Tesla Model Y Complaints

3,785 consumer complaints on file.

#11757481August 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During a software update, the vehicle was parked and no key was present inside the car. The car went into neutral and forward through my gate onto oncoming traffic. The car hit a parked car and then came to a stop. The software update proceeded and I was unable to move the car until it finished.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757480August 17, 2026
SUSPENSION, WHEELS
2022 Tesla Model Y - Premature inner rear tire wear due to excessive negative camber from factory. Both rear tires worn to cords on inside edge at 17k miles, outside tread 6/32 still. Alignment specs show rear camber out of spec caused by short factory rear camber arms. This is a known defect, creates blowout risk at highway speed. Vehicle never modified, never in accident. Mileage 113,136. I have photos. Bronx NY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757416August 17, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in Self-Driving Mode and driving approximately 5-8 MPH, the vehicle suddenly turned towards the left into oncoming traffic. The contact immediately manually started steering the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal popping and snapping sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and the contact became aware that the steering wheel was bent inward. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 10,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757379August 17, 2026
SUSPENSION
Both the right (April 2024) and now left (Aug 2026) upper control arm bolt became loose. The left created damage. Now I routinely check the bolts and now on a check on the right it loosen naturally freely spinning by hand. Caught the right bolt early before damage and serious safety issue. Note this is a wide issue and NHTSA should issue a wider recall as Tesla argues about repairs and doesn’t take this seriously. [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
#11757356August 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On August 15, 2026, at approximately 5:00 PM, the vehicle was being driven with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged during light rain. As the vehicle approached traffic ahead, it did not slow or brake as expected. The driver recognized that the vehicle was not slowing and attempted to intervene manually by pressing the brake pedal multiple times. The driver reports that despite these attempts, the vehicle did not slow or respond to the brake pedal as expected, and a collision occurred. There were no known warning lamps or warning messages indicating a braking-system problem prior to the incident. The vehicle has not yet been inspected to determine the cause of the reported braking behavior. The incident has been reported to the manufacturer, and a request has been made to preserve and review available vehicle data surrounding the collision, including braking inputs, vehicle speed, Full Self-Driving status/actions, warnings, diagnostic information, and safety/event data. The vehicle is available for inspection. At this time, the cause of the failure to slow as expected is UNKNOWN.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757317August 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The exterior rear door handle on the driver’s side rear passenger door caught the occupant’s finger during normal use, tearing the fingernail partially out of the nail bed and causing bleeding and an exposed nail bed injury requiring medical treatment. The flush-mounted door handle pinched and trapped the finger while the door was being operated. The component is available for inspection upon request. No warning of any kind preceded the injury — the handle functioned as designed, which is the concern. The injury was treated at an urgent care facility. The problem has not been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, or insurance to date. No warning lamps or messages are applicable. Cause: the flush-mounted rear door handle design creates a pinch point that can trap a finger during ordinary entry
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757226August 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
COMPONENT/SYSTEM THAT FAILED: The service brakes failed to stop the vehicle. While reverse-parking at low (parking) speed, I applied the brake pedal and the vehicle did not stop as expected, resulting in contact with an object and vehicle damage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request; it has been preserved and driven only minimally since the event. HOW SAFETY WAS PUT AT RISK: The brakes failed with no warning. Had a person been behind the vehicle, the failure to stop could have caused injury. This is the only vehicle for a family with three children who are regularly transported in it, and I no longer feel safe driving them. REPRODUCED/CONFIRMED BY A DEALER OR SERVICE CENTER: Not yet. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER/POLICE/INSURANCE/OTHERS: The insurer opened and then denied the claim and stated that no vehicle telemetry/data was available to preserve. No independent forensic inspection has occurred yet. Police did not attend. WARNING LAMPS/MESSAGES/SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO FAILURE: NONE. There was no warning light, no alert message, and no audible signal before or during the event. The parking sensors did not beep as they normally do. No ABS or brake warning light appeared at any time before or after. ADDITIONAL RELEVANT DETAIL: Approximately one week earlier, the front lower control arms were replaced. It is UNKNOWN whether the ABS wheel-speed sensor or related wiring was affected; the vehicle displayed no related warning at any time. No injuries occurred.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757053August 14, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and independently veered into the other lane. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,335.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756945August 14, 2026
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On August 3, 2026, my Tesla Model Y was traveling at approximately 50 mph with Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged. At approximately 4:12:47 PM CDT, FSD became unavailable and then became available again. At 4:12:51.628 PM CDT, FSD was recorded as ACTIVE_FSD again. Approximately 2.36 seconds after FSD was re-engaged, at 4:12:53.987 PM CDT, the vehicle's steering began a sudden and rapid rightward movement. I did not turn the steering wheel or intentionally provide a rightward steering input that initiated this maneuver. The recorded steering angle increased rapidly from approximately +11.4° to +20.7°, +33.3°, +83.3°, +137.9°, +154.7°, and ultimately approximately +282° within about 1.6 seconds. Importantly, FSD was still recorded as ACTIVE_FSD when the steering movement began. FSD changed to UNAVAILABLE at approximately 4:12:54.364 PM CDT, about 0.38 seconds after the steering movement had already started. The steering continued to escalate after FSD became unavailable.The vehicle subsequently experienced severe lateral acceleration of approximately 0.96 g, and crash detection activated at approximately 4:12:55.710 PM CDT. The accelerator was recorded at 0% during the developing steering event and increased only after crash detection. Hard braking and ABS activation occurred afterward.I do not have Tesla Dashcam footage, but I have retained Tesla's vehicle telemetry export containing FSD state, steering, steering-torque, accelerator, braking, vehicle-speed, stability-control, and crash-event data.I am concerned that Tesla FSD may have initiated or contributed to the unexpected steering maneuver that resulted in the collision. I am certain that I did not initiate the sudden rightward steering maneuver.I request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a potential safety defect or unexpected FSD behavior, particularly the sequence of FSD re-engagement followed approximately 2.36 seconds later by the unexpected steering event while FSD was still ACTIVE_FSD
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11756800August 13, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Component: Suspension: Front — lower lateral and compliance link assemblies; missing and backed-out lateral-link-to-subframe fasteners; torn bushings Beginning in XXX, the vehicle produced a reproducible knocking noise from the front end when reversing and turning at parking-lot speeds, with no dashboard warnings. Tesla Service ([XXX], invoice XXX) verified the noise and documented on the invoice that the cause was: 1. A front left lateral-link-to-subframe mounting bolt MISSING entirely; 2. A second lateral-link fastener significantly backed out; 3. Torn bushings in both front lower compliance links. The technician replaced both front lower lateral link assemblies and both front lower compliance link assemblies with new hardware (invoice line items: XXX lateral links; XXX and XXX compliance links). Total customer cost for the suspension work: $1,539, out of warranty; goodwill and defect coverage were denied in writing as "wear and tear." A structural fastener missing entirely from a primary front suspension link is not ordinary wear. It is the precursor condition to the lateral-link separation investigated under PE26006, which covers this vehicle by year and model. With one bolt absent and the second backed out at under 30,000 miles, this vehicle was effectively one fastener away from the detachment event the investigation documents. The contemporaneous torn bushings in both compliance links reinforce premature component failure, not age-related degradation. No crash, fire, or injury occurred, and the vehicle remained drivable. However, the failure occurred without warning on a safety-critical steering and suspension load path. Evidence retained by owner and referenced in this complaint: -Pre-repair inspection photographs & post-repair invoice 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
#11756780August 13, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Screen provides alert that "center brake light condition deteceted". Shows up as VCRIGHT_a487 Tesla said "The condition is characteristic of the current firmware with no current fix at this time". Tesla is looking into this concern as it is affecting multiple vehicles at this time
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756753August 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was operating my Tesla using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) when the vehicle approached an active school zone with flashing warning lights and a posted school-zone speed limit of 35 mph. FSD did not appropriately respond to the active school zone or reduce the vehicle's speed to the posted 35 mph limit, requiring me to disengage FSD and manually slow the vehicle. The incident was captured on the Tesla dashcam. The recording shows FSD active while approaching the school zone. At approximately 14 seconds into the recording, the vehicle was traveling approximately 52 mph with "Self-Driving" displayed while the flashing school-zone warning and SCHOOL pavement markings were visible ahead. The posted school-zone speed limit is 35 mph when the warning lights are flashing. Because FSD was not slowing the vehicle appropriately, I intervened and disengaged FSD. Immediately following my intervention, vehicle speed decreased from approximately 49 mph to 39 mph, 31 mph, and approximately 29 mph as I manually slowed the vehicle. This was the second time I experienced FSD failing to appropriately respond to this same active school zone. After this occurrence, I saved the dashcam recording and submitted a Bug Report through the vehicle. There were no warning messages indicating that FSD could not recognize or respond to the school zone. My safety concern is that FSD may proceed into an active school zone substantially above the posted school-zone speed limit unless the driver recognizes the failure and intervenes. The original dashcam recording is available and documents the vehicle speed, FSD status, active flashing school-zone warning, posted speed limit, and timing of my intervention.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756721August 13, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was using the Tesla FSD in stop and go traffic. At the moment I was moving with traffic at about 30 mph and then traffic started slowing down. The vehicle in front of me came to a complete stop. The FSD on my car started slowing down, but not fast enough. It rear-ended the vehicle at about 18 mph.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756565August 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 8/10/26, my Tesla experienced a complete low-voltage electrical failure while parked at my home. I owned the vehicle 34 days and put 1,054 miles on it after purchasing it directly from Tesla as a pre-owned vehicle. I entered the driver's seat, and closed the driver's door. The center touchscreen was completely black, the vehicle would not power on, and the Tesla mobile app could not control the vehicle. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the electronic driver's-door release would not operate. My husband was outside the vehicle and was also unable to open the driver's door from the exterior. The outside temperature was approximately 80 degrees, and the interior of the vehicle became increasingly warmer. For several minutes, we attempted to open the driver's door, lower a window, or restore power without success. I had not been shown or instructed on the location or operation of the manual emergency door release when Tesla delivered the vehicle. I ultimately had to climb over the center console to the passenger side and push the passenger door open with both feet. Tesla Roadside Assistance was contacted and the vehicle was towed to the Tesla Service Center. Tesla's 8/12/2026 service record documents the concern as "Parked vehicle unable to power on" and states that the technician found the 12V battery inoperative. Tesla replaced the 12V lead-acid battery assembly. During the same service visit, Tesla also replaced the left-front door glass and upper trim. Tesla separately verified that the passenger-side window had come out of its track and scratched the trim and documented that the cause was a loose and improperly seated front-right door trim panel. I received no warning on the vehicle display or through the Tesla app before the low-voltage battery failed. My primary safety concern is that loss of low-voltage power disabled the normal electronic means of exiting the driver's door while I was inside the vehicle, with no advance warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756509August 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Plastic trim around window switches on driver side door panel bubbled and popped. Tesla refused to warranty due to “wear and tear” when vehicle was purchased brand new 1.5 year ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756495August 12, 2026
SUSPENSION
I am experiencing a loud, persistent creaking and groaning noise coming from the front suspension of my 2023 Tesla Model Y whenever the vehicle travels over bumps, uneven road surfaces, or during low-speed steering maneuvers.This structural front-end noise raises immediate safety concerns regarding a potential premature failure of critical suspension components, specifically the front lower lateral links or upper control arm ball joints. I am deeply concerned that this component wear could lead to a sudden detachment of the suspension link while driving, resulting in a sudden loss of steering control and an immediate crash hazard.Tesla is aware of widespread suspension issues in these model years, but there is currently no active safety recall to protect owners from catastrophic part failure. I am filing this to urge a mandatory safety recall before a serious failure occurs. I have just over 63,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756419August 12, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Car is less than a year old and forward camera is reporting visibility problem. Safety features, forward collision and autonomous driving is severely degraded. Tesla will not repair under warranty which requires disassembly of the camera housing. Front camera housing has been redesigned by Tesla but they are not retrofitting this fix for existing Model Y and have not issues a safety recall. This camera housing defect presents a risk to my safely and the safety of others.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756327August 11, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I am filing a complaint regarding the low-beam headlights on my Tesla. The headlights emit an excessively bright glare that impairs the visibility of oncoming traffic and surrounding motorists, creating a hazardous driving condition. This issue corresponds to federal safety non-compliance under FMVSS No. 108 and NHTSA Recall Campaign No. 26V507, where the low beams were found to output up to 230.1 candela, nearly doubling the legal federal limit of 125 candela. The excessive illumination creates a 'veiling glare' that threatens highway safety, particularly during inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog. I request that my vehicle be physically inspected and serviced with compliant hardware components as outlined by federal regulators.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756136August 11, 2026
STEERING
Yes. Here’s a tighter version designed to stay **under 1,800 characters including spaces** while retaining the key safety facts. I am reporting a serious front suspension failure on my 2023 Tesla Model Y. A bolt fell out near the front control arm/lower suspension bushing area. Tesla’s service invoice confirms the vehicle required pickup from my driveway “due to a bolt falling out near the front control arm bushing area.” The vehicle is available for inspection, although I do not know if Tesla retained the replaced parts. This was a serious safety risk because a front suspension failure could affect steering, wheel position, and vehicle control. Fortunately, it occurred on my residential street near my home. Had this happened at highway speed with my family in the vehicle, the consequences could have been catastrophic. Tesla inspected and repaired the vehicle, replacing the front lower lateral and compliance links on both sides and performing an alignment. Tesla’s written diagnosis states the issue “stemmed from a loose component in the front suspension system.” However, I was verbally told the failure resulted from striking a curb or pothole. There was no apparent impact damage to the body, tires, rims, or undercarriage. My insurance adjuster later contacted Tesla and was reportedly told there was NO evidence the vehicle struck anything. My claim was denied as a result. Tesla’s written repair documentation also contains no mention of impact or collision damage. I received no warning lamp or dashboard message before the failure. The significant symptom was the suspension bolt falling out. I am concerned that a critical suspension component became loose without evidence of impact. I ask NHTSA to investigate whether this could be related to a broader Model Y suspension or fastener safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756135August 11, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING, WHEELS
A FRONT BAR ON THE LOWER FRONT LEFT OF THE CAR COLLAPSED LEAVING 2 SCREWS ON THE GROUNG AND STEERLING WHEEL NOT USABLE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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