Tesla Model Y Complaints

3,785 consumer complaints on file.

#11543656September 10, 2023
AIR BAGS
Airbag did not deploy / system failed at the time of the car accident happens. My safety was at risked during the time of accident. There were no indications, warning, messages or symptoms of the problems when the accident occurred.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11543636September 9, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The incident occurred because the car in front of me made a sudden stop (there was a 3-car accident ahead of the car in front of me). In response to the sudden stop I hit the brakes hard on my car but my car failed to completely; it kept moving forward until I hit the car in front of me. I was not tailgating the car in front of me and had plenty of room to stop as I braked. Video recording from the Tesla showed the sufficient distance between my car and the car in front of me. I re-recorded using my phone, I can upload it for your review but the size is about 30MB and in .mov format
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543562September 9, 2023
STEERING
During driving this vehicle on road, this steering wheel wheel was suddenly locked, and cannot be turned. This caused the vehicle stopped making any turns. There was no any warning/messages/symptom before this incident happened. I had to go straight and stopped/parked the vehicle on roadside. After several power off and restarting, the steering wheel was still locked. Called Tesla tech support, the problem cannot be solved. Then had the vehicle been towed to Tesla service center. Tesla technician confirmed seeing error log info. It is under investigation now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543509September 8, 2023
STEERING
I got the dreaded ul_a020 error - "Steering assist reduced" today while driving our model Y - barely 3 months old with 2K miles. The steering became very stiff and I could barely move it, had to use all my forrce to rotate the steering wheel and move the car to the side. it very scary, I parked, got out and then drove again, it happened again. Thankfully I was not too far away from home, so somehow got back. The steering is not smooth anymore now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543464September 8, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While on cruise control on US-93 North bound on between mile marker 116 and 110 ghost breaking occurs. Can cause an accident. It happened multiple times.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543411September 8, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On Wednesday, our 2021 Tesla Y - which we have LOVED driving for the last 3 years - took off on its own while I was sitting in traffic - where traffic was at a standstill, and the max speed was probably 4 MPH. Construction ahead had closed a lane, so there was a massive back-up and cars were creeping along each time the traffic light ahead turned green.) As any Tesla owner will tell you, the best way to slow down is to remove your foot from the gas pedal, and the car will slow down and come to a stop on its own. That had always been the case for our vehicle until Wednesday. Shockingly, for no reason at all, the car massively accelerated. I slammed on the brakes, but the brakes did not slow or stop the car. Luckily, the car in front of me was only 2 - 3 car lengths away, so my Tesla which was rapidly gaining speed stopped only when it crashed into that car. I have relatively minor injuries, but I am sure I would have been killed and/or killed others if not for the vehicle in front of me forcing my car to stop. After the crash, we flat-bedded the car to a Tesla-approved auto body shop. Our insurance adjuster will be inspecting the car on Monday. We will make the vehicle available for inspection. I am still shaken from this traumatic experience. I have never had a car accident (but for a fender bender over 40 years ago). Moreover, I have spent my life working in public service (govt, elected officials and nonprofits). I am determined to make sure that this safety problem is fully investigated and repaired - as our roads are not safe until it is fixed.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11543331September 8, 2023
WHEELS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Vehicle Fire - model y performance 2021, XXXXXXXXXXX Dear Tesla Customer Relations & CarMax, I am writing to express my deep concern and file a formal complaint regarding a serious incident involving my Tesla [model y performance ,, 2021, XXXXXXXXXXXXX], which caught fire on August 1st 2023 while in operation. This incident has raised significant safety concerns for me and my family and requires immediate attention and resolution. The vehicle fire occurred under normal driving conditions, and thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. However, the fire resulted in substantial damage to the vehicle and posed a significant risk to nearby properties and individuals. The incident has left me shaken and worried about the safety of Tesla vehicles. I have attached the following documents and information for your reference: I have been a loyal Tesla customer and have appreciated the innovative features and benefits that your vehicles offer. However, this incident has eroded my confidence in the safety and reliability of your products. I kindly request a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and an explanation of the circumstances that led to this incident. Additionally, I request information on any recalls, technical bulletins, or potential issues associated with the model of my vehicle. Furthermore, I urge you to take immediate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in other vehicles. Safety should be the utmost priority for any automobile manufacturer, and I hope Tesla will take swift measures to address any potential risks. I understand that accidents can happen, but it is essential that Tesla demonstrates transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers. I expect to be kept informed about the progress of the investigation and any steps that will be taken to prevent future incidents. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and expect INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
1
#11543298September 7, 2023
STEERING
Power steering appeared to be off when trying to drive car. Could not turn wheel at all. Car was towed to tesla service and told the power steering rack has an internal issue and needs to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543120September 7, 2023
STEERING
Steering wheel locked after only 9k miles on the car. Won’t turn so cannot drive the car. Brand new car. God forbid this happens while driving the car on road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543107September 7, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Our Tesla seems to be experiencing regular phantom braking events. We just had an event today while traveling on the freeway. Our Tesla unexpectedly applied the brakes without warning as if it was trying to avoid a collision. No objects were in sight. Our cruise control was active and we don’t have autopilot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542999September 6, 2023
STEERING
Please note that I am not the owner of the vehicle and I am making this report in the public interest to try and save lives. The defect affects all 2023 Tesla Model Y cars and I have used the VIN of a junkyard Model Y to be able to complete the form. I have also used a fictitious USA address to satisfy your website requirements. My genuine contact details are available I understand that it is perfectly lawful for a non USA resident and a non owner to file a complaint. A Tesla Forum in Germany has a report from an owner detailing severe corrosion on the Ground terminal on his [XXX] car. This looks like galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. I think a bad ground connection might be the reason for the spate of power steering complaints on this model and possibly also causing brake booster failure. Tesla has been blaming the steering rack and replacing it. I think it is highly unlikely that the steering rack is faulty and it is much more likely that bad ground connections are the cause. The 2023 Model Y has some changes from the 2022 model including the use of so large aluminum castings. I think this may increase the risk of Galvanic corrosion and be the cause of the alarming increase in failures. Fatal crashes into oncoming vehicles may have been caused by this. Here is the thread: [XXX] Quote: Premature corrosion MY? Tesla Model Y Model Y Issues/Errors 19 March locobmw 19 March A bit frightening - after 3 months the contacts are already badly corroded. I'm going to report this to the SEC 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
#11542911September 6, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle completely locked me out. It was unresponsive to key card access as well as unresponsive to mobile app access. I was unable to unlock or open any door/latch/trunk or frunk. I’m no one was inside because they would’ve been stuck with no way out. This is a major safety concern. I happened to be in a safe area but if this were on a really hot day or if people/minors/children were in the car, it could’ve been fatal. This is a design flaw in the vehicle. If the 12V battery dies, the car locks and you cannot get in or out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542805September 5, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY, VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am writing to formally submit a complaint against the Tesla Service Center in Rockville, Maryland. My concerns relate both to a potential safety issue and the subsequent handling of repairs to my vehicle. 1. **Safety Concern:** On 08/25/2023, the driver-side window of my Tesla vehicle shattered spontaneously without any evident external cause. This sudden malfunction while the car was in use is alarming, representing a significant safety concern for passengers and other road users. I believe that such a defect warrants immediate attention, especially if this is a recurring issue among other Tesla vehicles. 2. **Unsatisfactory Service Post-incident:** After bringing my vehicle to the service above center for repairs, I was relieved that the window issue would be addressed under warranty. However, when my car was under Tesla’s care, another Tesla customer hit and damaged it within their premises. What is profoundly distressing is how the service center addressed this matter. Instead of accepting responsibility for an accident that happened in their domain, they deflected responsibility, advising me to coordinate with the other car owner for repairs. This has not only added to my inconvenience, but it has also cost me additional time off from work to address damages that were not my fault. Moreover, now I am faced with being without my vehicle for an extended period, given that the body shop estimates a 4-5 day repair timeline. In total, I have been without my car for nearly two weeks due to the initial window concern and the subsequent collision. This situation has raised concerns about the structural safety of Tesla vehicles and the integrity and responsibility of their service centers. Such a dismissive approach to customer care is unexpected from a brand of Tesla's stature. I strongly believe that no customer should face such challenges and inconvenience, especially when entrusting their vehicle to a service center.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542771September 5, 2023
TIRES, TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
GOODYEAR TIRE, 255/40R20 101W XL I have had to replace 5 tires on my Tesla in 13 months. 3 were from nails, one was from running over a pothole and one was flat from an unknown cause. I have been told by multiple people in the car maintenance field that the tires are not appropriate for the weight of the vehicle therefore are far more prone to imbedded nails and other spontaneous road hazards. I only do basic city driving and avoid industrial/construction zones when able. Also, 2 out of the 5 times I have had a tire with low pressure, the vehicle has indicated the wrong tire. For example, the most recent incident showed my tire pressure at 23 in the front driverside tire, when checked manually the pressure was reading 45 psi in that tire. Went to Tesla and they confirmed the sensor needed to be replaced and made an appointment to have that fixed in 2 weeks when they were available. I continued to drive the vehicle since I was told it “was just a sensor”. The next day, the passenger rear tire was flat but indicated appropriate pressure for that tire on car’s reading. I was horrified that I continued to drive on a low tire for an entire day and did not know because the car was indicating the wrong tire was low in pressure. This could’ve resulted in a blow out or other threat to my safety. Supposedly my sensors have been replaced when I have asked for them to be but the sensors reading the wrong tire pressures is a chronic issue. Tesla is aware the tires are prone to flats, which is why they will not sell you tire coverage. I feel unsafe in this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542605September 5, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
When accelerating to highway speed the automatic emergency braking (AES) erroneous engaged. The AES appeared to register a tie-down strap going from the center front of the model Y to the cargo on the roof as a pedestrian. This resulted in the car coming to a complete stop while merging onto the highway (decelerating from approx. 45 mph to a complete stop) which risked causing a rear end collision. The AES again erroneously engaged when puling to the side of the road. I disengaged the AES, but the pedestrian warning continued to light-up sporadically for the remainder of the trip at a range of speeds (although braking did not engage). Prior to the AES engaging there was no warning or alarm. There has been no inspection of the vehicle. A "bug report" is being filed with Tesla.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542589September 5, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
When autopilot is engaged (I don't know if just cruise does this) on a highway entrance set to a reasonable speed like 35 or 45, as I approach the acceleration ramp the setting jumps to 90 and then quickly back to 85. I've found no reason to beleive that the car won't accelerate up to 85. There is no way for the driver to make such a jump. Driver is only able to jump in 1 or 5 mph increments. I have no trouble disengaging autopilot, but still... This has been going on for weeks, and despite a software update or two. I can provide video of this happening but I don't think I can upload it here.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542532September 4, 2023
STEERING
While driving I lost the ability to steer. The steering wheel completely locked almost. This was a huge safety risk, as I was in the middle of a busy road in Los Angeles. I went to the Tesla service center today and they were closed. No warning lights came on. The same thing happened again today.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542491September 4, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Abrupt, rapid, unannounced deceleration with no apparent cause. Has happened multiple times.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542468September 4, 2023
SEAT BELTS
Seatbelt mechanism stopped latching and would not buckle. This puts everyone in the car in a very unsafe situation. Only way to request help is through Tesla app but no response from their support team. My seatbelt latch mechanism is still broken.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542411September 3, 2023
STEERING
Power steering failed repeatedly. Car was extremely difficult to steer. This only happened at low speeds, so there was no immediate danger. The car displayed various error messages. Took the car to the dealer, they confirmed it was an issue and replaced the Steering Rack.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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