Tesla Model Y Complaints

3,785 consumer complaints on file.

#11704291December 10, 2025
SEAT BELTS
The seat belt buckle not latching and keep popped out while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704031December 9, 2025
SEAT BELTS, VISIBILITY/WIPER
1) FULL SUPERVISED DRIVINGD ENTERED 3 LANES OF ON COMING TRAFFIC. A TRUCK AVOIDED BROAD SIDING THE DRIVERS DOOR OF MY VEHICLE BY ENTERING ON COMING TRAFFIC DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. LUCKILY THE ON COMING TRAFFIC STOPPED FOR THE TRUCK. THE NAVAGATION SYSTEM SEEMED TO BE LOST AS WELL. 2) THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ALERT ALARM BEGAN TO CONTINUALLY GO ON STATING THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT FASTENED. IT WAS BROUGHT INTO THE SHOP TWICE FOR REPAIR. THE SEAT WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALERT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING WITH NO ONE OR OBJECTS ON THE SEAT. IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE SHOP. 3) UPON DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE THE LOW WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WARNING CAME ON. I SUPPLIED MORE FLUID TWICE WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE SHOP REPLACED A FAULTY HOSE AND RESERVOIR. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER CONTROL COULD HARDLY AND BARELY SPRAY ANY FLUID OMTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE SHOP ADJUSTED THE PRESSURE WHICH HAS QUICKY FAILED. A TECHNICIAN DETERMINED IT IS A NEW DESIGN AND IS WORKING FINE. A TECHNICIAN VERIFIED TO ME THAT THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID DOES CLEAN THE CAMERA'S FOR SUPERVISED DRIVING. I DO NOT USE THE FSD DUE TO THE FLAW IN THIS SUPPOSED NEW DESIGN. THE SHOP STATED THAT THEY HAD DIFFICULTY REPRODUCING THE SEAT BELT ISSUE AND KEPT THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS TWICE IN ORDER TO REPRODUCE THE RANDOM OCCURANCES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AT 2 SERVICE SHOP LOCATIONS. NO POLICE OR INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVES HAVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. IN REGARD TO THE SEAT BELT ISSUES THERE WERE MESSAGES, WARNING LAMPS AND SIREN ALERTS IN SOME CASES FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR EVERY FEW SECONDS WHILE DRIVING. IN REGARD TO THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID THE WARNING LIGHT WAS ON AS SOON AS I PICKED UP THE BRAND NEW CAR ON AUGUST 27, 2025 THE SEAT BELT ISSUES SEEM TO BE RESOLVED THUS FAR, THE WINDSIELD WASHER FLUID IS ONGOING.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704000December 9, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am filing this complaint regarding a high-voltage battery defect in my 2021 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle has been diagnosed by Tesla Service, and both the technician and service advisor confirmed that the high-voltage battery has an internal short. This is a critical failure involving the primary energy/storage system of the vehicle. Despite acknowledging the internal failure, Tesla is denying warranty coverage for the battery replacement. They have stated that failure is internal, and is not caused by anything external The failure was not caused by an accident, environmental exposure, or improper use. This appears to be a component-level defect within the 2021 Tesla Model Y battery packs Considering Tesla has issued prior service bulletins for Model Y high-voltage battery quality issues in adjacent model years, this may indicate a broader pattern of battery defects. They are trying to charge people over $12,000 for battery replacements that should be covered by tesla due to poor workmanship and materials used. Many have had to have multiple battery packs replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703972December 9, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving 2023 Tesla Model -Y (VIN [XXX] ) with the latest FSD software with FSD and navigation on. As I approached a stoplight it was unclear whether the car would make the appropriate turn at the intersection, so I pushed up on the right stalk to disengage FSD and inadvertently touched the brake pedal before FSD had disengaged in response to the stalk movement. Touching the brake apparently disengaged FSD, so when I pushed up on the stalk it put the car in reverse. There was no visual or audible warning (or at least none that I saw or heard), and when I stepped on the accelerator the car went in reverse. Fortunately, I did not hit the car behind me. It seems to me that the sequence of events I described could happen often and there should be some sort of audible or visual warning. 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
#11703812December 8, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, AIR BAGS
The contact is a police officer from the Simi police department, who called on behalf of the owner of a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated the owner was driving at 30 MPH with full autopilot mode with direction destination set, the vehicle increased in speed to make a U-turn on the opposite side of a driveway; therefore, the driver attempted to disengage the autopilot and depressed the brake pedal. The vehicle failed to stop and instead increased in speed, causing the driver to crash into a curb, a Dodge Ram truck, a light pole, and an occupied Nissan Maxima vehicle, where the vehicle came to a stop. Both vehicles that were crashed into were occupied by 1 occupant each. The contact stated the owner's air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the owner did not sustain any injuries. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision center; however, the vehicle looked drivable. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703713December 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On several occasions, my Tesla Model Y has braked for no reason while using Traffic Aware Cruise Control as well as when using Autopilot. I can re-create this situation on the same parts of the highway. The sudden, uncommanded stopping creates a hazardous situation with the cars being me as I may get rear ended. At this point, I do not feel safe using Autopilot or TACC. I submitted a ticket to Tesla but they declined to work on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703701December 8, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frunk (Hood) has been randomly opening at times when the car is parked. Today it opened after being parked at my office parking lot for 3 hours. I am concerned that this can occur while driving, especially on the highway, potentially causing a deadly accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703654December 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Per Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 401 an emergency release in any enclosed trunk compartment large enough to hold a person (generally defined as having a volume of at least 1.2 cubic meters or similar dimensions that could pose an entrapment risk). My 2026 Tesla Model Y DOES NOT have an emergency release in the front trunk (frunk) area and it appears Tesla Model Y’s manufactured after on and or after September 2025 no longer have this included. I assume this is because Tesla came out with the Standard Model Y which has a smaller frunk and are using that labeling to get away without putting the button in the Premium Model Y’s which have a larger frunk and are required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 401 to have an emergency release button.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703492December 6, 2025
STEERING
Steering locked at 75 MPH on freeway. Model Y suddenly jerked left and locked, then jerked right and locked again. Loss of control and near-crash event. No road debris, no rain, no warnings on screen. Steering temporarily becomes unresponsive, requiring fight to correct. Tesla refuses repair because no alert code stored. Vehicle unsafe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703481December 6, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) stopped my car on trolley tracks today, and would have stayed on the tracks for a minute if I hadn't taken control and driven off the tracks. This occurred in downtown San Diego, where the trolley (light rail) has many level street crossings. They are well marked. You are not supposed to enter the zone around the tracks until the vehicle ahead of you has moved far enough for you to be able to cross the tracks and get safely past them. I was using FSD. It drove my Tesla onto the tracks before the car ahead of me had given me room to get off the tracks. The line of traffic was stopped for a red light. I would not have been able to drive forward until the light changed, perhaps over a minute. So, I took over and manually drove the car into the adjacent lane, which luckily was empty, and off the tracks. If a train had come while FSD was still in control, this would have killed me, and perhaps other nearby people. There was no warning message or other indicator.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703475December 6, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Very scary! Heading west on [XXX] , my 2026 Tesla model Y ran 2 red lights! It stopped at the first red light that sits back about 100 feet from [XXX] , and then just sped ahead, went through that light and the one directly on [XXX] and made a right turn. Crazy! 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
#11703407December 6, 2025
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I recently purchased a new Tesla Model Y in July 2025 . The vehicle has a loud clunking/creaking noise coming from the front suspension at low speeds, especially when driving over small bumps, turning into driveways, or when the road surface is uneven. The noise is noticeable inside the cabin and feels like a mechanical component is shifting. I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service twice the first time they could not replicate the sound, the second time they noticed it right away and replaced the front right and left dampers which did nothing at all, I think the noise is much worse after they did this. Then they said the noise is normal characteristic for this vehicle, I am sorry they should not be saying this in normal, especially for a brand new car. I am concerned that this may be related to a suspension component failure or premature wear that could impact steering stability or control over time. Since this affects a brand-new vehicle and others have reported similar symptoms online, I believe this should be monitored as a potential safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA track this issue to ensure Tesla provides a recall and make the proper corrections and repair campaign as it is necessary.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703378December 6, 2025
SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear AC fails or does not turn on reliably, even with proper settings and a child in the back seat. • I live in Texas; inside temps can rapidly become dangerous, and a child’s body heats several times faster than an adult’s, increasing the risk of heatstroke. • The vehicle is under warranty, yet the defect remains unresolved and directly affects the safety of a restrained toddler who cannot move to cooler air
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703346December 5, 2025
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, the driver’s side control arm detached from the vehicle, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The control arm was dragged for several minutes before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact pulled over to the side of the road while on a hill. The contact called the Police to assist with traffic control. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the Tesla Service Center, where it was confirmed that the driver’s side front lower lateral link assembly had detached. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. Several days later, the contact was informed that the half-shaft assembly had also failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,350.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703296December 5, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have repeatedly had electrical failure in the vehicle in the form of a "Reduced Power Alert" which renders the vehicle with significant limitation to drivability. This places the vehicle in "limp mode" and this frequently occurs on the highway. Once this Alert appears the vehicle has limited propulsion, limitations to steering and braking as well as other electrical systems. It has been to the dealership for repair on 4 occasions without remedy. It is leaving us on the highway in a dangerous situation repeatedly. It's not a one time event. There were 20 Alerts showing on the screen when I limped it into the dealership once again on [XXX] having nearly wrecked on [XXX] just before the [XXX] exit. The reason this is so dangerous is the failures occur at higher speeds such as highway driving. Leaving one with an immediate loss of forward motion as if you've hit the brakes but vehicles behind you have no warning. This is going to end up with someone getting rear ended or worse. Social media indicates it is a prevalent and not well understood recurring problem. Tesla has been quietly repurchasing vehicles from angry owners. Dreadful. 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
#11703052December 4, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While operating under active Full Self-Driving (Supervised) mode the Tesla abruptly and without any driver input shifted from Drive into Neutral while accelerating through a curved highway on-ramp at highway speeds. This uncommanded gear change caused an immediate and total loss of motive power, resulting in the vehicle colliding with the guardrail before I was able to manually re-engage Drive. If I had not reacted promptly and calmly all passengers could have been killed with a collision at high speeds. The earliest available appointment for inspection at a Tesla service center has been scheduled for December 23. There were no warnings at all.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702978December 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am filing a formal complaint regarding a dangerous safety defect in the 2021 Tesla Model Y. On December 2, 2025 at approximately 4:25 PM, my vehicle suffered a sudden, complete electrical shutdown while I was driving, with no warning and no opportunity to reach safety. Critical details: The vehicle displayed an electrical system message, then instantly powered down. I lost all ability to steer or move the vehicle, which remained immobilized in active traffic. Hazard lights did not function, leaving the vehicle unmarked and invisible to oncoming vehicles. Electronic systems failed, requiring manual release of the driver door. The incident occurred at dusk and blocked the roadway, placing myself and others at significant risk. This failure presented an immediate threat to life and safety. I have since discovered that other Tesla owners have reported similar abrupt electrical or drive-unit shutdowns, suggesting this may represent a broader systemic defect. I am formally requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this issue meets the threshold for a safety recall and whether Tesla’s systems contain a defect capable of causing sudden, uncommanded shutdown while driving. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I am prepared to provide all supporting documentation, including incident details, screenshots, timestamps, and service correspondence.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702859December 3, 2025
TIRES
Goodyear 255/40R20 tire failed at the inner seam.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702810December 3, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
ON 11/29/2025 AT 1635 HOURS, OUR TESLA MODEL Y - AWD WAS PARKED ON OUR DRIVEWAY WITH A LESS THAN 1% INCLINE AFTER IT WAS SNOW BLOWED, CLEARED OF SNOW. THE TESLA WAS PLUGGED IN TO ITS CHARGER. THE VEHICLE THEN UNEXPECTEDLY, UNCONTROLLED BEGAN MOVING FORWARD, STRIKING THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT SHORTLY AFTER I WALKED IN FRONT OF THESE TESLA. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED MYSELF OR ONE OF MY CHILDREN. TESLA SAID CAR IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND WAS DUE TO COLD TEMPS, SNOW AND SLIGHT GRADE OF DRIVEWAY. VIDEO IS AVAILABLE FROM SECURITY CAMERAS ON HOUSE WHICH CAN BE SUPPLIED UPON REQUEST AS YOU SYSTEM DOESN'T SUPPORT THE VIDEO UPLOAD.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702739December 3, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My high voltage drive inverter experienced a failure resulting in loss of all power as well as regenerative braking. Mechanical braking and steering remained available. There were no warnings or indications before the failure. After the failure there were warnings that the propulsion system had failed and to pull over immediately.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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