Tesla Model Y Complaints

3,785 consumer complaints on file.

#11659346May 6, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The automatic rain-sensing wipers on my 2024 Tesla Model Y fail to activate during rain from delivery date, leaving the windshield uncleared and forcing manual activation. To be clear, this feature does not work at. This happens consistently and creates a significant safety hazard due to impaired visibility while driving. Tesla uses a camera-based system rather than a dedicated rain sensor, and despite service visits and software updates, the issue persists. I believe this presents an undue safety risk that should be investigated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659100May 5, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While proceeding across the southbound two lanes of a divided 4 lane street the vehicle inexplicably braked violently to a complete stop. When stopped the vehicle was across the two lanes of the road (as I was headed for a divided left turn lane). The was traffic on the road that had to stop for my vehicle. It took a couple of seconds for the car to release the brakes and allow me to continue across the street. This could have cause a wreck if the street traffic had not been paying attention or had assumed I was going to continue as should have been expected. I had to try to hit the gear shift stock in order to get the car to continue moving, although I am not sure that the car required this action. I did not know for how long the vehicle would be immobile. I could have been injured or killed due to this "phantom braking" incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659090May 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Tesla refuses to clear this recall, despite the software having been rolled out via over-the-air updates years ago. I now have to sell my vehicle because I'm unable to import it to Canada.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658970May 5, 2025
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y when another vehicle pulled out from a driveway and struck the front/side of my car. The Tesla failed to initiate Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and no airbags deployed. This raises serious concerns about the functionality of Tesla’s safety systems in real-world scenarios. The vehicle has not been modified in any way and was in standard driving mode. I have contacted Tesla Support requesting a diagnostic and explanation, but I believe this incident should also be reviewed as a potential safety defect.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658669May 3, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Computer appears to stop working in colder temperatures (or random). - ALL cameras, including rear view camera (needed for backing up) and side cameras stop working. Error message shown on touch screen saying cameras are not available. - All road sensing information including other cars, lanes markers (everything) disappears from touch screen dashboard and no longer works. There are no longer any warnings for anything. - GPS tracking stops and no longer tracks along with the car. Car becomes a safety hazard due to poor visibility. Especially evident during reverse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658497May 2, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
While reversing in this 2021 Tesla Model Y (software v12, 2025.14.1, Full Self-Driving Supervised), the vehicle’s ultrasonic sensors showed a wall directly behind on the display. However, the Tesla Vision camera system did not visually render the wall, and neither Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) nor Obstacle-Aware Acceleration activated. The car reversed under driver input directly into the wall, causing a collision with property damage. The safety defect appears to be that the ultrasonic sensors, although still present and visually displayed, are no longer integrated into the collision avoidance systems after Tesla’s software updates activating Tesla Vision. As a result, the AEB and OAA systems seem to rely only on camera data, ignoring ultrasonic sensor input — leaving a dangerous blind spot in reverse. This problem affects safety because the driver receives no warning that AEB or OAA will not engage based on ultrasonic detection alone. Tesla’s updated owner manuals (2023.12) state that AEB is now designed to work in reverse, but in this case, the system failed. The issue has not yet been inspected by Tesla or a dealer but appears reproducible on vehicles with ultrasonic sensors running Tesla Vision software. This is likely a widespread defect affecting 2020–2022 Tesla Model 3, Y, S, and X vehicles equipped with ultrasonic sensors but updated via software. There were no warning lights or system alerts before the failure. I request NHTSA investigate whether Tesla’s software has disabled or failed to integrate ultrasonic sensor data into rear collision avoidance, creating an undisclosed safety risk for owners.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657979April 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Control arm bolts failure. As my wife was driving from a stop light making a right turn at below 10 mph she heard a loud bang. Both of the bolts connecting the control arm had fallen out onto the ground causing the wheel to fail and push back into the wheel arch. The problem has been reported to the dealer but from research and conversations with them this is fairly common. Should that have happened on a freeway it could have been catastrophic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657299April 28, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, occupied with his son in the vehicle, another vehicle collided into the front center of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to merge into another lane. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to his neck, shoulder, and lower back. The contact son sustained injuries to the neck. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to Al's Towing Yard. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The contact mentioned that the seat belts did retract. The contact stated that the failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed the contact to call his insurance company. The approximate failure mileage was 30,491.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11657208April 28, 2025
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown seat belt message was displayed along with an audible chime while the front driver's side seat belt was securely buckled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the front driver's side seat belt buckle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V376000 (Seat Belts); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,792.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657092April 27, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
The backup camera system is not available, no camera visibility on any of the cameras, no sensors detection, blinkers only lit for 2 seconds and after that they are turned off automatically. Vehicle is not safe to drive with the risk of system failure while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656974April 26, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Critical Safety Defect Report – Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) Malfunction on [XXX] I am writing to formally report a critical and potentially deadly safety defect involving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. During a recent road trip with my husband and daughter from Boston, MA to Washington, D.C., I used Tesla's FSD feature. On our return trip on [XXX] while traveling on [XXX] under FSD control, the system demonstrated erratic and dangerous behavior that nearly caused a fatal accident. As we approached an intersection on [XXX] , I observed that the traffic lights were red. However, the vehicle—still under FSD control—continued traveling at approximately 70 mph without slowing down. Sensing something was wrong, I quickly intervened and manually stopped the car at the intersection, where cross traffic was moving at high speeds in both directions. Had I reacted even a second later—or had the lights remained red in our direction—we likely would have been struck and potentially killed by the oncoming traffic. After reviewing dashcam footage from the incident, I confirmed that the FSD system had not only failed to recognize the red traffic signal but had also directed the car onto the wrong path, leading us into the potential path of oncoming vehicles. This serious failure posed an extreme and unacceptable risk to my family’s lives. Following the incident, my young daughter was deeply traumatized and developed a high fever that night. This experience has left lasting emotional and psychological distress for all of us. I believe this event highlights a severe and urgent defect in Tesla’s FSD system. I respectfully urge the NHTSA to launch an immediate investigation to prevent similar occurrences that could result in injury or loss of life. I am prepared to submit the dashcam footage and relevant vehicle logs to support this report. Please advise on the next steps for providing this evidence. Thank you for your attention 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
#11655993April 22, 2025
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Vehicle Component: Exterior Mirrors Make: Tesla Model: Model Y Model Year(s): 2022, 2023, 2024 (and ongoing) Problem Description: Since the 2022 model year, the Tesla Model Y has exhibited a recurring issue with excessive vibration in the driver side exterior mirror at highway speeds. The vibration becomes noticeable around 50 mph and increases in severity with speed, making it difficult to clearly see vehicles in the adjacent lane. This issue persists even after mirror replacements or realignments, indicating a possible design or manufacturing defect affecting multiple vehicles. The vibration affects driver visibility and could pose a significant safety risk, particularly during lane changes or merging maneuvers. Numerous Model Y owners have reported similar complaints in forums and online communities, suggesting this may be a widespread issue. Tesla service centers have been unable to provide a consistent or effective fix for the problem. Safety Concern: The impaired visibility caused by the vibrating mirror compromises driver awareness and increases the likelihood of collisions. This defect should be investigated for potential recall or corrective action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655915April 21, 2025
STEERING
Vehicle was performing normally until I stopped and put vehicle into reverse to back into a supercharger stall. Heard a clunk when starting to back up. Car started to resist moving and front started to lift in the air a few inches. Stopped and went forward to go around and try again. Vehicle would not turn to left when going forward. Got out and noticed front passenger wheel was not aligned with other front wheel. Then noticed tie rod was ripped out of socket.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655844April 21, 2025
STEERING, SUSPENSION
Knocking noise coming from front left tire when turning, accelerating, and reversing. Investigated noise and found a bolt hanging (unscrewed) from control arm/tie rod and another bolt loose and working it's way loose. If this bolt unscrew, I'm positive steering would be lost. See pictures.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655627April 19, 2025
SEATS
Drivers seat is loose, hundreds of other posters online have complained about the same thing. Seat shifts forward and back on acceleration. They want over $2000 for a seat repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655447April 18, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The Adaptive cruse control would stop working off an on. also it would give false land departure warnings causing driver to swerve thinking they were going to run into another care
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655135April 17, 2025
WHEELS
"What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?" The rear left tire (interior side) and rim assembly failed while driving under normal conditions. The tire experienced a sudden blowout, and the rim sustained significant damage. Based on the damage observed, it appears the rim may have failed first, puncturing the tire and causing the blowout. Yes, the damaged components are available for inspection upon request. "How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?" The sudden tire blowout at freeway speeds (60+/- mph) could have posed a serious risk to my safety and the safety of other drivers. Fortunately, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and safely pulled over to the shoulder. "Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?" As of now, the issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a Tesla dealer or independent service center, Tesla repair staff immediately ruled out any responsibilities as they perceived to be a foreign object hit the inside of the driver rear tire, which I did not feel anything hitting the car or the tires bumping any object. We went to an authorized Continental dealer/store to inquire for procedure on how to request for investigation for any tire defects, but we were told by the manager that if the tire is OEM, they do not accept. "Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?" The vehicle and damaged components have not yet been formally inspected by Tesla, police, or insurance representatives, but I am preparing documentation and plan to submit everything for evaluation by Tesla and possibly my insurance. "Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?" There were no messages (Sentry by Tesla), or symptoms prior to the failure. The tire pressure was actively monitored.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654625April 14, 2025
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
My wife was driving the car on March 7th 2025. Before she leaves the house, she had her front defroster on and the windshield was clear before she leaves the house. 5 minutes later, the front windshield became so foggy to the point she could not see anything in front of her and the front defroster was still on. And because of that so foggy windshield she moved out of her lane with no lane departure warning or anything and then she hit the railway pole without any emergency brakes going off or any warning signs letting her that she is about to hit something. The whole front of the car was gone and the car was totally lost but no airbags deployed at all and that was also concerning. Also there was no issues or any warning lamps or messages before the loss. The car was taken to a body shop and was inspected by the body shop and I believe a representative from my insurance company went to inspect the car at the body shop. So these are the parts I felt faulty or causing the safety concern: - front defroster - automatic emergency brakes - lane departure warning - forward collision warning
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654477April 14, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault" was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654110April 11, 2025
SEAT BELTS
The panel covering the driver seatbelt popped open & now the seatbelt position cannot be adjusted correctly. It appears as if the track holding the seat belt behind the panel is loose /rattling and the seatbelt system may need to be tightened down. I immediately contacted the dealer/manufacturer & Tesla wants 17 days to simply look at the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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