Tesla Model Y Complaints

4,325 consumer complaints on file.

#11737126May 11, 2026
SUSPENSION
Vehicle brought to Tesla Service Plano TX for front-end rattle on bumpy roads at 49,951 miles. Technician found right front compliance arm split, left front compliance arm tearing, right front aft link starting to wear, left front aft link split at bushing, rear bolt for link loose, and opposite side nut separated from the subframe causing bolt to have zero tension. Tesla replaced entire front subframe assembly, both front lower lateral links, and both front lower compliance links under Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty. During the same visit, the technician performed a Vehicle Health Check (form SC-25-00-016 R2) and documented additional rear suspension defects: rear lower fore links have play and rear upper fore link bushings have excessive travel. Technician marked the suspension section as Repair/Replace. Service center declined warranty coverage on the rear, calling it normal wear despite the technician's findings. This is the second major warranty visit. At 14,928 miles in September 2024, Tesla Austin replaced the Power Conversion System, 16V Li-Ion battery, and pyrotechnic battery disconnect due to a loose harness connector causing vehicle shutdown warnings. Vehicle was manufactured at Tesla Gigafactory Austin TX. A separated subframe nut is a structural safety defect that could result in wheel alignment shift and loss of vehicle control. I drove this vehicle with my family including two children before the defect was discovered. Tesla Service Plano, service number XXX, service advisor Owen V [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
#11737042May 11, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Purchased used 2023 Tesla Model Y from Tesla on April 17, 2026 at ~16,300 miles. Pre-delivery, Tesla notified me by text that the vehicle failed state safety inspection due to front upper ball joint play (a known Tesla Model 3/Y defect). Tesla repaired it at its own service center and certified it as passing on April 8, 2026. No warning lamps or messages. ~12 days post-delivery a family member reported a noise from the left rear; the vehicle was then parked. On May 10, 2026, I removed the left rear wheel and found the left rear brake caliper completely detached from the rear knuckle. Both caliper bracket mounting bolts were missing. The caliper was held only because it had seized on the rotor. Vehicle unsafe to operate. Towed by flatbed to Tesla May 11; available for inspection on request. Properly torqued caliper bracket bolts do not back themselves out in ~800 miles of light use. Realistic causes: (a) bolts installed but not torqued to spec, worked loose in service; (b) bolts missing at state inspection and certified anyway; (c) suspension disassembled during the pre-sale repair, bracket reassembled with bolts omitted. All implicate Tesla's workmanship; (b) and a visibly-loose (a) also implicate the inspection. Tesla previously acknowledged this failure mode in recall SB-21-33-002 ("Loose Brake Caliper Bolts," 2019-2021 Model 3 / 2020-2021 Model Y): caliper bolts "may not be torqued to internal specifications" and "may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate." My vehicle is outside that range but the recall shows this is a known Tesla pattern. Risk: caliper detachment can wedge the wheel, lock the brake, damage tire/wheel, boil brake fluid, or break free at speed — any can cause loss of control. Vehicle driven ~800 miles in this condition. Dealer confirmation pending; Tesla instructed in writing not to repair pre-inspection. State Police ASED complaint filed; formal dispute filed with Tesla Resolutions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736806May 9, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
While reversing my Tesla Model Y, the rear parking sensors failed to alert me to a stationary obstacle (fence). No audible warning or visual alert was triggered. The vehicle had recently received a software update prior to the incident. The failure resulted in collision damage to the rear bumper. I believe this may be a sensor or software defect. I am requesting an investigation into whether recent OTA updates affected rear obstacle detection functionality.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736737May 9, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
2021built -2022 Model Y rear doors manual release door cable is really hard and impossible without tool to access. first removing the rubber pad is annoying because there is no lip sticking out to grab and remove easily, then it comes to the small plastic access to the manual door release cable, without tools it’s impossible to open, it would destroy finger nails and get cuts around fingers trying to open it. even after getting open the small access trim is still really hard to access the cable itself, cable is far from reach and not easy to grab and pull. access door is way to small to use 2 fingers. there’s no way people can get out in time not even for kids, i know 2023 model Ys have better rear door panel design to access the cable, Tesla need to have this replace ASAP.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736713May 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On May 8, 2026 at approximately 1:15 PM in [XXX] , my 2023 Tesla Model Y unexpectedly locked with my [XXX] infant inside during approximately 100°F weather. I briefly exited the vehicle while charging to disconnect the charging cable. My authenticated phone key remained inside the cabin. Immediately after unplugging the charger, the vehicle activated Walk-Away Door Lock and locked all doors despite the phone key remaining inside the vehicle. I was locked out without access to my phone and had to ask a stranger to call 911 and contact my husband. Cabin temperatures rapidly became dangerous for an infant. My husband was eventually able to remotely unlock the vehicle using the Tesla app, narrowly avoiding forced entry by emergency responders. The vehicle failed to detect the phone key inside the cabin and improperly initiated locking while a vulnerable child occupant was present. This created a serious risk of heat injury or death. The vehicle also failed to prevent the lockout despite an infant occupant being seated in the second row, raising concerns about whether rear-seat occupancy detection and child safety protections functioned properly during the event. I am requesting investigation into Tesla’s proximity sensing, phone key detection, walk-away lock behavior, and child occupant safety protections during charging/unplugging events. 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
#11736483May 8, 2026
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM, SUSPENSION
The contact's daughter owns a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, squeaking sound would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact called the service center where they gave the contact an estimate for a diagnostic. The contact was also informed that the vehicle may be covered under a goodwill warranty. The vehicle several parts of the front control arm were defective and had caused several other defects related to the control arm. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the service center's possession but had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736702May 8, 2026
SUSPENSION
The front driver-side lower control arm bolt completely fell off the vehicle while in motion at 5pm in a parking lot. The failure caused the front suspension to immediately collapse, resulting in the front driver side of the vehicle dropping and resting directly on the wheel. The failure was witnessed and confirmed by the roadside assistance tow truck operator. The operator had to temporarily jack up the car and fasten the bolt back into the control arm just to safely load the vehicle onto the tow truck. The vehicle is currently awaiting formal inspection and repair by an auto repair shop. The vehicle and the detached bolt were inspected at the scene by the tow truck operator dispatched through my auto insurance. An initial claim was reported to my auto insurance provider. It has not yet been inspected by Tesla yet. There were no warning lamps, error messages, or prior symptoms. The failure happened suddenly and without warning; I simply heard a loud noise, felt the vehicle physically shift and drop to the ground.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736658May 8, 2026
SUSPENSION
I was driving in Topanga Canyon, heard a loud clang. Noticed the steering was off, so pulled over. The front lateral links had failed and it took me 6 hours to get a tow. Had I been at freeway speeds when that happened, I may have crashed and not been able to pull over safely as I was headed towards the 101 freeway before the links failed. Upon researching this, I found online this is a common issue with Tesla’s. If I need it don’t again, I don’t want to have to pay for an issue that’s a manufacturers defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736618May 8, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I PICKED UP BRAND NE TESLA 2026 MODEL Y AFTER TEST DRIVE I WAS TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT CABINETS IN GARAGE, THE CABINETS CRASHED AND BROKE THE ENTRY DOOR AND THE DEBRIS THE THE HEATING AND AC BLOWER UNIT. EXTENSIVE FRONT DAMAGE TO THE CAR FRONT END. NO PERSONAL INJURY. I [XXX] WAS DRIVING MY WIFE WAS IN THE DRIVE WAY. NO PERSONAL INJURY INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736560May 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
My 2021 Tesla Model Y HW3 experienced complete failure of all cameras, GPS, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control following the installation of software update 2026.8.6.1 — the OTA remedy update issued by Tesla for NHTSA Recall 26V283000. The vehicle was fully functional prior to this update. The failure was confirmed and reproduced by Tesla's authorized service center. The service advisor confirmed in writing: "During the update, the computer failed to reboot properly. We attempted to perform a 12V reset but unfortunately it is still stuck in the boot loop state." The Autopilot ECU (Primary/Turbo A) is stuck in a permanent boot loop and cannot be recovered by software means. Safety impact: All cameras including rearview camera are completely non-functional. Automatic Emergency Braking and all ADAS features are disabled. The vehicle cannot safely detect obstacles or pedestrians. GPS navigation is frozen. Tesla has confirmed the computer requires replacement but is classifying it as a customer-pay repair citing expired warranty, despite the failure occurring during Tesla's own recall remedy software deployment. This vehicle meets every technical criterion of Recall 26V283000 — HW3 hardware, 2021 Model Y, software version 2026.8.6.1, complete camera failure — but does not appear in the recall VIN database. I am requesting NHTSA review whether this VIN should be included in recall 26V283000 or a related investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736264May 7, 2026
STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Using Tesla FSD (full self-driving supervised) I drove home, approximately 120 miles, from a family visit. From previous experience with Tesla FSD, I knew that the navigation system would navigate into the incorrect of 2 driveways (left, instead of the correct driveway, right) leading to my parking space. Therefore, upon arriving at the building address I endeavored to take over full control by tapping break and manually turning to the right driveway, whereupon the steering wheel locked up completely and the car lurched forward crashing through the security gate and into a parked car directly in line with how the locked steering directed it. To the best of my knowledge, the car was removed to a salvage location where it was considered a total loss.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11736263May 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The vehicle began experiencing repeated Autopilot/FSD failures while driving. Symptoms included sudden Autopilot disengagements, cruise control becoming unavailable, and loss of road visualization/navigation display functionality. The issue progressively worsened over time. The vehicle was first brought to Tesla service in 2025 for the same overheating-related concern. At that time, Tesla identified a coolant-related issue, topped off the coolant system, and returned the vehicle to service. However, the problem continued and gradually became more frequent and severe afterward. During the most recent service visit, Tesla diagnosed the HW3 Autopilot computer as overheating due to a heat transfer failure between the Autopilot board and cooling cold plate. Tesla stated that heat generated by the board could no longer be efficiently transferred to the coolant system, causing the Autopilot computer to overheat. Tesla further advised that continued operation without repair could eventually impact additional vehicle functions, including the center display screen shutting off due to overheating-related failures. Given the loss of driver-assistance functionality and potential impact to core vehicle systems, I am submitting this report so the issue is documented as a potential thermal management or hardware reliability concern involving the HW3 Autopilot computer system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736121May 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was using the autopark function in a parking lot, and the vehicle did not detect the shopping cart return rail. As a result, the vehicle struck the rail, causing damage to the hood and front bumper.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736067May 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I am reporting a software-induced driver distraction defect in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, specifically the post-disengagement “Why did you intervene?” dialog introduced in software 2026.2.9.8 and modified in 2026.2.9.9 and 2026.2.9.10, running FSD v14.3.2. Every time the driver disengages FSD via steering, brake, or accelerator input, a modal dialog appears on the center touchscreen asking the driver to categorize the intervention. It presents four options (Navigation, Preference, Discomfort, Critical) plus a voice memo prompt. The dialog cannot be dismissed or deferred. It remains on screen indefinitely until the driver reads the prompt and taps a selection. This creates a serious safety hazard: The dialog appears the moment the driver has resumed manual control, often in response to an unsafe FSD action requiring immediate attention to the road. Forcing the driver to read text and make a multi-choice touchscreen selection during this high-cognitive-load transition directly conflicts with NHTSA’s Driver Distraction Guidelines for in-vehicle devices. The dialog occupies a large portion of the center display and obscures the navigation map and surrounding-vehicle visualization, removing situational awareness at the moment it is most needed. Because it cannot be dismissed, drivers are coerced into touchscreen interaction while driving, including in active traffic, intersections, merges, and lane changes. The forced-choice design also incentivizes drivers to tap any option to clear the screen, defeating the stated data-collection purpose and increasing eyes-off-road time. Tesla provides no setting to disable this dialog. I request NHTSA investigate this as a driver distraction defect and require Tesla to provide a dismiss option, defer the prompt until Park, or remove the forced-interaction requirement. I am the vehicle owner and experience this on every FSD disengagement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735953May 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Recurring camera and Autopilot defect on a 2023 Tesla Model Y (HW3 with in-cabin camera, in scope for NHTSA Recall 23V838). 7 service visits in 13.5 months and ~14,000 miles of my ownership. Tesla verified the camera/Autopilot defect in writing on 12/5/2025 and replaced the upper Quad Camera Cover (P/N 1755687-00-B) and Interior Camera (P/N 1588124-S0-I). Same defect returned by 4/27/2026. On 4/28/2026 Tesla service issued a Could Not Duplicate citing 'no log data showing signs of autosteer having an issue or any camera blocked alerts.' But Tesla's own VIN-linked telemetry, which Tesla provided me via Privacy Portal data request, contains: 28 Autopilot FAULT events on 14 of 27 retained days; 1 ABORTING event matching my report to the minute; and 17 highway-speed (>=50 mph) phantom-brake-class hard decelerations <= -0.20 g. The worst event: 4/28/2026 at 2:12 PM EDT, less than 90 minutes after Tesla returned the vehicle. Autopilot was in ACTIVE_NOMINAL state with cruise engaged at 63.6 mph. System produced an unprompted -0.252 g (-2.47 m/s^2) deceleration. Driver was not braking; system was driving. Additional phantom brakes: -0.297 g at 62.9 mph on 5/2/2026; -0.294 g at 70.0 mph on 5/3/2026. Multiple Take Over Immediately alerts without explanation. Camera Blocked alerts in clear conditions. Driver-monitoring system flagged 'hands NOT detected' on 339 of 684 monitoring detection events during the 27-day window despite hands being on the wheel — the recall remedy mechanism is failing on this vehicle. This vehicle is in scope for NHTSA Recall Query RQ24009 (open), investigating whether the 23V838 OTA remedy actually fixed the underlying Autosteer defect. My data is direct fleet-level evidence the remedy did not work on this VIN. Currently in active New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735720May 5, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
While using Full Self-Driving on my 2023 Tesla Model Y, the automatic high beams repeatedly activate in active traffic conditions, including when following other vehicles and when oncoming traffic is present. The system does not consistently dim the lights, creating glare that could impair visibility for other drivers. The driver is unable to permanently disable automatic high beams while FSD is engaged.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735554May 4, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Safety Defect Complaint – Tesla Model Y FSD v14.2.2.5 I am reporting unsafe speed behavior in Tesla Model Y Full Self-Driving (FSD) software v14.2.2.5. FSD uses selectable driving profiles (Sloth, Chill, Standard, Hurry, Mad Max) to control speed, but provides no definition of how these profiles affect speed or limits. Tesla also removed the ability to manually adjust speed incrementally, reducing driver control. While in Standard mode, the vehicle exceeded the speed limit by 12 mph, resulting in a photo radar citation. This was not driver-initiated. I have experienced at least six incidents where the vehicle exceeded the speed limit by 10+ mph without warning. Two design issues create significant safety risk: The right scroll wheel now controls both microphone and FSD profile selection. Its multi-directional design allows unintended inputs that can change speed profiles (e.g., to Hurry or Mad Max) without driver awareness. There is no audible or visual alert when this occurs. The vehicle can accelerate beyond safe/legal speeds before the driver realizes and disengages FSD. The driver-set speed warning (set to 8 mph over limit) failed to activate during multiple overspeed events, including the citation incident, despite being enabled. This removes a critical safety safeguard. Speed increases have occurred both gradually and rapidly, reducing reaction time. Safety Risk: unintended acceleration, loss of predictable speed control, lack of driver alerts, and failure of safety warnings. These conditions could lead to violations or collisions. I request NHTSA investigate whether this constitutes a safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735485May 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The touchscreen dedicates 2/5th of the screen to what they call "traffic visualization" which is the car depicting where the surrounding vehicles, traffic lights, etc. are. While this display is useful for the self driving software engineers to compare what the car is seeing vs. the actual traffic near it, for the actual driver this display is nothing more than a VERY DISTRACTING VIDEO GAME! which diverts driver's attention away from the road to the touch screen. And this display cannot be turned off by the driver. In fact it can be expanded to cover the entire touchscreen....even MORE distracting! The visualization changes to a vertical view when parking to display other vehicles and parking lines which IS useful, but during driving the traffic visualization is the same as watching a movie on the touchscreen.....and I believe NOT allowed both by Tesla and NHTSA. Please have Tesla remove the dangerous traffic visualization display while moving more than say 10mph so I can be used for parking, but not for anything else. I am not sure why Tesla wastes so much of the limited touchscreen space on a useless safety distraction when their are other items that can be displayed in that screen space most drivers would appreciate. Most Tesla models only have the one screen compared to other brands that now feature 2 or more that seem to be appreciated by buyers so when Tesla complains about removing it, remind them of this point!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735482May 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
While driving on I-95 North in the fast lane at highway speed, my 2023 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and displayed a warning indicating the vehicle was shutting down. The vehicle rapidly decelerated and would not respond to acceleration or drive engagement. Steering remained functional, which allowed me to maneuver the vehicle across lanes to the shoulder to avoid a potential collision. This required an emergency maneuver in active highway traffic with my family in the vehicle. A soft reset did not resolve the issue. After performing a hard reset, I was able to move the vehicle slowly off the roadway to a nearby location where it was later towed. This incident occurred without prior warning and created a significant safety hazard due to sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735369May 3, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Our 2022 Tesla Model Y long range had a braking system failure due to a flawed routing of the rear flex brake lines. When applying the brakes at a red light the vehicle rolled into the intersection despite the brake pedal being pressed to the firewall. There were no warning lights at this time. After arriving home, large amounts of brake fluid were visible under the car. I removed the rear passenger side wheel to inspect the source of the leak. It was immediately clear that the flexible brake line was the source of the leak. It was installed (at the factory) in a position that allowed it to rub against the thin and abrasive edge of the wheel well. Over time, this cut into the brake line until a hole formed. The same issue was occurring on the rear driver side brake line. I took the car to a Tesla service center where they insisted that this was not a Tesla issue. They claimed that the faulty routing of the brake lines must have occurred within the last three weeks, and that they had never heard of this happening with another Tesla. Only after they looked at the problem did a brake warning appear on the screen showing there was a problem. I paid an independent service center to replace the lines and reroute them. I’m filing this report because I’m worried there are other customers, (especially those that have Model Ys that came off the line when mine did) driving around unaware that their brakes may fail when they need them most.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Tesla Model Y