Tesla Model Y Complaints

4,325 consumer complaints on file.

#11735337May 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Subject: Safety Concern with Video Evidence (4/28/2026) I am reporting a serious safety concern involving Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on my 2026 Tesla Model Y. Date/Time: April 28, 2026 at approximately 12:48–12:50 PM Location: Soledad Canyon Rd at Golden Oak Rd / Golden Triangle Rd, Santa Clarita, CA While operating in FSD (Supervised), my vehicle approached an active railroad crossing with warning signals engaged and the gate lowered. The vehicle initially stopped appropriately; however, it then proceeded forward onto the tracks while the crossing remained active and a train was approaching. I immediately intervened and reversed the vehicle off the tracks to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. During this maneuver, the railroad gate made contact with the vehicle. I have preserved video footage documenting: * Initial stop at the crossing * Forward movement onto the tracks under FSD * Manual intervention and reverse maneuver * Contact with the railroad gate Following the incident, I observed linear markings across the windshield consistent with contact from the railroad gate arm. While some of the markings appear to be transferable residue, there are remaining visible streaks that have not been fully removed and may indicate surface damage. Photos and videos will not upload
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735325May 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The radiator for the car gets fully clogged with debris very easily. There is no screen mesh to protect the radiator from all the debris. The radiator then becomes clogged with debris in the fins and stops cooling correctly. This is not a serviceable item that an owner could accomplish. This should not have to be brought to the Tesla repair centers and be charged for a design flaw that will cause the car to overheat. There needs to be a simple small holed mesh placed in the front grill that owners can simply wipe off with their hands. Tesla states this is a maintenance item, but for how much it cost, most owners are not taking their cars in. Most owners dont even know about the problem. Also, most owners are not getting down on their hands and knees to look at the radiator or to even think about checking it. Large leafs easily get stuck and block most of the radiator.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735191May 1, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Hello, I am not writing about a specific incident, but rather wanted to alert the NHTSA to a potentially dangerous development with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. In the latest software update being pushed to owners, Tesla now forces drivers to provide feedback if they disengage the FSD system for any reason. This feedback comes in the form of a box on the screen and it cannot be closed. You cannot interact with any part of the vehicle infotainment system until you complete the feedback. I believe that this can cause safety issues, especially in a stressful situation if someone is trying to access the car's map system, for example. Even in normal situations, the driver would be required to read the options and make a selection on the screen - while still driving. I would highly recommend the NHTSA look into this, as I believe this is a very shortsighted policy that will needlessly endanger drivers, other drivers, pedestrians and everyone on the road. To be clear for form purposes: I am not writing about a specific incident, but I am submitting this information via this form because I do not see a general information form.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734726April 30, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Driver’s seatbelt: This issue occurred twice. The first time, the car was parked; when I attempted to pull the seatbelt, it would not extend and instead locked in place. The second time occurred after I summoned the car. Again, I was unable to pull the seatbelt out. Because the vehicle was stopped in the middle of the street, I had to drive without wearing a seatbelt, which felt very unsafe. Middle rear seatbelt: This occurred once. I was initially able to fasten the seatbelt, but when I tried to pull the strap down to loosen it because it was too tight, it retracted and locked. I was unable to extend it again, leaving the belt tight against my neck. This also felt very unsafe. I brought the car to Tesla twice, but they were unable to identify the issue. I showed them a video demonstrating the seatbelt remaining locked while I attempted to pull it, as well as footage showing that I was driving without a seatbelt. No warning lights appeared during any of these incidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734432April 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I took delivery of a brand new Tesla Model Y today in Austin, Texas. Within less than two hours of delivery, the vehicle experienced two separate and serious failures while driving. During the first incident, the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road without any warning while I was driving. The vehicle became completely unresponsive and came to a stop in active traffic. I immediately contacted Tesla service for assistance. The representative advised me not to worry and stated that the vehicle likely came to a safe stop location and that there appeared to be no issue since the system had recovered. I was told the vehicle was safe to continue driving. However, this information did not reflect what actually occurred. The vehicle had stopped in the middle of an active roadway, not in a safe location.After the system temporarily became operable again, I continued driving as instructed. However, during a second drive shortly after, the exact same issue occurred again within approximately 10–15 minutes, this time on a much larger and heavily trafficked road. When the vehicle stopped both times, it became completely electronically controlled and unresponsive. There was no manual way to move or safely reposition the vehicle. I was stranded in the middle of moving traffic on a major road, unable to control or move the car in any way. I felt that my life was in danger due to the inability to regain control or remove the vehicle from traffic. Both incidents occurred on the same day of delivery within a very short time frame, making the vehicle completely unreliable and unsafe to operate. At least one of the incidents occurred while using self-driving features. Due to the repeated failures, the severe safety risk, and the incorrect reassurance provided during the first incident, I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle. I am requesting a buyback or refund rather than repair, as this issue occurred immediately after delivery and represents a critical safety conce
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734360April 28, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle suddenly lurched forward and crashed into a curb, then the vehicle lunched forward and crashed into a brick wall. The vehicle then erroneously drove in reverse at a high rate of speed and crashed into a second parked vehicle. The contact indicated that after the incident, in order to shut the vehicle off, the doors had to be opened. The contact's foot remained on the brake pedal during the incident. During the crash, the driver sustained a fractured right foot, and the rear center passenger sustained a bruised back. Both injuries later required medical treatment. No police report was taken. The vehicle was later towed to the home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,440
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11734229April 28, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST, STEERING
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 35 MPH, while driving near cones on the road, the contact manually turned the vehicle towards the right, and the steering wheel failed to perform as needed. The contact attempted to manually correct the steering wheel but was unable return the steering wheel to center because the steering wheel was independently turning to the left or the right. The contact believed that the vehicle was operating in self-driving mode; however, the vehicle was not equipped with the feature. The contact depressed the brake pedal to decelerate, almost stopping the vehicle, to regain control of the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the destination. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving approximately 60 - 70 MPH, and the vehicle veered to the left and the right while the lane assist was activated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and decelerated almost to a stop to regain control of the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, but the contact had not received a follow-up call. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734205April 28, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Make/Model: Tesla [Y] Rear Body got significant dent While attempting to reverse into a parking space at a Tesla Supercharger station, the vehicle—operating with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged—collided with a stationary pole located behind the designated parking spot. FSD failed to detect the tesla supercharger and tried to park in EVgo charging station despite of plenty of vacant Tesla supercharger spots nearby. No other vehilcle was involved netiher any property damage. We would like to make sure tesla FSD takes full responsibility of damage. as their FSD system malfunctioned. Tesla should bare all charges for repair.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734201April 28, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
My 2021 Model Y has about 24,500 miles began squeaking when turning the steering wheel or hitting bumps. I read online that many tesla owners had the same issue. The design on these weren't great allowing water to penetrate these parts and cause them to ware down faster. I already paid for the replacement of the upper and lower control arms.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734184April 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Full self driving did not detect pole. I press the fsd of tesla going out of the parking lot and the car turned to the side where the pole is located hitting the side where the camera part right next to driver side. The sensor of the car did not detect completely that there is a pole on side
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734091April 27, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Washer fluid indicated low washer fluid. Refilled washer fluid, but shortly after washer fluid leaked out underneath the vehicle. Took the vehicle in for repair at an Tesla Service Center and service advisor indicated that the reservoir had cracked at the seam (an obvious defect of the reservoir). They stated it was not considered a defect even though it was obvious the crack was at the seam. Given the age of the vehicle and the fact that the vehicle is constantly garaged when parked this seems to be an abnormal issue. Had I not taken this in to get serviced there could have been an issue with not having any washer fluid in the reservoir when needing to clean the windshield which would pose a visibility hazard and could potentially lead to a collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733914April 26, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
### Summary: Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) from a stationary position. ### Vehicle Configuration: 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD. Battery Type: NMC. ### Incident Details: On April 19, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the vehicle was stationary on a flat surface at 6722 Vista Del Mar Ave, San Diego. I was in the driver's seat with the vehicle "On" but stopped, conversing with two witnesses. My feet were completely clear of both the accelerator and brake pedals. ### The Event: Without driver input, the vehicle suddenly and forcefully accelerated forward. I immediately slammed the service brake with full force. The vehicle traveled approximately 20 feet before the brakes brought the car to a halt. ### Evidence & Gaps: Two eyewitnesses confirmed the vehicle moved autonomously without pedal interaction. A manufacturer data report was requested, but it showed a specific data gap for the exact seconds of the acceleration event, despite providing second-by-second logs for the rest of the day.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733278April 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My 2026 Tesla Model Y front trunk ("frunk"), an Austin, Mar 2026 build, lacks internal lighting & emergency release (unlike 2025 models; the change started Oct 2025). Frunk size/capacity remained unchanged, allowing child up to 4yo to fit & get trapped w/ no escape or signal, esp. in low light. Violates FMVSS 401 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-571/subpart-B/section-571.401) which states: "Each passenger car with a trunk compartment must have an automatic or manual release mechanism inside the trunk compartment that unlatches the trunk lid, if the trunk is large enough so that the three-year-old child dummy described in Subpart C of Part 572 can be placed inside the trunk compartment, and the trunk lid can be closed and latched". Request recall/retrofit & investigate Model Y frunk complaints. (See attached picture of 2025 frunk vs 2026 frunk with changed features.)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733248April 23, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, while other vehicles were driving beside the vehicle, or when the wind was blowing, the vehicle unexpectedly moved to the left or right. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to a different dealer, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was operating as designed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733101April 22, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I have been a user of Tesla's "Full Self Driving" technology for four years. In one of the last major updates, the company removed the ability of the driver to manually set a "cruise control set point" to maintain a safe speed. Instead, they employed a new system with five "drive profiles," which included "sloth," "chill," "standard," "hurry," and "Mad Max." The problem is that only two of those stay anywhere near the speed limit. "Sloth" will go the speed limit, "Chill" is about 2 mph over the speed limit, "Standard" is about 7 mph over the speed limit, "Hurry" is 12 mph over the speed limit, and "Mad Max" is probably 15-17 mph over. Sloth and Chill will remain in the right lane, rarely passing another vehicle, but all the others will include lane changes. And all of these profiles DO NOT MAINTAIN A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE. Users have been complaining about the cars tailgating, sometimes as close as 3 car lengths at 70 mph. However, sometimes conditions necessitate slower speeds...like Work Zones. I live near Denver, and I-70 has a work zone that will be in existence until 2029. The car doesn't recognize the 45 mph speed limit, bouncing back and forth between 45 and 65. FSD must be disengaged completely to follow the 45 mph speed limit. Which brings up the other problem. In many areas, THE SPEED LIMITS ARE WRONG. In Texas, there are areas where the speed limit is 70, and the car thinks it's 55. In New Mexico, the speed limit is 70, but the car thinks it's 60. THERE IS NO SPEED PROFILE THAT WILL MAINTAIN THE LEGAL LIMIT. Tesla also has a mechanism that's supposed to allow users to report problems, but some of these I've been reporting for over three years. They refuse to tell us where we can update the information (Grok says "HERE," Tom Tom, Open Street Maps), and they are NOT fixing the speeds on the maps.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733099April 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle in question is a 2022 Tesla Model Y with approximately 60,000 miles. Tesla has advised that four bushings on the rear transfer case require replacement. Given the relatively low mileage and age of the vehicle, this level of wear is highly concerning and suggests a potential manufacturing defect. Bushings in comparable vehicles are generally expected to last well beyond 100,000 miles, even under significant operating stress. The premature failure of these components raises serious concerns about durability and reliability. Tesla should promptly investigate this issue and consider issuing a recall or service campaign to address the defect. Failure to do so may result in further vehicle damage and increased safety risks for owners.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733045April 22, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was driving a Tesla Model Y with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged in Standard mode on a wet roadway post-rain. Shortly before the incident, my vehicle had completed a lane change on FSD and was traveling with traffic flow. A vehicle ahead braked suddenly after reacting to another vehicle merging unsafely near a lane split. The stopping occurred quickly, reducing available reaction time. The FSD system did not appear to respond with sufficient braking force or early enough given the conditions. A forward collision warning sounded shortly before impact, but there was limited time to avoid the collision. The vehicle ultimately rear-ended the car ahead. I am submitting this report because of the system’s delayed response in wet conditions, failure to ensure enough space on FSD- especially after a lane change and during a sudden/abrupt traffic slowdown may present a safety concern if experienced by other drivers.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732866April 21, 2026
WHEELS, SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES
There was a grinding sound coming from the LF wheel. This was progressively getting worse. Car was shaking while driving so dropped it off with my mechanic due to safety concerns. Per the mechanic that fixed the issue: Inspection found LF wheel bearing is loose. A bolt backed out on inside rubbing through axel shaft. Allowed wheel bearing to damage to damaged from moving in place. Axle shaft damaged from rubbing on backed out bolt. Replace LF axle shaft and wheel bearing. Informed by mechanic that wheel could have fallen off while driving. No prior work. Mechanic believes most likely issue was not having the bolts appropriately installed at time of manufactue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732889April 21, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On April 16, 2026 around 7:30pm CT, I was driving a Tesla Model Y 2023 on I-35 near downtown Austin. There was an extreme traffic jam, I turned on the Auto Pilot so it can cruise by itself without touching anything. It worked for a while, but suddenly it veered off to a lane on my right side, crashing into a large truck on the front right. This damaged all the front and passenger side fender. The car had to be towed. I used this feature many times in the past, it always stayed within the lane. This time it acted erroneously. This should not be marketed as "auto pilot" that people may lose their lives due to insufficient safety guard in the system. Fortunately the traffic was moving very slowly, no one was hurt in my case. I got all incident data downloaded from Tesla to prove its fault. Based on the data, the Autopilot system had a fault starting at 12:50pm and 14:55pm, and was disabled at 15:59pm, but there were no warning as I turned it on when I drove on I-35 around 7pm. See the attached data file (highlighted rows, the claim system doesn't allow the original Excel file to be uploaded).
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732737April 21, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Lane Departure Aoidane is always enabled for each drive - the car menu states: “Lane Departure Assistance will be reset to Assist on the next drive” - you have to manually go 2 menus and scroll down to the bottom and turn it off every single drive every single transition to Park and drive. The feature is very intolerant. If you swerve around a pothole or a pedestrian or a bicycle, it freaks out and corrects the steering wheel startling the driver and causing a very unsafe situation. I have had several near misses due to this horrible feature. Tesla should design it to be able to be disabled and remember its default state. It’s not a safe feature. It has caused many near accidents and is especially bad in country road driving. The only time he would want such a feature as if the driver is asleep or heavily distracted of which no good driver should be. Tesla has a camera that could detect something like that. This is a safety feature that makes the vehicle significantly less safe. The default for this feature should be disabled for all Teslas. This is a ultra high priority item. It dramatically impacts by driving every day, and I don’t always remember to turn it off until the steering wheel jerks away from me and almost causes an accident!!! This stuff should not be enabled by default!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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