Tesla Model Y Complaints
3,785 consumer complaints on file.
- #11754035July 31, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was operating in the self-driving feature, the vehicle bumped into a shopping cart holder while attempting to park into a parking space, prompting the contact to take control of the vehicle. The rear bumper on the driver's side was impacted. No property damage was reported. The vehicle came to a complete stop upon impact. No air bag was deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,074.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11754034July 31, 2026BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
FSD failed when on FSD to go to local Walmart, in Walmart parking lot while on FSD, vehicle was parking it self by backing up and it hit shopping cart rack. It failed to see physical shopping cart rack and stop and park. It could have hurt someone if someone was there, software and 3 cameras didn’t avoid the accident.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11754000July 31, 2026WHEELS, SUSPENSION
2023 Tesla Model Y, only 18,270 miles. While driving with my wife and children in the car, the front suspension/axle control arm disconnected from the wheel assembly. A large suspension bolt failed — it came out bent and heavily corroded (photos available). We heard an abnormal noise, then the steering stopped responding and the wheel splayed out of position. We were at low speed and stopped safely. The car was undriveable and had to be towed. The day before, we drove this same car on the highway at 75 mph. Had this failed then, with my family aboard, it would almost certainly have caused a serious or fatal crash. Critically, Tesla had sent us a notice that the vehicle needed service. We scheduled it per their availability for Aug 6 — but the control arm failed before that date. We were never told the car was unsafe to drive. Had we known we were at risk, we would never have driven it with our children. The vehicle was inspected by a Tesla service center. Tesla did not fully cover the repair — I was charged — and the lateral/structural damage from the failure was not fixed. Insurance was used to tow the car (also at our cost). The failed bolt and suspension components are in our possession and available for inspection on request. Cause: UNKNOWN — I am not a mechanic — but a bent, corroded suspension bolt and a disconnected control arm on an 18,000-mile vehicle indicate a premature failure of a suspension/axle fastener. I request that the manufacturer and NHTSA inspect the component. This is a serious loss-of-steering hazard.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753908July 31, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) experienced a serious safety malfunction during a 12V low‑voltage failure. When the vehicle displayed the 12V alert, it became non‑functional. Upon entering, no systems were operating. When I pressed the brake pedal, the interior lights flashed and both front windows began moving up and down automatically without any input. This uncommanded movement caused both windows to shatter violently inside the cabin. The glass broke along the lower section of the window, consistent with internal mechanical stress caused by the window motor cycling during a fault. This was not external impact. I have photos documenting the breakage pattern. This is a safety defect. Automatic window movement during electrical failure poses a risk of injury. Additionally, even if a customer closes a door with the window raised, the glass should not shatter. Tesla vehicles are designed with automatic window indexing and motor resistance protection. The system should adjust the window position to prevent breakage. The fact that the glass shattered indicates a failure of Tesla’s safety logic and window indexing system. Tesla denied responsibility and claimed “misuse,” but could not provide system logs to support this claim. Tesla also stated customers must ensure windows are lowered before closing doors, but this requirement does not exist anywhere in Tesla’s manual. Tesla’s explanation does not address the automatic window movement that caused the breakage. This malfunction presents a clear safety hazard: unexpected window movement, glass shattering inside the cabin, and risk of injury to occupants. I request NHTSA investigate Tesla’s window indexing behavior during 12V failures, the failure of safety protections, and the risk of glass breakage caused by system‑initiated movement. 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
- #11753870July 30, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
My tesla model Y was driving on FSD (full self driving) and just did hard full stop brake at a traffic light and brought the car to a complete stop even when the light was green. Both of toddler kids in the back got pulled jolted forward where the seat belt hurt them. This stopping was random was unnecessary as no threat of other cars or the light was present. Luckily no one was behind us or they would have rear ended our car causing a serious accident. This really left my children in shock.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753846July 30, 2026STRUCTURE:BODY
My car was parked in a residential neighborhood and when I was driving home on the evening of July 4th I noticed the windshield had a small line in it. The next day during daylight hours I went to inspect it further and concluded that the hood made contact with the windshield on both sides and there were two distinct impact areas that matched perfectly with small paint damage on the hood. I made an appointment with Tesla and waited about two weeks to get in, and they summized that this is not a defective part issue and that a wind so powerful came along, lifted the hood up, overpowered the gas struts, broke the windshield and closed itself perfectly. They denied any responsibility and refused to cover it under their manufacturers warranty. This is Tesla of Wilmington, DE
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753834July 30, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Center brake light fails intermittently when outside temperature is hot (115). Tesla is aware of the issue and has no fix. Side brake lights still seem to work when center fails.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753833July 30, 2026BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
On the day after taking delivery of my 2026 Tesla Model Y, FSD reversed into a visible stationary garage pillar while backing into my garage. The vehicle did not stop before impact and stopped only after contacting the pillar, resulting in more than $6,000 in vehicle damage. The following day, while FSD was attempting a left turn at an intersection, the vehicle nearly entered the opposing-traffic lane before making several hesitant steering corrections. I disengaged FSD and completed the turn manually to avoid a potential collision. Both incidents occurred within two days of delivery. Tesla has opened a service case, escalated the matter to its engineering team for review, and I have requested preservation of all available vehicle data. I am submitting this complaint because these incidents raise concerns about the safety of FSD behavior.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753772July 30, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
High voltage battery pack failed. It is available for inspection. No one was affected by the issue when it occurred. Tesla has inspected it and stated it has imbalance, and entire high voltage battery pack needs to be replaced. Yes, there is a warning messages on the screen. (BMS_a079 - Unable to charge - Maximum charge level reached) ...but only shows 50% State of Charge The issue happened randomly while the car was parked yesterday 7/29/2026
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753764July 30, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2024 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) Incident Date: [Insert Date] Current Mileage: 4,094 Description: "While operating the vehicle at low speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded acceleration event. Despite immediate and sustained application of the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to decelerate as intended, indicating a critical failure of the braking-override system and/or the drive-by-wire acceleration logic. This represents a catastrophic safety defect that resulted in an uncontrolled trajectory. Furthermore, Tesla Inc. has formally refused to release the Event Data Recorder (EDR) data associated with this VIN and timestamp (Ref: DOT Request #xxx). This refusal obstructs a transparent safety analysis of a known 'Sudden Unintended Acceleration' (SUA) event. I am requesting a formal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) into this specific hardware/software failure and Tesla’s data-withholding practices regarding safety-critical events." I am a XXX and the threat is to take the loaner car away my only transportation from [XXX] to [XXX] for my 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
- #11753674July 30, 2026SUSPENSION
• What the issue is: Intermittent suspension noise/clunking that suggests a possible failing component. • Why it’s a safety concern: Potential suspension failure could cause loss of control. • What Tesla did: Tesla refused warranty service related to a safety issue involving the suspension because they said they could not hear the noise, despite repeated reports. I asked them to look at the suspension anyway and they refused my warranty service stating that since they could not hear anything they would not inspect and cancelled my appointment. • When it happens: speeds, bumps, turning, acceleration, etc. • Frequency: intermittent, constant, worsening. • Mileage: approximately 44000. • Weather/road conditions: any conditions • Whether the vehicle has been repaired or inspected: Tesla refused to inspect my vehicle under warranty for this safety related complaint and said if they can't hear a noise they won't look at it.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753635July 29, 2026SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
2026 Tesla Model Y (VIN [XXX]) running FSD Supervised v14.2.2.5 / software 2026.14.200 experienced two unintended phantom braking events while FSD was active. Incident 1: XXX, approximately 9:16 AM, XXX southbound off-ramp at [XXX] exit heading [XXX]. Vehicle braked abruptly and without warning at highway approach speed with no obstacle present. Incident 2: XXX, approximately 2:08 PM, [XXX] westbound atXXX northbound on-ramp [XXX]. Same abrupt, unwarned braking with no obstacle present. Tesla service performed diagnostics XXX, at the Delray Beach service center. No hardware fault was found. Vehicle has been unable to receive OTA software updates. A nearly identical vehicle, a 2026 Tesla Model Y in the same household (VIN [XXX]), is currently running software 2026.20.6.11 and FSD v14.3.6, several versions ahead of the affected vehicle. Tesla confirmed the software disparity is due to VIN batch rollout scheduling and cannot be manually accelerated. Tesla regional management and engineering review team have been notified. While children were not in the vehicle at the time of these specific incidents, they are frequent passengers in this vehicle and this braking behavior represents a serious safety concern for our family. 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
- #11753605July 29, 2026SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On February 17, 2026, around 4:20 pm, as I was departing my agency's parking garage structure, my 2023 Tesla Y uncontrollably and un-prompted accelerated at a very high speed. I applied the brake and it would not stop. I nearly killed the security guard at the garage who was trying to direct my vehicle to the correct exit lane. The vehicle ran across a sidewalk adjacent to the garage, ran across a street, hit a street parking meter, ran across another sidewalk, ran across and toppled a perimeter fence around a parking lot across from the garage I exited, ran over concrete wheel barriers, and continued running for about 300 feet before it came to a stop on its own. This duration of this terrifying ordeal was 3 to 5 seconds. The air bags did not deploy. I called 911 repeatedly for Police investigation and report but the Police never showed up. I towed the vehicle to a Tesla Collision Center, which inspected and investigated the accident, and the Tesla Center stated that the FSD system was working properly and did not find anything wrong. I informed the Tesla Center that I did not subscribe to the FSD system service and was not using it during the accident, and they stated that they stand by the determination of their engineering division that reviewed the "blackbox", information gathering device of the vehicle. The vehicle was totaled and non-salvageable. Prior to the accident, the Tesla Collision Center, had repaired the vehicle from a previous accident that occurred on September 25, 2025. There were no warnings before the vehicle uncontrollably accelerated at a very high speed. I have copy of the accident videos. Your platform would not allow me to upload the videos.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753345July 28, 2026SUSPENSION
Clicking noise in rear suspension upon acceleration and assistive braking. First time I brought it in the Tesla service center lubricated the halfshafts. Clicking went away but returned a little over a month later. 2nd time the Tesla service center adjusted torque on suspension. Looking at thread online this seems to be a common issue with older Tesla Model Y. These are not normal maintenance items. I am worried about the safety of the suspension with this vehicle and how long it will be safe to drive before additional fixes, checking proper torque is required.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753327July 28, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the I-95 N to 175 W exit ramp, while approaching a traffic light in slow-moving traffic with the self-driving feature engaged, the vehicle failed to slow down as expected. To avoid a crash with the vehicle ahead, the contact veered to the right, leaving the roadway and traveling onto a slope and into the grass, where the vehicle struck a tree branch. There were no warning lights illuminated. A Police report was filed. There were no reported injuries or air bag deployment. The insurance company was notified of the issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 19,891.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753319July 28, 2026Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
My child does not eat in his car seat. Every day debris dust etc gets under the release mechanism button causing the harness straps to randomly loosen. Huge safety issue that could lead to a fatal accident. Cybex’s solution is to tell you to clean out the mechanism but there’s no telling when or where the straps will stop tightening again. It’s not feasible to clean the strap every time I use the seat. My son’s straps fully loosen just by him leaning forward. This seat needs to be recalled!!!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753246July 28, 2026FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH with the cruise control engaged the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and had received similar complaints; however, there was no fix available for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11753209July 28, 2026VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The Full Self Driving software does not allow the user to limit the maximum speed of the vehicle while in use. The car frequently drives 15-20 MPH over the actual limits in typical driving modes with no ability for the user to safely and precisely restrict its speed to a more safe and appropriate level. The car may begin a journey at an appropriate speed, and continue at that speed for miles, but for no reason that is apparent to the user, the system may begin to accelerate beyond a safe limit. This makes the driving experience while using this software less predictable and compromises the safety of the user and others on the road. The user controlled speed limiting feature was previously available, and worked well, but was removed as part of an update to version 14.x of the software. An alternative that is being used, which is much less safe, is that users can restrict the speed of the entire vehicle such that its speed may never pass a certain level, under any circumstance, even if the accelerator is fully depressed (by the user). Once enabled, this feature cannot be adjusted or disabled while driving. Users are using this vehicle speed restriction feature to more precisely restrict the excessive and unpredictable speeding of the automated system because they are not given the ability to do so safely and precisely via other means.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11752865July 26, 2026SEATS
This is for a recurring front passenger safety restraint system defect on a 2021 Tesla Model Y, VIN [XXX]. The defect has now resulted in at least six service visits or invoices involving the same front passenger restraint / occupancy system concern, and Tesla has now charged $1,582.18 for another repair involving the front passenger seat cushion trim and seat back trim even though prior repairs did not permanently correct the condition. 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
- #11752860July 25, 2026AIR BAGS
At I-66 East and 495 Exit in Fairfax/Vienna, another car hit my Tesla car from the side at around 40-50 MPH. My car driver side had a heavy impact - Door scratched badly, rear window broke, rear tail lamp broke, rear tire got damaged, components on top of the front tire came off. Even the car was hit with this heavy force and had heavy damage, Airbags never deployed. Luckily THe driver didn't have any injuries as she was wearing a seat belt. How come the airbags never popped with this heavy impact accident? THe car that hit our car, didn't have as much damage as ours but their airbags deployed. Is this a defect with Tesla airbags?
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0