Tesla Model Y Complaints

3,785 consumer complaints on file.

#11723935March 12, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Client was severely injured (traumatic brain injury, fractured skull bone and ankle with ongoing cognitve and physical symptoms, probably permanent) as a pedestrian when crossing Rt 28 in Chatham, MA. He was struck by a 2023 Tesla Model Y in reduced roadway visibility conditions due to sun/shade conditions. The auto braking system failed to activate in time to avoid the collision. This appears to be directly related to NHTSA investigation PE24031.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11723821March 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The front trunk (frunk) actuator failed due to an under voltage condition. During repair, Tesla technicians also found corrosion in the wiring harness connectors. The vehicle has been garaged its entire life and has never been exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Tesla's own service documentation specifies that underwood and underbody connectors should be protected with anti-corrosion grease during assembly. Premature corrosion on a grade vehicle at 78,000 miles suggests a manufacturing defect in either the harness materials or the factory assembly process. Repair cost $860.20, partially offset by a $200 goodwill credit. A non-functional frunk also represents a potential safety concern as the hood latch mechanism is part of vehicle safety systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723794March 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y with approximately 46,500 miles. The vehicle is currently displaying battery error code BMS_a079, and the battery will only charge to approximately 30%, which severely limits the driving range and makes the vehicle unreliable for normal use. I reported this issue to Tesla on March 6, but the earliest service appointment available to me is March 17 at the Tesla service center in Fayetteville, Georgia. Because Tesla service centers are not widely available, I must travel to another city to have the vehicle inspected. The limited battery charge creates a difficult situation because I must determine how to get the vehicle safely to the service center with very restricted range. I may have to arrange towing or attempt to drive a vehicle that cannot fully charge. This issue has also created a hardship for my household. I have a toddler and normal daily responsibilities, including errands and transportation needs, but the vehicle cannot reliably be used due to the charging limitation. Being without dependable transportation for an extended period of time places families like mine in a very difficult position. This problem appears to be related to the vehicle’s battery management system and is not the result of driver misuse. Consumers should not be placed in situations where a major battery fault leaves them with limited transportation options while waiting extended periods for service, especially when service centers are not easily accessible.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723368March 10, 2026
SUSPENSION
When I backed the car out of our driveway and turned the steering wheel to go on the street in front of our house, there was a loud scraping sound and the car was stuck. Thinking that it could be ice or something, I tried to drive it forward but the same thing happened. Straightening the steering wheel helped but I stopped and checked. The control arm of the suspension had dropped and was scraping on the ground. I called Tesla who asked me to stop driving and had it towed to their repair facility in Sterling VA. Without even putting it on a lift, they told me there was too much damage and they would not fix it under warranty - despite me saying multiple times that the control arm of a car's suspension should never drop and it is a manufacturing defect/issue. Finally, I filed a claim with my insurance company and had the car towed to a Tesla authorized repair shop. They did an assessment and estimated over $24k for repairs. At this point the insurance company deemed it to be a total loss and asked me to take my personal belongings from the car so they could have it towed to their shop/location.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723291March 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 22 MPH in full self-driving mode, the vehicle inadvertently crashed into the rear driver's side of a parked vehicle on the shoulder lane. No warning light was illuminated. The other vehicle was unoccupied. The contact's front passenger side sustained damage. The contact stated that the automatic emergency braking system activated moments before the crash, but it was too late to prevent the collision. The air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered from cervical strain and rib contusion and received medical attention for the injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11723277March 10, 2026
SUSPENSION
Brand new car and its widely reported of front suspension noise, particularly with the RWD models. My car is the RWD model and I have the distinct and noticeable front suspension noise at non highway speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723109March 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN, STEERING, SUSPENSION
On January 29, 2026 my 2023 Tesla Model Y was serviced by Tesla for windshield repair and routine maintenance. Within a week after the service visit, the vehicle began displaying a service warning message on the dashboard. I contacted Tesla and was advised to bring the vehicle back for inspection. Before I could return to the service center, while slowly reversing out of my garage, a large bolt fell from the vehicle and the front left wheel assembly dropped, causing the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop. Tesla service later confirmed that a bolt from the front suspension link assembly had detached, resulting in damage to the front halfshaft, steering gear, wheel speed sensor, and other related components. The vehicle had approximately 38,000 miles at the time of failure. This appears to be a critical suspension hardware failure. If this failure had occurred at highway speed it could have resulted in loss of vehicle control and a serious accident. The vehicle had been serviced by Tesla shortly before the incident and had displayed a warning message prior to the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722723March 7, 2026
Carry Handle, Shell, Base, Other/I am not sure
We were driving on the freeway when my son started screaming to a point we had to get over and stop to check what was going on. His arm got stuck in the forward facing belt path and he couldn’t get it out. I had to get him completely unbuckled in order to take him out of the seat sideways as otherwise I would have pulled the arm out at the shoulder.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722518March 6, 2026
STEERING
After a 2 months of ownership, the motor that deploys the steering wheel to the driving position started a deep resistive noise. Took it to the service center in Bend, Oregon October 29, 2025. Their response, consumer education. ("This is normal") Second trip to Bend, Nov 4, 2025 they took the steering wheel off and adjusted the steering column. The problem persisted. The repair center ordered a new steering column. Another trip to Bend, Oregon, December 2, 2025, they replaced the steering column. Within a week, the grinding noise returned in the new steering column. If we activate it twice in succession, the deploying motor overheats and shuts down, leading to the driving wheel (and airbag) in the high and retracted position. Inquiring of the service manager at Bend, OR repair facility, he said Tesla is aware of the problem but does not have a replacement that itself will not have the same problem as the parts that are removed. (In other words, they cannot fix it.) Putting the Airbag in the wrong position while driving would deploy the driver's air bag too high to meet the safety standard under which it was tested and certified for a collision rating. Do I have a lemon?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722480March 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
On [XXX] I pick up my New Tesla Y. On [XXX], while traveling at highway speeds on [XXX] with Autopilot "FSD" engaged, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden vehicle shutdown and start giving multiple alerts without warning. The vehicle displayed multiple critical alerts: "Vehicle Shutdown", "Pull Over Safely", "Stability Control Disabled." Upon the failure, Autopilot FSD disengaged, and the power steering immediately became extremely heavy ("hard"), making the vehicle difficult to steer. The car lost all propulsion. I had to manually maneuver the heavy, unpowered vehicle through active highway traffic to reach the shoulder, which created an immediate and severe safety risk. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center in Fort Lauderdale with only 130 miles on the odometer. Technicians confirmed a "major motor failure" of the rear drive unit requiring a full replacement. 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
#11722459March 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Subject: Tesla Self-Driving / Autopilot Incorrect Maneuver at Intersection Vehicle: Tesla (model: ***Y_)Software: Full Self-Driving / Autopilot (specify which was active)Date: __[XXX]__Time: _[XXX]___Location: _***San Carlos, [XXX] ____ (city, intersection or street) Description of Incident: While the vehicle was operating with Tesla’s driver-assistance system engaged, the navigation indicated the car would turn right at an intersection. As the vehicle approached the intersection and began the maneuver, it unexpectedly continued straight instead of completing the right turn. This caused the vehicle to enter the intersection in front of other vehicles that were stopped at another traffic light. I had to intervene to ensure safety. There was no clear reason for the incorrect maneuver, and the system behavior was unexpected and potentially dangerous. Additional Information: •Weather conditions: ___good weather _clear__ •Traffic conditions: ___lot of traffic people getting off work___ •Driver intervention: Yes / No (explain briefly)yes heading straight to cars if I had not made a quick maneuver and turn the steering wheel. I would have crash hitting at least one or two cars. •Dashcam footage available: Yes / No NO I am submitting this report so the event can be reviewed for possible software or safety issues with the driver-assistance system. 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
#11722326March 5, 2026
SEATS
Since taking delivery of my 2026 Tesla Model Y, the driver's seat seatback rocks forward and backward during normal acceleration and braking. The movement is both audible (squeaking/creaking) and tactile — the seat physically shifts under the driver's weight during vehicle operation. This is not an intermittent or minor issue; it occurs consistently every time the vehicle accelerates from a stop or decelerates. A rocking driver's seat is a safety concern. The driver's seating position directly affects their ability to control the steering wheel, reach pedals accurately, and be properly restrained by the seatbelt and airbag system in the event of a collision. A seat that moves unexpectedly during normal driving undermines all of these functions. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this defect is present across 2026 Model Y vehicles beyond the scope of recall SB-25-13-003, and whether Tesla's practice of charging diagnostic fees for safety-related warranty claims warrants further regulatory action."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722218March 5, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, SEATS, SUSPENSION
1. There is a constant thunking noise coming from the front suspension when traveling on slightly bumpy roads at low speeds. 2. Both front seats squeak and squeal as if they are loose and not bolted in correctly. 3. Front brakes screach and squeal when coming to a stop in cold or wet weather, escpecially pronounced during cold weather. (This is an active service bulletin in all vehicles made in their Berlin factory but is happening in U.S. built vehicles as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722114March 4, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION, STEERING
I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my 2026 Tesla Model Y AWD. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly when the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The issue is most noticeable when entering or exiting uneven surfaces such as sloped driveways or parking lot entrances where the suspension is under load. During these conditions, the front suspension produces distinct mechanical popping or knocking sounds that appear to originate from the front wheel or suspension area. The noise does not occur while driving straight. It becomes significantly more noticeable when turning left or right at low speeds and worsens as the steering approaches full lock. In addition to the noise, a noticeable mechanical jolt or feedback can be felt through the steering wheel when the popping or knocking occurs. This issue began suddenly without any warning signs. One moment the vehicle was operating normally, and the next the popping and knocking noises began. Since that time the issue has continued consistently during turning maneuvers. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision and has been driven under normal conditions. Numerous other 2026 Tesla Model Y owners have reported similar front suspension symptoms, suggesting this may represent a broader pattern of potential suspension or steering component issues. Because the noise and feedback occur through the steering system while the suspension is under load, this raises concern that a suspension or steering component may be shifting, binding, or prematurely wearing. This condition raises safety concerns because abnormal movement or failure of steering or suspension components could affect vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. I request that this issue be investigated for a possible defect trend affecting Tesla Model Y vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721717March 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that on two occasions while stopped in self-driving mode, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated into oncoming traffic. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stopped after driving a foot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721654March 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My wife was driving our Tesla Model Y when she suddenly became very lightheaded, headache and had trouble breathing. She also noticed a strong chemical smell coming from inside the cabin. She rolled down the windows and the smell started going away immediately and she began to feel better. She felt it was unsafe to continue driving so she pulled over and we had the car towed to a Tesla service center. Tesla inspected the vehicle and confirmed there was an unpleasant smell coming from the air conditioning system. They cleaned the evaporator with foam cleaner and replaced the cabin air and HEPA filters. They told us there were no leaks and considered the issue resolved. We do not believe this fully explains what happened. A dirty evaporator or old cabin filter does not cause someone to become lightheaded and struggle to breathe while driving. The chemical smell and physical symptoms our wife experienced point to something more serious that was never identified. The HVAC system and evaporator are available for further inspection. No warning lights appeared before or during the incident. Safety risk: The driver became lightheaded and had difficulty breathing while operating the vehicle, making it unsafe to drive and requiring the vehicle to be towed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721604March 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I am reporting two severe 'phantom braking' incidents involving my Tesla vehicle while driving without autopilot. In both instances, the vehicle initiated hard emergency braking on a high-speed roadway with no obstacles, pedestrians, or vehicles in my path. This sudden, uncommanded deceleration created an immediate risk of a rear-end collision from following traffic. Incident 1: November 2025 at approximately [XXX]. I was traveling at 30 mph on [XXX] . The car suddenly braked to 0 mph. Weather was sunny, and the road was straight. There were several vehicles following behind me. Incident 2: [XXX], at approximately [XXX]. Location: [XXX], Honolulu. The vehicle decelerated from 10mph to 0 mph without warning. In both cases, the car stopped suddenly and was placed in Park. I had to put the car in drive to resume driving. 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
#11721415March 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There was no incident, it is a safety feature that has been removed from Tesla Model Y's since October 2025 and the service center declined to add it in during a service request even at the expense of the owner. This feature being removed poses a safety concern for children or smaller people being trapped in the frunk (front trunk) compartment with no way of being able to get out of the compartment. It was removed for cost savings on the vehicle. I currently own a Tesla Model Y built February 2026 at the Austin Gigafactory.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721250March 1, 2026
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING
One only needs to google or ask an AI about "Tesla Model Y Juniper" front end suspension noises and you will find links to hundreds of complaints and at least two YouTube videos now. Based on reports from recent 2026 Tesla Model Y owners, particularly those with the Juniper refresh, the front-end noises over rough or bumpy roads at very slow speeds sound like a widespread suspension-related issue. It's often characterized as a clunk, rattle, or knocking from the front suspension, especially when the suspension compresses and unloads over uneven surfaces like driveways, speed bumps, or minor road imperfections. Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECerCsSdEeI&list=WL&index=3 For the rubbing-type noises when turning the wheels all the way left/right (full lock), this is another frequently reported quirk in Model Ys, though less tied specifically to 2026 builds. It often presents as a grinding, scraping, or creaking sound. I had scheduled an appointment with Tesla Service, however, there are a lot of cases where the Service Center provides a repair or is supposedly removing the Pencil Braces. Based on all the repairs I've read, 1. The issues still remain. 2. Service Center's don't really seem to know how to provide repairs to fix the issues, and it seems different Service Centers are providing different repairs (they don't really have a fix). 3. There are many cases where supposedly, Tesla Service Technician's are informing customers that Tesla is aware of this widespread issue and their engineers are supposedly working on a permanent solution. I currently don't see any reason to have a Tesla Service Center tear apart my brand-new Tesla, simply to provide a temporary solution. And, if Tesla engineers are indeed working on these issues, I would rather wait. Finally, I am filling this complaint to 1. Notify NHTSA if they're currently unaware of this issue and 2. To have a record of my complaint, if it turns out I need to utilize the Lemon Law or a buy back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721100February 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SEATS
Hello. I brought my Tesla Y to Tesla service local at 7077 W. Sahara Av., Las Vegas, NV. To fix noise in the breaks on Aug 28, 2025, After that on the same day i went to drive Tesla and I started feeling severe ear pressure, heart pressures, severe body pain from high EMF exposure, also severe electric shocks from the floor, seats, back of the seat, wheel, it has been constantly ongoing for already 6 six month since Aug 28, 2025. It’s when ever I am getting inside my car, driving, or just when it’s parked, I feel all that severe pain in the body, severe ear pressure, severe heart pressure, pain in hands, legs from high EMF exposure inside Tesla, also electric shocks from the floor, back of the seat, seat, wheel. My Tesla Y caused severe damaged t my health. I have all those symptoms and pain only when I am inside the car, when I am not in the car, I don’t feel any pain, and I don’t feel all of those severe symptoms and pain in my body. I have this car from 2024, it was perfectly fine, except that during hot season in Vegas, when the temperature is above 80 F, the glass roof got extremely hot, and it burned my head severely despite I cover with sun protector glass roof. But besides that I didn’t have any issues with my Tesla Y. Only after I brought my car to Tesla service on Aug 28. 2025, same day Tesla started causing me severe pain from High EMF and high Voltage causing electric shocks. I contacted local Tesla service many times and tried to address this issues. They didn’t help. I got response from Tesla manager at W. Sahara “ hope it will resolve by itself”:(( no one addressed this issue seriously. I noticed, every time I broght my Tesla Y to local Tesla services here in Las Vegas, the EMF exposure and electric shocks became even more extreme, worst like a 100 times more:(( I honestly after these horrific experience with Local Tesla services I DONT TRUST THOSE TESLA TECHS anymore. PLEASE HELP AND CONDUCT HIGH EMF AND HIGH VOLTAGE INSPECTIONS FOR MY CAR!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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