Tesla Model Y common problems
Owners of 2019–2025 Tesla Model Y vehicles have filed 358 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is steering (48% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 358
- Owner complaints
- 91
- Recall campaigns
- 73
- Crash-related reports
- 36
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 7 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Investigation closed2021 model-y
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed2022 model-y
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed2023 model-y
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed2024 model-y
NHTSA closed investigation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
- Investigation closed2023 model-y
NHTSA closed investigation EA24001
Loss of steering control
- Recall2025 model-y
Missing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Tesla Model Y problems?
- Across 358 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2019–2025 Tesla Model Y vehicles, the most reported systems are steering (48%), suspension (39%), visibility (13%).
- Which Tesla Model Y model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2020 Tesla Model Y has the most owner complaints, with 271 filed.
- Are Tesla Model Y problems dangerous?
- Of the 358 complaints on record, 73 mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 36 mention an injury, and 1 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2020 accounts for the most complaints (271). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.