Tesla Model Y Complaints (2023)

1,136 consumer complaints on file.

#11759998August 27, 2026
STEERING
The bolts on the control arm came loose on its own while driving causing the steering to become unstable and loud.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759891August 27, 2026
SUSPENSION
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The front driver-side control arm came loose after two bolts fell out. The vehicle had no prior accidents, and the failed area can be inspected if needed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The front driver side of the car suddenly dropped onto the wheel while I was backing into a parking spot. If this had happened at highway speed, it could have caused a very serious accident, loss of control or potential death. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem was confirmed after the vehicle was inspected and the two missing control-arm bolts were identified. The car was not safe to drive after the failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was inspected after the incident by a service center or mechanic. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance unless otherwise noted. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms before the failure. It happened suddenly while I was backing into a parking spot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758656August 21, 2026
SUSPENSION
I am getting a creaking and clunking sound in my front passenger side suspension. It happens when I turn and go over bumps.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758131August 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
On the morning of 8-17, 2026, the vehicle experienced a total electrical power loss and high-voltage system deadlock immediately following an official Tesla Over-The-Air (OTA) software update pushed the previous night. Prior to this remote software update, the vehicle had zero operational issues or warning signs. Right after the update completed, the vehicle became completely unresponsive and undrivable. This issue directly compromised safety by causing a sudden, unpredictable loss of vehicle power and propulsion capability, creating a severe risk of stranded vehicle hazards and secondary collisions. The vehicle was brought to an official Tesla Service Center (Whitestone/Flushing, NY) for diagnosis. The manufacturer’s service center inspected the vehicle and confirmed a high-voltage Power Conversion System (PCS) deadlock failure (Repair Estimate ID issued). The failed PCS component remains at the Tesla Service Center awaiting replacement and is fully available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757845August 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT WHAT COMPONENT FAILED: High-voltage (HV) battery system. Vehicle experienced complete electrical failure while parked at home, rendering vehicle completely inoperable. Battery is available for inspection at Tesla Service - Las Vegas, East Saharah location (currently in manufacturer's possession for warranty repair). SAFETY RISK: Vehicle suffered catastrophic HV battery failure while parked at residential location. Complete electrical system failure creates potential fire hazard and electrical hazard to occupants/property. Vehicle became disabled and required emergency towing. Sudden, unexplained electrical failure in residential setting with zero warning signs poses serious safety risk. CONFIRMATION: YES — Confirmed by Tesla Service Center: Service ticket documents battery failure Tesla authorized emergency loaner accommodation only AFTER 10-day delay Tesla ordered HV battery replacement under manufacturer warranty Manufacturer admission of defect confirms safety issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757758August 18, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On Wednesday, August 12 around 6:30 am the vehicle applied AEB while I was making a left turn on green. It landed me in the middle of the intersection while a car going straight from the opposite direction was speeding towards me to go before the light turned yellow/red. I escaped a collision only because the other driver managed to slow down.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757531August 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FAILED COMPONENT & AVAILABILITY: 2023 Tesla Model Y front suspension (suspected lower lateral link detachment), steering system, and airbag system (failed to deploy). Preserved intact, but will be at Hendrick Collision ([XXX]; POC: Dendi [XXX]) under Allstate Claim #XXX. Available for immediate NHTSA inspection. SAFETY RISK: At highway speed on Aviation Parkway, the car suffered an unprompted, violent directional loss, zig-zagging uncontrollably in the lane and risking a multi-vehicle crash. Operating manually. Do not have Autopilot or FSD. I was at the mercy of the vehicle's sensor/chassis failure. The car crashed into the grass median, sustaining heavy driver-side damage. Airbags failed to deploy during impact. CONFIRMATION BY REPAIR CENTER: Physical teardown is on hold pending Event Data Recorder (EDR) "Black Box" imaging and chassis alignment inspection. INSPECTIONS TO DATE: Allstate Level 1 Claim #XXX assigned. Evidence preservation and cloud telemetry extraction notices served to Tesla Legal and Allstate. WARNINGS & PRIOR REPAIR HISTORY: No warnings appeared immediately prior to steering failure. Software was fully updated. This crash occurred 14 days after a 2nd High-Voltage (HV) Battery replacement: XXX: HV Battery error code -> 1st HV Battery Replacement (returned XXX) XXX: Recurring HV Battery error -> 2nd HV Battery Replacement (returned XXX) XXX: Unprompted directional failure and crash. INVESTIGATIVE CONTEXT: Matches NHTSA PE26006 investigating 2021-2023 Model Y front lower lateral link detachments causing sudden loss of control. 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
#11757416August 17, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in Self-Driving Mode and driving approximately 5-8 MPH, the vehicle suddenly turned towards the left into oncoming traffic. The contact immediately manually started steering the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal popping and snapping sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and the contact became aware that the steering wheel was bent inward. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 10,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757379August 17, 2026
SUSPENSION
Both the right (April 2024) and now left (Aug 2026) upper control arm bolt became loose. The left created damage. Now I routinely check the bolts and now on a check on the right it loosen naturally freely spinning by hand. Caught the right bolt early before damage and serious safety issue. Note this is a wide issue and NHTSA should issue a wider recall as Tesla argues about repairs and doesn’t take this seriously. [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
#11757226August 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
COMPONENT/SYSTEM THAT FAILED: The service brakes failed to stop the vehicle. While reverse-parking at low (parking) speed, I applied the brake pedal and the vehicle did not stop as expected, resulting in contact with an object and vehicle damage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request; it has been preserved and driven only minimally since the event. HOW SAFETY WAS PUT AT RISK: The brakes failed with no warning. Had a person been behind the vehicle, the failure to stop could have caused injury. This is the only vehicle for a family with three children who are regularly transported in it, and I no longer feel safe driving them. REPRODUCED/CONFIRMED BY A DEALER OR SERVICE CENTER: Not yet. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER/POLICE/INSURANCE/OTHERS: The insurer opened and then denied the claim and stated that no vehicle telemetry/data was available to preserve. No independent forensic inspection has occurred yet. Police did not attend. WARNING LAMPS/MESSAGES/SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO FAILURE: NONE. There was no warning light, no alert message, and no audible signal before or during the event. The parking sensors did not beep as they normally do. No ABS or brake warning light appeared at any time before or after. ADDITIONAL RELEVANT DETAIL: Approximately one week earlier, the front lower control arms were replaced. It is UNKNOWN whether the ABS wheel-speed sensor or related wiring was affected; the vehicle displayed no related warning at any time. No injuries occurred.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757053August 14, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and independently veered into the other lane. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,335.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756495August 12, 2026
SUSPENSION
I am experiencing a loud, persistent creaking and groaning noise coming from the front suspension of my 2023 Tesla Model Y whenever the vehicle travels over bumps, uneven road surfaces, or during low-speed steering maneuvers.This structural front-end noise raises immediate safety concerns regarding a potential premature failure of critical suspension components, specifically the front lower lateral links or upper control arm ball joints. I am deeply concerned that this component wear could lead to a sudden detachment of the suspension link while driving, resulting in a sudden loss of steering control and an immediate crash hazard.Tesla is aware of widespread suspension issues in these model years, but there is currently no active safety recall to protect owners from catastrophic part failure. I am filing this to urge a mandatory safety recall before a serious failure occurs. I have just over 63,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756327August 11, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I am filing a complaint regarding the low-beam headlights on my Tesla. The headlights emit an excessively bright glare that impairs the visibility of oncoming traffic and surrounding motorists, creating a hazardous driving condition. This issue corresponds to federal safety non-compliance under FMVSS No. 108 and NHTSA Recall Campaign No. 26V507, where the low beams were found to output up to 230.1 candela, nearly doubling the legal federal limit of 125 candela. The excessive illumination creates a 'veiling glare' that threatens highway safety, particularly during inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog. I request that my vehicle be physically inspected and serviced with compliant hardware components as outlined by federal regulators.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756136August 11, 2026
STEERING
Yes. Here’s a tighter version designed to stay **under 1,800 characters including spaces** while retaining the key safety facts. I am reporting a serious front suspension failure on my 2023 Tesla Model Y. A bolt fell out near the front control arm/lower suspension bushing area. Tesla’s service invoice confirms the vehicle required pickup from my driveway “due to a bolt falling out near the front control arm bushing area.” The vehicle is available for inspection, although I do not know if Tesla retained the replaced parts. This was a serious safety risk because a front suspension failure could affect steering, wheel position, and vehicle control. Fortunately, it occurred on my residential street near my home. Had this happened at highway speed with my family in the vehicle, the consequences could have been catastrophic. Tesla inspected and repaired the vehicle, replacing the front lower lateral and compliance links on both sides and performing an alignment. Tesla’s written diagnosis states the issue “stemmed from a loose component in the front suspension system.” However, I was verbally told the failure resulted from striking a curb or pothole. There was no apparent impact damage to the body, tires, rims, or undercarriage. My insurance adjuster later contacted Tesla and was reportedly told there was NO evidence the vehicle struck anything. My claim was denied as a result. Tesla’s written repair documentation also contains no mention of impact or collision damage. I received no warning lamp or dashboard message before the failure. The significant symptom was the suspension bolt falling out. I am concerned that a critical suspension component became loose without evidence of impact. I ask NHTSA to investigate whether this could be related to a broader Model Y suspension or fastener safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756135August 11, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING, WHEELS
A FRONT BAR ON THE LOWER FRONT LEFT OF THE CAR COLLAPSED LEAVING 2 SCREWS ON THE GROUNG AND STEERLING WHEEL NOT USABLE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756128August 11, 2026
SUSPENSION
Defect Summary: Front suspension lower lateral link bolt backing out / stripped internal subframe weld-nut threads. Incident Description: While driving, the vehicle developed front-end suspension instability / clunking. Upon inspection by Tesla Service, technicians determined that the lateral link attachment bolt stripped the internal subframe threads, requiring a complete $4,599 subframe assembly replacement. Safety Risk: Lateral link bolt separation causes a complete loss of suspension alignment and wheel control without prior warning or dashboard alerts, creating an immediate crash hazard at highway speeds. Manufacturer Response: The defect manifested immediately prior to logging the ticket at 20 miles past the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty limit). Tesla refused warranty coverage, treating a known structural fastener defect as customer wear-and-tear and demanding $4,599 for subframe replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756091August 10, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Our car phantom brakes when traveling through shadows frequently and occasionally at random. This occurs at high speed as well as low speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755748August 9, 2026
SUSPENSION
I experienced issues with the handling and suspension of this vehicle beginning in September 2024. I made an appointment and took it to Tesla in October 2024 at 10,484 miles, and the Tesla service center refused to look at the suspension because they were “unable to replicate” the crunching noise I was hearing on their test drive. In November 2024, I had a total control arm failure resulting in the vehicle needing to be towed to the Tesla service center. The repair was a retorque, but I still experienced issues I was told were “normal” because of the vehicle’s weight. The issue became worse in July 2026. Please see August 2026 invoice for very concerning notes regarding the vehicles state after Tesla told me it was “normal.” Invoice indicates “The right hand lateral link bolt was held by a few threads and the top nut was no longer welded on the subframe.” This could have caused a deadly accident when steering at highway speeds, but Tesla said the noises I was hearing when turning were normal. I urge NHTSA to investigate this as it seems to be a common issue with 2020-2023 Model Y’s suspensions. How many others have been turned away by Tesla because they were unable to replicate an intermittent sound that they deemed as “normal” that could ultimately lead to essential components being held onto by “a few threads?”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755611August 8, 2026
SUSPENSION
Yesterday, my Tesla Model Y 2022 suffered a catastrophic failure. The front lower forward control arm completely detached from the subframe due to a missing/fallen-out factory bolt. For the past couple weeks leading upto last night's incident, I've been hearing a "small thump/thud" sound whenever i accelerate the vehicle. I reported this issue to Tesla and arranged a service appointment for coming Wed Aug 12 2026 but unfortunately the catastrophic failure occured last night 5 days before the scheduled service appointment.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755589August 8, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The FSD failed when it back into garage; the back of passenger side of the car hit the wall of garage. There is no warning before. Beacuse the distance for parking into the garage is small, there is no time to take over the FSD to avoid it happen. It happen around 23:35 on August 07, 2026. We reported as a safety incident to Tesla an hour ago. We updated the the software on August 02, 2026. The car had been succesful back into the garage more than ten times before.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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