Tesla Model Y Complaints

3,785 consumer complaints on file.

#11736263May 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The vehicle began experiencing repeated Autopilot/FSD failures while driving. Symptoms included sudden Autopilot disengagements, cruise control becoming unavailable, and loss of road visualization/navigation display functionality. The issue progressively worsened over time. The vehicle was first brought to Tesla service in 2025 for the same overheating-related concern. At that time, Tesla identified a coolant-related issue, topped off the coolant system, and returned the vehicle to service. However, the problem continued and gradually became more frequent and severe afterward. During the most recent service visit, Tesla diagnosed the HW3 Autopilot computer as overheating due to a heat transfer failure between the Autopilot board and cooling cold plate. Tesla stated that heat generated by the board could no longer be efficiently transferred to the coolant system, causing the Autopilot computer to overheat. Tesla further advised that continued operation without repair could eventually impact additional vehicle functions, including the center display screen shutting off due to overheating-related failures. Given the loss of driver-assistance functionality and potential impact to core vehicle systems, I am submitting this report so the issue is documented as a potential thermal management or hardware reliability concern involving the HW3 Autopilot computer system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736121May 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was using the autopark function in a parking lot, and the vehicle did not detect the shopping cart return rail. As a result, the vehicle struck the rail, causing damage to the hood and front bumper.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736067May 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I am reporting a software-induced driver distraction defect in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, specifically the post-disengagement “Why did you intervene?” dialog introduced in software 2026.2.9.8 and modified in 2026.2.9.9 and 2026.2.9.10, running FSD v14.3.2. Every time the driver disengages FSD via steering, brake, or accelerator input, a modal dialog appears on the center touchscreen asking the driver to categorize the intervention. It presents four options (Navigation, Preference, Discomfort, Critical) plus a voice memo prompt. The dialog cannot be dismissed or deferred. It remains on screen indefinitely until the driver reads the prompt and taps a selection. This creates a serious safety hazard: The dialog appears the moment the driver has resumed manual control, often in response to an unsafe FSD action requiring immediate attention to the road. Forcing the driver to read text and make a multi-choice touchscreen selection during this high-cognitive-load transition directly conflicts with NHTSA’s Driver Distraction Guidelines for in-vehicle devices. The dialog occupies a large portion of the center display and obscures the navigation map and surrounding-vehicle visualization, removing situational awareness at the moment it is most needed. Because it cannot be dismissed, drivers are coerced into touchscreen interaction while driving, including in active traffic, intersections, merges, and lane changes. The forced-choice design also incentivizes drivers to tap any option to clear the screen, defeating the stated data-collection purpose and increasing eyes-off-road time. Tesla provides no setting to disable this dialog. I request NHTSA investigate this as a driver distraction defect and require Tesla to provide a dismiss option, defer the prompt until Park, or remove the forced-interaction requirement. I am the vehicle owner and experience this on every FSD disengagement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735953May 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Recurring camera and Autopilot defect on a 2023 Tesla Model Y (HW3 with in-cabin camera, in scope for NHTSA Recall 23V838). 7 service visits in 13.5 months and ~14,000 miles of my ownership. Tesla verified the camera/Autopilot defect in writing on 12/5/2025 and replaced the upper Quad Camera Cover (P/N 1755687-00-B) and Interior Camera (P/N 1588124-S0-I). Same defect returned by 4/27/2026. On 4/28/2026 Tesla service issued a Could Not Duplicate citing 'no log data showing signs of autosteer having an issue or any camera blocked alerts.' But Tesla's own VIN-linked telemetry, which Tesla provided me via Privacy Portal data request, contains: 28 Autopilot FAULT events on 14 of 27 retained days; 1 ABORTING event matching my report to the minute; and 17 highway-speed (>=50 mph) phantom-brake-class hard decelerations <= -0.20 g. The worst event: 4/28/2026 at 2:12 PM EDT, less than 90 minutes after Tesla returned the vehicle. Autopilot was in ACTIVE_NOMINAL state with cruise engaged at 63.6 mph. System produced an unprompted -0.252 g (-2.47 m/s^2) deceleration. Driver was not braking; system was driving. Additional phantom brakes: -0.297 g at 62.9 mph on 5/2/2026; -0.294 g at 70.0 mph on 5/3/2026. Multiple Take Over Immediately alerts without explanation. Camera Blocked alerts in clear conditions. Driver-monitoring system flagged 'hands NOT detected' on 339 of 684 monitoring detection events during the 27-day window despite hands being on the wheel — the recall remedy mechanism is failing on this vehicle. This vehicle is in scope for NHTSA Recall Query RQ24009 (open), investigating whether the 23V838 OTA remedy actually fixed the underlying Autosteer defect. My data is direct fleet-level evidence the remedy did not work on this VIN. Currently in active New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735720May 5, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
While using Full Self-Driving on my 2023 Tesla Model Y, the automatic high beams repeatedly activate in active traffic conditions, including when following other vehicles and when oncoming traffic is present. The system does not consistently dim the lights, creating glare that could impair visibility for other drivers. The driver is unable to permanently disable automatic high beams while FSD is engaged.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735554May 4, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Safety Defect Complaint – Tesla Model Y FSD v14.2.2.5 I am reporting unsafe speed behavior in Tesla Model Y Full Self-Driving (FSD) software v14.2.2.5. FSD uses selectable driving profiles (Sloth, Chill, Standard, Hurry, Mad Max) to control speed, but provides no definition of how these profiles affect speed or limits. Tesla also removed the ability to manually adjust speed incrementally, reducing driver control. While in Standard mode, the vehicle exceeded the speed limit by 12 mph, resulting in a photo radar citation. This was not driver-initiated. I have experienced at least six incidents where the vehicle exceeded the speed limit by 10+ mph without warning. Two design issues create significant safety risk: The right scroll wheel now controls both microphone and FSD profile selection. Its multi-directional design allows unintended inputs that can change speed profiles (e.g., to Hurry or Mad Max) without driver awareness. There is no audible or visual alert when this occurs. The vehicle can accelerate beyond safe/legal speeds before the driver realizes and disengages FSD. The driver-set speed warning (set to 8 mph over limit) failed to activate during multiple overspeed events, including the citation incident, despite being enabled. This removes a critical safety safeguard. Speed increases have occurred both gradually and rapidly, reducing reaction time. Safety Risk: unintended acceleration, loss of predictable speed control, lack of driver alerts, and failure of safety warnings. These conditions could lead to violations or collisions. I request NHTSA investigate whether this constitutes a safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735485May 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The touchscreen dedicates 2/5th of the screen to what they call "traffic visualization" which is the car depicting where the surrounding vehicles, traffic lights, etc. are. While this display is useful for the self driving software engineers to compare what the car is seeing vs. the actual traffic near it, for the actual driver this display is nothing more than a VERY DISTRACTING VIDEO GAME! which diverts driver's attention away from the road to the touch screen. And this display cannot be turned off by the driver. In fact it can be expanded to cover the entire touchscreen....even MORE distracting! The visualization changes to a vertical view when parking to display other vehicles and parking lines which IS useful, but during driving the traffic visualization is the same as watching a movie on the touchscreen.....and I believe NOT allowed both by Tesla and NHTSA. Please have Tesla remove the dangerous traffic visualization display while moving more than say 10mph so I can be used for parking, but not for anything else. I am not sure why Tesla wastes so much of the limited touchscreen space on a useless safety distraction when their are other items that can be displayed in that screen space most drivers would appreciate. Most Tesla models only have the one screen compared to other brands that now feature 2 or more that seem to be appreciated by buyers so when Tesla complains about removing it, remind them of this point!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735482May 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
While driving on I-95 North in the fast lane at highway speed, my 2023 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and displayed a warning indicating the vehicle was shutting down. The vehicle rapidly decelerated and would not respond to acceleration or drive engagement. Steering remained functional, which allowed me to maneuver the vehicle across lanes to the shoulder to avoid a potential collision. This required an emergency maneuver in active highway traffic with my family in the vehicle. A soft reset did not resolve the issue. After performing a hard reset, I was able to move the vehicle slowly off the roadway to a nearby location where it was later towed. This incident occurred without prior warning and created a significant safety hazard due to sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735369May 3, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Our 2022 Tesla Model Y long range had a braking system failure due to a flawed routing of the rear flex brake lines. When applying the brakes at a red light the vehicle rolled into the intersection despite the brake pedal being pressed to the firewall. There were no warning lights at this time. After arriving home, large amounts of brake fluid were visible under the car. I removed the rear passenger side wheel to inspect the source of the leak. It was immediately clear that the flexible brake line was the source of the leak. It was installed (at the factory) in a position that allowed it to rub against the thin and abrasive edge of the wheel well. Over time, this cut into the brake line until a hole formed. The same issue was occurring on the rear driver side brake line. I took the car to a Tesla service center where they insisted that this was not a Tesla issue. They claimed that the faulty routing of the brake lines must have occurred within the last three weeks, and that they had never heard of this happening with another Tesla. Only after they looked at the problem did a brake warning appear on the screen showing there was a problem. I paid an independent service center to replace the lines and reroute them. I’m filing this report because I’m worried there are other customers, (especially those that have Model Ys that came off the line when mine did) driving around unaware that their brakes may fail when they need them most.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735337May 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Subject: Safety Concern with Video Evidence (4/28/2026) I am reporting a serious safety concern involving Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on my 2026 Tesla Model Y. Date/Time: April 28, 2026 at approximately 12:48–12:50 PM Location: Soledad Canyon Rd at Golden Oak Rd / Golden Triangle Rd, Santa Clarita, CA While operating in FSD (Supervised), my vehicle approached an active railroad crossing with warning signals engaged and the gate lowered. The vehicle initially stopped appropriately; however, it then proceeded forward onto the tracks while the crossing remained active and a train was approaching. I immediately intervened and reversed the vehicle off the tracks to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. During this maneuver, the railroad gate made contact with the vehicle. I have preserved video footage documenting: * Initial stop at the crossing * Forward movement onto the tracks under FSD * Manual intervention and reverse maneuver * Contact with the railroad gate Following the incident, I observed linear markings across the windshield consistent with contact from the railroad gate arm. While some of the markings appear to be transferable residue, there are remaining visible streaks that have not been fully removed and may indicate surface damage. Photos and videos will not upload
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735325May 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The radiator for the car gets fully clogged with debris very easily. There is no screen mesh to protect the radiator from all the debris. The radiator then becomes clogged with debris in the fins and stops cooling correctly. This is not a serviceable item that an owner could accomplish. This should not have to be brought to the Tesla repair centers and be charged for a design flaw that will cause the car to overheat. There needs to be a simple small holed mesh placed in the front grill that owners can simply wipe off with their hands. Tesla states this is a maintenance item, but for how much it cost, most owners are not taking their cars in. Most owners dont even know about the problem. Also, most owners are not getting down on their hands and knees to look at the radiator or to even think about checking it. Large leafs easily get stuck and block most of the radiator.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735191May 1, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Hello, I am not writing about a specific incident, but rather wanted to alert the NHTSA to a potentially dangerous development with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. In the latest software update being pushed to owners, Tesla now forces drivers to provide feedback if they disengage the FSD system for any reason. This feedback comes in the form of a box on the screen and it cannot be closed. You cannot interact with any part of the vehicle infotainment system until you complete the feedback. I believe that this can cause safety issues, especially in a stressful situation if someone is trying to access the car's map system, for example. Even in normal situations, the driver would be required to read the options and make a selection on the screen - while still driving. I would highly recommend the NHTSA look into this, as I believe this is a very shortsighted policy that will needlessly endanger drivers, other drivers, pedestrians and everyone on the road. To be clear for form purposes: I am not writing about a specific incident, but I am submitting this information via this form because I do not see a general information form.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734726April 30, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Driver’s seatbelt: This issue occurred twice. The first time, the car was parked; when I attempted to pull the seatbelt, it would not extend and instead locked in place. The second time occurred after I summoned the car. Again, I was unable to pull the seatbelt out. Because the vehicle was stopped in the middle of the street, I had to drive without wearing a seatbelt, which felt very unsafe. Middle rear seatbelt: This occurred once. I was initially able to fasten the seatbelt, but when I tried to pull the strap down to loosen it because it was too tight, it retracted and locked. I was unable to extend it again, leaving the belt tight against my neck. This also felt very unsafe. I brought the car to Tesla twice, but they were unable to identify the issue. I showed them a video demonstrating the seatbelt remaining locked while I attempted to pull it, as well as footage showing that I was driving without a seatbelt. No warning lights appeared during any of these incidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734432April 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I took delivery of a brand new Tesla Model Y today in Austin, Texas. Within less than two hours of delivery, the vehicle experienced two separate and serious failures while driving. During the first incident, the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road without any warning while I was driving. The vehicle became completely unresponsive and came to a stop in active traffic. I immediately contacted Tesla service for assistance. The representative advised me not to worry and stated that the vehicle likely came to a safe stop location and that there appeared to be no issue since the system had recovered. I was told the vehicle was safe to continue driving. However, this information did not reflect what actually occurred. The vehicle had stopped in the middle of an active roadway, not in a safe location.After the system temporarily became operable again, I continued driving as instructed. However, during a second drive shortly after, the exact same issue occurred again within approximately 10–15 minutes, this time on a much larger and heavily trafficked road. When the vehicle stopped both times, it became completely electronically controlled and unresponsive. There was no manual way to move or safely reposition the vehicle. I was stranded in the middle of moving traffic on a major road, unable to control or move the car in any way. I felt that my life was in danger due to the inability to regain control or remove the vehicle from traffic. Both incidents occurred on the same day of delivery within a very short time frame, making the vehicle completely unreliable and unsafe to operate. At least one of the incidents occurred while using self-driving features. Due to the repeated failures, the severe safety risk, and the incorrect reassurance provided during the first incident, I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle. I am requesting a buyback or refund rather than repair, as this issue occurred immediately after delivery and represents a critical safety conce
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734360April 28, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle suddenly lurched forward and crashed into a curb, then the vehicle lunched forward and crashed into a brick wall. The vehicle then erroneously drove in reverse at a high rate of speed and crashed into a second parked vehicle. The contact indicated that after the incident, in order to shut the vehicle off, the doors had to be opened. The contact's foot remained on the brake pedal during the incident. During the crash, the driver sustained a fractured right foot, and the rear center passenger sustained a bruised back. Both injuries later required medical treatment. No police report was taken. The vehicle was later towed to the home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,440
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11734229April 28, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST, STEERING
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 35 MPH, while driving near cones on the road, the contact manually turned the vehicle towards the right, and the steering wheel failed to perform as needed. The contact attempted to manually correct the steering wheel but was unable return the steering wheel to center because the steering wheel was independently turning to the left or the right. The contact believed that the vehicle was operating in self-driving mode; however, the vehicle was not equipped with the feature. The contact depressed the brake pedal to decelerate, almost stopping the vehicle, to regain control of the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the destination. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving approximately 60 - 70 MPH, and the vehicle veered to the left and the right while the lane assist was activated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and decelerated almost to a stop to regain control of the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, but the contact had not received a follow-up call. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734205April 28, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Make/Model: Tesla [Y] Rear Body got significant dent While attempting to reverse into a parking space at a Tesla Supercharger station, the vehicle—operating with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged—collided with a stationary pole located behind the designated parking spot. FSD failed to detect the tesla supercharger and tried to park in EVgo charging station despite of plenty of vacant Tesla supercharger spots nearby. No other vehilcle was involved netiher any property damage. We would like to make sure tesla FSD takes full responsibility of damage. as their FSD system malfunctioned. Tesla should bare all charges for repair.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734201April 28, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
My 2021 Model Y has about 24,500 miles began squeaking when turning the steering wheel or hitting bumps. I read online that many tesla owners had the same issue. The design on these weren't great allowing water to penetrate these parts and cause them to ware down faster. I already paid for the replacement of the upper and lower control arms.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734184April 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Full self driving did not detect pole. I press the fsd of tesla going out of the parking lot and the car turned to the side where the pole is located hitting the side where the camera part right next to driver side. The sensor of the car did not detect completely that there is a pole on side
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734091April 27, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Washer fluid indicated low washer fluid. Refilled washer fluid, but shortly after washer fluid leaked out underneath the vehicle. Took the vehicle in for repair at an Tesla Service Center and service advisor indicated that the reservoir had cracked at the seam (an obvious defect of the reservoir). They stated it was not considered a defect even though it was obvious the crack was at the seam. Given the age of the vehicle and the fact that the vehicle is constantly garaged when parked this seems to be an abnormal issue. Had I not taken this in to get serviced there could have been an issue with not having any washer fluid in the reservoir when needing to clean the windshield which would pose a visibility hazard and could potentially lead to a collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Tesla Model Y