Tesla Model Y Complaints (2021)

1,061 consumer complaints on file.

#11567451January 24, 2024
AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
The front passenger safety alert system fault warning appears Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat is faulty and Tesla said it’s not covered under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11566790January 21, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1. Under certain circumstances, the vehicle is able to decelerate using its regenerative braking system without illuminating the brake lights. This occurs during "one pedal driving" where the operator is driving only using the throttle to both accelerate and decelerate the car, without the input of mechanical brakes. This is a programming issue, not a mechanical issue. The brake lights are "triggered" when the car decelerates at a threshold of -0.1G or greater. At anything less than -0.1G, the lights will not turn on. This drastically increases the risk of a rear-end collision. 2. Under the right conditions the operator could decelerate from a speed of 45 mph to 5 mph without the brake lights ever coming on, not until they reach a near-complete-stop. This poses a high risk to all drivers that are behind the vehicle, and fails to give warning to other drivers. It should never be possible for this to occur. 3. This problem has been in discussion on Tesla owner's forums; specifically "Tesla Motors Club". (see attached posts) Tesla has the highest accident rate, and no one has yet figured out why. A typical internal combustion vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission coast-down decelerates at an average rate of -0.02G. The Tesla's regen brake light turn-on threshold of -0.1G is 5X more than the deceleration of a typical coasting ICE car (-0.02G) . For slow-downs between -0.02G and -0.1G, where the Tesla's deceleration exceeds an ICE car by up to 5X, there is no warning to other drivers, as the brake lights will not turn on. Any braking force above -0.02G of deceleration exceeds that of an ICE car, and should be made-known via the brake-lights. I hope that this is not overlooked; it is extremely important for this to be addressed to reduce rear-end collisions involving EV's. 99%+ of vehicles in the USA are ICE, and do not coast-down at a rate of -0.1G. The brake lights must indicate this above-normal reduction in speed.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11566742January 20, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The purpose of this missive is to complain about how blindingly bright the Tesla Model Y's headlights shine into the eyes of on-coming traffic and pedestrian. The Model 3's headlights are marginally less blinding (probably only because they are a few inches lower than the Model Y's) and there seems to be no similar problem with the Model S and Model X headlights. I have no issue with bright headlights in general, but they should not be focused into the eyes of on-coming traffic and innocent pedestrian. To be clear, I do not own this Model Y represented by this VIN. Thanks! [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
#11565832January 16, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Windshield developed a huge crack due to using max defrost in 15 degrees Fahrenheit weather. There was no crack whatsoever the night before and in the morning after setting the max defrost setting on, I noticed a huge crack across my windshield! I took it to their shop in Lyndhurst, OH and they told me that there was signs of previous damage, and the action of using max defrost in this weather caused it to crack the way it did. So they tried charging me $1500! I looked with them and it was barely a nick! like it almost looked like the initial point of damage as nothing but a smudge on the glass that you couldn't wipe off... The fact that my glass is so sensitive that the heat from operating the system normally would cause it to crack in such a way baffles me... Thank you for your time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11564396January 9, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Tesla Autopilot lost control in rainy weather, swerved off the road on freeway at 80mph, swung back in the leftmost lane and then to shoulder, risking lives of driver and all passengers including 2 children. Impact resulted in broken wheel rims and bursted tires. This could have been fatal accident if there are other cars on the road at the time of incident. There were absolutely no warning on the screen and near zero time to react with vehicle wheels turning sharp left at 80mph. Footage though immediately visible on DashCam has disappeared from USB drive. Requested vehicle logs from Tesla but that too has gap in coverage exactly during time of accident. Tesla Service Center has not responded to request to get system log at the time of accident. Missing logs and camera footage exactly at the time of incident is suspiciously missing. Footage and logs are available for next day as well as several weeks and months in the past.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11564006January 7, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving on highways using adaptive cruise control, the vehicle will slow down quickly from highway speeds of 60 to 75 mph, down to 40 or 45 mph without the presence of an obstruction in front, such as a vehicle, or even a shadow, that could fool the vehicle’s camera. This puts us at risk of being rear-ended on the highway. The problem happens randomly. I have reported the issue to Tesla twice. It happened once while on the phone with a Tesla representative that had called me back regarding my reported complaint. The Tesla rep said they were aware of the issue and were working on correcting the issue via a software issue. Tesla has cancelled my requests for service appointments regarding this issue. In September of 2023 we attempted to use the cruise control to see if it had been repaired but it happened again. There were no prior warnings. The issue first appeared in September of 2021. It has happened many times since then. I first reported around Sep of 2022.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11562686December 29, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
After the latest recall (campaign #23V-838), the automated warnings while using autosteer becomes so frequently that it becomes distractingly dangerous. Even when i briefly avert my eyes while driving on an empty highway results in the warnings
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11562058December 27, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Water collects in the rear bottom trunk compartment. This flooding has resulted in moId. It appears as though the rear trunk is not properly installed and I have seen this reported on forums by other Tesla owners. Here is an example: [XXX] I have sent my Tesla for repair but it’s out of warranty. Tesla is also really poor when it comes to service times etc so I want to file a formal complaint to see if this helps other Tesla owners. 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
#11562050December 27, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Model y Autopilot Update To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model Y’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model 3 owner for over one year, I have generally found the vehicle and its features to be reliable and safe. However, the recent update has introduced an overly stringent hands-on-wheel detection mechanism that is not only inconvenient but also potentially hazardous. The new update requires frequent and often forceful interaction with the steering wheel to assure the system of driver presence. This change is drastically different from my previous experience, where I received only one hands-on-wheel violation in two years. The current sensitivity of the system disrupts the smooth operation of the autopilot, leading to frequent and abrupt disengagements. I have found myself struggling to maintain the system’s activation, inadvertently causing the vehicle to exit autopilot mode multiple times. This issue goes beyond mere inconvenience; it actively detracts from driving safety. The need for constant and sometimes aggressive adjustments to satisfy the system’s requirements is distracting and can lead to erratic vehicle behavior. The irony is stark: a system designed to enhance driving safety and ease is now a source of potential danger and stress. The unpredictability and over-sensitivity of the updated system could lead to dangerous situations, especially on highways or in heavy traffic, where sudden disengagement of the autopilot can be particularly risky. As a driver, I now find myself more focused on keeping the autopilot engaged than on the actual driving conditions and surroundings, which is surely contrary to the feature’s intended purpose. Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious safety concern. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11561679December 24, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
After Tesla software update 2023.44.30.2, the rear back up camera no longer works. It’s just a black screen. Failure first occurred on 12/20/2023. Also, Tesla “Auto pilot” no longer works (cruise control and lane assist). Support team could not fix both issues. Have a service appointment scheduled on 12/27/2023. Thank you and happy holidays.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11561066December 20, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ ******* The contact is requesting this to be cancelled.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11560759December 18, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The automatic windshield wiper function never works properly. It does not engage even when the windshield is soaked, and often engages when windshield is dry. This reduces visibility so much, that it is sometimes extremely dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11560058December 14, 2023
SEAT BELTS
Rear seatbelt buckle keeps failing and does not latch. These were replaced by Tesla within the last 6 months and they failed again and refused to cover them under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11559862December 13, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle loss it’s autopilot mode. I called Tesla repair center multiple times but they keep on saying that the engineering department still looking into it and they don’t have any timeframe to when will it be fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11559540December 11, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The bolt holding my control arm bushing came completely out dropping my front passenger side of the car on to my tire. In research and talking to mechanics this is a known problem Tesla is refusing to help me or acknowledge it is an issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11559462December 11, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The Regenerative brakes malfunctioned looks like and the car kept on spinning and we hit the side of the freeway and ended up in a ditch and the tow truck had to pull us out of the rubble. it was very scary and lucky we did not get hurt. I was reading some online reviews and looks like many people are having similar issues with Tesla Model Y and other Tesla Models. thanks
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11556877November 26, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Phantom braking. We were going at around 45 miles per hour on route 30 and the car suddenly engaged brakes without anybody in front of me. Apparently it's a known issue called phantom braking and I wanted to report it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11556328November 21, 2023
STRUCTURE, CHILD SEAT
The contact owns a Britax, Model number: e1a267, Model Type: Advocate, and was manufactured on December 20 2020. The car seat was being utilized in a 2021 Tesla Model y The contact stated that while she was washing the covers for the car seat, she noticed that the metal bar at the rear top of the car seat had rusted. The car seat had not been repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the rust was actually discoloration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11556130November 20, 2023
STEERING
Steerling wheel malfunction, can't control.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11555895November 19, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Emergency Breaking in Autodrive mode. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My car auto breaked hard for no apparent reason when I was driving at 75 MPH on an open highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? There are plenty of articles online about Phantom Breaking. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, this happened yesterday morning on 11/18/2023. I plan to report this to Tesla today as well. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Not a single warning and this was the first time that this has happened to my vehicle. I was driving using auto drive at 75 MPH on highway at 8:45AM on 11/18/2023. All of a sudden, and for no reason, my Tesla Model Y slowed down within 3 seconds to around 45 MPH. This was completely unexpected as no other car, debris, person was near me. When I got. home that day, I read about phantom breaking with the Tesla. What happened to my car is yet another example of phantom breaking. This could have caused a major accident if there were more cars on highway at the time. Luckily no one was injured, but my daughter and I were in shock and shooken up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Tesla Model Y