2021 Tesla Model Y Visibility Problems

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

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

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

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.

NHTSA ID

11736560

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

The rear camera has failed posing a safety issue when reversing the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11731681

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

I noticed the windshield washer nozzle on the passenger side isn't either working or not there. I reached out to Tesla, and also stopped by a Local Dealership and they told me that it would cost me out of pocket, since it's out of warranty. Secondly, the left side driver repeater camera has a Glare when turned at night time only. which is quite dangerous due to very less visibility due to the Glare of the Turn signal light that causes the repeater camera to function properly. this is a on going known problem. I have reached out to Tesla for this matter. and I was advised that it would not be covered since it's not under warranty. This issue should be a recall that Tesla should fix. this isn't an issue caused by normal wear and tear it's a manufacturer defect.

NHTSA ID

11709822

Incident

Aug 26, 2025

In May 2025, Tesla pushed an over-the-air (OTA) software update overnight while the vehicle was parked. When the vehicle was started the following morning, the update had failed mid-process and stalled at approximately 50%. Immediately upon startup, the backup camera and navigation/maps stopped functioning. The vehicle has been unable to complete subsequent software updates since. Tesla service later inspected the vehicle and indicated that the main computer/ECU was stuck in a loop and required replacement. The backup camera and navigation loss occurred immediately following the OTA update and persisted for several months despite multiple service attempts. Due to the vehicle’s rear design and limited rear window visibility, operating the vehicle in reverse without a functioning backup camera significantly impairs visibility. Even when using mirrors or physically turning to look backward, rearward visibility is restricted. As a result, the loss of backup camera functionality presents an ongoing, daily safety hazard during normal vehicle operation.

NHTSA ID

11705202

Incident

May 28, 2025

In 2024 Tesla sent an over-the-air software update to my 2021 Model Y that gave us a month of free "full self driving." We did not ask for this. At the end of the 30 days, our cameras and GPS system failed. The Service Center said they had never seen this before despite many reports online posted by other Teslas owners. Tesla service said it was not fixable and recommended replacing computer at a cost to me of $2500. Now Tesla has posted a safety recall for this exact problem. They admit it was their fault and the recall states Tesla will replace the computer at no cost to the customer. However, they are only willing to fix the 2023-2025 models (those years are still under warranty). I feel that Tesla should fix all the model years that were affected. Tesla has again declined to fix my car. This is the recall website: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11650338

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

The windshield will fog up often due to moisture, which is made worse by activating the mechanism the Tesla model Y has for defogging, and rolling the windows down does little. This put my safety at risk when my visibility was compromised by this while driving on the highway, when I had to navigate and pull into the breakdown lane using teslas cameras. There were no warning lights, and this vehicle part has not yet been inspected. Since this issue has happened on residential streets to me before, I was able to avoid a crash, but I had little to no visibility, and it’s only a matter of time until this does result in a crash.

NHTSA ID

11649840

Incident

Mar 21, 2025

The heat pump stopped working twice, which requires a trip to the service center and the repair to restore function is a minimum of $3,000. The vehical has no heat at all, no defrost, no cabin heat nothing! This defect happens in the coldest parts of winter and leaves the owner stranded wherever this occurs. The first time was at 52,000 miles. It wouldn't turn on. The heat pump seized. The second time was on a trip, it blow out all the freon and stopped working in Waterloo, Iowa. I was 4 hours from home and it was -4F outside. The car had 136,000 miles. Many others have had heat pumps go out in the same situation...dead of winter. The repair is $3,000 to get heat back into the car. The heat pumpscare clearly defective or not big enough and are destroying themselves every other winter in Minnesota. This is 1. Dangerous because you can't defrost your windshield. 2. You cold freeze to death in very cold conditions. 3. A very expensive repair pn a part that should last mire than a 1 or 2 years. Home heat pumpsvlast 10- 24 years!!

NHTSA ID

11644352

Incident

Feb 19, 2025

The rear view camera didn't work, neither did the windshield wiper. When turning left or right, the sensors did not display anything, the display no longer displayed any distances to other cars, proximity lines, nor speed limits. GPS also did not work. The problems were confirmed by the dealer (and fixed), but they charged us even though the incident involved a software update on their part that made most advanced safety features unavailable available. When we tried to reverse, we could not see anything. When we tried to make a left or right turn, there were no sensors available to sense blind spots. When we tried to understand the speed limit or change lanes, the information was not available. Wipers were patchy in use Auto pilot also did not work. Warnings kept beeping while driving, but we could not turn it off, serving as a distraction to driver, but Tesla was unable to address the repair due to their mass recall of other cars (with similar issues).

NHTSA ID

11636003

Incident

Dec 26, 2024

The automated wipers will stop working when it is raining making it very difficult to see the road and traffic, and they will start working when the windshield is dry. The speed that the wipers work at is also inconsistent - speeding up and slowing down even though the rate of precipitation has not changed. This happens randomly, and after learning that other Tesla Y owners have also had this happen to them, I suspect that this is a common issue in the Tesla Y’s wiper system / software. This has been ongoing since we bought our car in Nov 2021.

NHTSA ID

11592029

Incident

Jun 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 20–45 MPH on a six-lane highway, the contact attempted a hard acceleration, and there was an abnormal banging sound heard. The battery was disconnected. The pyrotechnic fuse went into failure mode. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle slowed down, pulsated, and then shut down. The hazard lights, steering, and brake system became inoperable. The brake pedal was depressed to stop the vehicle from rolling. Additionally, while closing the driver's side door, the glass window fractured. The local dealer was contacted and retrieved a system failure with the 12-volt battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 58,044.

NHTSA ID

11589951

Incident

May 19, 2024

Mileage

58,044 mi

I often experience significant lag for rearview camera and the turn signal indicator lights. Sometimes it takes up to 10 seconds for the rearview camera view to come up. It's dangerous because it's hard to tell if the car is in reverse or not. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts to change gear. I have similar experience with the turn signal indicators. It takes multiple attempts for the signals to come up, or there is often significant delay on when I turn on the signal and when the lights actually come on.

NHTSA ID

11573549

Incident

Feb 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that all the windows in the vehicle had become distorted, cloudy, bubbly, and delaminated, creating a visibility hazard while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA ID

11570847

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Mileage

18,000 mi

As the window starts to fog up, I turn on the defrost. The defrost does not come on for 2 to 3 minutes. However, there is some air that comes out that causes the window to fog up more. It reduces the visibility and I have to pull over because I can’t see. This happens every time I turn on the defroster. There is some delay of 2 to 3 minutes before the hot air actually blows out. I went to Tesla to see if this is a recall and they said my car did not qualify but it seems there are other test ones that have the same problem. It is dangerous when I am driving and the car windows if I turn the defroster on, it’ll cause me to lose complete visibility within seconds, and then it takes 2 to 3 minutes for the hot air to kick out.

NHTSA ID

11570084

Incident

Feb 5, 2024

Windshield developed a huge crack due to using max defrost in 15 degrees Fahrenheit weather. There was no crack whatsoever the night before and in the morning after setting the max defrost setting on, I noticed a huge crack across my windshield! I took it to their shop in Lyndhurst, OH and they told me that there was signs of previous damage, and the action of using max defrost in this weather caused it to crack the way it did. So they tried charging me $1500! I looked with them and it was barely a nick! like it almost looked like the initial point of damage as nothing but a smudge on the glass that you couldn't wipe off... The fact that my glass is so sensitive that the heat from operating the system normally would cause it to crack in such a way baffles me... Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID

11565832

Incident

Jan 16, 2024

The automatic windshield wiper function never works properly. It does not engage even when the windshield is soaked, and often engages when windshield is dry. This reduces visibility so much, that it is sometimes extremely dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11560759

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

When driving at highway speeds (55 MPH and above), the driver's side rearview mirror vibrates, making it difficult to see and identify back automobiles. This is a safety hazard when exiting the highway or merging the lines when the outside weather is raining/dark/snowing.

NHTSA ID

11531170

Incident

May 10, 2023

There are two concerns-first the phantom breaking using cruise control and the other is poor functionality of using the windshield wipers. I have experienced the phantom braking since shortly after ownership to as recent as 2 weeks ago. This has caused me to no longer use the cruise control. It is very difficult to engaged the windshield wipers. During nighttime driving and sudden heavy rain I could not locate how to turn the wipers on so I used the voice command button to do so. Thus had verying results it may not work at all, maybtake obe swipe or make continue to have wipers work until returning home. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID

11519269

Incident

Apr 7, 2023

The windshield wipers are difficult to engage. Doing so while driving requires me to take my eyes off the road

NHTSA ID

11519253

Incident

Mar 16, 2023

The vehicle heating/defrost system is not functioning in cold weather. It only functions in my heated garage. In cold weather it cannot defrost causing visibility issues, driver distraction (trying to get the heat/defrost to work while driving) and a reduction in blood flow to the extremities. The heating system blows freezing cold air into the cabin when on. I have written a lemon law letter to Tesla, demanding the vehicle be replaced under Alaska law, and they have not done so after 80+ days. The vehicle’s supermanifold was damaged the day we took delivery. Tesla has not honored Alaska law and I’ll be filing paperwork with the state’s attorney general’s office. Tesla should not be allowed to operate in the State of Alaska due to committing an unfair trade act in the State of Alaska and endangering the lives of their customers.

NHTSA ID

11509105

Incident

Feb 25, 2023

Regarding a Tesla Y, 2021with 10,000 miles; Durging a recent cold spell, winter driving conditions, the A/C Compressor/Heat Pump failed causing the windshield defrost to cease functioning, causing the visiblity to become poor to none at all, requiring that the vehicle not be driven on the roads until the weather cleared and even then, the driver or pasenger (if avalailbe) has to wipe down the wet windshield from inside to acceptable visibility standards. We did not get in an accident as we quickly abandoned the Tesla Model Y and obtained a ride from another vehicle that had a working windshield defroster. We understand that this has been a problem in Canada and is the subject of a Canadian recall. We contacted Tesla, sent them the computer code "VC front-a447 Cabin Climate Control Issues-requires service" and were advised that they were familiar with this problem and scheduled a repair which included the removal and replacement of the A/C Compressor/Heat Pump and the 'Supermanifold' at a cost of $1,993.55. We were advised that no 'Recall' was associated with this pariticular VIN and nor was there any warranty but this would be a 'customer pay' repair. After exhausting all efforts at writing and calling in an attempt to have a clear defect leading to a safety violation addressed voluntarily by the manufacturer we feel we are left with no alternative but to ask the Goverment to look into this issue for the safety of others who may drive a Tesla with a heat pump in cold weather and very dependant on the proper operation of a windshield defroster (which the heat pump does) for safe visiblity, crucial to proper operations of a motor vehicle, on the public highways. Thanks in advance for looking into this.

NHTSA ID

11499223

Incident

Dec 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2021Tesla Model Y. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V702000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was stated that the driver’s side window would independently roll down while turning the steering wheel. A technician from Tesla reset the computer however, the contact was unsure if the repair addressed the failure stated in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11499156

Incident

Sep 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the display screen would intermittently fail to operate as needed, without warning. The contact also stated that the power windows failed to operate as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to the Service Center on multiple occasions for various updates; however, the power window failure persisted after each update. The contact recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V702000 (Visibility). The contact stated that the back-up camera was displaying a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,400.

NHTSA ID

11495438

Incident

Mar 16, 2022

Mileage

9,400 mi