Tesla Model Y Complaints (2023)

1,136 consumer complaints on file.

#11542117September 1, 2023
STEERING
I had an error message that power steering was not available and I was unable to steer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542093September 1, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving with the cruise control activated and set at 75 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal with excessive force for the vehicle to continue driving forward. The failure occurred approximately 5 times. There were no warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541948August 31, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was pulling up to a ticket machine in a parking garage. I had my foot on the accelerator and was using regenerative braking and was essentially stopped. I was short a few inches from the button to get the ticket so applied almost no pressure to the accelerator – more like a tap so I could go forward a few inches. The car went into full acceleration mode, broke through the ticket machine barrier and kept accelerating. As soon as I sensed going forward too fast, I took my foot off the accelerator and put it onto the brake. I did not feel any response from the brake. With my foot. I managed to steer away from a wall in front of the car but hit a parked car. The impact pushed that car into a second car and then that car pushed into a third car and the third car pushed into a fourth car. My car was totaled as well as three others. Fortunately, the impacted vehicles were unoccupied and there were no pedestrians. No warning beeps or emergency braking occurred. One of my passengers had minor injuries (3 fractured ribs). A police report was filed. Previously (3 or 4 weeks prior to crash) I had an incident in an above ground parking lot. I had pulled into a parking space, backed up to straighten out then was pulling forward towards the curb. I took my foot off the accelerator, but the car kept going very slowly instead of regeneratively braking as it had done before. I put my foot on the brake. It was unresponsive. I kept pressing and finally it engaged, and I was able to stop the car about five feet over the curb and into the grass.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11541823August 31, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought Tesla in May 2023. My Tesla Model Y has suddenly accelerated in my garage on 08/29 @8.25pm EST and damaged my garage front door/drywall and broken my stair case in pieces. It was phantom acceleration. I have video from my ring security system camera video which shows clearly that I was parking in my garage extremely carefully, however the Tesla Model Y suddenly accelerated beyond my control (I was not accelerating) and put me under risk and damaged my property. I have auto insurance to cover my Tesla car damage. However, my biggest fear is how can I use this Tesla Model Y when we see this life threatening behavior. This unintended acceleration can put my life and others life into danger. I would like help from NHTSA to ensure my Tesla Model Y is defect free. I just bought couple of months ago. I would like to request NHTSA to help me get this product replaced from Tesla motors. I am afraid to drive this vehicle now. I am currently going through a big shock, trauma and fear that I may have severely injured people on the road or my family members in garage if this unintended sudden acceleration would have happened around them. The damaged vehicle is outside my garage. It is not drivable. Vehicle front bumper is completely damaged and fluid has been leaking. I have filed insurance claim. I don't know what should I do right now. I would like to seek advice from legal sources on my options. My car is covered under my insurance, however I don't know if my car is fixed - I can drive this vehicle with confidence due to this strange unintended acceleration issues. Please help me at the earliest.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541672August 30, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
This is a report of a RECURRING problem commonly known as "phantom braking." When I take long trips in this vehicle at legal freeway speeds and with the Adaptive Cruise Control and Auto Steer (lane keeping) functions engaged, the vehicle will occasionally reduce speed suddenly and violently (emergency braking) even if there are no vehicles ahead and no visible hazards whatsoever. This occurs without warning and for no reason when cruising on open, straight interstate highways. In a typical 5-8 hour driving day on long trips, this will occur 1-2 times daily. If other vehicles were to be following closely behind, this would certainly cause a serious rear end collision or pile up. The vehicle gives no advance warning and no alarms sound. The car just brakes suddenly and violently scaring the bejesus out of my spouse. I have learned to step hard on the accelerator the moment this occurs which will partially offset the severe braking action so that any vehicles behind do not need to brake suddenly. I do wonder what the heck any drivers behind think when they see the Tesla suddenly brake hard then accelerate immediately back to speed. I worries me too that some aggressive driver behind might think I am doing this intentionally and get into a road rage incident with me. People have been shot and killed for less. I don't understand why this has not yet been addressed seriously by Tesla or NHTSA. This is a SERIOUS and dangerous defect! Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541263August 28, 2023
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact discovered cracks on the front-end structural casting. The contact stated that some cracks went through the structure and were close to the strut mounts, which might lead to a failure with the suspension. The vehicle had been taken to Tesla (2710 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22206) and Tesla (8500 Tyco Rd, Vienna, VA 22182) on five separate occasions; however, no repairs were made. The contact was assured that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 2,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541180August 28, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while making a right turn into a parking lot, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The contact steered the vehicle to the right and ran over two road barriers before he crashed into a parked vehicle. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact was temporarily trapped in the vehicle due to the driver’s side door failing to open. The door eventually unlocked as the authorities arrived at the scene. The contact was taken to the hospital via an ambulance and was treated for bruises to his left hand. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to repaired. The failure mileage was 240.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11541155August 28, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and decelerated to 50 MPH before releasing. The contact stated that he was overtaking an 18-wheeler at the time of the failure. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 450.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541101August 28, 2023
STEERING
Steering system completely failed during driving. Thankfully I was in a parking lot at the time. The car had to be towed to my home from over 100 miles away. I’m towing it back to Tesla service this morning, August 28, 2023.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541083August 28, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and shutoff. The vehicle was restarted. The message, "Vehicle Will Shut Down - Pull Over Safely" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 5,100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540966August 27, 2023
SEAT BELTS
Car seat belt sign is on when there is no one sitting in passenger seat .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540945August 26, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) throws false positive alerts every time. The sudden false warning notification takes the attention of the driver away from road even though there is no reason for the driver to be alerted. This is a safety hazard as driver can make unnecessary mistake due to the false warning chime. FCW throws warning chime even when there is no vehicle ahead, or there is a vehicle coming in from the opposite lane or when the vehicle ahead takes a turn etc. Tesla insurance is also monetising a faulty beta version of FCW (released to all users) by penalising driver with false warnings in real time driving analysis and thus increasing insurance premiums.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540935August 26, 2023
STEERING
While driving the steering locked up and driver was unable to turn in either direction
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540834August 25, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The front aero shield under the car broke off after driving over water on the road. It was a very rainy day and impossible to avoid. We started hearing I scraping noise after driving over the water (2-3” deep) and the part ripped off when backing up. Seeing that Tesla has had this issue before* with their Model 3s, I’m worried it might be an issue on their Model Ys as well. * SB-19-12-001, September 25, 2019
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540746August 25, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle's rear drive unit failed suddenly while traveling on a highway. Rapid deceleration with only seconds to react has created a hazardous conditions for the driver and those around him. Throttle was unresponsive. Tesla confirmed the failure and replaced the rear drive unit with a "remanufactured" part. Follow warning/fail codes were shown during the incident: APP_w009, DIF_a062, BMS_a170
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540539August 24, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Concern: The "Autopilot" system in my 2023 Tesla Model Y AWD LR has shown diminished performance, particularly in adaptive cruise control, compared to the 2018 Model 3 RWD Long Range. Account: I aim to notify NHTSA about a concerning "Autopilot" behavior in my 2023 Model Y AWD LR. I am comparing this to the performance of my previous 2018 Model 3 RWD Long Range, driven under similar conditions. Incidents: Near Accidents: During commutes, my Model Y AWD LR frequently doesn't slow timely. In some cases, I've had to override Autopilot and brake abruptly to avoid collisions by risking letting the car either fail to brake fully or slam on the brakes so hard. The car's sudden deceleration at the last moment is concerning as it is not only a dangerous scenario for myself and my occupants, but also other drivers behind me, who might also crash. Conditions: These instances took place during daylight with a spotless vehicle, ensuring no camera obstructions. Settings: I set the distance threshold between levels 4 and 5 and ensured the speed was no more than 10 mph above the speed limit. Lane Keeping: The lane-keeping function is efficient. However, adaptive cruise control's reliability is questionable. Sensor Absence: The 2023 Model Y lacks radar and USS (ultrasonic sensors). This could be affecting the performance drop I've noticed. Accidents: Due to these issues, I've narrowly missed three accidents just this week alone, endangering my safety and others. Conclusion & Request: While Autopilot should enhance safety, my experience with the 2023 Model Y AWD LR suggests otherwise. This unexpected performance dip, especially with supposed hardware upgrades, is alarming. I urge NHTSA to investigate this issue swiftly. Given the popularity of this model, many drivers could be at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540305August 23, 2023
STEERING
Power steering failed for unknown reason. Operating the vehicle without functional steering made turning through traffic dangerous. The vehicle is now at the Tesla service center for diagnosis.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540271August 23, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Automatic emergency braking activated without any car in front. The car came to sudden stop. Acceleration was disabled.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11539976August 22, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, STEERING
When placing foot on brake to shift into gear, vehicle goes into multiple faults and disables all safety features. Also mid drive vehicle loses power steering and cause unsafe driving conditions. Brakes also start to behave erratically when this occurs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11539935August 21, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Today at 8:30am while Driving, my brand new Tesla: the touch screen went completely BLANK. I did not know how fast I was going. I was beyond scare. The safety FAILURE of this car is at its limit. What's next? The screen was blank the entire time while driving to a safe destination in Pasadena, CA. While I pulled over, I still had no way of know whether the car was in park, I could not control any devices as the screen was blank. (BLACK SCREEN). I called my husband who is a techy and he told me to hold down the two buttons on the steering wheel for 15 secs. which did reset the touchscreen. This car has too many BUGS and I do not want to die in this car. I can't pull over safety on the freeway all the time nor do I want to wait and see what happens down the road. I do have an appointment TOMORROW for something completely different (the dash cam ) but have been in contact with TESLA through the text portal and they have been made aware of my issueS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AS THE CAR IS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD. MILES ON THE CAR 7,656 THERE IS A LEAK IN THE TRUNK CURRENTLY. THE DASHCAM DOESN'T WORK. The dash cam will turn on if the glovebox is open but it doesn't always work, however when the glovebox is closed it does not work at all. There is a list of problems and I hate doing this. $70K 6 months of waiting for what, a darn LEMON of a car. Last thing I want to say: I do NOT WANT to DIE IN THIS CAR. I'm not religious at all, but I DO NOT WANT TO DIE as this car doesn't seem safe. 7 months into owning it and man does it have problems. I don't know what more to say. I have contacted a lawyer to see what can be done. Mr. [XXX] from Woodland Hills, CA, appointment is on Wednesday. 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

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