Tesla Model Y Complaints (2026)

327 consumer complaints on file.

#11722480March 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
On [XXX] I pick up my New Tesla Y. On [XXX], while traveling at highway speeds on [XXX] with Autopilot "FSD" engaged, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden vehicle shutdown and start giving multiple alerts without warning. The vehicle displayed multiple critical alerts: "Vehicle Shutdown", "Pull Over Safely", "Stability Control Disabled." Upon the failure, Autopilot FSD disengaged, and the power steering immediately became extremely heavy ("hard"), making the vehicle difficult to steer. The car lost all propulsion. I had to manually maneuver the heavy, unpowered vehicle through active highway traffic to reach the shoulder, which created an immediate and severe safety risk. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center in Fort Lauderdale with only 130 miles on the odometer. Technicians confirmed a "major motor failure" of the rear drive unit requiring a full replacement. 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
#11722459March 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Subject: Tesla Self-Driving / Autopilot Incorrect Maneuver at Intersection Vehicle: Tesla (model: ***Y_)Software: Full Self-Driving / Autopilot (specify which was active)Date: __[XXX]__Time: _[XXX]___Location: _***San Carlos, [XXX] ____ (city, intersection or street) Description of Incident: While the vehicle was operating with Tesla’s driver-assistance system engaged, the navigation indicated the car would turn right at an intersection. As the vehicle approached the intersection and began the maneuver, it unexpectedly continued straight instead of completing the right turn. This caused the vehicle to enter the intersection in front of other vehicles that were stopped at another traffic light. I had to intervene to ensure safety. There was no clear reason for the incorrect maneuver, and the system behavior was unexpected and potentially dangerous. Additional Information: •Weather conditions: ___good weather _clear__ •Traffic conditions: ___lot of traffic people getting off work___ •Driver intervention: Yes / No (explain briefly)yes heading straight to cars if I had not made a quick maneuver and turn the steering wheel. I would have crash hitting at least one or two cars. •Dashcam footage available: Yes / No NO I am submitting this report so the event can be reviewed for possible software or safety issues with the driver-assistance system. 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
#11722326March 5, 2026
SEATS
Since taking delivery of my 2026 Tesla Model Y, the driver's seat seatback rocks forward and backward during normal acceleration and braking. The movement is both audible (squeaking/creaking) and tactile — the seat physically shifts under the driver's weight during vehicle operation. This is not an intermittent or minor issue; it occurs consistently every time the vehicle accelerates from a stop or decelerates. A rocking driver's seat is a safety concern. The driver's seating position directly affects their ability to control the steering wheel, reach pedals accurately, and be properly restrained by the seatbelt and airbag system in the event of a collision. A seat that moves unexpectedly during normal driving undermines all of these functions. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this defect is present across 2026 Model Y vehicles beyond the scope of recall SB-25-13-003, and whether Tesla's practice of charging diagnostic fees for safety-related warranty claims warrants further regulatory action."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722218March 5, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, SEATS, SUSPENSION
1. There is a constant thunking noise coming from the front suspension when traveling on slightly bumpy roads at low speeds. 2. Both front seats squeak and squeal as if they are loose and not bolted in correctly. 3. Front brakes screach and squeal when coming to a stop in cold or wet weather, escpecially pronounced during cold weather. (This is an active service bulletin in all vehicles made in their Berlin factory but is happening in U.S. built vehicles as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722114March 4, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION, STEERING
I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my 2026 Tesla Model Y AWD. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly when the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The issue is most noticeable when entering or exiting uneven surfaces such as sloped driveways or parking lot entrances where the suspension is under load. During these conditions, the front suspension produces distinct mechanical popping or knocking sounds that appear to originate from the front wheel or suspension area. The noise does not occur while driving straight. It becomes significantly more noticeable when turning left or right at low speeds and worsens as the steering approaches full lock. In addition to the noise, a noticeable mechanical jolt or feedback can be felt through the steering wheel when the popping or knocking occurs. This issue began suddenly without any warning signs. One moment the vehicle was operating normally, and the next the popping and knocking noises began. Since that time the issue has continued consistently during turning maneuvers. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision and has been driven under normal conditions. Numerous other 2026 Tesla Model Y owners have reported similar front suspension symptoms, suggesting this may represent a broader pattern of potential suspension or steering component issues. Because the noise and feedback occur through the steering system while the suspension is under load, this raises concern that a suspension or steering component may be shifting, binding, or prematurely wearing. This condition raises safety concerns because abnormal movement or failure of steering or suspension components could affect vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. I request that this issue be investigated for a possible defect trend affecting Tesla Model Y vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721415March 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There was no incident, it is a safety feature that has been removed from Tesla Model Y's since October 2025 and the service center declined to add it in during a service request even at the expense of the owner. This feature being removed poses a safety concern for children or smaller people being trapped in the frunk (front trunk) compartment with no way of being able to get out of the compartment. It was removed for cost savings on the vehicle. I currently own a Tesla Model Y built February 2026 at the Austin Gigafactory.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721250March 1, 2026
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING
One only needs to google or ask an AI about "Tesla Model Y Juniper" front end suspension noises and you will find links to hundreds of complaints and at least two YouTube videos now. Based on reports from recent 2026 Tesla Model Y owners, particularly those with the Juniper refresh, the front-end noises over rough or bumpy roads at very slow speeds sound like a widespread suspension-related issue. It's often characterized as a clunk, rattle, or knocking from the front suspension, especially when the suspension compresses and unloads over uneven surfaces like driveways, speed bumps, or minor road imperfections. Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECerCsSdEeI&list=WL&index=3 For the rubbing-type noises when turning the wheels all the way left/right (full lock), this is another frequently reported quirk in Model Ys, though less tied specifically to 2026 builds. It often presents as a grinding, scraping, or creaking sound. I had scheduled an appointment with Tesla Service, however, there are a lot of cases where the Service Center provides a repair or is supposedly removing the Pencil Braces. Based on all the repairs I've read, 1. The issues still remain. 2. Service Center's don't really seem to know how to provide repairs to fix the issues, and it seems different Service Centers are providing different repairs (they don't really have a fix). 3. There are many cases where supposedly, Tesla Service Technician's are informing customers that Tesla is aware of this widespread issue and their engineers are supposedly working on a permanent solution. I currently don't see any reason to have a Tesla Service Center tear apart my brand-new Tesla, simply to provide a temporary solution. And, if Tesla engineers are indeed working on these issues, I would rather wait. Finally, I am filling this complaint to 1. Notify NHTSA if they're currently unaware of this issue and 2. To have a record of my complaint, if it turns out I need to utilize the Lemon Law or a buy back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720989February 27, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Yesterday at about [XXX] I was driving using FSD. I was making a left turn on a green arrow turning from [XXX] onto [XXX] . My car hesitated, then accelerated and then abruptly braked nearly causing me to be rear ended by the SUV behind me who was angrily beeping at me. I had to rapidly accelerate to avoid being hit. The left turn signal was green before during and after my turn. I believe that the sun shining brightly on the traffic light made it difficult for my Tesla to accurately recognize that the turn signal was green. I felt this was very unsafe. [XXX] [XXX] 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
#11720981February 27, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
There are two major safety issues that came with the vehicle upon the new car delivery. The problems existed even before the delivery as I found the first issue during the new car delivery and the second issue upon leaving the delivery center. First is the non-operational FSD (Full Self Driving). FSD never worked from the beginning. The Tesla advisor noticed it at the delivery center but insisted that it will work after 10 minutes of driving, needing calibration. However, after more than several hours of driving and 35 miles of driving, FSD still doesn't work and the display says FSD is non-functional. Second is the lane departure and lane approach sensor. When the neighboring car approaches from the side, there is no alert or notification. The blind spot sensor doesn't work either. This is a big safety issue and I almost got into an accident had I looked back and noticed a car approching from behind when I tried to move into the right lane. I expalined both of these two major issues with the vehicle and left the car at the service center in Vienna, VA, expecting the repair to be done within hours as promised. However, the service technician later sent a message via Tesla app that the part is missing from the car and the part needs to be ordered. It's been a full day and Tesla is still in the process of finding the issue, which means they still don't know what the issue is. I belive this is not the quality of product and testing that has been registered with Tesla in NHTSA. This surely represents the sub-par quality product and lack of full testing that needs to be done prior to the new car delivery. The service center employee responded via app that the car needs to in repair for 5 full days and may need more time if necessary. This is definitely not the quality and experience that are advertised by Tesla.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720843February 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
I am submitting this complaint to report a safety concern involving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. On [XXX], while my vehicle was operating under FSD in Las vegas NV, the vehicle was positioned in a clearly marked left-turn-only lane. The roadway had visible pavement arrows indicating a required left turn. Despite these clear lane-direction markings, the FSD system proceeded straight instead of turning left. The maneuver occurred abruptly. I did not receive a clear or timely takeover warning prior to the deviation. The transition from a left-turn lane into a straight path happened quickly, leaving extremely limited reaction time (estimated less than one second). As a result of the system’s unexpected behavior, a collision occurred with another vehicle traveling straight. At the time of the incident: Weather conditions were clear. Road markings were visible. There were no obstructions blocking lane markings. I was attentive and looking at the road. The police report assigned fault to me as the driver; however, the vehicle was actively operating under Tesla’s FSD system when it disregarded the clearly marked left-turn-only lane. I am concerned that this behavior represents a potential safety defect involving: Lane interpretation errors Failure to follow traffic control markings Insufficient takeover warning timing If this issue is systemic, it may pose a broader safety risk to other road users. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter as a potential safety defect related to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11720645February 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The 2026 Tesla model Y was driving in FSD (Supervised) mode in the Home Depot Colma, California parking lot, located at [XXX] on [XXX] at [XXX]. It stopped to let a black pickup truck in front of it pull about 3/4 of the way into a parking place on the right side. After waiting several seconds, it turned the wheels slightly to the left and slowly crept around the pickup truck, when the truck reversed and hit the passenger side of the vehicle at low speed just ahead of the rear wheel well. I believe a human driver would have waited until the pickup truck was fully parked before proceeding, thus preventing this accident, thus highlighting a failure of the FSD (Supervised) system. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, The accident was reported to my insurance company and the vehicle was inspected by a collision repair shop. The manufacturer has not been informed. 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
#11720344February 25, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud pop coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the glass on the passenger’s side had shattered, and glass had fallen inside the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that there was no impact on the glass to cause it to shatter. The contact returned to the residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer was called, and the dealer stated that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the failure was not caused by an impact and informed the contact that the parts were expected to be ordered and should arrive within a week for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719741February 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Windshield developed a long crack overnight while parked in an enclosed garage with stable temperatures. No rock impact was observed or heard during driving prior to parking. Upon inspection, a small mark resembling an impact point was found, but it is unclear whether this is an external impact or a stress fracture originating from within the glass. No unusual temperature changes occurred overnight. The crack appeared spontaneously and is disproportionately large. In 15+ years of driving other vehicles, I have never experienced a windshield crack under similar circumstances. This is a widely reported issue among Tesla Model Y owners, with numerous reports of spontaneous windshield cracking with no identifiable external cause. The windshield is a structural safety component critical for passenger airbag deployment and roof crush resistance in rollover accidents. Fragile or defect-prone windshield glass poses an unreasonable safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719682February 22, 2026
STEERING, WHEELS
INCIDENT INVOLVING FSD (SUPERVISED) v14.2.2.4. On February 15, 2026, while the vehicle was operating under Full Self-Driving (Supervised) v14.2.2.4, the system failed to detect a stationary curb. The vehicle initiated a trajectory that resulted in a collision, causing a structural gouge in the passenger-side rear tire sidewall. Per MA 540 CMR 4.04, this damage renders the vehicle unroadworthy. I have saved Dashcam/Sentry video footage as proof of the system's failure to navigate the obstacle.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719653February 21, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The 2026 Telsa Model Y Juniper I took delivery of on 2/19/2026 has no emergency release in the front trunk (the frunk). This should be standard but for some reason after Oct 2025, Tesla decided not to include this in the new models. This is a safety hazard as if someone were to get locked in the frunk (front trunk) they would have no way of being able to get out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719272February 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The frunk is missing, an emergency release button or latch, so a small child could be trapped inside with no way out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719201February 19, 2026
SUSPENSION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
I am submitting this complaint regarding a newly leased 2026 Tesla Model Y Premium RWD, which I took delivery of on February 6, 2026 from Tesla Watertown, MA. I am a returning Tesla customer and entered this lease after test driving the same model on January 24, which did not exhibit any issues. Immediately upon driving the vehicle off the lot (approximately 12 miles), I noticed a persistent rattling noise from the front suspension area. The noise occurs over normal road conditions and has been present since delivery, significantly affecting the quality and value of the vehicle. On February 9, Tesla Watertown evaluated the vehicle and later replaced both front upper control arm (FUCA) mounts. On February 10, before repairs were completed, multiple safety systems suddenly disabled while driving, including regenerative braking behavior, traction and stability control, lane safety features, and automatic emergency braking, creating a dangerous situation. I returned the vehicle immediately and was provided a loaner. I picked up the vehicle on February 13 and was told the suspension issue was resolved, but the noise remained. I then sought a second opinion at Tesla Peabody, where a master technician conducted a ride-along and confirmed the condition. He verified that the latest FUCA parts had been installed and the front structural “pencil braces” had been removed per Tesla guidance. I was informed the vehicle falls into a known noise category affecting 2026 RWD Model Y vehicles and that there is currently no repair or engineering solution available. This defect has existed since delivery and remains unresolved after multiple service visits and component replacements. I have contacted Tesla regional leadership and customer support multiple times without response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718882February 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Tesla decided to remove the safety unlock illuminated button from its front trunk (frunk) sometime in mid 2025. This can be a safety issue which was present in earlier models and against the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 401, mandating an interior release mechanism for enclosed trunks to prevent entrapment. I contacted Tesla and they told me that my vehicle was made after Tesla decided to remove this safety feature.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718717February 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the model year was advertised with a front trunk emergency release and interior lighting. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was not designed with the front trunk emergency release or interior lighting, which the contact considered a safety issue and a violation of FMVSS No. 401. The Tesla Service Center was contacted and confirmed that the model year and other vehicles were no longer designed with the missing parts. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 570.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718535February 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH into a parking spot, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle drove over a parking bump, struck a bench, and the automatic emergency braking system engaged, preventing the vehicle from hitting the wall. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that she had back pains, but was unsure whether they were related to the failure. There was no medical attention received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who test-drove the vehicle. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not equipped with a manual parking brake; however, the brakes were functioning normally according to the computer, and to wait for corporate's report before taking the vehicle to a collision center for front-end repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened an investigation. The contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0

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