Tesla Model Y Complaints

3,785 consumer complaints on file.

#11709468January 7, 2026
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I was driving in full self driving mode on my Tesla model Y. The car stopped at the left turn stoplight as it does normally. And then while the light was still red and the cross traffic was green (traffic flowing), the Tesla released the brake, accelerating into the intersection. I stomped on the brake and kept the car from fully entering the intersection, then continue home without using Full Self Driving mode any further. If I hadn’t intervened, the Tesla would have caused an accident, injury, or even death.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709282January 6, 2026
SUSPENSION
while driving in light city traffic at low speed the right front wheel developed a terrible grinding noise and would not steer properly, pulled off of the road and called a tow truck car is now at a Tesla service center waiting on repair service
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708996January 6, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Tesla Model Ys built after September 2025 are no longer equipped with an interior emergency frunk release. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 401 mandates that all new passenger cars with trunks must have an interior trunk release (49 CFR § 571.401) to allow people trapped inside to escape, a rule established after children died by getting trapped in trunks. And for the handle's identification to be illuminated (visible) under both day and night conditions, often achieved with lighting or glow-in-the-dark features, to prevent entrapment fatalities, ensuring the release mechanism is always findable by a trapped person
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708923January 5, 2026
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL:SOFTWARE, SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH in light rain, the vehicle suddenly braked and causing the vehicle to lose control. The contact stated that the vehicle was on cruise control and auto drive assist. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the left, crossed two lanes of traffic, and crashed into the highway divider wall. The contact stated that there were no warning lights. The contact stated that the left front end had crashed first, and then the driver's door and left front fender had crashed into the dividing wall. The contact stated that the driver's front air bag had deployed and burst; there was a large tear starting from the top of the air bag all the way to the steering wheel. The contact stated that he had burns on his hands due to the air bag explosion, bruises on his chest, and right arm. The contact stated that the police and emergency services arrived. A police report was filed. The contact stated that he was transported to the hospital, and the vehicle was towed to a manufacturer's collision center. The contact stated that the manufacturer's collision center downloaded the collision information from the vehicle's main frame and shared the accident report with the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11708772January 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I got into my car two days ago and the computer screen was black. I have tried everything to reset it, holding down both scroll wheels with the brake pressed for up to 2 minutes, unplugging the low voltage battery overnight and plugging it back in, and even doing the hard reset at the disconnect under the rear passenger seats and my computer will not turn on. I can't see any information about my speed or how much charge I have, I can't turn on climate controls and it's the middle of winter and I live in the mountains of Colorado. I can't even open my glove box without the screen. From everything I read, it sounds like an MCU failure, my vehicle has the newer MCU2. Tesla quoted about $800 for a tow and it sounds like the replacement costs could be $2500+
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708722January 5, 2026
STEERING
On Monday 12/29/2025, while driving my 2021 Tesla Model Y on the highway at approximately 70 mph returning from DTW Airport to my home with my children in the vehicle, the steering suddenly locked / the steering wheel would not turn. I was able to pull over to the shoulder. There were no warning lamps or warning messages displayed before or during the failure. After pulling over, I powered the vehicle off and back on. The steering partially worked again, and I was able to drive home. Later the same day at my friend’s house/driveway, the steering locked out again and this time it was completely locked, making the vehicle not safely drivable. Again, there were no warning messages or symptoms prior to the lockout. Tesla Service provided a written estimate documenting the complaint “steering locked out / cannot drive” and proposed replacing the steering gear/steering rack (“Steering Gear LHD,” part number 1188832-00-B) plus alignment, total about $3,127.70, at 96,042 miles. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request (Tesla can retain the replaced part). This is a safety defect concern because sudden loss of steering control on a highway without warning could lead to a crash, especially with passengers/children in the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708720January 5, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
January 4 in evening my Tesla run red light. Weather is clear. It’s happened in evening at Lee Hwy and Vance Rd crossing in Chattanooga. We are coming from Sam’s Club we take back road and we take Vance RD we have FSD on and our car is stop at red light to turn left on Lee HWY. When Lee Hwy light turn yellow and my car suddenly take left turn on Lee Hwy. I believe that light is cross so FSD is confused and take left turn. My location is below [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
#11708668January 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The front trunk (frunk) on my 2026 Tesla Model Y lacks internal lighting and an internal emergency release mechanism. This creates a foreseeable entrapment hazard, particularly for children or small adults. Unlike rear trunks regulated under FMVSS No. 401 (Internal Trunk Release), the frunk provides no illuminated internal release, no glow-in-the-dark handle, and no means of escape or signaling if the hood is closed. In low-light conditions (nighttime or enclosed garages), the absence of lighting would immediately impair orientation and increase panic, raising the risk of injury or suffocation. I identified this hazard during routine cleaning when my [XXX] child was able to sit comfortably inside the frunk while it was open. Although no incident occurred, this demonstrates that a child can easily enter the frunk and could become trapped if it were accidentally closed during loading or unloading. Once closed, there is no internal method of release. While FMVSS 401 currently applies to rear trunks, it establishes a federal safety precedent that enclosed compartments capable of child entry must include internal, operable, and visible escape mechanisms to prevent entrapment deaths. The frunk presents an analogous hazard and fails to meet these basic entrapment-prevention principles. This is a design defect, not misuse. The risk is foreseeable, preventable, and severe. I request that NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation evaluate this condition, review similar complaints for this model year, and consider corrective action (recall or retrofit) requiring an illuminated internal emergency release. 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
#11708648January 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No emergency release inside frunk
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708542January 3, 2026
SUSPENSION
Both front half shafts failed and had to be replaced by Tesla. I did research and this part is known to be substandard, was recalled in China, and remains a problem in the US.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708534January 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
URGENT SAFETY DEFECT – CHILD INJURY 2026 Model Y, rear right window. While a child was entering the vehicle and the door was closing, the power window trapped the child’s fingers. Pinch protection failed to reverse. The vehicle locked and the windows closed while the child’s fingers were trapped. Injury occurred. Request immediate safety investigation, preservation of vehicle logs, and written findings. Vehicle must not be altered prior to inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11708504January 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In bright sunlight or at certain sun angles, the central touchscreen in my 2026 Tesla Model Y becomes unreadable due to glare and washout. This screen is required for essential driving functions. Safety Concern: The touchscreen is used for selecting drive and reverse, viewing the rear camera, and accessing other safety-related controls. During glare conditions, I have difficulty seeing the screen clearly, which interferes with safe vehicle operation. Why this is dangerous: There are no physical backup controls for gear selection or rear camera viewing. Inability to clearly see the screen creates a safety risk, particularly during parking, reversing, or low-speed maneuvers. Conditions: The issue occurs repeatedly during bright daylight when sunlight strikes the screen at certain angles. This is not a rare event and has occurred multiple times. Requested action: Investigation into screen glare and visibility for safety-critical controls in Tesla vehicles, and evaluation of whether a design modific
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708476January 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On December 21, at approximately 9:17 PM, my Tesla was operating with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged while reversing out of a parking space at 4 Cook Cir, Medford, MA, USA. During the maneuver, the FSD system failed to detect a low-positioned barrier and collided with it, impacting the rear right quarter panel near the rear right wheel. The damage was caused by the actions of the FSD system while under active control. The vehicle remained drivable; however, the incident represents a failure of the Full Self-Driving system to ensure safe operation during a low-speed maneuver. I believe this incident resulted from a defect or malfunction in the FSD software and request a formal safety investigation. On December 21, at approximately 9:17 PM, my Tesla was operating with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged while reversing out of a parking space at 4 Cook Cir, Medford, MA, USA. During the maneuver, the FSD system failed to detect a low-positioned barrier and collided with it, impacting the rear right quarter panel near the rear right wheel. The damage was caused by the actions of the FSD system while under active control. The vehicle remained drivable; however, the incident represents a failure of the Full Self-Driving system to ensure safe operation during a low-speed maneuver. I believe this incident resulted from a defect or malfunction in the FSD software and request a formal safety investigation. Photographs of the vehicle damage and the incident location are attached.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708424January 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed the code BMSA079 on the computer, and messages "Vehicle Unable to Charge to Maximum Charge Level" and “Maximum Charge Level Reached - Reduced Maximum Charge Levels" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was determined that one coil in the battery was inoperative, and the dealer reduced the charge and refused to increase the battery charging level. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708383January 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that a software update (2025.44.25.5) was performed on the vehicle, which was for a temporary free self-driving mode. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated sideways and crashed into the highway's concrete retaining wall. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where he was treated bruised left knee, cracked ribs, and several other bruises to various parts of his body. No property damage was reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent mechanic, where it was deemed a total loss. Neither the manufacturer nor the service center had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,500.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11708342January 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH with the ADAS Autonomous Self Driving Mode activated and the TESLA Navigator set to operate lane changes, the vehicle attempted to enter the EZ-PASS lanes while the gates were down, and the contact had to take corrective action. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to yield to the gates being down. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that an unknown software update had been performed on December 31, 2025, and might have caused the failure. The failure mileage was 5,900. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708262January 2, 2026
SUSPENSION, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING
I am reporting a repeated safety defect that happens only in rainy conditions. My 2022 Tesla Model Y repeatedly shows critical safety warnings including “Automatic Emergency Braking unavailable”, traction and stability control disabled, and “Vehicle Hold unavailable”. This has occurred during normal driving in rain every rainy season for 3 years, despite 4 service visits and parts replacement including the inverter. It started when I was pregnant and is now ongoing with my newborn in the car. The system failures happen while driving in normal wet/slippery conditions and greatly increase the risk of a crash. This appears to be a systemic safety defect, not driver error, and Tesla has not fixed it after multiple service attempts. Events & Dates: •First occurrence: Feb/2024 •Service visits: 02/01/2024 1. Verified customer's concern via vehicle log data. Technician reviewed the vehicle's logs and found that the vehicles communication system was faulted. Technician was not able to duplicate the concern at this time. Performed diagnosis and found no issues present at this time. Verified vehicle's communication system is operating as designed at this time. No further repairs are recommended at this time. Recommending customer to continue to monitor situation at this time. 2. Updated vehicle to latest available firmware version per service bulletin. •Most recent occurrence: 01/01/2026 fyi today is the 4th time I’ve indicated this issue , and this is during my pregnancy again, I feel extremely stressed and helpless
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708238January 1, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I took delivery of this vehicle on [XXX]. Unknown to me Tesla changed the frunk design of my model y premium juniper. It has no light or emergency open button as seen on all juniper models made up until the one I received. My understanding is if a three year old can fit in the trunk/frunk space it must have a light and a way to open it from the inside in an emergency situation. Please recall for a fix. 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
#11708194January 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Center console USB component part#1522264-00-B, available for inspection. USB-C charging port that had been plugged in for more than a year, started smoking and wire melted while vehicle was parked. If this would have happened while my wife was on the highway on the way to work and smoke suddenly appeared, it would have cause her to be startled and degrade her ability on a busy highway. This would have most likely have created a traffic incident in Memphis on highway 240. I asked the dealer if there were any reports of defective part and I was told no. I brought the components in to show but the parts manager or service staff were not interested in the details or my concerns that smoke had been detected and that it melded the metal piece of USB-C charger to that TESLA part. I bought another replacement part from TESLA, but I am not utilizing the charging port for fear of smoke/fire. There were no warning lights or indication prior to the day of event where my wife observed burnt plastics and visible smoke. On November 26th called me in a panic that the car was smoking. She went out to our vehicle during her break and she smelt burnt plastic and observed smoke from the middle console. Shortly after she called me at my work, and after making sense of what she was telling me, I told her to unplug the USB-C but the parts manager melted of and the metal piece was stuck in the charging port. I left my work and after 30 minutes got to the vehicle, the burnt plastic was still evident but smoke no longer visible. I detached the panel with the part unplugged from power source, thank you YouTube for the DIY video. Pictures will be included with this report, but format doesn’t allow for video upload. Video will be provided upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708183January 1, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
New 2026 Model Ys made after October 2025 no longer have an emergency release/opener for the front trunk. Easily large enough for a child to lay in and be trapped.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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