Tesla Model Y Complaints (2022)

874 consumer complaints on file.

#11772838October 21, 2026
SUSPENSION
I am reporting a safety defect on my 2022 Tesla Model Y (VIN [XXX], 70,856 miles). On XXX, I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service in [XXX] for a tire pressure alert. While performing its own service-bulletin inspection of the front and rear chassis, Tesla found that BOTH front lower lateral link assemblies require replacement and presented me with a $1,173.56 estimate, classifying the required wheel alignment as "Customer Pay." The front lower lateral link is the exact component under ODI's open Preliminary Evaluation PE26006 for 2021-2023 Model Y, involving detachment and potential loss of vehicle directional control. Both links failing simultaneously, discovered through Tesla's own bulletin inspection with no accident or impact damage, indicates premature component failure of a safety-critical steering/suspension part, not ordinary wear. Tesla has not agreed to cover this repair. The vehicle was promised back on XXX and is still not repaired. I am filing this report so the condition is documented within PE26006, and I request that NHTSA consider this case when evaluating whether the lateral link defect on 2021-2023 Model Y requires a recall. I have asked Tesla to preserve the removed parts for inspection. 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
#11772124October 19, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On October 18, 2026, at approximately 3:15, I was opening the driver’s door of my 2022 Tesla Model Y, using the exterior door handle in the normal way. My left thumbnail became trapped inside the handle mechanism as it operated. The handle tore the entire thumbnail off at the nail bed, and the nail remained lodged in the handle. I had to pull the detached nail out of the handle myself. I lost consciousness briefly from the pain and blood loss. I went to the emergency room at Kaiser Permanente, where the nail bed was cleaned and the detached nail was reinserted and splinted. No stitches were required. The nail will take approximately 6-8 months to regrow. The vehicle was parked and undamaged. The handle did not malfunction in an obvious way; the injury occurred during ordinary operation. I believe the design of the recessed handle allows a fingernail to be caught between the moving handle and the door, and I am reporting this as a safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771955October 18, 2026
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
I was using the Full Self Driving Feature on the Tesla when it began to merge into the lanes on the right and it almost hit another vehicle. Today is the second day using the FSD feature, this is the first time it does this. Prior to it merging lanes on its own, it did swerve to the right on one lane as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771702October 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Tesla manual States that to shift from drive to reverse all you have to do is press the stop all the way up. However while driving if you had used autopilot which is the adas system and disengaged it without hitting the brakes then the car will refuse to go into reverse contradiction to the user manual. I have almost been in numerous low-speed crashes because I pressed the stock up to go into reverse and thinking that the car will go into reverse I'm pressing the throttle again only for the car to work forward followed by a delayed sound indicating that the car didn't go into reverse. The sound he's almost always delayed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771161October 14, 2026
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
After making a left turn I got 2 alerts on my screen "steering assist reduced" and "lane departure disabled", I tried to reset the vehicle few times, but it didn't work, I drove it to Tesla repair center and they issued steering rack damage diagnosis, Tesla is removing and replacing the steering rack along with wheel alignment at this moment. Driving with the alert was extremely dangerous since the steering could have been completely disabled while driving and this could happen on the freeway or a busy street which would have put me and others at the risk. Since it has been a very common problem with 2022 and 2023 models and recall has been issued for 2023 models, I feel like the 2022 models having the exact same problem are being ignored and it's drivers put at a risk of hurting themselves or others.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770884October 13, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the steering wheel covering delaminated and detached from the steering wheel structure. The contact indicated that while turning the steering wheel, additional effort was required to grip the wheel. Both the dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770678October 12, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On XXX, I was involved in a collision in [XXX], while manually driving my 2022 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]). Neither Full Self-Driving (FSD) nor Autopilot was engaged. I was making a right turn at a red traffic signal while another vehicle was making a U-turn. My Tesla collided with the passenger-side door of the other vehicle. Before the collision, I did not receive any audible or visual Forward Collision Warning (FCW). I also did not observe the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system activating or attempting to slow the vehicle before impact. My approximate speed at the time of the collision is unknown. No injuries occurred. I am concerned that the vehicle's Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking systems did not respond to the collision risk. I understand these systems have operating limitations, particularly during turning maneuvers, but I would like this incident documented as a potential vehicle safety concern. I request that NHTSA review this incident to determine whether further investigation is warranted, including whether the vehicle detected the collision risk and whether the safety systems were functioning as designed. 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
#11769931October 8, 2026
TIRES:TREAD/BELT, TIRES:SIDEWALL
I am reporting a potentially serious tire safety failure involving a Continental ProContact RX, size 255/45R19 104W XL, installed on a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The tire was purchased new and installed by Tesla on January 15, 2026. In September 2026, while driving, the tire experienced a sudden catastrophic failure. The sidewall was extensively torn and separated circumferentially around the wheel, while substantial portions of the tread remained intact. The tire carcass was left hanging around the wheel. This was not simply a small puncture or localized cut. The incident created a significant safety concern due to the sudden loss of tire integrity while the vehicle was moving. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a Tesla service center for inspection. No resulting vehicle damage was identified, but the tire required replacement. Tesla documented tread-depth measurements of 6/32, 7/32 and 8/32. Continental subsequently declined warranty coverage, citing treadwear and reported tire-pressure concerns. However, the precise initiating cause of the catastrophic failure has not been established. Continental has now arranged for the failed tire to be returned for further technical examination, with findings expected approximately 6–8 weeks after receipt. The failed tire has been retained and is available for inspection, and extensive photographs document its condition. I am concerned that a relatively new tire could fail in this manner and request that NHTSA review this incident for any similar reports involving Continental ProContact RX tires, particularly on Tesla Model Y vehicles, and determine whether a broader safety concern exists.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769703October 7, 2026
SUSPENSION
On [xxx], I brought my 2022 Tesla Model Y (VIN [XXX]), with approximately 31,000 miles, to Tesla Service in Owings Mills, Maryland. During the inspection, Tesla identified significant deterioration of the front suspension bushings. Tesla’s written estimate states: “recommend to replace lateral links and compliance links due to bushing being torn and dry rotting.” Tesla recommended replacement of the front lower lateral link assemblies and front lower compliance links. The estimated repair cost is $1,548.80. I was not aware of this condition before Tesla’s inspection. I am reporting it because deterioration of front suspension/lateral-link components could potentially affect vehicle handling or steering if the components deteriorate further or fail. Components failed/deteriorated: Tesla diagnosed the bushings as torn and dry rotting and recommended replacement of the affected front suspension links. I have not experienced an actual component detachment or complete suspension failure. Warning lights: I did not have a warning light indicating this suspension condition before Tesla’s inspection. I am aware that NHTSA has opened an investigation involving reported front lower lateral-link failures on certain 2021–2023 Model Y vehicles. I am not claiming that my vehicle has the same defect, but I want this condition documented and evaluated for possible relevance to that investigation. Tesla also verbally told me that goodwill assistance was denied because the vehicle had been driven “too little.” I asked Tesla to provide the technical basis for this explanation, including whether limited vehicle use can cause or contribute to suspension bushing deterioration. Tesla’s subsequent written response did not address this explanation and instead only stated that the vehicle’s warranty had expired based on time. I believe this information may be relevant when evaluating why these suspension components deteriorated at only approximately 31,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767570September 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the central computer suddenly overheated. The failure caused the vehicle to stop immediately and disabled other essential safety features. During the failure, the center screen flashed red with a message instructing the driver to take control, followed by a series of unknown error codes and an "APP_W141 ECU thermal alert" warning. After researching, the contact discovered that the failure might have been caused by a recent software update from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a Tesla Service Center confirmed the failure as a Hardware 3 computer failure. The contact was informed that the system needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767024September 25, 2026
STEERING
Kept getting warnings "Steering assist reduced" and "steering may require increased effort" that would come and go even after resetting vehicle. This resulted in unpredictable steering and unsafe driving conditions and matches ongoing NHTSA investigation EA24001. This required replacement of the entire steering rack. Tesla's own diagnosis confirmed no wiring/connector fault and recommended full steering rack replacement at the cost of: $3,589.92, entirely out of pocket, outside both warranty and any current recall despite ongoing investigation
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766819September 24, 2026
STEERING, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The suspected malfunction involved Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and related automated steering, lane guidance, lane-departure avoidance and disengagement/warning systems. FSD was active before the event but changed to “Unavailable” approximately 1.35 seconds before impact as the vehicle began moving left toward a barrier. The exact cause has not been independently determined. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection, along with the EDR report and Tesla data files. My safety and the safety of others were placed at risk because the vehicle departed its travel path at approximately 65–67 mph. The warning and disengagement sequence provided only about one to one-and-a-half seconds before impact. The vehicle struck the barrier at highway speed, deploying the left side and curtain airbags. This created a risk of serious injury, rollover or collision with nearby motorists. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer because the vehicle was rendered inoperable. However, Tesla’s data confirms that FSD was active, became unavailable approximately 1.35 seconds before the crash, and that the steering angle moved sharply left immediately before impact. The data confirms the sequence but does not conclusively establish who or what initiated the steering movement. The vehicle has not received a technical inspection by Tesla or an independent defect specialist. Towing have handled it, but no one has technically evaluated the FSD or steering system. Crash data was retrieved from EDR. Earlier in the drive, the vehicle recorded “Autopilot features limited” and “camera blocked or blinded” warnings approximately 15 minutes before the crash. The vehicle later permitted FSD to engage. Approximately 1.46 seconds before impact, a hands-on warning was detected; FSD then changed to “Unavailable,” cruise control changed to standby and a lane-departure warning appeared less than one second before impact.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766523September 23, 2026
SUSPENSION
After only 34,306 miles, the front lower forward suspension control arms (left and right) and front lower rearward csuspension control arms and ball joints need to be replaced. I discovered this when having the tires replaced. This seems to be a common issue with this model, but failure of these parts is very premature. There was no accident or incident, but the replacement of these parts is critical to the safety of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765163September 18, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
When engaging fsd, you can’t see the safety distance between you and the car in front of you for defensive driving. Even if you are supervising fsd at high speed on the freeway, the high speed and sudden possibility of fsd disengaging is dangerous. The fsd mode should allow for safe distance between you and vehicle in front to be set manually and if it can’t be set manually, it shouldn’t be allowed to following too closely to the front vehicle. It’s unfair and absolutely dangerous to all should the fsd disengage and the driver doesn’t have time to react even though we are responsibly supervising. This feature needs mitigation
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765080September 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and jerked. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was shifted to park(P) and then into drive(D) several times, and the vehicle accelerated. The contact stated that approximately 20 minutes later, while exiting the highway and approaching a red light, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle was stopped and the hold feature was engaged and the icon showed up on the dashboard, but the vehicle rolled backward and struck another vehicle. The vehicle was then shifted to park(P), and after speaking with the other driver, the vehicle was moved to the closest parking lot. The Police were called, but a report was not filed. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,500.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764626September 16, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While driving on the highway with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged, the vehicle approached an exit that had been closed with traffic cones and road-closure signage. The vehicle failed to properly respond to the closure, continued through and struck multiple traffic cones, and ultimately collided with the road-closure equipment, causing significant front-end damage. My primary safety concern is that multiple safety systems appeared to provide no effective intervention. I observed no Forward Collision Warning, no Automatic Emergency Braking, and no effective automatic braking or avoidance maneuver, even after the vehicle had already begun striking traffic cones. There were no warning messages or indications of a system malfunction before the collision. This was a serious safety incident involving FSD, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and the vehicle's obstacle-detection/collision-avoidance systems. I am requesting that Tesla immediately preserve and review all available vehicle data, including FSD status, camera/perception data, detected objects, vehicle speed, steering, braking commands, Forward Collision Warning events, Automatic Emergency Braking activity, and driver inputs before and during the collision. The vehicle is available for inspection. I also have evidence of the damage and incident available upon request. I am requesting a formal investigation to determine why the vehicle continued through multiple physical traffic-control obstacles without an observed collision warning or effective automatic braking intervention.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763776September 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
At only 27k miles in with no accident history and perfect maintenance my camera system began to fail. It started with a delay of the backup camera and then turned into the cameras no longer working and no longer talking to the satellites. This then became a gps issue. Tesla despite me being 1 month outside warranty and well below the mileage charged me for a $4k new computer without diagnosing the failure as to whether it was heat related or what. It said the FSD computer was failing to make connection with the other computer. I had never even used FSD. This Premature failure of the computer system should’ve never been charged to me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763363September 10, 2026
SUSPENSION
Tesla identified that the Front Lower Lateral Link was worn with 33,971 miles and was not covered under warranty. Two were replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762887September 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2022 Tesla Model Y does not reliably activate the rear air-conditioning vents when a baby is properly restrained in a rear car seat. When the climate system is set to Auto, the rear vents remain off because the vehicle does not detect the baby/car seat as an occupant. When an adult occupies the same rear seat, the vehicle detects the passenger and the rear vents activate automatically. This creates a significant safety concern because the driver can have the climate system running normally and the front of the cabin can be cool, while very little conditioned air is being directed to the rear where the baby is seated. On multiple occasions, my baby has been visibly hot and sweating in the rear car seat even though the front of the cabin felt cool and the front climate system was actively running. The problem is particularly concerning because a baby cannot communicate that they are overheating, and there is no obvious warning to the driver that the rear vents have remained off. A driver could reasonably assume that setting the vehicle’s climate control to Auto is appropriately cooling the occupied cabin. I have been able to reproduce and isolate the issue. Applying approximately 20 pounds of pressure to a particular area of the rear seat cushion causes the vehicle to recognize the seat as occupied and the rear climate vents to activate. Removing that pressure causes the normal behavior to return. This indicates that the automatic rear climate behavior is dependent on an occupancy-detection threshold or location that a properly installed child car seat with a baby may not satisfy. A child occupying a rear seat in an appropriate child restraint is a normal and foreseeable use of the vehicle. The automatic climate-control system should not depend on an occupancy-detection method that can fail to recognize this situation and consequently leave the rear vents off. I believe this presents a huge safety defect and request that NHTSA investigate this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762300September 5, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My chat constantly phantom brakes. This is a constant issue, I ve had the car since it was new and almost everytime im in adaptive cruise control it randomly brakes. Today with nothing in front of my on 3 separate occasions it applies the brakes and forces me to accelerate to maintain speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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