2021 Tesla Model Y Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Tesla Model Y, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance65146.5%
- Brakes18112.9%
- Electrical14710.5%
- Steering936.6%
- Suspension755.4%
- Visibility503.6%
- Interior & seats352.5%
- Body & structure322.3%
- Powertrain (other)292.1%
- Seat belts282.0%
- Airbags231.6%
- Other / unspecified171.2%
- Engine141.0%
- Fuel system110.8%
- Exterior lighting90.6%
- Tires & wheels50.4%
- Transmission10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Phantom brake incident today,5/26/26. Traveling 35mph, brakes slammed on for no apparent reason. Seatbelt tightened and my head launched forward. Neck is very strained.
I was entering the on-ramp to [XXX] , from [XXX] , to merge onto the freeway east bound towards [XXX] , when my Tesla suddenly lost all power, the brakes did not work and the power steering completely failed making it feel like it was locked up. I was traveling approximately 40-50 mph at the time nearing the gore point to merge onto the freeway. Fortunately I was in the inside lane and I rolled to a stop away from other vehicles. I could not steer at all. Had I been completely on the freeway, I could have been rear ended badly. I had my two young boys in the vehicle with me, both [XXX] and [XXX] . We were completely trapped in the vehicle with no power. My [XXX] old remembered to use the manual latch to get out. I opened my door manually and It broke my driver side glass window. Vehicles were passing us rapidly to enter the freeway. I called my husband who is a police officer and he came and picked us up. We called Tesla who said they could not get a read on our battery whatsoever. We called a tow company and had this vehicle towed to Tesla repair center in [XXX] , after reporting our traumatic event. They claim our warranty is expired, but our vehicle only has 37,638 miles and should be covered under the 8 year, 120,000 mile warranty that covers a major malfunction like this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
On or about XXX my Tesla Model Y downloaded FSD version 14 Lite. One day after downloading the software, I used FSD and the new software caused the computer to overheat. This killed the car computer and made FSD, adaptive, cruise control, lane keep assist, reverse camera, and many other functions, including GPS and navigation inoperable. My car’s warranty expired in January of this year and Tesla will not cover the replacement car computer. There are hundreds of other complaints of this issue reported online on [XXX], Reddit, Facebook, etc. In the 2nd quarter Tesla Earnings Call, [XXX] declared that hardware 3 equipped Tesla vehicles would not be able to support autonomous driving with full self driving. He stated every hardware 3 vehicle will need to be updated with a hardware 4 computer and cameras. Since my hardware 3 computer failed, I requested the hardware 4 computer and cameras to be installed, but Tesla denied this service even though [XXX] said it was a requirement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle falls within the 2021–2023 Model Y population identified in NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26-006. The vehicle is a 2021 Model Y and current mileage is 73,350 miles. I am experiencing progressively worsening front suspension squeaking/creaking when turning the steering wheel in either direction, which can now be heard both inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle also feels noticeably bouncier than normal. I first noticed a faint creaking sound in July and it has gotten worse over time. So I have concerns regarding the lower lateral-link/control-arm suspension failure. Additionally, I have experienced unusual wear on my tires and alignment issues in the last couple of years. There was also a previous recall from 2021 , 21V-835 / SB-21-31-003, that involved certain 2020–2021 Model Ys where the front lower lateral-link fasteners could loosen and allow the lateral link to separate from the subframe. NHTSA specifically described the potential consequence as changed wheel alignment, instability, and increased crash risk. I have reached out to Tesla about my concerns and they stated there were no open recalls and quoted me for repairs. I have screenshots of the Tesla correspondence if needed. I have an upcoming appointment with Tesla on 9/24/26 for diagnostic testing.
My 2021 Tesla Model Y developed a steering system/EPAS fault identified in Tesla Service Mode as EPAS3P_a072_motFeedFwdError, along with UI_a020 Steering Assist Reduced. Tesla diagnosed the vehicle as requiring replacement of the steering rack/EPAS assembly. Tesla informed me in writing that the vehicle may experience intermittent or complete loss of electronic steering assistance, that the vehicle is not operating within manufacturer safety specifications, and that Tesla advises against operating the vehicle until the steering rack is replaced. Tesla also confirmed that there is currently no applicable recall or service campaign for my VIN. I am reporting this because failure or loss of electronic power steering assistance presents a significant safety concern, particularly if steering assistance is lost unexpectedly while the vehicle is being operated. Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model Y VIN: 5YJYGDEE6MF207395 Mileage: approximately 129,281 Tesla diagnostic fault: EPAS3P_a072_motFeedFwdError Related alert: UI_a020 Steering Assist Reduced I request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether similar steering/EPAS failures are occurring in other Model Y vehicles and whether this represents a broader safety defect.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle falls within the 2021–2023 Model Y population identified in NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26-006. The vehicle is a 2021 Model Y and current mileage is 73,350 miles. I am experiencing progressively worsening front suspension squeaking/creaking when turning the steering wheel in either direction, which can now be heard both inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle also feels noticeably bouncier than normal. I first noticed a faint creaking sound in July and it has gotten worse over time. So I have concerns regarding the lower lateral-link/control-arm suspension failure. Additionally, I have experienced unusual wear on my tires and alignment issues in the last couple of years. There was also a previous recall from 2021 , 21V-835 / SB-21-31-003, that involved certain 2020–2021 Model Ys where the front lower lateral-link fasteners could loosen and allow the lateral link to separate from the subframe. NHTSA specifically described the potential consequence as changed wheel alignment, instability, and increased crash risk. I have reached out to Tesla about my concerns and they stated there were no open recalls and quoted me for repairs. I have screenshots of the Tesla correspondence if needed. I have an upcoming appointment with Tesla on 9/24/26 for diagnostic testing.
I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for a front suspension noise. During the alignment portion of that repair, the technician found a crack in the left side of the rear subframe casting, the structural member that locates the rear suspension links and supports the rear drive unit. The subframe required full replacement. There was no impact event. The vehicle has never struck a curb, pothole, or object, and Tesla's own written finding confirmed there was no evidence of any side impact. Tesla attributed the crack to stress transmitted from failed front lower control arm bushings, which were replaced at the same visit. The front lower lateral links and their subframe fasteners were also replaced during this repair. The Tesla technician stated he had not seen this subframe crack so severely at this mileage, and that he normally sees this failure only on vehicles over 100,000 miles, or vehicles that have hit severe potholes or fallen off steep curbs, none of which applies here. A rear subframe cracking under normal driving loads at 68,000 miles is a structural failure with safety implications. The subframe controls rear wheel alignment and retains the drive unit. Progressive or sudden failure could cause loss of alignment, instability, or loss of vehicle control. I am reporting this so NHTSA can determine whether premature rear subframe cracking, potentially linked to front suspension link failure, represents a defect trend on these vehicles.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2021 Tesla Model Y HW3 experienced complete failure of all cameras, GPS, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control following the installation of software update 2026.8.6.1 — the OTA remedy update issued by Tesla for NHTSA Recall 26V283000. The vehicle was fully functional prior to this update. The failure was confirmed and reproduced by Tesla's authorized service center. The service advisor confirmed in writing: "During the update, the computer failed to reboot properly. We attempted to perform a 12V reset but unfortunately it is still stuck in the boot loop state." The Autopilot ECU (Primary/Turbo A) is stuck in a permanent boot loop and cannot be recovered by software means. Safety impact: All cameras including rearview camera are completely non-functional. Automatic Emergency Braking and all ADAS features are disabled. The vehicle cannot safely detect obstacles or pedestrians. GPS navigation is frozen. Tesla has confirmed the computer requires replacement but is classifying it as a customer-pay repair citing expired warranty, despite the failure occurring during Tesla's own recall remedy software deployment. This vehicle meets every technical criterion of Recall 26V283000 — HW3 hardware, 2021 Model Y, software version 2026.8.6.1, complete camera failure — but does not appear in the recall VIN database. I am requesting NHTSA review whether this VIN should be included in recall 26V283000 or a related investigation.
The rear camera has failed posing a safety issue when reversing the vehicle.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
This is for a recurring front passenger safety restraint system defect on a 2021 Tesla Model Y, VIN [XXX]. The defect has now resulted in at least six service visits or invoices involving the same front passenger restraint / occupancy system concern, and Tesla has now charged $1,582.18 for another repair involving the front passenger seat cushion trim and seat back trim even though prior repairs did not permanently correct the condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Hello, We have 46224 miles on the car currently. A couple of weeks back the whole battery died. Tesla replaced the battery and we picked up the car this past Friday, the XXX. After picking up the car the driver's seat does not slide. I looked it up online on the Tesla website as well as on the app and at both the places it was strongly recommended to bring the car back to Tesla as the problem was very very likely secondary to the battery replacement. the seat does not move at all. When I spoke to customer service at out local Tesla dealership in [XXX], the earliest date they could provide us was in the first week of August! This is an urgent issue. We happen to be away on vacation that week. So we were told to review the cost estimate and then find a date on the app to bring the car in. When I questioned the estimate price, I was told that this was the worst case scenario. But the invoice clearly states Calibration, and 3 prices for a switch package all amounting to $364.45 with tax!!! Again I questioned this huge charge, considering the battery replacement and I was told almost rudely, "That does not seem to be the issue." Just not right!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for a front suspension noise. During the alignment portion of that repair, the technician found a crack in the left side of the rear subframe casting, the structural member that locates the rear suspension links and supports the rear drive unit. The subframe required full replacement. There was no impact event. The vehicle has never struck a curb, pothole, or object, and Tesla's own written finding confirmed there was no evidence of any side impact. Tesla attributed the crack to stress transmitted from failed front lower control arm bushings, which were replaced at the same visit. The front lower lateral links and their subframe fasteners were also replaced during this repair. The Tesla technician stated he had not seen this subframe crack so severely at this mileage, and that he normally sees this failure only on vehicles over 100,000 miles, or vehicles that have hit severe potholes or fallen off steep curbs, none of which applies here. A rear subframe cracking under normal driving loads at 68,000 miles is a structural failure with safety implications. The subframe controls rear wheel alignment and retains the drive unit. Progressive or sudden failure could cause loss of alignment, instability, or loss of vehicle control. I am reporting this so NHTSA can determine whether premature rear subframe cracking, potentially linked to front suspension link failure, represents a defect trend on these vehicles.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the suspension on the undercarriage of the vehicle was separating from the vehicle. The contact stated that a year prior to the failure, the half shaft used to attach the wheel to the vehicle subframe was fractured and was falling off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the battery was very heavy and was possibly the cause of the failure. The vehicle was being repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,811.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The high-voltage battery failed unexpectedly shortly after the warranty expired (with only 9,000 miles past warranty). Tesla Service confirmed a main high-voltage battery defect and quoted a full battery replacement. A sudden high-voltage battery failure causes a complete loss of propulsion/power, creating a severe collision and safety hazard on public roads. There were no prior warnings until the system suddenly failed and rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle is currently available for inspection. This appears to be a premature latent defect in 2021 model high-voltage battery packs.
The vehicle’s secondary Autopilot Processor / car computer is internally faulted and stuck in a continuous wake/shutdown loop. This causes severe standby battery drain (~20 miles of range lost per day while parked) and completely prevents all over-the-air software updates - including federally mandated safety recall remedies. On April 4, 2024, Tesla Service diagnosed the fault and linked it to the drain and inability to update. On the same visit, Tesla added two safety recalls (23V-838 Autosteer controls and 24V-051 Brake/Park/ABS indicators) to the work order. They then demanded ~$3,000 customer payment for computer replacement before the recalls could be performed. After I declined the paid repair, Tesla marked both recalls as “completed” via software update despite the same invoice stating the vehicle could not receive updates and remained on software version 2023.38.9 (which predates both remedy firmwares they claimed was installed). Tesla is effectively paywalling federally required safety recall remedies by requiring the customer to first pay for computer replacement first. Two additional recalls remain open (21V-389 seat belt fasteners and 24V-554 hood latch). The problem has been confirmed and documented multiple times by Tesla Service.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Recurring front passenger safety restraint system fault causing incorrect occupant detection for airbag deployment. Failed and was ‘repaired’ 3 times since 2024, including 2 consecutive failed repairs of the same part within the last 3 months. Tesla service advisor also mentioned informally this is a common issue. Tesla is now refusing further no-cost repair despite both recent repairs remaining under Tesla’s own parts warranty.
We were trying to drive home and the middle seat belt, where my youngest child was sitting, would not latch. it would 'click' in, but if you pulled on it, it would pop out. This was terrifying because we had to drive home on a 2-lane highway with oncoming traffic. I checked online and found that many others have reported this issue because the seat belt latch sits rigidly upright in a divot in the seat, which acts as a funnel to direct any crumbs or dropped items to go into the seat belt latch, which then apparently causes the issue. This is a death trap design for children, because of course children drop things and make messes all the time, and applies to all three of the seat belt latches in the back. What is even worse about this issue is that as a parent I listen for the Click to know they have buckled, and I also check the seat belt indicator on the dash screen. Even when this model Y seatbelt latch isn't going to hold the seatbelt in place, it makes the Click sound and also shows as latched on the dash screen, giving parents a false sense of security. It looks like no children have been injured or killed yet because of this design flaw, but please do not wait for that to happen. Please make them fix this issue immediately before tragedy strikes a family. Please watch the video I linked to in the PDF to see how the seatbelt clicks into place, but then can be pulled free by a firm tug on the seatbelt.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Description of Safety Incident:The front passenger safety restraint system failed, displaying the warning alert: "Seats - Front passenger safety restraint system fault / Service is required." This alert disables or suppresses the front passenger airbag and seatbelt restraint system, creating a direct safety hazard for front-seat occupants.Service History & Recurring Defect:On February 26, 2025 (at 50,596 miles), Tesla Service Center diagnosed an open circuit in the front passenger seat harness/back frame. Under Service Bulletin / SRS Warranty, Tesla replaced the front seat back, seat harness assembly (PN: 1489060-03-G), occupancy sensor (PN: 1099592-00-F), and SBR sensor clip (PN: 1130363-00-B). On August 1, 2026 (at 63,583 miles)—less than 13,000 miles after the initial replacement—the exact same safety restraint system fault recurred.Safety Concern:The front passenger seat harness and Occupant Classification System (OCS) appear to suffer from design strain, pinching, or premature wiring degradation during normal seat movement. Because this defect disables critical safety restraint components and recurs shortly after replacement, I am submitting this report to request a federal safety review and investigation regarding Tesla Model Y front passenger seat wiring harness integrity.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle can become difficult to steer in certain situations
Tesla model y is experiencing a front passenger airbag sensor failure (OCS) covered by factory bulletin SB-23-20-002 alongside TMPS and EAEB alerts. Tesla corporate resolutions is refusing to fix these safety system failures with out charging $1400 out-of-pocket, citing warranty expired.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I parked my Tesla vehicle in a friend’s driveway. When I returned and opened the driver’s door, I entered the vehicle and attempted to put it into Drive. At that point, the vehicle display went completely blank and the vehicle became inoperable. I then attempted to open the door from inside the vehicle, but the door would not open and I was unable to exit the car. I was effectively locked inside the vehicle. I contacted Tesla customer support and remained on the call for approximately 1.5 hours before receiving assistance. Tesla customer support confirmed that the issue was caused by failure of the 12-volt battery. At the time of the incident, the outside temperature was below 0 degrees centigrade. The incident occurred in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There was no prior warning or notification from the vehicle or the Tesla mobile app indicating that the 12-volt battery was at risk of failure. The failure resulted in loss of vehicle function and inability to exit the vehicle, creating a serious safety concern.
I am filing this complaint regarding a high-voltage battery defect in my 2021 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle has been diagnosed by Tesla Service, and both the technician and service advisor confirmed that the high-voltage battery has an internal short. This is a critical failure involving the primary energy/storage system of the vehicle. Despite acknowledging the internal failure, Tesla is denying warranty coverage for the battery replacement. They have stated that failure is internal, and is not caused by anything external The failure was not caused by an accident, environmental exposure, or improper use. This appears to be a component-level defect within the 2021 Tesla Model Y battery packs Considering Tesla has issued prior service bulletins for Model Y high-voltage battery quality issues in adjacent model years, this may indicate a broader pattern of battery defects. They are trying to charge people over $12,000 for battery replacements that should be covered by tesla due to poor workmanship and materials used. Many have had to have multiple battery packs replaced.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The high-voltage battery failed unexpectedly shortly after the warranty expired (with only 9,000 miles past warranty). Tesla Service confirmed a main high-voltage battery defect and quoted a full battery replacement. A sudden high-voltage battery failure causes a complete loss of propulsion/power, creating a severe collision and safety hazard on public roads. There were no prior warnings until the system suddenly failed and rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle is currently available for inspection. This appears to be a premature latent defect in 2021 model high-voltage battery packs.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Low beams are too bright and aimed too high, constantly blinding other drivers. Automatic high beams are always turning on and will not automatically turn off when another vehicle is detected.
We Americans need you to stop auto manufacturers from using blinding headlights on their cars. This will cause accidents and you will be liable for allowing this to begin with.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
A little background information, on Dec 2023 I installed 4 new Hankook Ion Evo AS (255/45R19) for my Tesla model Y at the Correa Tire shop in Dorado Puerto Rico and the manufacture date on those tires was 4422 and at the time the car had close to 30k miles. On April 2025 one of the tires broke and I replaced it at the same place with the same tire model. Less than a month after the new tire was installed, while riding on the highway at close to 65mph the recently replaced tire completely broke off leaving only the sides and the rest of the tire flew off the car (see pictures attached). This happened suddenly with no previous indication or car notification of any issue with the tire. Fortunately, I was able to stop the car without losing control and apparently the tire did not hit other oncoming cars. This was a very scary situation, which could have resulted on a serous and even fatal accident. When I checked the new tire, or what remained of it, I noticed it had the same manufacturing date (4422) as the tires I had replaced in 2023. The next day I went to the tire shop and explained the incident and they informed I had to buy a new tire while they investigated the situation and if there was any issue with the tire. At that time I also opened a complaint with Hankook US. After waiting various weeks for a response, and expecting reimbursement for the damage tire, I have not received any information from the tire shop and Hankook said they did not receive a claim from the tire shop.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the TPMS warning light illuminated, with the “TPMS Fault” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with TMPS failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with an undisclosed recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated on two separate occasions while idled in a parked position and the brake pedal depressed, he shifted into reverse position and the vehicle inadvertently lunged forward approximately 5ft without acceleration. The vehicle then performed as normal. The contact then stated that on a separate occasion while idled in a parked position and the brake pedal depressed, he shifted into drive without the accelerator pedal depressed and the vehicle lunged forward 15 ft without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a restaurant window. No warning lights was illuminated. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was currently being towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .