Tesla Model Y Complaints

4,325 consumer complaints on file.

#11725046March 17, 2026
WHEELS
These rims outter lip have a poor design and when hitting a pot all the outer lips add additional pressure and the rim causes the tire burst This is the 2nd time this has happened to me. In 2 the years I had the car. The first time it happened was in NY state
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725019March 17, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving on Intestate I-95 in the Express Lane at high speed in my 2022 Tesla Model Y, the hood (frunk) suddenly flew open, smashed into the windshield and remained in the upright position. Luckily I was able to slow down and ease blindly into the emergency lane without causing further damage to myself or others. I lost entire visibility at high speed and my windshield was smashed on the highway. This was a traumatic experience that could have caused serious damage to me personally and other motorists. The hood (frunk) latch failed to operate properly and was available for inspection immediately. Once the highway safety patrol officer forced the hood down and escorted me safely off the highway, we drove the vehicle to a Tesla dealership directly after the incident. The Tesla dealer initially took full responsibility for the incident and said they would repair at their expense. However, the story changed once they did a VIN search on my vehicle and discovered I had been hit (not my fault, driver ran red light) in the front quarter panel prior to this incident. Tesla said the fault was on the repair shop (Tesla recommended) who had fixed the vehicle prior to the incident. The repair facility claimed they were not at fault, and Tesla was responsible, as they did not touch the frunk latch as noted by the invoice for repair/parts and painting/lack of near the latch. This is a recurring incident as reported by recalls and my vehicle is listed as one of the possible vehicles for recall. The vehicle was inspected by insurance, and the same Tesla recommend repair facility we used before. There were no warning lamps, signals or symptoms to indicate anything was wrong or loose with the latch. In the end, we had to file the incident through our insurance provider and pay out of pocket for the repair in order to get the vehicle back on the road. I'm truly frustrated with the lack of ownership by Tesla over the incident, they are losing a brand loyal customer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724866March 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, VISIBILITY/WIPER
Following a "secondary" botched windshield replacement within 3 weeks performed by the Tesla Service Center in Carle Place, NY, my Tesla Model Y experienced a catastrophic structural water intrusion during rainfall. A great amounts of water dripping directly through the windshield seal into the cabin, soaking the dashboard electronics, floorboards, and much more water coming in from the brake pedal area while driving on LIE. While I was driving the vehicle with my three children in the back seat, this water intrusion triggered an active electrical short circuit. The vehicle's hazard lights began flashing autonomously, and the electrical system became severely compromised, creating an immediate and life-threatening safety hazard on the road. The vehicle is currently grounded, completely undrivable, and poses a continued electrical fire risk. Tesla Service has been notified in writing and has officially acknowledged via their app that the vehicle must be towed. This gross negligence in structural sealing has directly compromised the vehicle's electrical control modules, severely endangering the lives of the occupants."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724851March 17, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing a safety complaint regarding Tesla's removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in FSD (Supervised), a change that has alarmed a significant number of Tesla owners and safety-conscious drivers. Previous software allowed drivers to set a precise maximum speed via the steering wheel scroll wheel while FSD (Supervised) was active. Tesla replaced this with fixed "Speed Profiles" (Sloth, Chill, Standard, Hurry, Mad Max), none of which allow a driver to set a specific speed. Each profile operates at a programmed range relative to the posted speed limit. Even the slowest profile (Sloth) has been observed exceeding the speed limit. The system also frequently misreads posted limits entirely. This is a serious safety regression. In winter conditions, a cautious driver may need to travel well below the speed limit due to snow or black ice. Previously, they could reduce FSD's max speed precisely. That is no longer possible, the system determines speed, and the driver cannot override it downward while FSD remains engaged. This concern is not isolated to just me. Online forums and Tesla owner communities have seen widespread discussion and frustration over this change, with many drivers expressing that it has made them feel unsafe and less in control of their own vehicle. Removing precise speed control from a supervised autonomous system directly contradicts Tesla's stated position that the driver remains responsible for safe operation. This is an ongoing issue and not limited to a single date for the "Tell us the approximate date this incident occurred." I request NHTSA: 1. Investigate Tesla's removal of driver-adjustable maximum speed in FSD (Supervised); 2. Evaluate compliance with FMVSS and driver control guidelines for automated driving features; 3. Require Tesla to restore precise, driver-controlled maximum speed settings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724655March 16, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
NHTSA COMPLAINT NARRATIVE — SAFERCAR.GOV Vehicle: 2024 Tesla Model Y Component/System: Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Software, Version 14.2.2.5 On March 14, 2026, at approximately 5:22 PM, a 2024 Tesla Model Y was traveling on U.S. Route 3 in Franconia, New Hampshire, at approximately 45 mph within the posted speed limit. The vehicle was operating with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software version 14.2.2.5 actively engaged. Three occupants were present in the vehicle, including two minor passengers. All occupants were properly restrained with seat belts. Component/System That Failed: The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, version 14.2.2.5, failed to safely detect and respond to a snow-covered road surface. The system lost control of the vehicle upon encountering a snow patch on the roadway, causing the vehicle to strike a tree. The FSD system is the primary failed component. The vehicle has been towed and is available for inspection upon request. How Safety Was Put at Risk: The FSD system was in active control of the vehicle's steering, braking, and acceleration at the time of the failure. The system provided no auditory alert, no visual warning, and no driver takeover request prior to the loss of control event. The failure occurred without any warning whatsoever, leaving insufficient time for the driver to intervene and prevent the collision, despite the driver actively supervising the system in full compliance with Tesla's own supervision requirements. Three occupants were placed in immediate risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle struck a tree and was totaled. Emergency services responded and evaluated all occupants on scene. An official police report was filed. Prior Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms: None. The FSD system issued zero warnings — no auditory alerts, no visual prompts, no haptic feedback, and no takeover requests — at any point prior to or during the loss of control event. The system was operating normally by all displayed indicato
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724418March 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In under a year I have had to replace my windshield three times due to cracks from debris. The total cost would be greater than $4,000. I, nor my wife and family have ever had to replace a windshield on any previous car we had owned this many times in under one year or even at all. I suspect there is a defect in the build of the windshield or the design of the car that may be causing this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724394March 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I've noticed periodically when the car is braking at start stop traffic in autopilot mode, the brake is very jerky and I can actually hear the pedal jerking and engaging. I wrote it off at the time in my head as normal operation of the car. I have brake pressure offset codes and brake booster mia codes. Sometimes I've noticed when I brake, randomly the pedal is super stiff and it feels like the car is driving on ice, as if the brakes aren't working or slowing me down at all, but I thought nothing of it at the time. Today on the 14th, I got into an accident at a relatively slow speed that in any other scenario I should have been able to stop. Yet I hit a parked car because as I was braking, I felt the pedal go very very stiff and unresponsive, and I carried the same speed as when I started braking right until impact, it seems as if I didn't slow down one bit. The brakes did not respond as they did mere seconds before and I hit a parked car. I understand teslas may throw codes left and right in service mode that may mean nothing, but I am worried about the brake booster code and wonder if maybe it caused the accident I was involved in. My friends told me they heard about tesla brake issues and that I should look into it and when I went to go check the codes hours later there they were.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724354March 14, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my Tesla Model Y. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly as the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The noise appears to originate from the front suspension or steering components and occurs consistently during normal operation. This issue raises concerns about potential premature wear, component failure, or loss of steering control, which could pose a safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724330March 14, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Timeline of events: Day 1 – Delivery March 13, 2026 • Drove about 10 miles after delivery. • The driver-side window suddenly rolled fully down by itself while I was driving. • Returned immediately to the Tesla service center. They said they cleaned the window and recalibrated it. Later the same day • Drove another ~10 miles. • The window dropped fully again while driving. • Returned to the service center a second time. • I was told a mechanical part would be replaced, but never provided documentation. Day 2 – Today, March 14, 2026 • Left home to go to the store. • Within about 5 minutes of driving, the window dropped fully again and would not close at all. • The wind noise was extremely loud and the vehicle was very difficult to operate safely. I contacted the service center and was told they cannot provide proof of the part replacement from yesterday. When I called another Tesla service location, the earliest appointment available to even investigate the issue is March 31, 2026, despite the fact that the vehicle is essentially undrivable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724197March 13, 2026
SUSPENSION
I am filing a complaint regarding a suspension defect on my new Tesla Model Y Juniper. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began hearing a distinct knocking / clunking noise coming from the suspension when driving over small road imperfections and at low speeds. The noise is clearly abnormal for a new vehicle and sounds like loose or defective suspension components. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla service center, but the issue has not been resolved. Despite inspection and attempted repairs, the knocking noise continues to occur. This raises serious concerns about the quality and safety of the suspension system. Based on information from other Tesla owners, this appears to be a recurring issue affecting multiple Model Y Juniper vehicles. A persistent suspension defect on a new vehicle may pose a safety risk and should be investigated. I request that NHTSA review this issue and investigate whether there is a manufacturing or design defect affecting the suspension system of the Tesla Model Y Juniper. Vehicle Information: Model: Tesla Model Y (Juniper refresh) 7SAYGDEE9TF559226 Issue: Knocking / clunking noise from suspension Condition: Occurs at low speed and over small road bumps Status: Tesla service attempted repair but the problem persists (left and right front upper control arm replaced) This problem should not exist on a brand-new vehicle and requires proper investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724057March 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is my 9th report about my defective Tesla. When I wrote last month (Complaint Number: XXX, submitted electronically to NHTSA on 2/27/2026, 8:06:19 PM) I forgot to mention the significant safety issue I had with my tires: I arrived into Albuquerque airport in early December 2025 during a storm. I'd planned to drive at least to [XXX] on my way home further north, but a friend in [XXX] said it was still snowing there and I shouldn't attempt it. I made a reservation at the Motel 6 in [XXX] . It was dark, and the rain had stopped, but the roads were wet. Driving north on I-25 I encountered the snow/sleet storm. All of a sudden I found myself hydroplaning...or sliding...in the poor visibility and there was no nearby exit. I white-knuckled to the motel, and only later realized that my low-quality, already-worn tires were the likely problem. Yesterday I was shopping for new tires and learned that the factory-installed Continental ProContact RX 255/45R19 is not electric-vehicle rated, is a "passenger touring" tire and is not recommended for the weight of an EV. Additionally, it has a 55K mile warranty...I am at ~32K miles, and not even due for my next tire rotation, which is when I thought I would have to buy new tires. My local tire dealer, private in a small town, is not able to access the Continental warranty until the tire is down to a tread of 2/32". Discount Tire will not let me drive away if the tread is below 4/32"...and at 5/32 (I think) last tire rotation they weren't sure I'd even make it to my next rotation...clearly I haven't, even though I'm below the 8K interval for rotation. The price of the now-discontinued Continental ProContact RX was $211. I must now spend over $300/tire for a suitable replacement. Tesla knowingly installed a low-quality tire on my $53K car, further compromising my safety and that of other drivers and persons in the vicinity of moving Teslas. In addition to all the other safety problems on this former top INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723972March 12, 2026
SEAT BELTS, SEATS
Vehicle had "front passenger safety restraint system fault" multiple times intermittently. Serviced by Tesla service center in Dublin, CA who confirmed the problem. Documentation on the invoice stated that there was an open service bulletin related to this issue and was related to "the occupancy sensory in the seat was not functioning as expected." Upon inspection by the technician they found "an open connection in the seat harness and seat cover that can cause intermittent alerts." Additional repair notes indicate that this was to "address a service bulletin related to the front passenger seat's occupant classification system. We identified the need for an update to ensure proper functionality. To resolve this, we retrofitted the system in the front passenger seat as per the bulletin requirements." The fact that there is an open service bulletin for this issue indicates that it is not isolated to just this vehicle. An issue with the occupant sensors of a front vehicle seat directly impacts whether the air bags will deploy in a crash, therefore this is a serious safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724003March 12, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The vehicle was delivered with a critical safety defect in the braking system and inoperable safety software (GPS/FSD/Navigation). Upon further inspection by the dealer's own technician, it was confirmed that the vehicle had 'EXTREMELY POOR BRAKE FEEL' and 'EXTREME RUST BUILD UP' on all pads and rotors, which violated Tesla’s 6mm minimum safety standard for used vehicles. Additionally, a physically damaged windshield harness caused the failure of GPS and FSD features. These defects posed a significant safety risk to myself and my family during operation. The dealer has documented and confirmed these safety issues but is now refusing a buyback and is retaliating with storage fees for my rejection of the unsafe product. No warning lights appeared prior to the technician's discovery of the brake defects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723983March 12, 2026
SUSPENSION
Worn or broken Bushings control arm is under warranty but Tesla service declined to cover it under warranty I have checked all reviews and feedback This issue is under warranty and free of charge by Tesla service
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723941March 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dear Transportation Safety Board: On January 12, 2026, at noon, I was involved in a traffic accident while using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) function on the [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] . I am the complainant's wife. The accident was caused by a malfunction of FSD, which has had a tremendous impact on my family and my husband. He suffered a head injury, followed by intracranial hemorrhage and hematoma, rendering him unable to work. The accident has resulted in frequent cramps in his hands and feet, dizziness, headaches, and drug allergies due to the need for long-term medication. I need your help. Tesla does not state in its app that the product cannot fully drive itself; instead, it advertises that its FSD can drive independently in various road conditions without human intervention. This has misled the driving habits of many Tesla owners and caused immense harm to me and my family. I earnestly request your assistance in helping this helpless woman resolve my husband's problem. Thank you very much. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11723935March 12, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Client was severely injured (traumatic brain injury, fractured skull bone and ankle with ongoing cognitve and physical symptoms, probably permanent) as a pedestrian when crossing Rt 28 in Chatham, MA. He was struck by a 2023 Tesla Model Y in reduced roadway visibility conditions due to sun/shade conditions. The auto braking system failed to activate in time to avoid the collision. This appears to be directly related to NHTSA investigation PE24031.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11723821March 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The front trunk (frunk) actuator failed due to an under voltage condition. During repair, Tesla technicians also found corrosion in the wiring harness connectors. The vehicle has been garaged its entire life and has never been exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Tesla's own service documentation specifies that underwood and underbody connectors should be protected with anti-corrosion grease during assembly. Premature corrosion on a grade vehicle at 78,000 miles suggests a manufacturing defect in either the harness materials or the factory assembly process. Repair cost $860.20, partially offset by a $200 goodwill credit. A non-functional frunk also represents a potential safety concern as the hood latch mechanism is part of vehicle safety systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723794March 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y with approximately 46,500 miles. The vehicle is currently displaying battery error code BMS_a079, and the battery will only charge to approximately 30%, which severely limits the driving range and makes the vehicle unreliable for normal use. I reported this issue to Tesla on March 6, but the earliest service appointment available to me is March 17 at the Tesla service center in Fayetteville, Georgia. Because Tesla service centers are not widely available, I must travel to another city to have the vehicle inspected. The limited battery charge creates a difficult situation because I must determine how to get the vehicle safely to the service center with very restricted range. I may have to arrange towing or attempt to drive a vehicle that cannot fully charge. This issue has also created a hardship for my household. I have a toddler and normal daily responsibilities, including errands and transportation needs, but the vehicle cannot reliably be used due to the charging limitation. Being without dependable transportation for an extended period of time places families like mine in a very difficult position. This problem appears to be related to the vehicle’s battery management system and is not the result of driver misuse. Consumers should not be placed in situations where a major battery fault leaves them with limited transportation options while waiting extended periods for service, especially when service centers are not easily accessible.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723368March 10, 2026
SUSPENSION
When I backed the car out of our driveway and turned the steering wheel to go on the street in front of our house, there was a loud scraping sound and the car was stuck. Thinking that it could be ice or something, I tried to drive it forward but the same thing happened. Straightening the steering wheel helped but I stopped and checked. The control arm of the suspension had dropped and was scraping on the ground. I called Tesla who asked me to stop driving and had it towed to their repair facility in Sterling VA. Without even putting it on a lift, they told me there was too much damage and they would not fix it under warranty - despite me saying multiple times that the control arm of a car's suspension should never drop and it is a manufacturing defect/issue. Finally, I filed a claim with my insurance company and had the car towed to a Tesla authorized repair shop. They did an assessment and estimated over $24k for repairs. At this point the insurance company deemed it to be a total loss and asked me to take my personal belongings from the car so they could have it towed to their shop/location.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723291March 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 22 MPH in full self-driving mode, the vehicle inadvertently crashed into the rear driver's side of a parked vehicle on the shoulder lane. No warning light was illuminated. The other vehicle was unoccupied. The contact's front passenger side sustained damage. The contact stated that the automatic emergency braking system activated moments before the crash, but it was too late to prevent the collision. The air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered from cervical strain and rib contusion and received medical attention for the injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0

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