Tesla Model Y Complaints

4,325 consumer complaints on file.

#11754244August 2, 2026
SUSPENSION
I am reporting a safety defect involving a severe structural metallic "clank" or "clunk" under the vehicle's chassis during rapid acceleration and sudden braking. This vehicle was previously serviced by Tesla in 2023 for this identical issue (service invoice attached). While the repair initially suppressed the sound, the hazardous clanking noise subsequently returned, persisted for a period, and then went away on its own.The return and subsequent disappearance of the noise suggests that critical suspension or drivetrain components are shifting out of specification under load, binding, or experiencing intermittent mechanical failure. Given the active federal investigation into 2021–2023 Tesla Model Y front lower lateral link separations, I am deeply concerned that the underlying component remains structurally compromised despite the 2023 service. An intermittent or settling defect still poses an imminent safety risk of sudden component separation and total loss of steering control at driving speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754240August 2, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driver selected auto-park in parking area and car tried to self-park in a chosen spot adjacent to a pole and made several attempts to park and in the process hit a pole adjacent to the chosen parking spot. Immediately the incident was reported via Tesla app and photos were uploaded and an appointment was given for 8/6/2026 at 2:15pm at Tesla service Aliso Viejo. In reference to the pictures, car tried to park in spot 89 entering from spot 90, and made several attempts and driver expected the auto-park to be aborted giving up control to teh driver, but the car hit the pole and then driver took control to park.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754237August 2, 2026
SUSPENSION
1. Front left suspension system — specifically the suspension control arm bolt — failed and detached while reverse parking. The failure caused the suspension arm to drop and resulted in secondary damage to the fender, wheel‑well liner, and door alignment. The vehicle has been repaired, but all service records, photos, and documentation are available for inspection upon request. 2. The suspension bolt failure caused the front left suspension to collapse suddenly while I was reverse parking. If this had happened at normal driving speeds, it could have caused loss of control and a crash. I regularly transport a [XXX] and a [XXX], and this unpredictable suspension collapse created a serious risk to my family and others on the road. 3. Yes. The failure was inspected and confirmed by Tesla’s Alpharetta Service Center and the Tesla Marietta Collision Center. The Marietta team documented that the front left suspension control arm bolt had detached and that the resulting damage was not caused by any external impact. Tesla ultimately approved the repair under warranty, confirming that the failure was due to a component issue rather than misuse. 4. Yes. The vehicle was inspected by Tesla’s Alpharetta Service Center immediately after the incident, and then by the Tesla Marietta Collision Center. Both locations confirmed that the front left suspension control arm bolt had detached and caused the suspension collapse. The Marietta team documented that the failure was not caused by any external impact and Tesla approved the repair under warranty. No police or insurance inspection was performed because the failure occurred at low speed on private property. 5. No warning lamps or messages appeared. I did hear suspension clunking/creaking before the failure and had a Tesla service appointment scheduled, but Tesla postponed it. The bolt failure happened suddenly with no electronic warnings. 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
#11754203August 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On July 31, 2026, at approximately 12:55 PM, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a severe safety defect while operating in Full Self-Driving (Supervised) mode. The vehicle completely failed to detect, slow down for, or stop at a clearly visible and unobstructed stop sign at an intersection. The vehicle attempted to proceed through the intersection without yielding. I was fully attentive with my hands on the wheel and had to instantly apply heavy manual braking and steering intervention to prevent a collision with an oncoming vehicle that had the right of way. This failure of the automated driving system to recognize fundamental traffic control devices constitutes an immediate and severe collision hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754177August 1, 2026
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was driving at approximately 30-35 mph on a 30 mph residential road with my son in the front passenger seat. My vehicle unexpectedly collided with a parked, unoccupied car on the right side of the road, impact occurring between my front passenger side and the rear driver side of the parked vehicle. Following the initial collision, the vehicle continued past a small tree, mounted the sidewalk, and struck a second parked car before I was able to manually bring it to a stop 2–3 houses further down near an intersection. Throughout this sequence—with the vehicle traveling at ~35 mph—neither the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) activated nor did any airbags deploy. Fortunately, neither my son nor I sustained catastrophic injuries, though my chest struck the steering wheel during the impact, causing ongoing pain my and mental trauma for my son. I am currently receiving medical advise. Given the speed and sequence of impacts, it is terrifying that the vehicle’s primary safety systems failed to engage before, during, or after the collision. I am seeking a thorough technical investigation into why Automatic Emergency Braking and airbag deployment failed in this scenario with Tesla Model Y
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754141August 1, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION
In January 2025, my 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range had approximately 22,000 miles and was only about one year old when a right-front suspension mounting bolt backed out of the front frame/subframe. Before discovering the problem, we heard a popping or knocking sound whenever the steering wheel was turned left or right. Upon inspecting the vehicle, I found that the loosened bolt was dragging across the plastic underbody/skid plate and was close to completely falling out. The photographs show the affected right-front suspension mounting point and bolt. To prevent the suspension connection from separating, I reinstalled and tightened the bolt myself and applied red thread-locking compound. The bolt has remained in place since that repair. However, a major front suspension fastener should not loosen or back out on a nearly new vehicle with only 22,000 miles. I am concerned that if the bolt had completely fallen out while driving, the suspension component could have detached, potentially causing a sudden change in wheel position, steering control, or loss of vehicle control. I am also concerned that the same condition could occur again or could exist on the opposite side of the vehicle. No crash or injury occurred, but this was a serious safety-related suspension failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident as a possible manufacturing, assembly, or fastener-retention defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754061July 31, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software on my 2026 Tesla Model Y repeatedly performs unsafe driving maneuvers requiring manual takeover to avoid collisions. Documented incidents with timestamps since June 3, 2026 include: selecting the incorrect lane and then attempting a route correction against a red light; activating the left turn signal while executing a right turn; attempting to enter a freeway from an incorrect lane; repeatedly missing exits, on-ramps, and turns; and making unnecessary lane changes. In one drive on June 9, the system missed two exits, a freeway on-ramp, a left turn, a right turn, and a U-turn twice within 18 minutes. On July 8, 2026, hours after the vehicle was returned from service with the manufacturer's advised mitigation active, the system repeated the same errors and drove the wheel into a curb, causing wheel damage. My safety and that of other road users was put at risk by incorrect lane positioning, incorrect signaling, and a red light conflict. The manufacturer's service center has inspected the vehicle twice (completed July 8 and July 21, 2026). Both visits were closed with no repair performed. The only action was advising me to disable the Online Routing setting as a temporary workaround, which did not prevent recurrence. The manufacturer stated in writing on July 8 that this is a known software-related matter its engineering teams are actively working to resolve, and a service advisor described it verbally as a firmware issue. However, the manufacturer's written response on July 31 states diagnostics identified no faults. A service center supervisor verbally acknowledged experiencing similar behavior on his own vehicle, indicating the defect is not unique to my vehicle. Service records, complete timestamped incident logs, and dashcam footage of the incidents are preserved and available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps or fault messages appeared before or during any incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754046July 31, 2026
SUSPENSION
Within four months my car has suspension problems and I didn't know until my tires got bad there was a noise and I didn't know that was the suspension. I bought four brand new tires and I took it to the Tesla dealer and I told the attendant that my car was wearing the tire inside really bad. After I bought 4 brand new tires I took it to the Tesla for an alignment and when you left the car was even worse with the noise so bad. I am barely driving my car and I don't really know what to do if I have to take it to Tesla. I tried to get an appointment with Tesla and they are so full and my car feels like a rocking chair sometime. The tesla has only 31,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754035July 31, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was operating in the self-driving feature, the vehicle bumped into a shopping cart holder while attempting to park into a parking space, prompting the contact to take control of the vehicle. The rear bumper on the driver's side was impacted. No property damage was reported. The vehicle came to a complete stop upon impact. No air bag was deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,074.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754034July 31, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
FSD failed when on FSD to go to local Walmart, in Walmart parking lot while on FSD, vehicle was parking it self by backing up and it hit shopping cart rack. It failed to see physical shopping cart rack and stop and park. It could have hurt someone if someone was there, software and 3 cameras didn’t avoid the accident.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754000July 31, 2026
WHEELS, SUSPENSION
2023 Tesla Model Y, only 18,270 miles. While driving with my wife and children in the car, the front suspension/axle control arm disconnected from the wheel assembly. A large suspension bolt failed — it came out bent and heavily corroded (photos available). We heard an abnormal noise, then the steering stopped responding and the wheel splayed out of position. We were at low speed and stopped safely. The car was undriveable and had to be towed. The day before, we drove this same car on the highway at 75 mph. Had this failed then, with my family aboard, it would almost certainly have caused a serious or fatal crash. Critically, Tesla had sent us a notice that the vehicle needed service. We scheduled it per their availability for Aug 6 — but the control arm failed before that date. We were never told the car was unsafe to drive. Had we known we were at risk, we would never have driven it with our children. The vehicle was inspected by a Tesla service center. Tesla did not fully cover the repair — I was charged — and the lateral/structural damage from the failure was not fixed. Insurance was used to tow the car (also at our cost). The failed bolt and suspension components are in our possession and available for inspection on request. Cause: UNKNOWN — I am not a mechanic — but a bent, corroded suspension bolt and a disconnected control arm on an 18,000-mile vehicle indicate a premature failure of a suspension/axle fastener. I request that the manufacturer and NHTSA inspect the component. This is a serious loss-of-steering hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753908July 31, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) experienced a serious safety malfunction during a 12V low‑voltage failure. When the vehicle displayed the 12V alert, it became non‑functional. Upon entering, no systems were operating. When I pressed the brake pedal, the interior lights flashed and both front windows began moving up and down automatically without any input. This uncommanded movement caused both windows to shatter violently inside the cabin. The glass broke along the lower section of the window, consistent with internal mechanical stress caused by the window motor cycling during a fault. This was not external impact. I have photos documenting the breakage pattern. This is a safety defect. Automatic window movement during electrical failure poses a risk of injury. Additionally, even if a customer closes a door with the window raised, the glass should not shatter. Tesla vehicles are designed with automatic window indexing and motor resistance protection. The system should adjust the window position to prevent breakage. The fact that the glass shattered indicates a failure of Tesla’s safety logic and window indexing system. Tesla denied responsibility and claimed “misuse,” but could not provide system logs to support this claim. Tesla also stated customers must ensure windows are lowered before closing doors, but this requirement does not exist anywhere in Tesla’s manual. Tesla’s explanation does not address the automatic window movement that caused the breakage. This malfunction presents a clear safety hazard: unexpected window movement, glass shattering inside the cabin, and risk of injury to occupants. I request NHTSA investigate Tesla’s window indexing behavior during 12V failures, the failure of safety protections, and the risk of glass breakage caused by system‑initiated movement. 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
#11753870July 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
My tesla model Y was driving on FSD (full self driving) and just did hard full stop brake at a traffic light and brought the car to a complete stop even when the light was green. Both of toddler kids in the back got pulled jolted forward where the seat belt hurt them. This stopping was random was unnecessary as no threat of other cars or the light was present. Luckily no one was behind us or they would have rear ended our car causing a serious accident. This really left my children in shock.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11753846July 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
My car was parked in a residential neighborhood and when I was driving home on the evening of July 4th I noticed the windshield had a small line in it. The next day during daylight hours I went to inspect it further and concluded that the hood made contact with the windshield on both sides and there were two distinct impact areas that matched perfectly with small paint damage on the hood. I made an appointment with Tesla and waited about two weeks to get in, and they summized that this is not a defective part issue and that a wind so powerful came along, lifted the hood up, overpowered the gas struts, broke the windshield and closed itself perfectly. They denied any responsibility and refused to cover it under their manufacturers warranty. This is Tesla of Wilmington, DE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753834July 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Center brake light fails intermittently when outside temperature is hot (115). Tesla is aware of the issue and has no fix. Side brake lights still seem to work when center fails.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753833July 30, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
On the day after taking delivery of my 2026 Tesla Model Y, FSD reversed into a visible stationary garage pillar while backing into my garage. The vehicle did not stop before impact and stopped only after contacting the pillar, resulting in more than $6,000 in vehicle damage. The following day, while FSD was attempting a left turn at an intersection, the vehicle nearly entered the opposing-traffic lane before making several hesitant steering corrections. I disengaged FSD and completed the turn manually to avoid a potential collision. Both incidents occurred within two days of delivery. Tesla has opened a service case, escalated the matter to its engineering team for review, and I have requested preservation of all available vehicle data. I am submitting this complaint because these incidents raise concerns about the safety of FSD behavior.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753772July 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
High voltage battery pack failed. It is available for inspection. No one was affected by the issue when it occurred. Tesla has inspected it and stated it has imbalance, and entire high voltage battery pack needs to be replaced. Yes, there is a warning messages on the screen. (BMS_a079 - Unable to charge - Maximum charge level reached) ...but only shows 50% State of Charge The issue happened randomly while the car was parked yesterday 7/29/2026
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753764July 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2024 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) Incident Date: [Insert Date] Current Mileage: 4,094 Description: "While operating the vehicle at low speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded acceleration event. Despite immediate and sustained application of the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to decelerate as intended, indicating a critical failure of the braking-override system and/or the drive-by-wire acceleration logic. This represents a catastrophic safety defect that resulted in an uncontrolled trajectory. Furthermore, Tesla Inc. has formally refused to release the Event Data Recorder (EDR) data associated with this VIN and timestamp (Ref: DOT Request #xxx). This refusal obstructs a transparent safety analysis of a known 'Sudden Unintended Acceleration' (SUA) event. I am requesting a formal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) into this specific hardware/software failure and Tesla’s data-withholding practices regarding safety-critical events." I am a XXX and the threat is to take the loaner car away my only transportation from [XXX] to [XXX] for my XXX. 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
#11753674July 30, 2026
SUSPENSION
• What the issue is: Intermittent suspension noise/clunking that suggests a possible failing component. • Why it’s a safety concern: Potential suspension failure could cause loss of control. • What Tesla did: Tesla refused warranty service related to a safety issue involving the suspension because they said they could not hear the noise, despite repeated reports. I asked them to look at the suspension anyway and they refused my warranty service stating that since they could not hear anything they would not inspect and cancelled my appointment. • When it happens: speeds, bumps, turning, acceleration, etc. • Frequency: intermittent, constant, worsening. • Mileage: approximately 44000. • Weather/road conditions: any conditions • Whether the vehicle has been repaired or inspected: Tesla refused to inspect my vehicle under warranty for this safety related complaint and said if they can't hear a noise they won't look at it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753635July 29, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
2026 Tesla Model Y (VIN [XXX]) running FSD Supervised v14.2.2.5 / software 2026.14.200 experienced two unintended phantom braking events while FSD was active. Incident 1: XXX, approximately 9:16 AM, XXX southbound off-ramp at [XXX] exit heading [XXX]. Vehicle braked abruptly and without warning at highway approach speed with no obstacle present. Incident 2: XXX, approximately 2:08 PM, [XXX] westbound atXXX northbound on-ramp [XXX]. Same abrupt, unwarned braking with no obstacle present. Tesla service performed diagnostics XXX, at the Delray Beach service center. No hardware fault was found. Vehicle has been unable to receive OTA software updates. A nearly identical vehicle, a 2026 Tesla Model Y in the same household (VIN [XXX]), is currently running software 2026.20.6.11 and FSD v14.3.6, several versions ahead of the affected vehicle. Tesla confirmed the software disparity is due to VIN batch rollout scheduling and cannot be manually accelerated. Tesla regional management and engineering review team have been notified. While children were not in the vehicle at the time of these specific incidents, they are frequent passengers in this vehicle and this braking behavior represents a serious safety concern for our family. 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

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