Tesla Model Y Complaints (2023)

1,136 consumer complaints on file.

#11751611July 20, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
We recently got a subscription for Tesla's full self driving (FSD) system. While using the system, on several occasions, the car "jerked" momentarily. Like it is hard braking but then the car resumes its previous pace. Again, this is very quick, perhaps taking less than a second. It is an occasional occurrence, but it has happened enough times that I am not using the feature anymore. For a split second, It feels like the car was stopping abruptly, which startled everyone riding in the car. My wife called Tesla and provided the information above to an automated help center. She was told to try the "Hurry" mode in FSD. We've been using the "Standard" mode.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751608July 20, 2026
STEERING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I have reported safety issues on this vehicle before, but a new one has arisen which is related to the same. It is the computer shorting out. While in the past I have reported lack of backup camera, lane keeping, cruise control, collision avoidance, now intermittently the power steering fails. I get an error. Thankfully, this occurs when starting up and not while driving (yet), but it is nearly impossible to turn the wheel. As of now, exiting the car, letting the car doors lock and then coming back to the car has solved the issue, but I worry about this occurring while driving. Tesla knows about the computer issues and should take responsibility via a recall rather than a pricey repair on my own as this is a well reported issue. I have received no communication or feedback despite the complaints I have lodged with you and with Tesla. Please intervene before someone gets hurt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751537July 20, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
While traveling on the freeway with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged, my vehicle attempted to initiate an automatic lane change to the left. At that exact moment, another vehicle was already traveling parallel to me, fully established in the adjacent left lane. My vehicle signaled and immediately began veering directly into the occupied lane, completely failing to detect the car traveling next to me. The system did not abort the maneuver or yield to the existing traffic. To prevent an immediate sideswipe collision, I had to forcefully grab the steering wheel and wrench the car back into my original lane. The FSD system completely failed to monitor its immediate left blind spot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751423July 19, 2026
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
On 07/16/2026, I was driving my 2023 Tesla Model Y when the vehicle suddenly began swerving rapidly left and right across multiple lanes without my intended steering input. The vehicle became difficult to control, and despite my attempt to correct the direction, it continued to move unpredictably and resulted in a collision. There were no prior warnings or indications of a steering or control issue before the incident. After the collision, I reviewed the Tesla USB drive and found that Dashcam and Sentry Mode recordings from immediately before and during the incident were not available; only recordings after the incident were present. I am concerned that a possible steering, electronic control, or software malfunction may have contributed to the loss of vehicle control.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750720July 16, 2026
WHEELS
I am reporting a catastrophic structural wheel failure involving my 2023 Tesla Model Y, VIN [XXX], with approximately 78,439 miles. On XXX at approximately 9:30pm, while heading home at approximately 35-40 mph, the front passenger-side wheel fractured and separated into two major pieces. The vehicle was being operated normally on a freshly paved road under clear skies. There was no pothole, curb strike, collision, or known impact with any object before the failure. This was not a routine flat tire or cosmetic wheel issue. The structural wheel itself split apart, creating an immediate loss-of-control risk and raising serious concerns about the integrity of the remaining three original wheels. We purchased a replacement wheel, tire, and TPMS sensor out of pocket and had the repair completed by McGriff Best-One Tire & Service, a respected regional tire shop. After examining the failed wheel, McGriff documented that the damage did not appear to have resulted from an impact and appeared consistent with a manufacturing or factory defect. The failed wheel has been retained and preserved for inspection. An earlier McGriff service document mistakenly identified a previously owned Tesla Model 3 that remained in its customer system. McGriff corrected the vehicle information, and the corrected documentation and photographs confirm that the repair and inspection involved the subject 2023 Tesla Model Y. I reported the incident to Tesla and requested escalation to Field Engineering or Product Safety, transportation of the vehicle for inspection, examination of the remaining wheels, and a written engineering report. Tesla’s Birmingham service personnel initially treated the matter as a routine customer-paid wheel replacement. Tesla subsequently dismissed my written safety concerns and closed the service chat without providing a substantive investigation, engineering findings, or assurance regarding the remaining wheels. 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
#11750709July 15, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
On XXX I retrieved my 2023 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) from Tesla Motors NV, Inc. ([XXX]) after their third attempt to correct a severe panel and component misalignment following a collision repair (Invoice #XXX). The facility replaced major front-end structural components, including the Front Bumper Beam (1687601-00-E), Front Subframe Crush Can (1109193-00-C), and Cast Front Underbody Left Hand Crush Can (1608453-00-D).Tesla's official guidelines require a mandatory 3D structural measurement test whenever these specific cast aluminum underbody and subframe parts are replaced. The repair facility verbally claimed the damage was minor/cosmetic and that only a manual tram measurement was performed. However, a manual tram gauge cannot detect 3D frame twists or height deviations in cast aluminum components, making it wholly insufficient.As a direct result of this unverified structural alignment, the vehicle's front end remains warped. After the first repair, the headlamp shifted and protruded on the right side. After subsequent attempts to fix it, the left headlamp is again protruding outward. Because the structural frame is misaligned, the forward-facing cameras are out of calibration. Under Autopilot, the vehicle exhibits dangerous behavior, including misidentifying a standard bike lane as an extended vehicle lane. Furthermore, the repair facility has since removed or hidden the conversation logs regarding these complaints, and I can no longer find the messages in the Tesla app. Operating a vehicle with unverified structural alignment and compromised driver-assist vision systems poses an immediate, severe safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749855July 12, 2026
SUSPENSION
While driving, the front lower suspension lateral link (fore link) completely detached and separated from the subframe. The aluminum arm dropped down, pulling entirely free from its mounting bushing and shredding the plastic underbody aero shield. The failure caused a sudden and immediate loss of wheel alignment and camber control, making the vehicle entirely unsafe to drive and requiring an emergency tow. There was absolutely no impact, collision, or external road hazard that caused this failure; the component separated entirely due to structural or fastener failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749760July 11, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, WHEELS
I purchased a used 2023 Tesla Model Y from Tesla in Austin, Texas. Upon and after delivery I discovered the following safety defects that were not disclosed to me prior to purchase: the front left door is completely off its hinges and scratching, the rear right door does not shut properly, the passenger side window is not seating correctly in its track, the front left tire is damaged, and both wheel rims have visible chipping and damage. Tesla's own delivery managers documented all of this in their system at the time of delivery. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. I have escalated to Tesla executive leadership and filed complaints with the BBB and Texas Attorney General.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748796July 7, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I am submitting this report based on my personal experience operating a Tesla Model Y equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD). I have used FSD for approximately four years and have extensive experience with the system. During several recent road trips through heavily forested and mountainous areas, including Yosemite National Park and multiple locations throughout Oregon, I repeatedly observed similar unexpected behavior under the same environmental conditions. On roads where dense tree cover creates alternating bands of sunlight and shadow across the pavement, the vehicle occasionally performs abrupt deceleration, unnecessary braking, or jerky speed adjustments despite there being no visible hazards, obstacles, pedestrians, or animals in the roadway. I cannot determine the technical cause, but based on repeated observations at different locations, it appears that rapidly changing lighting conditions or high-contrast tree shadows may present a perception challenge for the vision-based driving system. This is only my observation and not a technical conclusion. My concern is that unexpected braking or sudden speed changes could surprise following drivers and increase the risk of rear-end collisions, particularly on two-lane highways or winding mountain roads. While I remained attentive and was able to supervise the vehicle, these unexpected reactions occurred multiple times under similar conditions. I respectfully request that NHTSA evaluate this type of real-world driving environment as part of its ongoing assessment of advanced driver assistance and automated driving systems. Forested roads and mountain highways are common throughout the United States, and ensuring reliable performance in these challenging lighting conditions is important before wider deployment of autonomous driving technology. I would be happy to provide additional information if needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748755July 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Lateral control arm bolt has fallen out with no impact/collision or reasonable explanation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748135July 3, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
Power steering is giving difficulty while driving on the highway, stiffens up and hardens and makes it difficult to steer to the left or the right. Took it to the dealer, they confirmed needed a new steering rack, checked online quite some people with the same issue especially with their cars coming from the same year. No warning lamps doesn’t show up on the screen, took to Tesla dealership and they ran a diagnostics and then confirmed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747155June 29, 2026
SUSPENSION, WHEELS
My 2023 Tesla Model Y experienced a serious front suspension/control-arm fastener failure while I was driving on a road trip from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA. The incident occurred in Riverside, CA. The vehicle has approximately 40,000 miles and is still within Tesla’s Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty. One front A-arm/control-arm bolt came completely out, and another related front suspension bolt was found loose. The tire and wheel are not damaged and are not flat. The vehicle became unsafe and undrivable. Tesla’s app initially categorized the issue as a flat tire, but this is not a tire issue. It is a front suspension fastener failure that could have caused loss of control, especially at highway speed. I am aware Tesla previously issued Service Bulletin SB-22-31-002, also associated with NHTSA Recall Campaign 22V895000, involving certain Model Y vehicles where front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly attached. Tesla reportedly limited that campaign to a small affected population, and my VIN was not included. However, my vehicle appears to have suffered a very similar front suspension fastener failure. I am asking NHTSA to review whether this issue may affect vehicles beyond the originally identified population. Tesla should inspect the front suspension fasteners, control arm/lateral link mounting points, torque condition, threads, steering components, and alignment, and should determine whether the failure was caused by improper torque, defective fastener retention, assembly issue, or another safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747147June 29, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, STEERING
I was driving down a city street near my home and put my Tesla Model Y in Full Self Driving and looked down for 1-2 seconds to retrieve something from my center console and the warning notifications started going off and before I had any time to react, the car drove into a parked car at approximately 39 mph. I have records showing the car was in Full Self Driving for 5 seconds before impact.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11747141June 29, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
My Tesla has repeatedly exhibited dangerous behavior while Full Self-Driving (FSD) is engaged. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has stopped for a red light and then proceeded through the intersection while the traffic signal was still red. This has put my family and others at risk on a public roadway and creates a serious safety concern. One documented incident occurred on June 21, 2026, while my family was in the vehicle. During that event, the car stopped at a red traffic light and then proceeded to attempt to run intersection even though the light remained red. This was alarming and dangerous, and it required close driver supervision because the system did not behave in a safe or reliable manner. This was not an isolated incident. My Tesla has run red lights in this same manner on multiple occasions while FSD was engaged. In addition, the vehicle will suddenly stomp on its brakes on a public roadway, which is another serious and unpredictable safety issue. I have taken the vehicle to Tesla regarding these issues, and I was told that this behavior is considered normal and that nothing would be done about it. Tesla’s response was that the software is still being developed, and that this is essentially part of the risk of using the software. These repeated failures involve traffic signal compliance and erratic vehicle behavior that could easily result in a crash or injury. My family has been placed in danger by these events, and I believe this is a serious safety defect that needs to be investigated immediately. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Tesla’s FSD system for repeatedly stopping at red lights and then proceeding through the intersection while the signal is still red, as well as for sudden unnecessary braking events on public roadways.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746479June 25, 2026
STEERING
Unintended violent steering intervention at highway speeds causing an immediate safety hazard. Almost caused a fatality pulling the car off the highway nearly hitting light posts and highway sign.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746031June 23, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On June 23, 2026, at approximately 7:45 AM Central Time, I was operating my Tesla in full manual drive mode on US Highway 35 westbound between Denton and Fort Worth, Texas. No driver assistance, autopilot, or automated steering system was activated or engaged by me at any point prior to or during this incident. Without warning and without any driver input, the vehicle autonomously activated an automated steering and driving assistance system, assumed full control of the vehicle, and did not return manual control to me despite my attempts to intervene and regain control of the vehicle. The incident occurred during active rainfall and wet road conditions. The vehicle, while operating under its own autonomous system control without driver consent, drifted and struck the guardrail on the driver's left side. Following the initial impact, the vehicle continued moving and did not stop. The automated system remained active and did not disengage following the collision. The vehicle did not return control to me until a wheel separated from the vehicle. This incident was not caused by driver error. The vehicle's automated system activated without driver input or consent, overrode manual driver control, prevented the driver from regaining control of the vehicle, caused a collision with the guardrail, and continued operating after impact until mechanical failure occurred in the form of wheel separation. I am requesting a formal investigation into this uncommanded autonomous system activation as a safety defect. This type of failure poses an extreme and immediate safety risk to drivers, passengers, and the public.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745813June 22, 2026
SUSPENSION
On May 4, 2026, at approximately 9:10 AM, the 2023 Tesla Model Y was being operated at low speed in a parking lot while backing into a parking space. As the driver turned the steering wheel to maneuver into the space, there was a clunk and the front driver-side wheel jerked. The driver stopped immediately, before fully entering the space. The front driver-side suspension had separated: the lower control arm/lateral link became detached at its attachment point, the wheel and rim tilted outward and folded under the wheel arch, and the front halfshaft (axle) pulled out of the front drive unit. The vehicle was immediately immobilized and could not be driven. No collision, curb strike, or impact occurred. The failure happened during a low-speed parking maneuver. Photographs taken at the scene before any recovery, on May 4, show the detached control arm intact and undamaged and the wheel folded under the arch, with the rim, tire, and adjacent bodywork undamaged. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla service location on May 6, 2026, and inspected. Tesla's repair estimate identified damage to both front suspension assemblies, including control arms, lateral links, suspension fasteners, the front crossmember/subframe, steering rack, halfshaft, and front drive unit. This failure mode — a front suspension lateral link/control arm separating from its attachment due to a fastener concern — is the same failure mode addressed by Tesla recall SB-22-31-002 (NHTSA campaign 22V895000) on certain 2023 Model Y vehicles, in which a loose fastener can allow the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame, causing loss of vehicle control. This VIN was not included in that recall campaign. Had this separation occurred at highway speed rather than during a low-speed parking maneuver, it could have caused a loss of control and a crash. No injuries occurred. No crash or fire occurred. The vehicle has approximately 56,480 miles. Photographs and the repair estimate are ava
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745620June 22, 2026
SUSPENSION
My front suspension is making squeaky and chuckling noice, went to service center they say its out of warranty the issue was there years before but I have ignored thinking weather related issues also make them aware about, since its 4 to 5 thousand miles over warranty I asked for little discount on fix, also made them aware that i have heard similar issue report all over the web also show them related article but they denied, now I don’t understand when model y 2023 has same issue recall but not mine which is same model y 2023, maybe different batch but same issue still not covered and please take a look on it so I don’t have to to pay $2500+ for there manufacturing defect.. thanks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745365June 20, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The car's computer shorts out and disables all safety features including navigation, blind spot monitoring, all cameras, emergency braking, autopilot, lanekeeping, auto headlights and wipers. This is a known issue that Tesla will not repair. This resulted in a collision due to poor rear visibility, lack of cameras, and disabled emergency braking. In addition, intermittently there is loss of power steering. Despite this being a known issue, Tesla will not replace my computer, insisting I pay several thousands of dollars for the repair. I feel they must issue a recall and cover this safety defect. The car software cannot be updated, either. Please intervene. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I do not have the claim information for the other car involved, but can get from State Farm. I do have the repair costs for my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744110June 15, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
While driving in FSD the car is ping ponging between the lane. It didn't used to do this but now does it on any road. Highway, city, turns, etc. The oscillation causes me and my passengers to be sick and it looks like a drunk driver on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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