Tesla Model Y Complaints (2021)

1,061 consumer complaints on file.

#11754046July 31, 2026
SUSPENSION
Within four months my car has suspension problems and I didn't know until my tires got bad there was a noise and I didn't know that was the suspension. I bought four brand new tires and I took it to the Tesla dealer and I told the attendant that my car was wearing the tire inside really bad. After I bought 4 brand new tires I took it to the Tesla for an alignment and when you left the car was even worse with the noise so bad. I am barely driving my car and I don't really know what to do if I have to take it to Tesla. I tried to get an appointment with Tesla and they are so full and my car feels like a rocking chair sometime. The tesla has only 31,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753908July 31, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) experienced a serious safety malfunction during a 12V low‑voltage failure. When the vehicle displayed the 12V alert, it became non‑functional. Upon entering, no systems were operating. When I pressed the brake pedal, the interior lights flashed and both front windows began moving up and down automatically without any input. This uncommanded movement caused both windows to shatter violently inside the cabin. The glass broke along the lower section of the window, consistent with internal mechanical stress caused by the window motor cycling during a fault. This was not external impact. I have photos documenting the breakage pattern. This is a safety defect. Automatic window movement during electrical failure poses a risk of injury. Additionally, even if a customer closes a door with the window raised, the glass should not shatter. Tesla vehicles are designed with automatic window indexing and motor resistance protection. The system should adjust the window position to prevent breakage. The fact that the glass shattered indicates a failure of Tesla’s safety logic and window indexing system. Tesla denied responsibility and claimed “misuse,” but could not provide system logs to support this claim. Tesla also stated customers must ensure windows are lowered before closing doors, but this requirement does not exist anywhere in Tesla’s manual. Tesla’s explanation does not address the automatic window movement that caused the breakage. This malfunction presents a clear safety hazard: unexpected window movement, glass shattering inside the cabin, and risk of injury to occupants. I request NHTSA investigate Tesla’s window indexing behavior during 12V failures, the failure of safety protections, and the risk of glass breakage caused by system‑initiated movement. 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
#11753772July 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
High voltage battery pack failed. It is available for inspection. No one was affected by the issue when it occurred. Tesla has inspected it and stated it has imbalance, and entire high voltage battery pack needs to be replaced. Yes, there is a warning messages on the screen. (BMS_a079 - Unable to charge - Maximum charge level reached) ...but only shows 50% State of Charge The issue happened randomly while the car was parked yesterday 7/29/2026
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752865July 26, 2026
SEATS
This is for a recurring front passenger safety restraint system defect on a 2021 Tesla Model Y, VIN [XXX]. The defect has now resulted in at least six service visits or invoices involving the same front passenger restraint / occupancy system concern, and Tesla has now charged $1,582.18 for another repair involving the front passenger seat cushion trim and seat back trim even though prior repairs did not permanently correct the condition. 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
#11752211July 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
Hello, We have 46224 miles on the car currently. A couple of weeks back the whole battery died. Tesla replaced the battery and we picked up the car this past Friday, the XXX. After picking up the car the driver's seat does not slide. I looked it up online on the Tesla website as well as on the app and at both the places it was strongly recommended to bring the car back to Tesla as the problem was very very likely secondary to the battery replacement. the seat does not move at all. When I spoke to customer service at out local Tesla dealership in [XXX], the earliest date they could provide us was in the first week of August! This is an urgent issue. We happen to be away on vacation that week. So we were told to review the cost estimate and then find a date on the app to bring the car in. When I questioned the estimate price, I was told that this was the worst case scenario. But the invoice clearly states Calibration, and 3 prices for a switch package all amounting to $364.45 with tax!!! Again I questioned this huge charge, considering the battery replacement and I was told almost rudely, "That does not seem to be the issue." Just not right!! 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
#11751688July 20, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car is having issues with downloading the software and installing it. It usually happens during the summer. 2025 summer i booked an appointment and visited the Tesla Service center. They diagnosed and told me the ECU is having trouble and need to replace same. Its cost around USD 4K. My car faced this issue right after the warranty is over. First the High Voltage batter died next day the warranty got over, but they replaced it under Battery Warranty. But ECU issue they want me to pay for the same. Its a huge cost and i do see lot of customers keep complaining about the same/similar issues all over internet. It looks like a wide spread issue which Tesla ECU fail after the warranty get over. Biggest challenge for the customers are, No Navigation, GPS is not working, All the cameras goes blind, Lane assistant doesn't work. dashcam recording doesn't work. Technically we can just charge the car and drive. No safety features work as expected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749826July 12, 2026
STEERING
The electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) rack on my 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced an internal electronic failure. The failure first occurred while the vehicle was performing an automated parking maneuver (Autopark) at low speed. The vehicle displayed the warning "Steering assist reduced / Steering may require increased effort" (alert UI_a020_SteeringReduced). Using the vehicle's built-in Service Mode, I retrieved the underlying diagnostic fault: EPAS3P_a072_motFeedFwdError, described by the vehicle as "Motor control feed-forward correlation error," set when the difference between estimated motor torque and commanded torque exceeds 1.2 Nm. The vehicle's own diagnostic screen lists the clear condition for this fault as "Replace EPAS," indicating an internal hardware failure of the primary EPAS module. The listed potential impact is "Reduced steering assist and EAC inhibited." The fault initially cleared after approximately three minutes but returned and is now latched: it persists through vehicle reboots and multiple drive cycles. While the fault is active, power steering assist is reduced and lane keeping assistance / active safety steering features are inoperative. Safety risk: steering assist can degrade without warning during low-speed maneuvers, requiring sudden and substantially increased steering effort, and lane keeping assistance is disabled. The failure occurred while an automated driving feature was in control of the steering, with no curb impact, collision, or abnormal use.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749701July 11, 2026
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
Recurring front passenger safety restraint system fault causing incorrect occupant detection for airbag deployment. Failed and was ‘repaired’ 3 times since 2024, including 2 consecutive failed repairs of the same part within the last 3 months. Tesla service advisor also mentioned informally this is a common issue. Tesla is now refusing further no-cost repair despite both recent repairs remaining under Tesla’s own parts warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749310July 9, 2026
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Error ui_a020 "steering assist reduced" appears without any noticeable steering changes at the moment, but with a warning that steering may become increasingly harder and harder. There were recent recalls on other models of Tesla.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748415July 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Safety features on vehicle stopped working after software update was pushed to my vehicle. GPS, all cameras including backup camera and ones used for blind spots, and cruise control have all stopped working. Time displays incorrectly due to GPS issue and night mode stays on so rear view & back window stay dark making it hard to see other vehicles around me during the day. I’ve followed all recommended steps to resolve and issue persists.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747298June 29, 2026
SEATS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, WHEELS
Tesla model y is experiencing a front passenger airbag sensor failure (OCS) covered by factory bulletin SB-23-20-002 alongside TMPS and EAEB alerts. Tesla corporate resolutions is refusing to fix these safety system failures with out charging $1400 out-of-pocket, citing warranty expired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744920June 18, 2026
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The steering is not functioning properly. This is sealed system and no where else I can get it. This a safety issue and I haven't seen any car steering failing like this. Even cars as old as 20 year has no such issues. This is huge slap on of $3k+ on consumer. The cars is hardly 5 year old.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744560June 16, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
* What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? FSD. It is available upon request. * How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Over the course of the last two months since the last FSD update (currently on v12.6.4), at least 20 times the vehicle has not properly stayed in the lane under certain circumstances listed below. These circumstances are always the same and it is repeatable and dangerous as the vehicle would have crashed into the center median if I had not intervened. Repeatable conditions: * 79 MPH * Low curvature highway at highway speeds when turning to the right only. * FSD version 12.6.4 with software version 2026.14.6 is engaged and in Assertive mode. * Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Tesla wanted $1k in order to reproduce and diagnose the problem, so I declined. * Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Same as above; Tesla wanted $1k in order to reproduce and diagnose the problem, so I declined. * Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None of the safety systems fired, including lane departure warning or steering correction. FSD would not have veered out of the way of the median.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744359June 16, 2026
SUSPENSION
2021 Tesla Model Y suffered a complete failure of the front lower lateral links, compliance links, and upper control arms at only 29,103 miles. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. It is currently being repaired at my cost. There was no warning lights or messages. I had noticed a creaking sound upon turning, especially while in reverse. I believe this mirrors the exact mechanical failures seen in NHTSA Campaign 21V835000. However, my VIN number was not listed in this recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744251June 15, 2026
SUSPENSION
Backed-out LH Rear Lower Fore Link bolt causing structural elongation damage to the rear subframe mounting hole, requiring full subframe replacement. Vehicle had been serviced exclusively by Tesla. Tesla issued Service Bulletin SB-25-31-004 on April 17, 2026 covering this exact condition. Tesla declined to perform the repair under the bulletin citing out-of-warranty status. A touchscreen alert directing me to service was active at the time of denial.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743750June 12, 2026
SEAT BELTS
We were trying to drive home and the middle seat belt, where my youngest child was sitting, would not latch. it would 'click' in, but if you pulled on it, it would pop out. This was terrifying because we had to drive home on a 2-lane highway with oncoming traffic. I checked online and found that many others have reported this issue because the seat belt latch sits rigidly upright in a divot in the seat, which acts as a funnel to direct any crumbs or dropped items to go into the seat belt latch, which then apparently causes the issue. This is a death trap design for children, because of course children drop things and make messes all the time, and applies to all three of the seat belt latches in the back. What is even worse about this issue is that as a parent I listen for the Click to know they have buckled, and I also check the seat belt indicator on the dash screen. Even when this model Y seatbelt latch isn't going to hold the seatbelt in place, it makes the Click sound and also shows as latched on the dash screen, giving parents a false sense of security. It looks like no children have been injured or killed yet because of this design flaw, but please do not wait for that to happen. Please make them fix this issue immediately before tragedy strikes a family. Please watch the video I linked to in the PDF to see how the seatbelt clicks into place, but then can be pulled free by a firm tug on the seatbelt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743088June 9, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I am submitting this complaint to request an investigation into a serious safety defect involving my Tesla vehicle. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has experienced a significant and unexpected loss of acceleration when I attempted to enter or cross intersections. Despite pressing the accelerator, the vehicle failed to respond as expected, leaving me unable to accelerate normally while entering active traffic. This is not a minor hesitation or inconvenience. It is a serious roadway safety hazard. Drivers rely on immediate acceleration when crossing intersections, turning across traffic, or merging. A vehicle that unexpectedly limits acceleration can place occupants directly in the path of oncoming vehicles, creating a substantial risk of a severe collision, serious injury, or death. I reported this issue to Tesla Service and provided multiple timestamps documenting the events. Tesla was unable to identify any fault codes or provide a diagnosis and indicated that because no fault was recorded, the issue could not be confirmed. Through independent research, I found numerous reports from other Tesla owners describing substantially similar acceleration limitation events. Many reports specifically reference Obstacle Aware Acceleration as a possible cause, and some owners report that disabling the feature resolved the issue. If a safety system can falsely detect an obstacle and reduce acceleration while a driver is actively entering an intersection, the system itself may create a greater danger than the one it is designed to prevent. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether Tesla vehicles are experiencing unexpected acceleration limitation or torque reduction during intersection entry and traffic merging situations, evaluate the role of Obstacle Aware Acceleration and related software systems, determine whether a broader pattern exists, and assess whether corrective action or a recall is warranted. This could cause serious injury or fatal crash
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742463June 6, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
A 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced steering/suspension warnings followed shortly by a steering-assist reduction event. On or around May 21, 2026, the vehicle displayed: “Steering alignment service recommended — OK to drive, schedule service soon.” The vehicle was brought to Tesla because the owner was concerned the car had detected a steering, alignment, suspension, or safety-related condition. The Tesla invoice from that visit appears inconsistent. It states that “a wheel alignment check was completed,” but also states “No Labor Performed — Customer Did Not Authorize Repairs or Inspection,” with 0.00 labor hours and no charge. A documented steering/suspension diagnostic inspection, alignment report, alert-log review, or safety assessment was not performed by Tesla or inspected. The owner was advised to replace tires and return later. Approximately 90 miles later, during a low-speed three-point turn, the vehicle made a loud pop/clunk from the front area and displayed: “Steering assist reduced — Steering may require increased effort.” A related alert also stated Lane Departure Avoidance features were unavailable. This created a safety concern because steering effort may unexpectedly increase during low-speed turns or parking maneuvers. Tesla later inspected the vehicle and documented torn front lower lateral/compliance link bushings and vehicle log data showing steering gear alerts. Tesla replaced the front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links and performed alignment work. After those repairs, Tesla stated a steering gear alert was still present and recommended steering gear/steering rack replacement with additional alignment work. The concern is that a steering/alignment warning occurred shortly before the physical front-end failure and reduced steering-assist event, but the earlier Tesla visit does not clearly document that the warning was meaningfully inspected or safety-assessed. Vehicle is currently unsafe to drive and is in Teslas possession
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742219June 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The vehicle’s secondary Autopilot Processor / car computer is internally faulted and stuck in a continuous wake/shutdown loop. This causes severe standby battery drain (~20 miles of range lost per day while parked) and completely prevents all over-the-air software updates - including federally mandated safety recall remedies. On April 4, 2024, Tesla Service diagnosed the fault and linked it to the drain and inability to update. On the same visit, Tesla added two safety recalls (23V-838 Autosteer controls and 24V-051 Brake/Park/ABS indicators) to the work order. They then demanded ~$3,000 customer payment for computer replacement before the recalls could be performed. After I declined the paid repair, Tesla marked both recalls as “completed” via software update despite the same invoice stating the vehicle could not receive updates and remained on software version 2023.38.9 (which predates both remedy firmwares they claimed was installed). Tesla is effectively paywalling federally required safety recall remedies by requiring the customer to first pay for computer replacement first. Two additional recalls remain open (21V-389 seat belt fasteners and 24V-554 hood latch). The problem has been confirmed and documented multiple times by Tesla Service.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741805June 3, 2026
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] ) used directly from Tesla. I am the first retail owner outside of Tesla. I am currently experiencing a knocking noise from the driver side suspension. I have requested that Tesla inspect and complete the following federally mandated safety recalls and service bulletins, none of which appear in my vehicle’s service history: • NHTSA Recall 21V-835 / SB-21-31-003 — Front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen and separate from the sub-frame, causing instability and crash risk • NHTSA Recall 21V-912 — Suspension knuckles may fracture • SB-20-31-006 — Front upper control arm ball joint reseal Tesla service has refused to perform these repairs free of charge, citing expired warranty (warranty expired April 5, 2025). Tesla’s response does not address that these are federal safety recalls, not warranty repairs. Federal law requires recall repairs to be performed free of charge regardless of warranty status, age, or mileage. Tesla has also failed to provide written documentation confirming whether these recalls were completed prior to selling me the vehicle. Instead, I have been redirected to a self-service VIN lookup tool and a general data privacy request form — neither of which confirms when, where, or whether the recall work was actually performed. I am requesting NHTSA investigate Tesla’s failure to complete these safety recalls prior to selling this vehicle to a retail customer, and their refusal to honor federal recall obligations. 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

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