flat from an unknown cause. I have been told by multiple people in the car maintenance field that the tires are not appropriate for the weight of the vehicle therefore are far more prone to imbedded nails and other spontaneous road hazards. I only do basic city driving and avoid industrial/construction zones when able. Also, 2 out of the 5 times I have had a tire with low pressure, the vehicle has indicated the wrong tire. For example, the most recent incident showed my tire pressure at 23 in the front driverside tire, when checked manually the pressure was reading 45 psi in that tire. Went to Tesla and they confirmed the sensor needed to be replaced and made an appointment to have that fixed in 2 weeks when they were available. I continued to drive the vehicle since I was told it “was just a sensor”. The next day, the passenger rear tire was flat but indicated appropriate pressure for that tire on car’s reading. I was horrified that I continued to drive on a low tire for an entire day and did not know because the car was indicating the wrong tire was low in pressure. This could’ve resulted in a blow out or other threat to my safety. Supposedly my sensors have been replaced when I have asked for them to be but the sensors reading the wrong tire pressures is a chronic issue. Tesla is aware the tires are prone to flats, which is why they will not sell you tire coverage. I feel unsafe in this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542605September 5, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
When accelerating to highway speed the automatic emergency braking (AES) erroneous engaged. The AES appeared to register a tie-down strap going from the center front of the model Y to the cargo on the roof as a pedestrian. This resulted in the car coming to a complete stop while merging onto the highway (decelerating from approx. 45 mph to a complete stop) which risked causing a rear end collision. The AES again erroneously engaged when puling to the side of the road. I disengaged the AES, but the pedestrian warning continued to light-up sporadically for the remainder of the trip at a range of speeds (although braking did not engage). Prior to the AES engaging there was no warning or alarm. There has been no inspection of the vehicle. A "bug report" is being filed with Tesla.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542589September 5, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
When autopilot is engaged (I don't know if just cruise does this) on a highway entrance set to a reasonable speed like 35 or 45, as I approach the acceleration ramp the setting jumps to 90 and then quickly back to 85. I've found no reason to beleive that the car won't accelerate up to 85. There is no way for the driver to make such a jump. Driver is only able to jump in 1 or 5 mph increments. I have no trouble disengaging autopilot, but still... This has been going on for weeks, and despite a software update or two. I can provide video of this happening but I don't think I can upload it here.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542532September 4, 2023
STEERING
While driving I lost the ability to steer. The steering wheel completely locked almost. This was a huge safety risk, as I was in the middle of a busy road in Los Angeles. I went to the Tesla service center today and they were closed. No warning lights came on. The same thing happened again today.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542491September 4, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Abrupt, rapid, unannounced deceleration with no apparent cause. Has happened multiple times.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542468September 4, 2023
SEAT BELTS
Seatbelt mechanism stopped latching and would not buckle. This puts everyone in the car in a very unsafe situation. Only way to request help is through Tesla app but no response from their support team. My seatbelt latch mechanism is still broken.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542413September 3, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On a round trip from Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ, we experienced 8-10 instances of phantom braking in our 2020 Tesla Long-Range Model Y. The occurrences happened when the car was in adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. Highway speed was typically 75 MPH, weather was sunny, and roads were clear. Overall, an unnerving experience!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542411September 3, 2023
STEERING
Power steering failed repeatedly. Car was extremely difficult to steer. This only happened at low speeds, so there was no immediate danger. The car displayed various error messages. Took the car to the dealer, they confirmed it was an issue and replaced the Steering Rack.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542361September 3, 2023
STEERING
On September 3/2023 at around 9am I was driving my Tesla Y. I stopped on a traffic light on an intersection and on my green light started to turn left. However my steering wheel was not turning, it has stuck. It was very scary because of the intense incoming traffic. I turned my car on parking and then started again but nothing has changed. Tried this a few times without any success. My car only moved straight forward and backward. Then two drivers stopped and started to help me. They stopped incoming traffic and one of them helped me to turn the steering wheel left to move my car from the middle of the intersection. Two of us barely did this together and moved the car to the side of the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542342September 3, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We parked the car in parking lot of a grocery store. Someone was able to open the car using his/her phone key and drove off and when realized a mistake, parked the car a mile away. At the same time, there was another car which was responding to my Tesla phone app. I called 911 to report stolen car and using the Tesla app which reported the correct location after 15 min, were able to get the car back. This is safety issue as someone was able to open the car using a different phone key and could have created a lot of trouble if it would not have been just a mistake.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542284September 2, 2023
SEAT BELTS, SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The car was going at the speed limit or maybe 5-9 miles over speed limit when brakes were pumped to stop car as there was stop and go traffic on a bridge in bay area (CA). The car had quite a distance from the car in front of it. Despite brakes being applied, the car seemed to accelerate and brakes had to be applied hard. However, the car did not stop until it hit the honda in front of it. As the driver of the Telsa at the time of the accident, it seems as though car was accelerating despite brakes being applied. A huge sound was heard by me the driver and then the driver eat belt became malfunctioned and the car would not restart. After a few minutes, the car restarted but now the dash board states service needed and I could no longer fasten the seat belt. The front of the car appeared to have minimal bumper damage but the seat has not worked since the accident.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542068September 1, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tesla completely shut down and my wife got locked inside with windows closed. Windows will not roll down. She called me and I asked for help with roadside assistance. They showed the manual door open latch. I called the tow truck and heard that this is a common incident. Tesla service center diagnosed it as a complete failure of 12V battery. There was absolutely no warning of the problem. This’s a really unsafe situation and needs to have a warning system for 12v battery failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542117September 1, 2023
STEERING
I had an error message that power steering was not available and I was unable to steer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542093September 1, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving with the cruise control activated and set at 75 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal with excessive force for the vehicle to continue driving forward. The failure occurred approximately 5 times. There were no warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541948August 31, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was pulling up to a ticket machine in a parking garage. I had my foot on the accelerator and was using regenerative braking and was essentially stopped. I was short a few inches from the button to get the ticket so applied almost no pressure to the accelerator – more like a tap so I could go forward a few inches. The car went into full acceleration mode, broke through the ticket machine barrier and kept accelerating. As soon as I sensed going forward too fast, I took my foot off the accelerator and put it onto the brake. I did not feel any response from the brake. With my foot. I managed to steer away from a wall in front of the car but hit a parked car. The impact pushed that car into a second car and then that car pushed into a third car and the third car pushed into a fourth car. My car was totaled as well as three others. Fortunately, the impacted vehicles were unoccupied and there were no pedestrians. No warning beeps or emergency braking occurred. One of my passengers had minor injuries (3 fractured ribs). A police report was filed. Previously (3 or 4 weeks prior to crash) I had an incident in an above ground parking lot. I had pulled into a parking space, backed up to straighten out then was pulling forward towards the curb. I took my foot off the accelerator, but the car kept going very slowly instead of regeneratively braking as it had done before. I put my foot on the brake. It was unresponsive. I kept pressing and finally it engaged, and I was able to stop the car about five feet over the curb and into the grass.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11541823August 31, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought Tesla in May 2023. My Tesla Model Y has suddenly accelerated in my garage on 08/29 @8.25pm EST and damaged my garage front door/drywall and broken my stair case in pieces. It was phantom acceleration. I have video from my ring security system camera video which shows clearly that I was parking in my garage extremely carefully, however the Tesla Model Y suddenly accelerated beyond my control (I was not accelerating) and put me under risk and damaged my property. I have auto insurance to cover my Tesla car damage. However, my biggest fear is how can I use this Tesla Model Y when we see this life threatening behavior. This unintended acceleration can put my life and others life into danger. I would like help from NHTSA to ensure my Tesla Model Y is defect free. I just bought couple of months ago. I would like to request NHTSA to help me get this product replaced from Tesla motors. I am afraid to drive this vehicle now. I am currently going through a big shock, trauma and fear that I may have severely injured people on the road or my family members in garage if this unintended sudden acceleration would have happened around them. The damaged vehicle is outside my garage. It is not drivable. Vehicle front bumper is completely damaged and fluid has been leaking. I have filed insurance claim. I don't know what should I do right now. I would like to seek advice from legal sources on my options. My car is covered under my insurance, however I don't know if my car is fixed - I can drive this vehicle with confidence due to this strange unintended acceleration issues. Please help me at the earliest.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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