Tesla Model Y Complaints
3,785 consumer complaints on file.
- #11635242January 10, 2025LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Back in late November 2024, Tesla pushed an Over-The-Air (OTA) update to my 2024 Tesla Model Y. Immediately after pushing this OTA, all of my car's cameras stopped working (INCLUDING my rear or "backup" camera). This is in violation of federal law as all new vehicles are required to have a backup camera. Additional safety-critical items were also impacted: the rear-view and both of the side mirrors remain tinted to the darkest level, reducing my visibility. The side mirrors are also tilted in the "downward" position, making lane changes incredibly difficult. Since the front-facing and side-facing cameras do not work the vehicle's forward and side collision detection systems are inoperable. The vehicle suffers from additional failures (GPS navigation, Maps, Autopilot, among many others). I have presented these issues to Tesla and they have continously pushed out my repair date. I have also asked for a loaner vehicle due to the failure of the car's safety systems (some of which are federally mandated!!). Tesla has ignored my pleas for a loaner vehicle and has also remained silent when I have repeatedly asked to return the vehicle under Washington State lemon laws. My safety and the safety of others have been put at grave risk due to the backup camera and collision detection cameras not working. Tesla has NOT inspected the vehicle as they continuously push my service date further out. No obvious warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms appear. The user doesn't know these federally-mandated safety features are inoperable until they put the car in "reverse" or attempt a lane change.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11635235January 10, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car horn is a speaker and is extremely quiet during normal operation. When in rain or snow, the horn speaker disables itself completely leaving the driver unable to utilize the horn which I believe is a hazard to drivers.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11635115January 9, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The computer suddenly failed on [XXX] due to a short circuit caused by a manufacturing defect in certain 2024-25 Model Y vehicles. This causes nearly all advanced functionality and safety features of the car to fail completely, including all cameras, parking assist, full self-driving, autopilot, autosteer, autopark, cruise control, lane keep, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, auto windshield wipers, map, GPS navigation and more. Also, the car does not sleep, resulting in excessive battery drain. The problem is widespread. It's this problem: [XXX] As a result the vehicle is significantly less safe to drive. Tesla continually delays service appointments due to unavailability of parts. 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
- #11635018January 9, 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. I had this issue start right around [XXX]. I scheduled the soonest appointment available for 12/30 however Tesla contacted me and moved my appointment because they stated that the part was unavailable at this time and should be delivered by 01/9/25 but now it has been pushed back to 1/20/25. Not offering me a rental or anything on my brand new '24 Tesla. It has just over 1,000 miles on it and is ~3 months old now. This issue impacts: emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep/centering, assisting with parking, automatic high beams and wipers, cruise control/ adaptive cruise control, Vehicles built in GPS to be stuck at one location every time, has made my touchscreen not automatically brighten or dim, my auto dimming mirrors be too dim in most driving conditions, constantly fail to install system improvements and safety updates, and because my vehicle keeps trying to do this, it has caused increased battery drain as well. This has increased the safety risk of my vehicle tremendously... Tesla has not seemed to publicly acknowledge the issue yet either. 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
- #11634898January 8, 2025STRUCTURE:BODY, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
All of the car's cameras have gone dead since November 2024. The car has been collecting water in the truck area and inside panel of the car by the door frame.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634845January 8, 2025FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
This complaint addresses the recent changes made to the cruise control system in Tesla vehicles, as per NHTSA guidance in 2024. While the update aims to simplify the activation of enhanced cruise control, it introduces significant disadvantages and safety risks that need to be addressed. 1. Cruise Control Activation Update: NHTSA Guidance: In 2024, Tesla was required to modify the activation process for enhanced cruise control, allowing it to be engaged with a single pull when the option is selected. There are two options available: single pull and double pull. Advantages: The update simplifies the process, enabling users to activate enhanced cruise control with a single pull, which is more convenient and user-friendly. Disadvantages: When the enhanced cruise control is activated and the turn signal is engaged, the system automatically deactivates. This deactivation causes the vehicle to stop maintaining its set speed, leading to a slowdown or complete stop. 2. Safety Risks: Driver Reaction: The sudden deactivation of cruise control requires drivers to quickly move their feet back to the gas pedal to maintain speed. This is particularly concerning when attempting to change lanes or merge into tight spaces, where maintaining speed is crucial for safety. Loss of Safety Features: Upon deactivation of the enhanced cruise control, the vehicle no longer maintains a safe following distance, transferring full control back to the driver. This abrupt transition means that the driver is left without the system's assistance to ensure safe driving and timely reactions, potentially increasing the risk of collisions. Increased Driver Workload: Drivers must frequently reactivate cruise control after changing lanes, which demands additional effort and diverts attention from the road. This constant need to manage the cruise control system can lead to driver distraction and increased cognitive load, potentially compromising road safety. 3. Recommendations: see attche
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634831January 8, 2025LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
This report addresses concerns regarding recent safety updates in the Tesla Model Y, specifically focusing on the "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" and the blind spot warning system. These updates are intended to enhance driver awareness and prevent collisions. However, there are significant shortcomings in their current implementation that may compromise driver safety. 1. Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Intended Functionality: The "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" is designed to warn drivers of approaching vehicles from the side when reversing, thereby preventing potential collisions. Current Implementation: The system currently highlights a portion of the infotainment screen in red when a potential hazard is detected. There is no accompanying audible alert to notify the driver of the danger. Safety Concerns: Drivers are likely to be looking over their shoulder or at their mirrors while reversing, rather than at the infotainment screen. The lack of an audible alert means that drivers may not notice the visual warning, especially if their attention is directed away from the screen. This could lead to an increased risk of collision, as the visual cue alone may not be sufficient to capture the driver's attention. 2. Blind Spot Warning System: Intended Functionality: The blind spot warning system is designed to alert drivers of vehicles in their blind spot when the turn signal is activated, helping to prevent lane-change collisions. Current Implementation: Similar to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert, the system highlights the screen in red when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. No audible warning is provided to alert the driver. Safety Concerns: In adverse weather conditions, such as rain, drivers may rely more heavily on blind spot warnings due to reduced visibility. Drivers typically turn their heads to check for vehicles, which means they may not see the screen's visual alert. Without an audible warning, drivers may inadvertently change lanes into an occupied space, increas
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634800January 8, 2025SEAT BELTS
Whenever the temperatures drop below 40 degrees, the driver seat belts stops functioning properly. Have to pull several times before the seat belt strap can pull all the way to be clicked on. Once seat belt is locked in place, while driving the seat belt feels like it could choke me. Once temperatures are normal, the seat belt operates normally. Also, the rear center seat belt intermittently will not lock in place. Have already reported these issues to Tesla and waiting for them to schedule the car for service at their service center.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634687January 7, 2025FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Around the end of November, my 2024 Tesla Model Y's cameras stopped functioning. The sensors for blind spots and possible collision prevention stopped working. The GPS was also not working, the car believes it's been in the same spot for over a month. The lights of the car also do not work as promised, as now I have to manually turn them on on my dashboard and it goes on and off. I have been trying to get into Tesla to have this fixed but the appointment keeps getting pushed out due to the part that needs to be fixed not being in stock. I brought my car into Tesla for them to confirm that it is the part that is missing and that is the case but they couldn't fix it because they don't have the part. It's been over a month and my date was pushed out again, probably the sixth or seventh time. Tesla claims that there will be a software update that will fix this issue, however, my car is not updating and won't even accept a software update.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634571January 7, 2025FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The issue I encountered was with Tesla's Smart Summon Feature. While using the feature, the car crossed the parking line and crashed directly into a car parked beside it. Happening so quickly I could not react in time. All of the cameras and sensors were in working order and it seems to have been a software related issue. The safety of anyone around the vehicle could have been at risk thankfully no one was hurt. The vehicle has since been inspected by insurance and damages to both cars were repaired. There were no warnings of any kind prior to the collision. I have a video from the on-board cameras of the entire incident.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634420January 6, 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
2025 Tesla model Y cameras and sensors all stopped working within 700 miles driven from brand new. Affected systems included all cameras, including backup camera, as well as GPS navigation, with the GPS system believing the vehicle to be static at a Tesla facility in California. This not only prevented the self-driving and navigation from functioning, it caused numerous safety features to be disabled including (mandatory) backup cameras, collision-avoidance system, lane-departure warning system, cross-traffic alert system, rear collision avoidance system, and automatic safety braking. Upon reporting to Tesla, was told a "new component" was required, which later was told was a new computer. The manufacturer initially set a date 2 weeks in the future for a repair; then they pushed it a month; then tried to push it another month before I pushed back. This resulted in it being taken in earlier than the repair date. The vehicle is still awaiting repair. There were no warnings of this failure, it simply all happened at once. Upon confronting Tesla service with this being a known issue [XXX] ) and requesting a loaner for the meantime, they eventually found one, but only after great protestation and pushback, with eventual threats of legal action leading to a more personal touch. This is clearly a known issue which they are downplaying. 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
- #11634354January 6, 2025LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
I initially visited the Milford, CT Tesla Service Department and communicated through the Tesla Ap on 12/14/2024 regarding my 2024 Tesla Model Y, which has only 2,357 miles on it. The car's cameras, sensors, & navigation stopped working, making driving unsafe. Now, the bright lights do not go on. The vehicle's camera/sensors are critical for safe operation. Tesla said the car may need a new computer, but they have none in stock. They texted me that they have many people facing the same issues.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634287January 6, 2025VISIBILITY/WIPER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Vehicle Information: • Make: Tesla • Model: Model Y • Year: 2025 Description of the Problem: After a software update pushed by Tesla, the AP4 computer in my 2024 Tesla Model Y shorted out, causing a complete failure of all systems controlled by this computer. The following safety-critical and driver-assist features have become non-functional: Cruise Control (adaptive or otherwise) Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Blind Spot Warning Parking Collision Warning Full Self-Driving and Auto Park features Cameras required for Autopilot functionality Additionally, because the GPS system has failed, the vehicle’s Navigation system is inoperable. This impacts Tesla’s unique route planning feature that sets up Supercharger stops during long journeys. Without a functioning navigation system, I cannot properly plan my travel or locate charging stations, which severely affects the usability of the vehicle. Safety Concerns: The failure of these systems, especially safety features like forward collision warning, lane keeping assistance, and blind spot monitoring, puts both the driver and others on the road at risk. Losing access to safety-critical functions after an update is unacceptable and poses a serious danger to vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic. Incident Details: • The issue occurred immediately following a software update. • Tesla pushed the update remotely without providing any warning or indication of potential risks. • The failure appears to be related to a hardware short in the AP4 computer, directly caused or exacerbated by the update. Desired Outcome: • A thorough investigation into Tesla’s software update process and its effect on vehicle hardware and safety systems. • A resolution that prevents similar failures in other vehicles and ensures system updates do not compromise vehicle safety or critical functionality.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634257January 6, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS TOLD BY TESLA THAT A COMPUTER SYSTEM UPDATE INSTALLED BY TESLA BURNED OUT THE AP4 COMPUTER ON THE CAR. THIS AFFECTS ALL CAMERAS, NAVIGATION, AUTOMATIC LIGHTS AND MUCH MORE
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634231January 5, 2025FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Tesla Full Self Driving v13.2.2 attempted to make a left turn while having a red light. The vehicle successfully came to a complete stop due the red light but once traffic cleared the intersection it attempted to proceed with the left turn while still having a red light. I immediately took over preventing the car from entering further into the intersection.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634139January 5, 2025FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
According to Tesla the AI4 computer experienced an internal short circuit. This has rendered all cameras including backup camera, GPS, parking sensors, and automatic wipers inoperable. The visibility out of the vehicle is very poor to the rear without the backup camera. Parking without the rear camera and parking sensors is difficult. Not having physical controls for the wipers makes turning them on/off and changing speeds difficult, causing a lot of drivers distraction.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634097January 4, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Total loss of heat in vehicle. Receiving error code VCFRONT_a447, Cabin climate control system requires service, heating/cooling limited or unavailable. This is a significant safety concern in Minnesota's climate and as we're experiencing -10 or colder windchills.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11634083January 4, 2025STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
As I entered the parking lot I disengaged FSD by taking over the steering wheel. When it can to navigating into the parking spot I gently push the accelerator and the pedal disappeared from under neath my foot as the car accelerated forward hitting the car to my right. My calls to Tesla went unanswered so I could not report the incident. The incident happened May 2nd 2024.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11633477January 1, 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Cameras not working suddenly, navigation software hung in last location coordinates, auto pilot and it’s safety features not working Backup cameras not working , creating blind spot while reversing the car Not sure what caused the issue , there was an over wire update few days back maybe that is causing it Reported to Tesla service but appointments are backed out seems many cars has this issue recently in last 1-2 months
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11633419December 31, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I experienced a safety issue with my Tesla vehicle where the automatic window and locking system malfunctioned. While the car was stationary, my baby was looking out of the window, and suddenly, the car locked itself and the window began closing automatically. Despite the presence of my baby near the window, the obstacle detection system did not respond, and the window continued to close. It seems the detection system is designed to sense firm or hard objects but fails to recognize softer or smaller obstructions, such as a child’s head or hand. This poses a significant safety risk, especially for young children. I urge NHTSA to investigate the following: 1.The sensitivity and reliability of Tesla’s obstacle detection system for power windows. 2.Whether this issue meets the required safety standards for automatic windows. 3.Potential updates or recalls needed to address this safety concern. This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention to ensure the safety of passengers, especially children, in Tesla vehicles.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0