Tesla Model Y Complaints

3,785 consumer complaints on file.

#11705810December 18, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While driving on a residential street at night with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged, the vehicle suddenly applied Automatic Emergency Braking without any visible obstacle, vehicle, pedestrian, or hazard present. The braking was abrupt and unexpected and did not correspond to traffic, road conditions, or driver input. No collision occurred, but the sudden stop caused a whiplash effect to occupants, creating a risk of injury despite the absence of an external hazard. The driver immediately disengaged the system after the event. Tesla later reviewed vehicle data and confirmed that an Automatic Emergency Braking event occurred while FSD (Supervised) was active. Tesla identified the software version as FSD v14.2.1 and documented the incident as unexpected emergency braking, with the date, time, location, and environmental conditions recorded.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705803December 18, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The car spontaneously accelerated while approaching a stop sign. I was able to hit the brake to stop it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705753December 18, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
While operating my Tesla using the Auto Park function (on 12/8/2025 between 8:45 am and 9:00 am) , which is part of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, the vehicle initiated an automated parking maneuver. During the maneuver, the vehicle was reversing into a parking space when it failed to detect a stationary wall located behind the vehicle. The vehicle continued reversing without issuing any visual or audible collision warnings and without performing automatic braking. The Auto Park system did not disengage or request driver intervention prior to impact. The vehicle subsequently collided with the wall, resulting in damage to the vehicle. Based on the vehicle behavior, it appears that the object detection and/or obstacle avoidance functions—relying on onboard cameras and proximity sensing—did not properly recognize the stationary obstacle during the automated maneuver. Following the incident, I contacted Tesla to request a review of vehicle telemetry and system logs to determine whether a fault existed within the Auto Park software, perception system, or associated sensors. Tesla advised that a service diagnostic fee would be required solely to access and review the logs, despite the incident occurring during use of an automated driving feature.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705746December 17, 2025
SUSPENSION, STEERING
A structural chassis component (V-brace) was permanently removed from my vehicle by Tesla Service during a service visit. The removal was performed under a Tesla-described engineering retrofit (Tesla Service Article 9188600). The component was not reinstalled or replaced, and Tesla stated that once removed it cannot be reinstalled. The service visit was originally initiated due to a persistent rattle/noise from the vehicle The safety concern arises from: •A permanent modification to a structural chassis component, performed without my authorization. •Removal of a component originally installed for structural reinforcement and stability, creating uncertainty regarding vehicle rigidity, crash behavior, and handling. •The continued presence of an unresolved structural noise/rattle, which can be distracting to the driver and may indicate an underlying structural or mechanical issue. The vehicle was sold and delivered with this component installed, and its removal was not disclosed or approved prior to service. The noise/rattle was present prior to the service visit and prompted the service appointment. The structural component removal occurred during the service visit. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by Tesla Service and they: •Acknowledged the noise/rattle concern. •Performed a structural retrofit involving removal of the V-brace. •Marked the concern as “resolved”, despite the noise still being present. •Later stated the noise is considered “normal”, even though it is not present in all Model Y vehicles, including the Juniper variant. No warning lights or system messages appeared. The only symptom was a persistent rattle/noise originating from the vehicle chassis The vehicle was inspected and modified by Tesla Service, acting on behalf of the manufacturer. The modification was performed under a Tesla engineering directive. No independent service center, insurance representative, or law enforcement agency has inspected the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705739December 17, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On December 16 and 17, 2025, the manufacturer (Tesla, Inc.) utilized remote telemetry to modify the software state of my 2025 Model Y while it was being operated on public roadways. The manufacturer remotely switched the vehicle profile to "Inventory Mode" (Error Code displayed: "Delivery Type: PICKUP_SERVICE_CENTER"). The Safety Failure: This unauthorized remote manipulation immediately DISABLED the electronic Child Safety Locks without driver consent or warning. My minor children were seated in the rear of the vehicle at the time. The rear doors, which had been locked for child safety, suddenly became operable from the inside while the vehicle was in motion - and my children actually opened the doors while the vehicle was in operation. (Thus my discovery of the issue) The Hazard: This defect allows the manufacturer to remotely override and deactivate critical safety retention features (Child Locks) on a moving vehicle. This created an immediate risk of accidental door opening and passenger ejection for the minor occupants. Manufacturer Response: The manufacturer admitted in writing (email dated Dec 15, 2025) that there was "No Active Financing" on the vehicle, yet persisted in accessing the vehicle's safety computer systems to alter its status. This demonstrates a systemic defect where Tesla’s remote access tools lack safety interlocks, allowing them to degrade safety features on vehicles currently in motion/use by consumers. Status: The vehicle remains unsafe as the manufacturer retains the ability to toggle safety locks remotely without operator input.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705556December 17, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On [XXX], while using Full Self-Driving (FSD) to drive to a hospital in Oak Park, Illinois, the vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration during the disengagement of FSD. As the vehicle approached the hospital area, I initiated disengagement of FSD to manually enter the parking area. During—or immediately after—the disengagement, the vehicle suddenly accelerated at full power without warning, causing an immediate loss of control and a collision with a nearby fixed structure. No system warnings or alerts were issued prior to the event, and the acceleration was so abrupt that manual intervention was not possible. This occurred in a low-speed, street-level environment where no acceleration was intended or expected and does not correspond to any normal driver input. Based on review of preliminary incident data provided by Tesla, there appear to be irregularities during the FSD-to-manual control transition, including missing or invalid input values, gaps in accelerator/brake/steering signals, and speed readings inconsistent with the crash severity. These indicators suggest potential instability in the real-time control system during disengagement. This report is submitted due to concern that sudden unintended acceleration during FSD disengagement may represent a safety defect with potential risk to drivers and the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11705498December 17, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
There is a SERIOUS safety-related FSD (full self driving) fundamental design flaw with stop sign behavior. On previous versions AND on the latest and best version of FSD (currently that is v14.2.1.25) when FSD approaches a stop sign AND there is no white painted stopping line, FSD will make its full initial stop (also called the zero-speed stop) directly at or behind the stop sign instead of making the initial full stop beyond the stop sign at a location where the driver can see cross traffic. Sometimes the FSD initial full stop is 20, 30, 40, even 50+ feet back away from the edge of the road. At these distances from the edge of the road, most of the time, there is NO VISUAL of cross traffic left and right. The FSD stop then turns into the FSD "creep" where FSD, after stopping 30 feet back WILL THEN commit to the turn from 30 feet back giving drivers little to no time to see cross traffic. If I am the supervisor of FSD who is liable for my safety and my vehicle's safety, I need to be able to see cross traffic before my car (with FSD engaged) decides to commit to the turn, but FSD DOES NOT CARE IF THE DRIVER CAN SEE. The "creep" is perhaps the least human-like manuever that FSD performs. From the stopped location directly at the stop sign, they creep may inch up and stop again, it may inch up a COUPLE TIMES and stop again, it may pull up to the edge of the road and stop again, OR it may just pull out into oncoming traffic in one swift motion. Bc of this behavior, FSD has almost got rear ended countless times at stop signs. Also, cross traffic see's the creep and thinks i'm about to pull out in front of them Drivers go beyond the stop sign to a location where they can see to make their one and only full stop. To avoid this issue, FSD needs to do this too (i.e. make initial full stop at the edge of the road) This is legal in mostly every state (I live in PA) Tesla has not provided a single response to these reports and nothing seems to be getting done about it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705222December 15, 2025
SUSPENSION
While slowly backing out of a parking space at a Whole Foods in San Jose, CA, the driver's-side front wheel suddenly collapsed without warning. The front tire completely locked up, preventing further movement. Upon inspection, I found two bolts lying on the ground and the lower control arm detached and hanging loosely. The sudden jolt from the tire impacting the vehicle's body also caused minor damage to the plastic underbody cover. I had the car towed to the Tesla Service Center at 2801 Northwestern Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95051, and it is now in their possession. Fortunately, this occurred at very low speed in a parking lot—if it had happened on the freeway, the outcome could have been catastrophic. I've since discovered similar incidents reported by other Tesla owners in this forum thread: [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
#11705202December 15, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In May 2025, Tesla pushed an over-the-air (OTA) software update overnight while the vehicle was parked. When the vehicle was started the following morning, the update had failed mid-process and stalled at approximately 50%. Immediately upon startup, the backup camera and navigation/maps stopped functioning. The vehicle has been unable to complete subsequent software updates since. Tesla service later inspected the vehicle and indicated that the main computer/ECU was stuck in a loop and required replacement. The backup camera and navigation loss occurred immediately following the OTA update and persisted for several months despite multiple service attempts. Due to the vehicle’s rear design and limited rear window visibility, operating the vehicle in reverse without a functioning backup camera significantly impairs visibility. Even when using mirrors or physically turning to look backward, rearward visibility is restricted. As a result, the loss of backup camera functionality presents an ongoing, daily safety hazard during normal vehicle operation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705090December 15, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owned a 2025 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a school zone area, and while engaging the brake pedal, the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after lifting their foot from the brake pedal, they heard a hissing sound and the vehicle accelerated. The contact attempted to avoid a collision by making a left turn; however, the vehicle traveled into a bushy area and rolled down a hill. The contact sustained injuries, including head, neck, and back injuries, and received medical attention at a local emergency room. The contact stated that the air bags deployed during the incident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,213.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11705075December 15, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system on my pre-owned 2023 Tesla Model Y Dual Motor Long Range (VIN: [XXX] ), equipped with Tesla Hardware 3. Component/System: Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software and driver-assistance control system. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. Description: From the time of purchase (approximate mileage ~66,549), the FSD system repeatedly exhibited unsafe behavior during normal operation on public roads, including straddling two lanes, drifting toward lane markers, stopping at green lights or within intersections, hesitating mid-intersection, and failing to complete routine turns. These behaviors required frequent human intervention and made the system unsafe to use. Safety Risk: The behavior created a risk of collision with other vehicles and posed a danger to occupants and other road users, particularly when stopping unexpectedly at green lights or hesitating in intersections. Confirmation/Inspection: The issue was reported multiple times to Tesla Service and escalated internally. Tesla inspected the vehicle and confirmed in writing that the FSD behaviors were “behavioral” and not resolvable by hardware replacement at that time, with no known fix or timeline. Warnings: No warning lamps or fault messages were displayed prior to or during the incidents. Despite these issues, Tesla continued to advertise the vehicle as FSD-capable and accepted payment for the FSD subscription. I provided Tesla formal written notice via certified mail, delivered November 26, 2025, with no response within the stated timeframe. Although a recent software update has temporarily improved behavior, the defect existed at purchase and persisted through multiple service interactions. Additional documentation, service records, and communications are available upon request. 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
#11705024December 15, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After approximately 6 months we leased this vehicle we found out some issues with the vehicle. This vehicle has e Parking(P),Drive(D),Neutral(N),Reverse(R) positions. When you want to maneuver you vehicle you pull the lever at the required position. So what happenes some times: I put the vehicle in drive(D) and when I am in very slow traffic,or stop and go traffic or in stop light/sign vehicle Parks itself in Park (P) positions and sometime its difficult placing the vehicle right away in Drive (D). Parking (P) is reseved only to put the vehicle manually in Park(P) like any other vehicle. This vehicle has another option :when you remove your feet from accelarator after 2-4 sec it does apply brakes without pressing the brake pedal. This has happen several times until now. Can you imaging you are in traffick and this keeps happen and when it happens there is a possibility that this can be cause for accident because as soon as trafic start moving drivers behind you as soon as they see that traffic is moving they aslo start moving and if the car does Park istelf than the chance for the driver behind you to hit you is high,because you are making unintentionaly unnecesary sudden stop . I brought this problem up several times to manufacture's service location and they are telling me (initially i was told its normal,after explaing in details thay accepted the issue and took the vehicle and kept for 2 weeks .) After the service i was told that nothing was found .Issue had repeated againg.Also i was told that they are not able to find/read a problem if something happen to the car if had passed more than a month from the incident .I informed them again with the date/time stapm.Looks like they are not taking this issue seriosly, and i beleive that this is a safety issue because this for now its happening when in slow speeds but no one knows that this will not happen in higher speed and if this happen in higher speeds the consequences are bad. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704960December 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While exiting a parking area, the vehicle’s Autopilot/driver-assist system engaged during a tight right-hand turn. At the time of the maneuver, my hands were not actively controlling the steering wheel, as the system appeared to be managing the turn. The vehicle failed to properly account for curb proximity and steered too close to the curb, resulting in the wheel striking the curb and causing visible rim damage. The system did not provide adequate warning or disengage in time to prevent the curb impact. This raises safety concerns regarding Autopilot behavior during low-speed, tight turning scenarios such as parking lot exits, where precise steering control is critical. I contacted Tesla to request that they review vehicle logs to determine whether this was a system error. Tesla did not adequately address the issue or take responsibility for reviewing or acknowledging a potential defect in the automated driving system. This incident presents a broader safety concern, as similar behavior could result in more serious damage or injury in different circumstances (e.g., pedestrians, cyclists, or roadside objects). I am reporting this to NHTSA so the agency can evaluate whether Tesla’s automated driving technology performs safely in tight-turn, low-speed environments. I request that NHTSA review this issue as a potential defect in Tesla’s automated driving or driver-assist systems.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704925December 14, 2025
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The heating system in my 2024 Tesla Model Y failed after only one winter season. Under normal HVAC operation, the vehicle blows cold air and does not provide cabin heat. Heat only intermittently works when defrost mode is selected. This failure affects the vehicle’s ability to safely operate in cold weather, including proper windshield defogging and defrosting. A loss of heating presents a safety risk to occupants and reduces visibility. Tesla diagnosed the issue and provided an estimated repair cost of approximately $3,235.00. The vehicle is just outside the warranty period, and this appears to be a premature failure of the heating or heat pump system, not normal wear and tear. Given the age of the vehicle and prior reports of Tesla HVAC and heat pump failures in Model Y vehicles, I believe this may indicate a design or component defect that warrants investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704905December 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The car stopped in a busy freeway saying electric issue and doesn’t give sufficient time to drive to shoulder. This is the 2nd time this happened within 2 weeks. First time, tesla said high voltage controller had an internal issue with voltage sensing. the hv controller was replaced along with pyrotechnic fuse. Tesla assured this shouldn’t repeat and it repeated again. This has kept us in a catastrophic situation. I request immediate attention to this error and matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704831December 13, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The vehicle was in supervised full self driving on the turnpike, when all of a sudden it darted out of the lane into th grass hitting a guard rail.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704571December 11, 2025
STEERING
I am writing to file a complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2023 Model Y Performance Tesla vehicle. The steering wheel's faux leather covering is peeling and bubbling, causing the material to come off while driving. This poses a significant hazard as it compromises my grip and creates a distraction, potentially leading to loss of control. Additionally, Tesla does NOT want to repair this, even though I’m still under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704478December 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Date of Incident: December 8, 2025 Mileage at Failure: Approx. 580 miles Vehicle Status: At Tesla Service Center since December 9, 2025 (no repairs started; status shows “Preparing”) Failure Summary While driving 40–45 mph on a busy three-lane road in California, approaching a signalized intersection, the vehicle suddenly displayed multiple red warnings, a “Reduced Speed” alert, and numerous fault messages. Within 3–5 seconds, propulsion was completely lost. Incident Details Using residual momentum, I steered across two lanes into a nearby retail parking lot. The vehicle stopped at an angle, partially obstructing traffic. Towing Delay & Safety Risk The vehicle remained stranded for ~4 hours. A flatbed tow arrived ~2 hours later but could not load the vehicle due to inoperative Tow Mode. A second dolly-equipped tow truck was required, adding ~90 minutes. During this time, the vehicle continued to block traffic and posed a safety hazard. Component/System Failure Complete propulsion loss and failure of major electrical/control systems, including doors, frunk, trunk, Tow Mode, and non-responsive key card and phone key. Vehicle remains inoperable. Safety Hazard Sudden shutdown in a center lane near a major intersection left almost no opportunity to maneuver safely. Extended roadside immobilization and inoperative Tow Mode further increased risk. Warning Prior to Failure None, except 3–5 seconds of simultaneous red warnings and fault messages. Problem Status Ongoing and unresolved. Tesla has not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle and continues to delay the estimated repair date. Inspections Vehicle is under evaluation at Tesla Service Center. No repairs, police, or insurance inspections have been conducted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704437December 11, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was fully engaged (blue steering wheel icon active), the vehicle approached an uncontrolled intersection, selected the wrong path, hesitated severely (camera shaking violently), provided ZERO visual or audible warnings, and completely ignored driver's emergency brake input (pedal depressed >90% approximately 1.5 seconds before impact). The vehicle continued forward by inertia and collided with a roadside curb, resulting in wheel damage. Attached dashcam video clearly shows: • FSD active throughout the event • No alerts or chimes • Violent steering oscillation/hesitation • Driver's foot slamming brake pedal with no deceleration • Impact despite timely braking This incident matches the ongoing NHTSA investigation PE25-012 regarding FSD intersection hesitation and failure to respond to driver input.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704381December 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, SEAT BELTS
In early Nov 2025 my Tesla Model Y began intermittently showing warnings about the forward collision warning system and multiple sensors being offline. Tesla service replaced a faulty connector on Nov 3. On Nov 15, 2025, about two weeks later, the car had a sudden drivetrain failure while I was parking on a steep hill. I heard a loud bang from the front of the car and the vehicle immediately lost drive power and had to be towed. Tesla diagnosed a failed front motor inverter that blew the high-voltage pyrofuse and damaged the 12V battery; they replaced those parts. The vehicle is available for inspection and the repaired components and records are with Tesla. After that repair the car needed another visit for alignment and has continued to show worrying behavior: “VCFRONT offline/unable to contact VCFRONT” in the service menu, repeated “autopilot computer overheating” messages, intermittent loss or reduction of regenerative braking (braking feel changes unpredictably), a rear right seatbelt malfunction warning (later inspected and cleared by Tesla), and what appears to be significantly increased battery drain compared to before the inverter failure. This has now resulted in four service visits within about a month, all at Tesla service centers (no police, insurance, or independent shops involved). Tesla has confirmed the inverter/pyrofuse/12V failure and says the overheating was due to an air pocket in the cooling system, but the VCFRONT messages, inconsistent regen braking, and increased drain have not been fully resolved or clearly explained. I am concerned that a sudden loss of power, loss of regen, or failure of VCFRONT/autopilot systems could recur at speed or in traffic, creating a serious safety risk. Please note that I'm only able to view partially-complete paperwork from the latest service appointment in the Tesla app. I have requested this documentation from Tesla and will be able to provide all the service reports and communication as a follow-up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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