Tesla Model Y Complaints (2023)

1,136 consumer complaints on file.

#11744079June 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
I was involved in an accident while using Tesla FSD. Driving down the freeway my car hydroplaned and spun out and hit another car. My son who was with me said to me that it seemed the car was going a bit fast for the conditions.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743974June 14, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Component/Issue Description: Following a recent over-the-air (OTA) software update to the vehicle's Full Self-Driving system, a dangerous user interface defect was introduced. Immediately upon an FSD disengagement—the critical transition window where the operator must resume manual driving control—the center touchscreen populates a mandatory, invasive feedback popup menu. This menu causes a severe driver distraction and creates an immediate safety hazard. The popup blocks vital driving visualizations and navigation data on the screen at a high-stress moment. Furthermore, the UI creates a functional touchscreen lockout, demanding manual and visual interaction from the driver to clear the box while the vehicle is actively in motion. Forcing a driver to divert their eyes from the roadway to navigate a touchscreen menu immediately following a system intervention creates an unreasonable and systemic risk of collision. The manufacturer has provided no setting to disable this dangerous distraction.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743303June 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
A 2023 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden electrical failure while parked/being prepared for use. Multiple warnings appeared on May 26, 2026, including high-voltage system service required, low-voltage electrical system power reduced/vehicle shutting down, cabin climate control limited, and steering/braking/parking brake functions degraded. The vehicle could not be driven normally and required flatbed recovery. The failure created a safety concern because the vehicle showed high-voltage and low-voltage faults together with steering/braking/parking brake warnings and could have left the vehicle disabled without reliable restart or parking brake function. The manufacturer service center inspected and repaired the vehicle after several days. The component should be available through manufacturer service records, and screenshots of the warnings, tow/recovery, and service records are available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743089June 9, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving my Tesla in self drive mode, and ibecause it started raining. I reduce the speed to standard. I had a notification on the screen, an alert in red. That the tesla reached the maximum speed in that mode “standard”. I was surprised and decided ti canceled the FSD feature and took control of the vehicle. Then when I was driving in the expressway very close to my exit on the right lane, the car accelerated by itself and turn to the left unexpectedly. I tried to returned the car to my lane and I never had control again of the car. Not the steering wheel, not the breaks responded. I was spinning on the expressway until I hit the concrete barrier with the rear bumper. Hopefully I did not hit any car nor they didn’t hit me. The car shutdown after the impact. Tesla sent me the footage of the impact, ignoring the moment that caused that incident that was some seconds before. The brakes were automatically turned onz and the wheels did not move. I know something wrong happened. Specially because the incident some minutes before when I was driving in standard mode and accelerated with no reasons. I have safety concerns. Also I noticed that after the last upgrades the car was havung navigation issues that I reported immediately when the autopilot was removed and we have to select the options.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742814June 8, 2026
WHEELS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING
On 05/31/2026, while Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) was actively engaged, the vehicle was taking the La Brea Avenue entrance ramp onto the I-10 freeway in Los Angeles, CA. FSD suddenly accelerated aggressively and the vehicle drifted hard to the left without any driver steering input. The driver was forced to hit the brakes and manually override steering to prevent a serious accident. The behavior felt like a system glitch. Both driver-side wheels sustained severe impact damage and are confirmed cracked. Tesla Service Center confirmed the damage in writing on 06/08/2026 and quoted $2,325.74 in repairs. This dangerous FSD behavior matches the pattern currently under active NHTSA engineering analysis.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742170June 4, 2026
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle on the highway at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud noise and suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull off to the side of the road while the vehicle made a loud squealing noise and swerved simultaneously. The contact stated that her passenger side wheel had came off and a bolt. The vehicle was towed three separate times: first to a nearby parking lot, then to the contact's residence, and finally to the dealership. The vehicle was not officially diagnosed, but the contact noted that the lower suspension component was completely separated from the front passenger side wheel and touching the ground. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,844.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741802June 3, 2026
WHEELS
I am filing a complaint for my 2023 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] ) due to TPMS failure after update 2026.2.9.1. Tesla denied recall 24V935 coverage. I request review. 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
#11741505June 2, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving at approximately 58 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned and the front passenger side crashed into a lamp pole however, the air bags were not deployed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was sought. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,577.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741191June 1, 2026
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX at approximately 12:30–1:00 PM, I was backing my Tesla Model Y out of my garage. While reversing, I felt unusual vibrations coming from the vehicle. After backing out, I shifted the car into Drive and attempted to make a left turn. At that point, the vehicle would not turn, and it began producing significant noise and vibration. I exited the vehicle to inspect it for any obvious issues, such as an object lodged underneath the car or a flat tire. I found no visible obstructions, and all four tires appeared to be in good condition. I then drove the vehicle forward toward my driveway and garage area and inspected it again. During this inspection, I found a finger-sized screw or bolt underneath the vehicle. I attempted to reverse the car once more, but the same problem occurred: excessive vibration and an inability to steer either left or right. There were no warning lights, alerts, or notifications displayed on the Tesla screen at any point during this incident. I subsequently contacted Tesla Roadside Assistance and requested that the vehicle be towed to a Tesla Service Center. Tesla remotely accessed the vehicle data but informed me that they could not detect any issues based on the vehicle diagnostics. They suggested that I drive the vehicle to the service center. I explained that the vehicle was unable to turn left or right and that I did not believe it was safe to operate under those conditions. At the time of the incident, I was accompanied by my [XXX] father-in-law, and we were preparing to travel to an urgent care facility. The vehicle had been operating normally the previous day. The vehicle currently has approximately 32,077 miles and is approximately 2 years and 5 months old from the date of manufacture. The vehicle has no history of repair work or tire service performed outside of Tesla-authorized service. My primary concern is the significant safety risk presented by this failure on public space. 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
#11741056May 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
1. Failed Component/System: The failed system is the Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD - Supervised) software and its underlying vehicle control logic, specifically resulting in an uncommanded torque request (Sudden Unintended Acceleration). 2. Safety Risk: The vehicle engaged in Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) in reverse from a complete stop, without any driver pedal input. In a parking environment, this uncommanded acceleration poses an extreme and immediate threat to life safety. Had a pedestrian, child, or another moving vehicle been behind my car instead of a metal pillar, this software malfunction would have resulted in severe injury or a fatal collision. 3. Inspection Status: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I am intentionally securing the vehicle to preserve the crucial diagnostic logs and EDR data from being erased or reset during standard repair procedures, pending official data extraction. 4. Warnings/Symptoms: There were absolutely no warning lamps, error messages, or visual/audible symptoms prior to the failure. Furthermore, during the uncommanded acceleration, the system did not issue an FSD disengagement warning or chime. The dashcam footage confirms that the FSD visualization remained active and blue on the screen throughout the entire unintended acceleration event up until the impact.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739880May 25, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
UPDATE to previous complaint – Reference Number: [XXX] VIN: [XXX]a [XXX] UPDATE to my previous NHTSA complaint regarding sudden unintended acceleration in my Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] ) I previ[XXX]sudden acceleration incident on [XXX], at [XXX] 4 parking garage ramp. Tesla has now provided the Vehicle Data Report and EDR data (Case # [XXX]). The data shows accelerator pedal position increasing to 100%, with brake input occurring late. However, I am 100% certain that I did not press the accelerator pedal at any time. I have a clean driving record of over 27 years. This discrepancy between the logged data and actual driver input strongly suggests a potential safety defect in the accelerator pedal sensor system (both redundant sensors), drive-by-wire system, or brake override / Automatic Emergency Braking functionality. Attachments included with this update: Tesla Vehicle Data Report (VDR) Tesla EDR Report High-resolution photos of vehicle damage and airbag deployment I request that NHTSA review this additional technical information as part of their evaluation for a possible safety defect investigation. BTW, it is really difficult to contact Tesla to report such incidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11739798May 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I have written several times before about my car's phantom braking in cruise control. When the Santa Fe Tesla dealer, where I bought the car, told me recently that the problem had been fixed, I was disappointed they didn't bother to tell me, but thrilled to hear the news. On May 12-13 I drove over 900 miles. I tried cruise control for significant portions of both drives and did not experience one problem. Finally, I thought, they fixed the problem...and how nice it was to have cruise control for extended drives. Not so soon: on May 19th I was driving 2 friends up to volunteer at the Wildlife refuge on I-25 in northern New Mexico. The phantom braking happened again. My friends were dismayed...one thought I had seen something in the road that she didn't see. The other, in the back seat, tried to understand what happened. Please, this is beyond the pale! Of course I will call and take the car in to the dealer...an hour's drive for me. I will be surprised if they fix it, and if they do it under warranty. I did just buy new tires (see previous report about original tires with multiple flats and not even making it to their 40,000 mile warranty) so I'm no longer worried about getting a flat in the rural areas where I live and drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739795May 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Driver used Tesla FSD (supervised) to park. The car (Tesla Model Y 2023) prepared to park and slowed down. Second before full stop, the car suddenly accelerated on its own without driver stepping on the accelerator. It went onto the curb and knocked over the fence and continue to drive full speed before driver braked hard and stopped the car. Video is available upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739544May 22, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
While driving, a critical heavy-duty front lower control arm / lateral link bolt completely detached from my vehicle and was found intact on the ground with factory green threadlocker still visible on the threads. The undercarriage and chassis show absolutely ZERO signs of external impact, scrape, or road hazard damage. This structural failure caused an immediate, severe safety hazard, rendering the vehicle completely unsafe to drive due to a catastrophic risk of wheel separation and total loss of steering control. This exact component failure is identical to Tesla's historical safety recalls, specifically NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 21V835000 and its expansions, which explicitly state: "the front suspension lateral link bolts may not have been secured to the correct specifications... causing the fasteners to loosen over time and separate from the sub-frame." Because the bolt loosened and fell out over time due to insufficient factory torque, the loose component put uneven mechanical stress on the lower control arm, resulting in the complete failure and damage of the control arm assembly. Tesla Service Center has refused to honor this as a latent manufacturing defect, hiding behind warranty expiration. They have unconscionably misclassified a known, life-threatening production defect as standard "wear and tear," forcing me to pay a $265 diagnostic fee and the full cost of a complete control arm replacement under protest. I am filing this report because Tesla is actively endangering consumers by failing to expand their suspension fastener recall to cover vehicles experiencing the exact same catastrophic manufacturing defect outside the arbitrary warranty period. NHTSA ODI complaint records show multiple substantially similar failures outside Tesla’s recall VIN population, including ODI Nos. 11630487, 11554803, 11494976, 11493354, 11486040, 11689987, 11675200, and 11632785 for Model Y vehicles, and ODI Nos. 11720800, 11705487, 11675676, 11664858, 11637813, etc
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739304May 21, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
While making a normal right turn at low speed in a residential neighborhood, I heard knocking sounds from inside the vehicle and immediately lost steering control. I had to physically force the wheel back into position to regain control of the car. After the initial incident, every right turn and brake application produced a loud rubber grinding sound accompanied by significant loss of steering control. The vehicle was completely unsafe to drive. Tesla previously issued recall SB-22-31-002 for 2023 Model Y vehicles for improperly torqued front lower lateral link fasteners at the factory which are the exact same components that failed on my vehicle. Tesla confirmed my VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle has been driven normally with no accidents or abuse. Mileage at time of failure was approximately 58,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738920May 19, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, ENGINE
On Saturday 16th Oct 2026 around 10 AM EST, while driving down the ramp from Parking Floor 2 to Parking Floor 1 in the JFK Terminal 4 Short Term Parking garage (John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York), the Tesla vehicle suddenly accelerated forward very fast on its own without any input on the accelerator pedal. Either I was not pressing the gas pedal at the time, or I was slowing pressing as the car was going down on ramp. The car surged ahead with significant force and struck a fence at the bottom/end of the ramp area. There were two passengers in the vehicle. No other vehicles were involved. The impact caused: My Tesla Model Y to sustain severe front-end damage and appear to be a total loss. Injuries to both passengers. Minor scratches on my hands. Sequence of Events: I was driving the vehicle at low speed down the ramp from Parking Level 2 to Level 1 in JFK Terminal 4 Short Term Parking. Without pressing the accelerator, the car unexpectedly accelerated. Braking did not prevent the impact. The vehicle came to a stop only after hitting the fence. Today, I have reported this as a sudden/unintended acceleration event to Tesla and requested a full vehicle data log review. I would like Tesla to investigate following. 1. Why the car suddenly accelerated on very speed? 2. Why the steering got locked when it happened? 3. Since it is the closed parking lot, why Tesla did not stop automatically before hitting fence? I have been driving for more than 27 years, I never had any accident, and I never got any tickets in last 27 years.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11738872May 19, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
Bolt fell out of the lateral control arm on the front left wheel. Car was inoperable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738713May 19, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
The full self driving system has malfunctioned and is failing. I was put in incredibly dangerous situations that were near potentially fatal accidents. Had someone been a little bit closer when following me, I would not have had enough time to counter the issue. Yes it has been confirmed but not nearly to the extent that I have experienced it It has been inspected by a local service center from the company. There have been some visibility warnings but nothing else.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738006May 15, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Whenever Autopilot is disengaged by the driver, a pop up multiple choice question appears on the screen covering critical car information with no way to get past it except reading and answering the multiple choice question while you are driving. You have to take your eyes off the road to answer the question, it's about the dumbest most unsafe thing I've ever seen from a car company. Please require them to fix it immediately, and apparently a rule needs to be written that pop ups on cars are illegal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737898May 14, 2026
SUSPENSION
Clicking/thumping on sharper turns a day before the issue. Then today, there was a loud clunk while driving. When I was reversing into my driveway, there was scraping noises and resistance. Upon exiting the vehicle, I saw the passenger side front control arm loose. It is now inoperable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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