Tesla Model Y Complaints

3,785 consumer complaints on file.

#11725762March 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Full self driving (supervised) was active and functioning properly on interstate 70. The self-driving feature decided to move one lane over to the furthermost lane to the left. That lane was half covered with snow. The speed was approximately 65MPH When the front left wheel hit the snow the the car swerved to the right and hit the snow bank against the rail. I immediately steered to the right and could limit the damage Damage was not severe and I could drive the car to destination
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725664March 19, 2026
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
The FSD system in my Model Y is hazardous. When I first purchased the car on 2/9/2026, they secretly loaded it with very outdated software, as follows: “Software” 2025.44.300 Full Self-Driving v13.2.9 I’ve already driven this car 9960 miles, about 85% of which was on FSD. I will itemize for you a list of events that have occurred with this car with me driving for which dash cam footage exists: 1. The car attempted to blow past a school bus picking up passengers at about 40 miles an hour without even slowing down. It was stacked with red and yellow lights everywhere and had two extended stop signs. 2. The car blows past police cars parked on the shoulder of the highway with their roof lights on without slowing down or making any attempt to move into the second lane. 3. While transitioning from one highway to another on an elevated single-lane overpass, on two occasions the car elected to depart the only travel lane and hug the concrete wall on the left side, driving in the dead zone. Both the yellow line and the white line were clear and bright. No traffic or obstacles present. 4. Right after exiting a hwy there were two lanes in my direction and one lane of opposing traffic separated by a clear and bright double yellow line. The car chose to drive in the lane intended for opposing traffic. I have dash of this as well. No traffic or obstacles were present. 5. Car made left turn into opposing traffic lanes. 6. When NOT on FSD, the lane departure avoidance and emerg. lane departure avoidance features are both HIGHLY defective. They read everything as a lane departure— from tire tracks in the snow, to cracks and seams in the concrete, lines of tar intended to prevent water ingress, shadows, etc. Car almost pulled me HARD towards construction workers, oncoming traffic, and nearby vehicles. Tesla refuses to disable. When I disable, it reenables every time I drive. 7. It ran over a curb on FSD, twice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725561March 19, 2026
STEERING
Component: Electric power steering system (steering column rack). Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: Loss of power steering assist renders the steering wheel virtually inoperable, creating an immediate risk of loss of vehicle control for the driver and danger to other road users. The vehicle required towing on November 27, 2025 — one month after purchase (October 25, 2025). Warning symptoms: Steering wheel stiffness and vibration when the easy-entry feature engaged. No warning lamps or messages preceded the failure. Dealer inspection and repair: Tesla service initially indicated the steering column rack required replacement. After five days, they instead applied lubricant as the sole fix. The issue was not resolved. On January 30, 2026, Tesla admitted they do not currently have an adequate solution to properly repair these known defects. Manufacturer acknowledgment: Tesla acknowledged the severity by agreeing a buyback was appropriate. On December 30, 2025, Tesla offered the full purchase price of $46,838.68 but withheld the $7,500 federal tax incentive without legal justification. While I was requesting documentation for this deduction, Tesla unilaterally declared I had withdrawn from the offer. I proposed a same-vehicle replacement as an alternative, but Tesla rejected this. Tesla will only offer a buyback minus the $7,500. Unanswered safety questions: I have repeatedly asked Tesla in writing whether the vehicle is safe to drive and requested disclosure of internal findings, including known safety risks and repair limitations. Tesla has not responded despite multiple requests.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725489March 19, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION
On February 23, 2026, I was driving my 2023 Tesla Model Y under normal city conditions. While parallel parking at very low speed, I suddenly heard a loud metallic bang from the driver’s side of the vehicle. Immediately afterward, the vehicle lost mobility and the steering wheel became unresponsive and would not turn. I exited the vehicle and observed a detached metal suspension component and a bolt on the ground underneath the driver’s side. The vehicle was not drivable and required towing. I contacted Tesla Roadside Assistance through the Tesla app, and the vehicle was towed to Tesla Service Center in Coral Gables, Florida. At the time of the incident, there had been no collision, no impact with a pothole, curb, or road debris, and no prior warning signs or noises indicating a developing issue. The failure occurred suddenly during a low-speed maneuver. Tesla Service initially indicated that the vehicle was under warranty and that repairs would be covered if no external impact was found. However, after inspection, Tesla attributed the failure to an alleged “external impact” and declined warranty coverage, providing an estimate of approximately $4,000. After involving my insurance company, the vehicle was inspected by a Tesla-certified repair facility, which found significantly more extensive damage to the suspension system, estimating repairs at approximately $11,000. This incident represents a sudden and complete failure of suspension components resulting in immediate loss of steering control. Such a failure poses a serious safety risk, particularly if it were to occur at higher speeds, as it could lead to loss of vehicle control and a crash. I am reporting this issue as a potential safety defect involving suspension component separation and steering loss in a 2023 Tesla Model Y.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725190March 18, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the steering wheel material had been unraveling. The contact received notification of TSB Number: SB2332003. A Tesla Service Center was contacted via the Mobile App Chat feature, and informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at the owner's expense because the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725059March 17, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's side seat belt retractor unit detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,581.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725046March 17, 2026
WHEELS
These rims outter lip have a poor design and when hitting a pot all the outer lips add additional pressure and the rim causes the tire burst This is the 2nd time this has happened to me. In 2 the years I had the car. The first time it happened was in NY state
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725019March 17, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving on Intestate I-95 in the Express Lane at high speed in my 2022 Tesla Model Y, the hood (frunk) suddenly flew open, smashed into the windshield and remained in the upright position. Luckily I was able to slow down and ease blindly into the emergency lane without causing further damage to myself or others. I lost entire visibility at high speed and my windshield was smashed on the highway. This was a traumatic experience that could have caused serious damage to me personally and other motorists. The hood (frunk) latch failed to operate properly and was available for inspection immediately. Once the highway safety patrol officer forced the hood down and escorted me safely off the highway, we drove the vehicle to a Tesla dealership directly after the incident. The Tesla dealer initially took full responsibility for the incident and said they would repair at their expense. However, the story changed once they did a VIN search on my vehicle and discovered I had been hit (not my fault, driver ran red light) in the front quarter panel prior to this incident. Tesla said the fault was on the repair shop (Tesla recommended) who had fixed the vehicle prior to the incident. The repair facility claimed they were not at fault, and Tesla was responsible, as they did not touch the frunk latch as noted by the invoice for repair/parts and painting/lack of near the latch. This is a recurring incident as reported by recalls and my vehicle is listed as one of the possible vehicles for recall. The vehicle was inspected by insurance, and the same Tesla recommend repair facility we used before. There were no warning lamps, signals or symptoms to indicate anything was wrong or loose with the latch. In the end, we had to file the incident through our insurance provider and pay out of pocket for the repair in order to get the vehicle back on the road. I'm truly frustrated with the lack of ownership by Tesla over the incident, they are losing a brand loyal customer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724866March 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, VISIBILITY/WIPER
Following a "secondary" botched windshield replacement within 3 weeks performed by the Tesla Service Center in Carle Place, NY, my Tesla Model Y experienced a catastrophic structural water intrusion during rainfall. A great amounts of water dripping directly through the windshield seal into the cabin, soaking the dashboard electronics, floorboards, and much more water coming in from the brake pedal area while driving on LIE. While I was driving the vehicle with my three children in the back seat, this water intrusion triggered an active electrical short circuit. The vehicle's hazard lights began flashing autonomously, and the electrical system became severely compromised, creating an immediate and life-threatening safety hazard on the road. The vehicle is currently grounded, completely undrivable, and poses a continued electrical fire risk. Tesla Service has been notified in writing and has officially acknowledged via their app that the vehicle must be towed. This gross negligence in structural sealing has directly compromised the vehicle's electrical control modules, severely endangering the lives of the occupants."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724851March 17, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing a safety complaint regarding Tesla's removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in FSD (Supervised), a change that has alarmed a significant number of Tesla owners and safety-conscious drivers. Previous software allowed drivers to set a precise maximum speed via the steering wheel scroll wheel while FSD (Supervised) was active. Tesla replaced this with fixed "Speed Profiles" (Sloth, Chill, Standard, Hurry, Mad Max), none of which allow a driver to set a specific speed. Each profile operates at a programmed range relative to the posted speed limit. Even the slowest profile (Sloth) has been observed exceeding the speed limit. The system also frequently misreads posted limits entirely. This is a serious safety regression. In winter conditions, a cautious driver may need to travel well below the speed limit due to snow or black ice. Previously, they could reduce FSD's max speed precisely. That is no longer possible, the system determines speed, and the driver cannot override it downward while FSD remains engaged. This concern is not isolated to just me. Online forums and Tesla owner communities have seen widespread discussion and frustration over this change, with many drivers expressing that it has made them feel unsafe and less in control of their own vehicle. Removing precise speed control from a supervised autonomous system directly contradicts Tesla's stated position that the driver remains responsible for safe operation. This is an ongoing issue and not limited to a single date for the "Tell us the approximate date this incident occurred." I request NHTSA: 1. Investigate Tesla's removal of driver-adjustable maximum speed in FSD (Supervised); 2. Evaluate compliance with FMVSS and driver control guidelines for automated driving features; 3. Require Tesla to restore precise, driver-controlled maximum speed settings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724655March 16, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
NHTSA COMPLAINT NARRATIVE — SAFERCAR.GOV Vehicle: 2024 Tesla Model Y Component/System: Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Software, Version 14.2.2.5 On March 14, 2026, at approximately 5:22 PM, a 2024 Tesla Model Y was traveling on U.S. Route 3 in Franconia, New Hampshire, at approximately 45 mph within the posted speed limit. The vehicle was operating with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software version 14.2.2.5 actively engaged. Three occupants were present in the vehicle, including two minor passengers. All occupants were properly restrained with seat belts. Component/System That Failed: The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, version 14.2.2.5, failed to safely detect and respond to a snow-covered road surface. The system lost control of the vehicle upon encountering a snow patch on the roadway, causing the vehicle to strike a tree. The FSD system is the primary failed component. The vehicle has been towed and is available for inspection upon request. How Safety Was Put at Risk: The FSD system was in active control of the vehicle's steering, braking, and acceleration at the time of the failure. The system provided no auditory alert, no visual warning, and no driver takeover request prior to the loss of control event. The failure occurred without any warning whatsoever, leaving insufficient time for the driver to intervene and prevent the collision, despite the driver actively supervising the system in full compliance with Tesla's own supervision requirements. Three occupants were placed in immediate risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle struck a tree and was totaled. Emergency services responded and evaluated all occupants on scene. An official police report was filed. Prior Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms: None. The FSD system issued zero warnings — no auditory alerts, no visual prompts, no haptic feedback, and no takeover requests — at any point prior to or during the loss of control event. The system was operating normally by all displayed indicato
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724418March 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In under a year I have had to replace my windshield three times due to cracks from debris. The total cost would be greater than $4,000. I, nor my wife and family have ever had to replace a windshield on any previous car we had owned this many times in under one year or even at all. I suspect there is a defect in the build of the windshield or the design of the car that may be causing this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724394March 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I've noticed periodically when the car is braking at start stop traffic in autopilot mode, the brake is very jerky and I can actually hear the pedal jerking and engaging. I wrote it off at the time in my head as normal operation of the car. I have brake pressure offset codes and brake booster mia codes. Sometimes I've noticed when I brake, randomly the pedal is super stiff and it feels like the car is driving on ice, as if the brakes aren't working or slowing me down at all, but I thought nothing of it at the time. Today on the 14th, I got into an accident at a relatively slow speed that in any other scenario I should have been able to stop. Yet I hit a parked car because as I was braking, I felt the pedal go very very stiff and unresponsive, and I carried the same speed as when I started braking right until impact, it seems as if I didn't slow down one bit. The brakes did not respond as they did mere seconds before and I hit a parked car. I understand teslas may throw codes left and right in service mode that may mean nothing, but I am worried about the brake booster code and wonder if maybe it caused the accident I was involved in. My friends told me they heard about tesla brake issues and that I should look into it and when I went to go check the codes hours later there they were.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724354March 14, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my Tesla Model Y. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly as the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The noise appears to originate from the front suspension or steering components and occurs consistently during normal operation. This issue raises concerns about potential premature wear, component failure, or loss of steering control, which could pose a safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724330March 14, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Timeline of events: Day 1 – Delivery March 13, 2026 • Drove about 10 miles after delivery. • The driver-side window suddenly rolled fully down by itself while I was driving. • Returned immediately to the Tesla service center. They said they cleaned the window and recalibrated it. Later the same day • Drove another ~10 miles. • The window dropped fully again while driving. • Returned to the service center a second time. • I was told a mechanical part would be replaced, but never provided documentation. Day 2 – Today, March 14, 2026 • Left home to go to the store. • Within about 5 minutes of driving, the window dropped fully again and would not close at all. • The wind noise was extremely loud and the vehicle was very difficult to operate safely. I contacted the service center and was told they cannot provide proof of the part replacement from yesterday. When I called another Tesla service location, the earliest appointment available to even investigate the issue is March 31, 2026, despite the fact that the vehicle is essentially undrivable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724197March 13, 2026
SUSPENSION
I am filing a complaint regarding a suspension defect on my new Tesla Model Y Juniper. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began hearing a distinct knocking / clunking noise coming from the suspension when driving over small road imperfections and at low speeds. The noise is clearly abnormal for a new vehicle and sounds like loose or defective suspension components. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla service center, but the issue has not been resolved. Despite inspection and attempted repairs, the knocking noise continues to occur. This raises serious concerns about the quality and safety of the suspension system. Based on information from other Tesla owners, this appears to be a recurring issue affecting multiple Model Y Juniper vehicles. A persistent suspension defect on a new vehicle may pose a safety risk and should be investigated. I request that NHTSA review this issue and investigate whether there is a manufacturing or design defect affecting the suspension system of the Tesla Model Y Juniper. Vehicle Information: Model: Tesla Model Y (Juniper refresh) 7SAYGDEE9TF559226 Issue: Knocking / clunking noise from suspension Condition: Occurs at low speed and over small road bumps Status: Tesla service attempted repair but the problem persists (left and right front upper control arm replaced) This problem should not exist on a brand-new vehicle and requires proper investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724057March 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is my 9th report about my defective Tesla. When I wrote last month (Complaint Number: XXX, submitted electronically to NHTSA on 2/27/2026, 8:06:19 PM) I forgot to mention the significant safety issue I had with my tires: I arrived into Albuquerque airport in early December 2025 during a storm. I'd planned to drive at least to [XXX] on my way home further north, but a friend in [XXX] said it was still snowing there and I shouldn't attempt it. I made a reservation at the Motel 6 in [XXX] . It was dark, and the rain had stopped, but the roads were wet. Driving north on I-25 I encountered the snow/sleet storm. All of a sudden I found myself hydroplaning...or sliding...in the poor visibility and there was no nearby exit. I white-knuckled to the motel, and only later realized that my low-quality, already-worn tires were the likely problem. Yesterday I was shopping for new tires and learned that the factory-installed Continental ProContact RX 255/45R19 is not electric-vehicle rated, is a "passenger touring" tire and is not recommended for the weight of an EV. Additionally, it has a 55K mile warranty...I am at ~32K miles, and not even due for my next tire rotation, which is when I thought I would have to buy new tires. My local tire dealer, private in a small town, is not able to access the Continental warranty until the tire is down to a tread of 2/32". Discount Tire will not let me drive away if the tread is below 4/32"...and at 5/32 (I think) last tire rotation they weren't sure I'd even make it to my next rotation...clearly I haven't, even though I'm below the 8K interval for rotation. The price of the now-discontinued Continental ProContact RX was $211. I must now spend over $300/tire for a suitable replacement. Tesla knowingly installed a low-quality tire on my $53K car, further compromising my safety and that of other drivers and persons in the vicinity of moving Teslas. In addition to all the other safety problems on this former top INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724003March 12, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The vehicle was delivered with a critical safety defect in the braking system and inoperable safety software (GPS/FSD/Navigation). Upon further inspection by the dealer's own technician, it was confirmed that the vehicle had 'EXTREMELY POOR BRAKE FEEL' and 'EXTREME RUST BUILD UP' on all pads and rotors, which violated Tesla’s 6mm minimum safety standard for used vehicles. Additionally, a physically damaged windshield harness caused the failure of GPS and FSD features. These defects posed a significant safety risk to myself and my family during operation. The dealer has documented and confirmed these safety issues but is now refusing a buyback and is retaliating with storage fees for my rejection of the unsafe product. No warning lights appeared prior to the technician's discovery of the brake defects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723983March 12, 2026
SUSPENSION
Worn or broken Bushings control arm is under warranty but Tesla service declined to cover it under warranty I have checked all reviews and feedback This issue is under warranty and free of charge by Tesla service
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723941March 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dear Transportation Safety Board: On January 12, 2026, at noon, I was involved in a traffic accident while using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) function on the [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] . I am the complainant's wife. The accident was caused by a malfunction of FSD, which has had a tremendous impact on my family and my husband. He suffered a head injury, followed by intracranial hemorrhage and hematoma, rendering him unable to work. The accident has resulted in frequent cramps in his hands and feet, dizziness, headaches, and drug allergies due to the need for long-term medication. I need your help. Tesla does not state in its app that the product cannot fully drive itself; instead, it advertises that its FSD can drive independently in various road conditions without human intervention. This has misled the driving habits of many Tesla owners and caused immense harm to me and my family. I earnestly request your assistance in helping this helpless woman resolve my husband's problem. Thank you very much. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0

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