Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,100
+11 complaints in 30 days
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
96
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
133
Reports on file since Nov 25, 2020
What this page shows
Our database holds 1,100 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model Y. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaints, most recent first
Showing 1–25 of 1,100 · page 1 of 44
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Nov 7, 2026
I am reporting a potential safety defect in my 2021 Tesla Model Y, currently showing 47,582 miles, involving electrical, software, and driver-assistance systems. Problems began around August 2026. By September 10, 2026, automatic high beams were malfunctioning. Diagnostic alerts dated October 15–16, 2026, indicated Autosteer unavailable and adaptive-headlight failures. Autopilot becomes unavailable, nighttime visibility is affected, and software updates repeatedly stall at approximately 50%. On October 16, 2026, Service Mode showed a CRITICAL Secondary Autopilot ECU fault. Tesla Sterling subsequently identified computer reboot-loop faults and recommended approximately $2,700 in computer replacement without conclusively establishing whether software or hardware caused the failure. Tesla Tysons also reviewed vehicle logs but reported that existing faults prevented further remote diagnosis. An independent former Tesla technician indicated that typical computer failures can involve overheating or camera malfunctions. Neither symptom is present, and cameras function while parked. I am concerned that these safety-related failures may be associated with an incomplete software update. Tesla has been notified, but the root cause remains unresolved. The vehicle is available for inspection. I request that NHTSA investigate potential systemic software and Autopilot computer defects, examine similar complaints, and determine whether a safety recall or manufacturer-funded corrective action is warranted.
NHTSA ID
11776462
Incident
Aug 15, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Nov 6, 2026
After installing a Tesla software update, my blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning systems stopped working. this can cause bad accident. I took my vehicle to Tesla Service, where I was informed that the car's computer was defective and needed to be replaced at a cost of $2,518, not including labor and diagnostic fees. I have never been involved in a collision, and my vehicle has not experienced any other issues that could explain this failure. Both safety features were working properly before the software update. I strongly believe this problem was caused by Tesla's software update, yet Tesla is refusing to take responsibility and is asking me to pay for the replacement computer, labor, and diagnostic charges. I find it unfair that I am being asked to pay thousands of dollars to fix a problem that appeared immediately after a Tesla software update. I believe Tesla should take responsibility and repair the issue at no cost to me.
NHTSA ID
11776295
Incident
Nov 5, 2026
Suspension
Filed Nov 5, 2026
I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y Performance with approximately 42,000 miles. On November 5, 2026, Tesla Service identified a suspension defect described in its official repair estimate as “lateral bushings torn out.” Tesla determined that both front lower lateral link assemblies require replacement. The estimated repair cost is $782.40. The vehicle has previously experienced persistent alignment problems, including pulling to the right and abnormal tire wear. A wheel alignment was performed approximately six weeks before this diagnosis. Tesla Service stated that the bushings would have been inspected during the previous alignment and suggested that the failures occurred within the intervening six weeks. However, I have not been provided documentation establishing that both bushings were undamaged during the earlier inspection. I am concerned about the potential safety implications of both front lower lateral link bushings failing at approximately 42,000 miles, particularly given the importance of these components in maintaining suspension geometry and vehicle stability. Tesla previously issued Recall 21V-835 involving front lateral link fasteners on certain 2020–2021 Model Y vehicles. Although Tesla informed me that my VIN is excluded from that recall, the affected suspension components are the same. Additionally, NHTSA opened investigation PE26-006 in July 2026 concerning front lower lateral link failures in Tesla vehicles, including 2021–2023 Model Ys. I recognize that the failure mechanism identified in my vehicle may differ from those previously investigated. Nevertheless, I request that NHTSA review this incident to determine whether premature front lower lateral link bushing failures represent an additional safety concern affecting these vehicles. I can provide Tesla’s written diagnosis and repair estimate documenting the condition of both front lower lateral link assemblies.
NHTSA ID
11775938
Incident
Nov 5, 2026
Suspension
Filed Nov 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud popping and cracking sound, and the steering wheel became unstable. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving; however, the steering wheel was loose, causing the vehicle to fail to respond to steering input. The contact pulled over a second time and inspected the vehicle, discovering that the front driver’s side wheel was turned inward. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and later towed to Bimmer Rescue, where it was diagnosed that the axle bolts had backed out, the axle was fractured, and the lower control arm sustained damages and struck and cracked the sub frame. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE26006 (Suspension). A Tesla Service Center was notified of the failure in person, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 172,316.
NHTSA ID
11775597
Incident
Nov 1, 2026
Mileage
172,316 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalSteering
Filed Oct 29, 2026
On XXX (4:59 PM and 5:47 PM) and XXX (7:49 AM), while driving, my 2021 Tesla Model Y (approx. 41,500 miles) displayed "Steering assist reduced" (UI_a020), each followed within about a minute by "Lane Departure Avoidance unavailable" (APP_w264). [Add if true: The steering felt noticeably heavier when the alert appeared.] The vehicle's 12V system tested healthy in Service Mode (13.32 V, DC-DC output normal). Tesla Service ([XXX]; service SV02F94980) diagnosed an Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) rack motor control error with limited power output from overheat or overload protection. On XXX, at 41,788 miles, Tesla replaced the steering gear (part 1188832-00-B), along with the front lower compliance and lateral links, and performed an alignment. I paid $4,522.27 out of pocket; Tesla declined goodwill. Losing power steering assist while driving is a safety hazard. The failed rack belongs to the same Mando-manufactured family (XXX) named in recall 25V-092 and investigation EA24001, which covered only 2023 Model 3 and Model Y. NHTSA's complaint database shows a growing number of 2021 Model Y complaints describing the same UI_a020 alert and the same rack replacement, many filed in 2026. I ask NHTSA to evaluate whether the defect and remedy should extend to 2021 Model Y vehicles. Invoice attached. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11774496
Incident
Oct 12, 2026
Driver assistanceVisibility
Filed Oct 27, 2026
My 2021 Tesla Model Y (Autopilot Hardware 3) had a malfunction of its camera system and automatic windshield wipers after an over-the-air software update. The update was version 2026.38.5.1, which included FSD (Supervised) v14.3 Lite, and it installed on Oct 17. The vehicle had no problems with these systems before the update. After the update, the rearview camera did not display when shifting into reverse, the passenger side rear camera feeds stopped working, the automatic wipers did not activate in rain. Tesla’s automatic wipers depend on the vehicle’s cameras rather than a separate rain sensor, so both failures point to the camera or Autopilot computer system. Safety risk: Without a working rearview camera, I could not reliably see pedestrians, children, or objects behind the vehicle when reversing. Without working automatic wipers, visibility in rain depended entirely on manual control. Camera-dependent safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning may also have been affected. The problem first appeared immediately after the 2026.38.5.1 update. I went to the Tesla service center and they are charging an exorbitant to even diagnose the issue ($265 per issue). Current status: On Oct 26, Tesla installed a newer update, 2026.38.5.11. However, the problem persists. The passenger side rear camera briefly worked before going dark again.
NHTSA ID
11773882
Incident
Oct 18, 2026
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Oct 23, 2026
Crash reported
On [XXX], between approximately [XXX] and [XXX] AM, I was driving my 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range (VIN: [XXX]) with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged, software version v14.3 Lite, on the southbound [XXX] frontage road at [XXX]. The road has five lanes in my direction, and only the leftmost lane is a left-turn lane. I was in the third lane from the left, and the navigation route required a left turn onto [XXX] at the upcoming intersection. FSD waited until the last moment to change lanes. The light turned red before it could complete the lane change, and the vehicle stopped straddling two lanes, still not in the left-turn lane. I expected FSD to continue straight and reroute. Instead, when the light turned green, the vehicle cut across the leftmost lane and drove up onto the median, apparently attempting to cross over it to complete the left turn. The other side of the median is oncoming traffic. There were two poles with city signs on the median, and the vehicle struck them. I took over immediately, but the collision had already occurred. No other vehicles or people were involved, and no one was injured. My vehicle sustained severe front-end damage, including a detached front bumper, a deformed left fender, and a shattered windshield. FSD/Autopilot features are no longer functioning. The vehicle did not automatically contact emergency services; I called the police myself. The incident was reported to the police (report #[XXX]) and to my insurance company, Progressive (claim #[XXX]). Tesla has contacted me to investigate. I have preserved the dashcam footage. Prior to this incident, I had also experienced repeated FSD issues after a software update in July 2026, including phantom braking and the vehicle suddenly stopping and freezing at intersections, requiring manual takeover. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11773313
Incident
Oct 16, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 23, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported
On XXX, at approximately 10:21 PM, my wife was driving our 2021 Tesla Model Y at low speed (about 7 mph) through the front roundabout of a school in [XXX]. She reports that the vehicle then accelerated rapidly on its own to approximately 35 mph and struck a fence and a tree. She states she did not command this acceleration and attempted to slow the vehicle. The airbags deployed and the vehicle was totaled. She was evaluated at an emergency room and released with no serious injuries. We obtained Tesla's Incident Data Report for the crash. Tesla's data indicates the accelerator pedal was applied up to 100% in the final seconds, which the driver disputes. The data also shows the accelerator reading remained at approximately 90-100% for several minutes AFTER the impact, while the vehicle was stationary and unoccupied, and when the vehicle was inspected two days later the accelerator pedal was found sitting in a depressed position. The floor mat was flat and clear of the pedals. I am filing this complaint to document the incident for NHTSA's pattern review, including the post-crash pedal condition. The complete Tesla data package (incident report, full data export, event data recorder file, and camera recordings) is preserved and available to investigators on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11773127
Incident
Oct 20, 2026
Powertrain (other)SteeringSuspension
Filed Oct 22, 2026
Subject: Front suspension failure and wheel detachment — 2021 Tesla Model Y Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model Y VIN: [XXX] My wife's 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a serious failure involving the front-right suspension, resulting in the wheel detaching from the vehicle. Following the incident, we observed a disconnected suspension arm at its mounting point and recovered a loose fastener. We understand that another fastener associated with the connection was already missing. We have photographs documenting the detached suspension connection and the recovered fastener. We are concerned that this failure may involve a safety-related defect in the front suspension mounting hardware. We request that NHTSA investigate whether this incident is related to recall 21V-835 / Tesla campaign SB-21-31-003, or any other suspension defect or recall affecting this vehicle. Please review this incident for potential safety implications for other vehicles and determine whether further investigation is warranted. We can provide photographs, the failed hardware, repair records, and additional details about the circumstances of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11773032
Incident
Nov 14, 2024
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Oct 20, 2026
What failed: Front and rear suspension and drive components; the root cause is not resolved. Since at least June 2025, my 2021 Tesla Model Y Dual Motor (110,864 miles) has made a grinding, clunking and knocking noise, loudest at the front on the driver's side. It now happens on almost every drive, including on the highway, and the car sometimes shakes at speed. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. Safety risk: We drive this car with our young family, including on the highway. I am worried a suspension part could fail and cause loss of control. On XXX Tesla's technician wrote that the rear knuckles "have play and need to be replaced soon"; they have not been replaced. My car is also in the model years covered by NHTSA's XXX preliminary evaluation of front lower lateral link detachment on 2021–2023 Model Y. No crash or injury so far. Confirmed by a service center: Partly, by Tesla Service.XXX ([XXX]): confirmed front suspension noise and replaced both front lower lateral links and compliance links ($1,620.03); the noise continued. XXX [XXX]): verified a rear humming noise and a split rear drive unit bushing. XXX replaced the rear drive unit, verified front vibration on a test drive, and noted the rear knuckle play. XXX: verified front grinding, attributed it to brake wear, and did brake burnishing; no change. SXXX: unable to replicate. I also reported a noise on XXX Inspections: Tesla Service only. No police or insurance involvement. Warning lights: None related to this that I have noticed. I sent Tesla written notice on XXX THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11772502
Incident
Jun 11, 2025
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 19, 2026
This vehicle presents a safety risk because it can lose power unexpectedly while driving in traffic. The 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range currently displays alert BMS_a074 and will not charge above approximately 32%. This is a recurring high-voltage battery failure. The car has already required two battery replacements under warranty (June 2025 at 90,707 miles and February 2026 at 92,077 miles). Only months after the second replacement, the same issue returned. Tesla Service has quoted $17,550.18 for a fourth battery and has not offered further investigation into the root cause, despite three batteries being needed within roughly 16 months on a 2021 vehicle. The car has been charged exclusively at Tesla Superchargers and is otherwise well maintained.
NHTSA ID
11772174
Incident
Oct 15, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 13, 2026
While driving my Tesla on FSD mode, my Tesla had critical error and warn me to take over. My navigation and GPS froze. I did several reboot and power cycle and nothing worked. I reach out to Tesla and they stated that I will need a new computer hardware replacement. My Tesla was working fine until they push the new FSD lite software version 14.1 to Tesla vehicle with an incomparable hardware spec.
NHTSA ID
11770992
Incident
Oct 8, 2026
Suspension
Filed Oct 13, 2026
I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y. During a [XXX] safety inspection in XXX, the vehicle was found to have deteriorated front suspension components. Tesla documented torn bushings in the front lower suspension links, including the lateral links and compliance links, and the vehicle failed the [XXX] safety inspection. Tesla recommended replacement of the affected front suspension components. I subsequently took the vehicle to an independent repair facility experienced with Tesla vehicles, Auto Scandia in [XXX]. The technician confirmed the suspension problems and replaced the affected front lower suspension links. The repair was completed XXX, and I paid $1,807.44, including the suspension repair and alignment-related work. I am reporting this because I understand NHTSA is investigating front lower lateral-link failures involving 2021–2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles. My vehicle experienced deterioration of components in this same area of the front suspension and required replacement. My lateral link did not detach while driving, and I did not experience a crash. The problem was discovered during inspection before a more serious failure occurred. I have Tesla’s original diagnosis and estimate as well as the paid independent repair invoice and can provide both if requested. I am concerned that these suspension components may be failing prematurely and could present a safety risk if the deterioration progresses to separation or loss of wheel control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11770941
Incident
Oct 12, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Oct 13, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious front suspension failure involving my 2021 Tesla Model Y. Vehicle Information: •Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc. •Model: Model Y •Model Year: 2021 •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 92,515 miles •Tesla Service Inspection Date: XXX •Service Location: Tesla Service Center, [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: My 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a serious failure involving the front driver’s side lower control arm/lateral link assembly. The inner mounting bolt backed out and the lower control arm detached from its mounting point on the front subframe. The control arm bushing was torn, and the suspension arm became loose, rendering the vehicle unsafe and undrivable. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center in [XXX], where the issue was documented in the service estimate dated XXX. Tesla proposed replacing the front lower lateral links, front subframe assembly, left front lower compliance link, and right front halfshaft, along with performing a four-wheel alignment. Safety Concerns: I am extremely concerned that a critical suspension mounting bolt could back out and allow the lower control arm to separate from the vehicle’s subframe. A failure of this nature could result in loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, or a serious accident, particularly if it occurs at highway speeds. This is not a routine suspension wear issue. It involves the separation of a critical suspension component that is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and steering control. Potential Related Recalls and Investigation: I requested that Tesla review whether my vehicle is affected by the following recall or investigation references: •NHTSA Recall 21V-835 •NHTSA Recall 23V-235 •NHTSA Recall 26V558 •Tesla Service Bulletin SB-26-31-004 •NHTSA Investigation PE26006 See more info in attachment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11770896
Incident
Oct 9, 2026
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Oct 11, 2026
On XXX, my 2021 Tesla Model Y displayed a low-voltage warning. Approximately 15 minutes later, the vehicle became completely inoperable and we could not open its doors. Our children's car seats were inside and inaccessible. We were stranded with two young children, ages [XXX].[XXX] and [XXX]. My wife ultimately had to transport the children without their car seats because we could not retrieve them. This loss of vehicle and door access after such limited warning created a serious safety risk. Tesla Roadside Assistance was dismissive, including after escalation to [XXX], who was described as part of its senior leadership team. The vehicle was serviced at Tesla's [XXX] center. We incurred $364 for towing and $139 for transportation and lost more than five hours. Please investigate the electrical and door-access failure. It may be relevant to NHTSA investigation PE25010, but I do not know the underlying cause or whether it is the same issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11770393
Incident
Oct 10, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 6, 2026
Crash reported
On October 1, 2026 at approximately 7:55 PM, I was driving my 2021 Tesla Model Y with Autopilot/driver-assistance engaged. The vehicle struck a fixed support pole of the canopy at my driveway. The pole was stationary, but the vehicle did not avoid it. The collision caused significant damage to the vehicle and canopy/pole. I am concerned that the Tesla driver-assistance system failed to detect and/or respond appropriately to a stationary object while engaged. I am not aware of any warning or intervention that prevented the collision. I preserved the available TeslaCam/USB data and made a separate backup. I also have photographs and other documentation. I contacted Tesla and requested review of the vehicle logs, camera data, Autopilot/FSD data and diagnostic/event information. As of this complaint, I have not received a substantive response explaining the incident or confirming the driver-assistance system is safe to use. This is a serious safety concern. Children, including my grandchildren, are frequently present around this driveway, and I regularly transport my grandchildren in this vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident and the performance of the driver-assistance system
NHTSA ID
11769473
Incident
Oct 1, 2026
Filed Oct 6, 2026
I have a Tesla model Y 2021 still under manufactures warranty. I received holes in radiator for cooling system from road debris ( small pebbles and dirt.). This put a hole in my radiator and Tesla stated at an [XXX] tesla service center the warranty does not cover road debris. I told them this is unreasonable because the design of the vents front of car are too big allowing small pebbles to hit the radiator. this is a design issue. Also I googled other Tesla owner"s having the same issue- YES- thousands of reports from individuals not from Tesla. Also, another issue the problem burned up 3 cooling system pumps and nerver recieved an alert of OVERHEATING stop car do not drive. THe alert was car will reduce some features BUT still safe to drive. Service Center was No help - just thats Tesla policy- BS. Now at this time on the new Tesla "s they are putting a mesh in front of radiator to protect from road debris. I searched for 3rd party grill for protection of my new radiator. Amazon has the s.s. grill that just pops in front of existing grill $35.oo. So Tesla knew they had problems long time ago and never recalled or repaired radiators for customers especially car under warranty. So in short Tesla did not fix a design issue - so third party designed grill to go over existing grill. Third party spent the time and money to design a Tesla design issue and they have sold thousands of them according to stores that sell the 3rd party grill. Also the software should of shut the car down before any damaged occured from overheating or at least said overheating alert! I am requesting that Tesla should have to make all customers whole for repairs on road debris on radiators and a recall to install the new type of grill over existing grill and update software to alert overheating. The radiator was inspected by Tesla service center and the 3 pumps. I still have the old parts in my possession after car was repaired. Tesla model Y INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
NHTSA ID
11769202
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 4, 2026
COMPONENT: The car computer (Tesla HW3 / "Full Self-Driving Computer 3," which houses the Autopilot computer and GPS) failed during a scheduled overnight over-the-air software update from version XXX in early XXX. The update failed to install, and from that point all cameras were black including the backup camera, navigation was frozen, and every driver-assistance feature was unavailable: Autopilot, FSD, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping, and blind spot monitoring. The failed unit was returned to the owner and is available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: The vehicle remained drivable with crash-avoidance systems and the federally required backup camera disabled. The only indication was a camera-unavailable message; there was no clear warning that AEB and collision warning were off. The vehicle was driven about three weeks in this condition while awaiting parts. CONFIRMED BY MANUFACTURER: Yes. Tesla remote diagnosis determined the car computer required replacement. Tesla remotely cancelled and re-pushed the update on XXX; the download stalled at 0 B/s and never installed. Tesla Service in [XXX] replaced the car computer on XXX at owner expense ($2,489.48; outside basic warranty, goodwill declined). Tesla's repair notes state the loss of all camera images and Autopilot capability occurred "after a failed software update." PRIOR WARNINGS: None. No warning lamps or messages before the update; the vehicle operated normally on XXX Owner resets, power-off, and 12V disconnect did not restore function. ASSESSMENT: The Autopilot computer failed during a manufacturer-pushed software update. Owner forums and automotive press reported numerous similar HW3 computer failures in summer 2026 following Tesla software releases. No crash, fire, or injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11768791
Incident
Sep 7, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalVisibility
Filed Oct 3, 2026
On October 1, 2026, immediately after my 2021 Tesla Model Y installed Tesla software update 2026.32.7, the driver-assist computer entered a continuous boot loop. All eight vehicle cameras went black (confirmed in the vehicle's Service Mode), the rear camera displays 'camera temporarily unavailable,' Autosteer will not engage, and the vehicle shows alert UI_a114 for degraded driving visualization. All camera-dependent driver-assist and safety features are inoperative. The vehicle had zero driver-assist or camera issues before the update. I performed a scroll-wheel reboot, a driver-assist system reset, and a full Service Mode software reinstall, none of which resolved the issue. Tesla's remote service diagnosed a 'hardware failure' of the Full Self-Driving computer and quoted $2,701.32 for replacement, without explaining how firmware corruption from their own update was ruled out. A manufacturer software update disabling all cameras and driver-assist safety systems is a safety defect.
NHTSA ID
11768773
Incident
Oct 1, 2026
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Oct 2, 2026
On XXX my 2021 Tesla Model Y, VIN [XXX], was taken to Tesla Service in West Covina, California, at 69,097 miles. While turning, a front suspension bolt fell out and the car knocked. Tesla estimate 3000-009-0039917905, service SV02F26AB8, dated XXX, quotes replacement of both front lower lateral links, part 2188341-00-D, and four nylon-patch lateral-link bolts, part 1109912-00-B, plus the front subframe, both front halfshafts, both lower compliance links, the front valance, and the front aero shield. The estimate is $8,237.58 with tax and is marked customer-pay. I have not signed it. This is the same joint as NHTSA recall 21V-835, Tesla SB-21-31-003: the front lower lateral-link fastener can loosen and let the link separate from the subframe. My VIN is not in that campaign. A Tesla manager said a recall letter was mailed to me in XXX, he said I did not bring the car in, and I am therefore liable. I have no such letter. No XXX NHTSA campaign covers this 2021 VIN for this bolt. I asked him to provide to proof of that letter. He said he doesn't have proof because he doesnt work in that department but he told me the date and that's his proof. The failed part is the recalled bolt. The estimate does not show that the subframe, both axles, both compliance links, and the fascia were damaged by it. I am reporting this for the open lower-lateral-link investigation, PE26006. The car had a sudden suspension separation while turning, which can cause a loss of control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11768639
Incident
Sep 29, 2026
Suspension
Filed Sep 30, 2026
The vehicle suffered severe, premature suspension control arm degradation resulting in loud creaking/squeaking, forcing an emergency out-of-pocket replacement costing over $1,000. This is a known systemic defect noted in Tesla TSB SB-20-31-006. This first occurred in February and then again in July this year.
NHTSA ID
11768194
Incident
Feb 24, 2026
Visibility
Filed Sep 29, 2026
In Sep 2026, the driver’s side door window malfunctioned while the car was stopped and the door was opened. The malfunction caused the window to roll all the way up while the door was open, where the window should have “indexed” and stayed rolled down about an inch. When the door was closed, the window, being all the way up, contacted the door frame, shattering the window and badly scratching the door frame. Key facts: A.The incident occurred while the car was stopped and stationary. B.No other vehicles or occupants were involved in the incident. C.The vehicle was “stock” with no aftermarket modifications to the affected components. D.The fault occurred and the window malfunctioned, with no warning lights or other indicators that something was not operating properly. E.At the time of this writing, the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and arrangements are being made to have the car repaired. F.The malfunction was successfully demonstrated to the manufacturer’s service representative – while the door was open, the car spontaneously rolled the window back up again. G.The root cause of the malfunction appears to be a sensor or related circuitry – when the malfunction occurred the car display erroneously indicated that the door had been closed. Safety concerns related to this incident are as follows: 1.The door cannot be opened safely, without the window being lowered slightly. 2.When the system malfunctioned and the window rolled back up, the window was shattered, posing a broken glass hazard to the driver and occupants. 3.The shattered glass obstructs the view of the driver’s side mirror, interfering with driver visibility and driving safety. 4.The car believing the driver’s side door was closed, when it was in fact open, poses a driving risk. Additional details and analysis are contained in the attached statement.
NHTSA ID
11767915
Incident
Sep 22, 2026
Electrical
Filed Sep 28, 2026
I would like to report a serious safety incident involving Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in a 2021 Tesla Model Y. Vehicle Safety Complaint – Tesla FSD Wrong-Way Entry / Near Head-On Collision Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model Y VIN: [XXX] Date: XXX Time: Approximately 7:30 PM Location: [XXX] I was leaving a public parking area near the Crystal Gateway Marriott in [XXX], traveling toward [XXX]. Navigation was set to avoid tolls, and Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was engaged. At the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX], the vehicle should have proceeded toward the appropriate XXX entrance/on-ramp. Instead, FSD directed and drove the vehicle onto the southbound XXX off-ramp in the wrong direction. The vehicle was therefore traveling against the legal direction of traffic on a one-way highway ramp, and I was suddenly facing oncoming traffic traveling toward me. This created an immediate risk of a head-on collision. I had to intervene to prevent a collision. This was not simply an incorrect navigation route or missed turn. The automated driving-assistance system entered a one-way highway ramp against oncoming traffic. I am attaching map and satellite images identifying the intersection and road configuration. I am reporting this incident because I believe this FSD behavior presents a serious vehicle safety risk and could potentially result in a severe or fatal collision. I am also reporting the incident directly to Tesla and requesting that Tesla preserve and investigate the associated FSD, telemetry, navigation, location, intervention, and available camera/safety-event data. Please let me know if you require additional information, including the vehicle VIN, Tesla software/FSD version, or additional details regarding the incident. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11767433
Incident
Sep 20, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 26, 2026
Shortly after I purchased and activated Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised), my vehicle's driver-assistance system stopped functioning. Autopilot and FSD became unavailable, the vehicle cameras stopped functioning properly, GPS/navigation positioning stopped functioning properly, and the vehicle could no longer communicate normally with the Driver Assistance System (DAS). Service Mode testing showed DAS Ethernet communication failure. I attempted multiple troubleshooting procedures, including vehicle reboots and resets. The low-voltage battery was also replaced, but the driver-assistance failure remained. I cancelled my FSD subscription on July 13, 2026 because the purchased feature was not functioning and sought assistance from Tesla. I subsequently had a Tesla Service appointment on July 16, 2026. Tesla advised that the Autopilot computer would need to be replaced and quoted approximately $3,000 for the repair/replacement. The failure occurred after the FSD purchase/activation and associated software changes. I am concerned that a Tesla software update or FSD-related software may have contributed to the HW3 Autopilot computer failure, but I do not know the definitive technical cause. This is a safety concern because multiple driver-assistance and camera-dependent functions became unavailable simultaneously. The vehicle is available for inspection. I am requesting that NHTSA review this failure and compare it with similar HW3/Autopilot computer failures reported by other Tesla owners.
NHTSA ID
11767070
Incident
Jul 13, 2026
AirbagsDriver assistanceFuel system
Filed Sep 24, 2026
Crash reported
On September 23, 2026, the vehicle was being driven at low speed when the driver experienced sudden and unexpected acceleration. The vehicle rapidly accelerated and a collision occurred. The driver reports that she did not intentionally accelerate the vehicle to this degree. Vehicle data and the Event Data Recorder (EDR) were subsequently obtained. The data records the vehicle accelerating from approximately 0 mph to approximately 35 mph in about four seconds, with the recorded accelerator-pedal-position signal reaching 100%. The EDR does not record brake application before the first crash trigger. Vehicle data records driver brake application shortly after the initial crash trigger, including ABS activity. The cause of the accelerator-pedal-position signal is UNKNOWN. It has not been determined whether the recorded signal resulted from driver pedal application, the accelerator pedal/sensor system, or another vehicle system. I am reporting this because of the sudden acceleration and severity of the resulting collision and would like the incident reviewed as a potential vehicle safety issue. The EDR also indicates that airbag and seat-belt pretensioner deployment was not commanded during either of the two recorded crash events. Given the severity of the collision, I am also reporting the lack of airbag deployment as a safety concern. I do not know whether the collision met the applicable deployment thresholds. The vehicle is available for inspection. The EDR report and complete raw vehicle-data CSV have been preserved. There were no known warning messages indicating an accelerator problem before the incident.
NHTSA ID
11766674
Incident
Sep 23, 2026
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