RoadVitals

2023 Tesla Model Y Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints 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.
30
Latest Aug 8, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
3%
of 1,125 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
11
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
5

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2023 Tesla Model Y submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 30 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming body or structure

The 25 most recent of 30, in the owner's own words

Body & structureDriver assistance
Filed Aug 8, 2026
Crash reported

The FSD failed when it back into garage; the back of passenger side of the car hit the wall of garage. There is no warning before. Beacuse the distance for parking into the garage is small, there is no time to take over the FSD to avoid it happen. It happen around 23:35 on August 07, 2026. We reported as a safety incident to Tesla an hour ago. We updated the the software on August 02, 2026. The car had been succesful back into the garage more than ten times before.

NHTSA ID
11755589
Incident
Aug 7, 2026
Body & structureDriver assistance
Filed Jul 15, 2026
Crash reported

On XXX I retrieved my 2023 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) from Tesla Motors NV, Inc. ([XXX]) after their third attempt to correct a severe panel and component misalignment following a collision repair (Invoice #XXX). The facility replaced major front-end structural components, including the Front Bumper Beam (1687601-00-E), Front Subframe Crush Can (1109193-00-C), and Cast Front Underbody Left Hand Crush Can (1608453-00-D).Tesla's official guidelines require a mandatory 3D structural measurement test whenever these specific cast aluminum underbody and subframe parts are replaced. The repair facility verbally claimed the damage was minor/cosmetic and that only a manual tram measurement was performed. However, a manual tram gauge cannot detect 3D frame twists or height deviations in cast aluminum components, making it wholly insufficient.As a direct result of this unverified structural alignment, the vehicle's front end remains warped. After the first repair, the headlamp shifted and protruded on the right side. After subsequent attempts to fix it, the left headlamp is again protruding outward. Because the structural frame is misaligned, the forward-facing cameras are out of calibration. Under Autopilot, the vehicle exhibits dangerous behavior, including misidentifying a standard bike lane as an extended vehicle lane. Furthermore, the repair facility has since removed or hidden the conversation logs regarding these complaints, and I can no longer find the messages in the Tesla app. Operating a vehicle with unverified structural alignment and compromised driver-assist vision systems poses an immediate, severe safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11750709
Incident
May 18, 2026
Body & structureOther / unspecified
Filed Jul 11, 2026

I purchased a used 2023 Tesla Model Y from Tesla in Austin, Texas. Upon and after delivery I discovered the following safety defects that were not disclosed to me prior to purchase: the front left door is completely off its hinges and scratching, the rear right door does not shut properly, the passenger side window is not seating correctly in its track, the front left tire is damaged, and both wheel rims have visible chipping and damage. Tesla's own delivery managers documented all of this in their system at the time of delivery. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. I have escalated to Tesla executive leadership and filed complaints with the BBB and Texas Attorney General.

NHTSA ID
11749760
Incident
Jul 6, 2026
Body & structureDriver assistance
Filed May 30, 2026
Crash reported

1. Failed Component/System: The failed system is the Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD - Supervised) software and its underlying vehicle control logic, specifically resulting in an uncommanded torque request (Sudden Unintended Acceleration). 2. Safety Risk: The vehicle engaged in Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) in reverse from a complete stop, without any driver pedal input. In a parking environment, this uncommanded acceleration poses an extreme and immediate threat to life safety. Had a pedestrian, child, or another moving vehicle been behind my car instead of a metal pillar, this software malfunction would have resulted in severe injury or a fatal collision. 3. Inspection Status: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I am intentionally securing the vehicle to preserve the crucial diagnostic logs and EDR data from being erased or reset during standard repair procedures, pending official data extraction. 4. Warnings/Symptoms: There were absolutely no warning lamps, error messages, or visual/audible symptoms prior to the failure. Furthermore, during the uncommanded acceleration, the system did not issue an FSD disengagement warning or chime. The dashcam footage confirms that the FSD visualization remained active and blue on the screen throughout the entire unintended acceleration event up until the impact.

NHTSA ID
11741056
Incident
May 30, 2026
AirbagsBody & structureExterior lighting
Filed Feb 8, 2026

PLAINTIFF: [XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] ] Email: [XXX] ] VS. DEFENDANT(S): 1. [XXX] 2. King Bodyshop [XXX] 
Phone: [If known] STATEMENT OF CLAIM (File in Duplicate Plus One For Each Defendant) The Plaintiff sues the Defendant(s) for money owed Plaintiff by Defendant(s); and which is past due and unpaid; for: ☐ Work done and materials furnished by Defendant to Plaintiff (or check “Other” below). ☐ Other (Explain): Breach of contract for incomplete auto body repairs. Additional facts: Plaintiff. On or about December 12, 2024 you dropped off the vehicle, Year 2023 Model Y performance VIN [XXX] to Defendant King Bodyshop (operated/owned by [XXX] ) for body repairs pursuant to an agreement/estimate. Plaintiff paid $24.500 amount paid] for the repairs. Defendant agreed to complete the repairs properly but not only failed to do so, but charged over $9000 to fix the problem and damages, still leaving the vehicle with unresolved safety restraint system issues, including active alerts: • RCM2_a203: Safety restraint system issue – Service is required • RCM2_a095: Front left safety restraint system issue – Service is required Despite repeated requests over several months (October 2025] to present), Defendant has not completed the repairs, fixed the faults, or refunded the payment. This constitutes a breach of contract and/or negligent/incomplete workmanship under Florida law (including the Motor Vehicle Repair Act). As a result, Plaintiff has incurred damages including: • Eon paid $24500 amount and [XXX] paid additional $9000 to shop] (refund demanded) • $Tesla estimate to fix the current problems is another 2900 cost from other shop quotes to complete/fix] (additional repair costs) • $[any rental INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11716550
Incident
Feb 12, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Jan 13, 2026
1 injury reported1 death reported

The contact's dad owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated the owner opened the liftgate, attempting to unload the vehicle after a trip, when the liftgate inadvertently fell on the head near the left ear area, fracturing his skull on the left side, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the asphalt. As a result, the contacts dads brain bled within both fractures. The contact's dad was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was the only occupant of the vehicle at the time of the failure. The vehicle was inspected by Tesla, and advised that a power lift strut replacement part was needed; however, the contact wanted NHTSA to inspect the original part before the replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed. The vehicle remained at his dad's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was a faulty power lift strut and that the taigate had 1 powered strut, causing the liftgate to close inadvertently. The approximate failure mileage was 17,273.

NHTSA ID
11710691
Incident
Jan 10, 2026
Mileage
17,273 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 7, 2025
1 injury reported

REAR LIFT GATE: When the rear lift gate opens fully, it immediately and unexpectedly closes within a few seconds with force. This could strike someone standing behind the vehicle. The issue occurs every time the liftgate is opened, even on level ground. I used the pinch button to open the lift gate, and while it was opening I started to put something in the back up near the back seats. As soon as the lift gate fully opened it quickly closed down on me (seemed faster than normal) and I was stuck. The lift gate safety mechanism did not work in that it did not sense that it had closed on something and it continuedd to put pressure on me as it tried to fully close. I was able to rearrange myself and lift it off of me, but the whole time it was still trying to close and when I let it go it immedately finished shutting.

NHTSA ID
11698186
Incident
Nov 6, 2025
Body & structure
Filed Oct 21, 2025

My Tesla has a water leak through the liftgate, which is often caused by water ingress through the liftgate assembly. Tesla issued Service Bulletin SB-23-10-003 regarding this issue. When I contacted Tesla for service, they said my vehicle's VIN is not covered under this service bulletin, and I need to pay a service fee. The service bulletin mentions that vehicles built in Fremont, CA, are affected. Additionally, the rear light is constantly clogged with water, even in 80-degree weather. Furthermore, there is an air leak on the driver’s side door whenever the vehicle is moving in the next lane. Tesla says this is not covered under warranty. I paid a service fee for the repair, but it is still leaking. I requested them to take another look, and they are sending me a bill again. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11694763
Incident
Mar 1, 2025
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Oct 10, 2025

Both B-pillar camera housings on my 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance become extremely hot even when the vehicle is parked in a closed garage and not in use. On the morning of the incident, the garage temperature was approximately 78°F. The car had been parked overnight for over 12 hours, plugged in, and charging to 80%. While the vehicle was preconditioning, no defrost features were active. Despite this, both pillar surfaces measured 156°F with an infrared thermometer—hot enough to cause skin burns within seconds according to standard burn-threshold data for human skin (~155°F). Both sides heating to this temperature simultaneously suggests an electrical or control malfunction keeping the pillar camera assemblies energized. These components sit near the seatbelt anchor and side-curtain airbag area, raising concern of fire, electrical, or occupant-safety risk if the condition persists. Continuous heating while parked could also degrade wiring insulation or camera electronics used by the vehicle’s driver-assistance systems. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. The issue has not yet been inspected or confirmed by Tesla, but a service appointment request was submitted immediately after the event. Tesla repeatedly rescheduled the appointment, delaying it by more than six weeks despite the described safety concern. No diagnostic alerts, warning messages, or notifications appeared in the vehicle or Tesla app. This abnormal heating has occurred more than once under similar conditions and does not appear to be caused by ambient temperature or sunlight exposure.

NHTSA ID
11692603
Incident
Sep 29, 2025
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Sep 16, 2025

Summary of Complaint: My 2023 Tesla Model Y has had two roof glass failures in three months (two glass roof replacements). Both times, the glass cracked from small road debris while driving under normal city conditions. Safety Concern The roof glass appears unusually fragile and prone to cracking, raising concerns about whether it meets industry standards for impact resistance and occupant safety. The rapid failure rate (two roof glass panels in three months) suggests a potential design or materials defect rather than isolated incidents of road damage. If roof glass panels cannot withstand normal road debris, this presents a safety risk for drivers and passengers, as well as for other motorists if large shards detach while driving. The roof glass seems unusually fragile. Two failures in such a short time suggest a design or material defect. If the glass cannot withstand normal road debris, it may not meet durability or safety standards. There is also risk to occupants and other drivers if roof glass fails while in motion. Request: Please investigate whether the 2023 Tesla Model Y roof glass meets required safety standards, and whether this issue is affecting other owners.

NHTSA ID
11687537
Incident
Aug 23, 2025
Body & structure
Filed Feb 18, 2025

My Tesla model Y rear passenger window on the right side exploded, and glasses were shattered on February 14, 2025. I was driving on [XXX] and near the exit of [XXX] at approximately 11:40AM.,I was driving at approximately 65 mph. I heard an explosion sound at the back. The noise was very loud and sudden, and I was startled and distressed by the sound, and my eardrum was in pain due by the loud sound and the rush of the wind to inside my vehicle. I took my car to a Tesla svc center at Santa Clara . Tesla service center made me paid for the repair for $339.06. I am very concerned about the safety issue, fortunately there was no passenger at the back, otherwise the passenger could be severely injured. The weather was cloudy and the traffic was light. I found an article on the Internet - There were another similar incident about the rear right window explosion. There were no vehicles adjacent to my car while I was driving. I would like to express my concern regarding the potential safety implication of this incident. I urge your organization, investigate whether this issue is isolated or a part of broad pattern that may affect other vehicles. This left me a dark shadow while my driving now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11643514
Incident
Feb 14, 2025
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Sep 14, 2024

The hood latch failed and caused the fronk to open and smash the windshield. This happened while the car was on a trailer being transported. The front hood had opened multiple times while in garage over the last few months and unfortunately it decided to open while on the trailer. The hood flew open and smashed the windshield and caused $6k worth of damages and tesla will not pay for the fix even though there is an active recall for hood latch on my tesla Extremely scary and dangerous that this can happen on a brand new 2023 car

NHTSA ID
11614580
Incident
Apr 26, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Aug 27, 2024

I was driving highway speed several miles from home on the highway. Suddenly and spontaneously the hood came up on the car and smashed through the windshield. There were no other cars in that lane, which allowed me to pull over on the right shoulder. However, if there was any other cars and I hadn’t been in the right lane, it would’ve caused a major accident as there was no way for the driver to see and the car is not aerodynamic enough to move at high speeds at that point. After the car was pulled over, and I was able to get out without glass getting everywhere. It was no noticed that the car still thought the front hood was engaged and was allowing me to hit the open button as it was closed. The car also never recorded the event, even though the windshield was smashed with the dash cam that is built into the car that is meant to auto detect incidents. The car never even gave a warning that the hood had any issues. I checked out the front hood and noticed the latch that is supposed to be attached to the hood was still attached to the lock, but not attached to the hood. There was no thread in the holes on the hood meaning that the bolts must’ve had to unscrew as opposed to snap. I only saw one bolt left in the car and even that bolt came out later. Once the car was towed to the Tesla dealership, the Tesla dealership would not help us and did not say that they could fix it. We took a video of hitting the unlock button for the hood, and which the lock can be seen being given up by the locking mechanism and thrown onto the floor. Only at this point did the car even have any safety warning that the hood might be open. The car forces you to acknowledge that the hood is even open at all in order to drive. I tried it on another Tesla and only latched it down partially and even then it still says it’s open. I do believe that my car had a faulty part and a faulty system for safety as no notification was ever offered to me.

NHTSA ID
11611069
Incident
Aug 26, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Jul 24, 2024

On 5/23/2024 I gradually noticed a clunking noise associated with driving, more noticeable the faster I went (max 20-30mph). Concerned for a flat tire, I check the tire pressure in my car and it was normal in all 4 tires, no obvious flat tire externally. I continued to drive as normal. The following day on 5/24/2024, I was on the highway when all of a sudden I felt a huge change in the smoothness while driving. I shortly thereafter got a notification (albeit small alert on the screen) to pull over immediately, by the time I was partially able to reach the shoulder, my care was practically scraping on metal. 911 had to shut down the I95 ramp as I couldn't make it entirely in the shoulder. Until they arrived, I could have experienced a major accident on a very busy highway. After examining the car, it was clear the previous clunking noise was due to a missing screw of the wheel arch liner, which had caused it to be hitting the tire. This subsequently resulted in the complete destruction and blow-out of my tire. Replaced by Tesla and charged for the entire service cost. Now, 7/24/2024 another safety defect in the exterior fittings of my car. I noticed that the underbody panel of my car has been partially detached and has been hanging down. There have been no accidents or unsafe road conditions that would have caused this to have occurred. I believe another screw has come off of the fittings. This too could have resulted in a major accident. There is no obvious trauma or events in which these two product damages have occurred. Both in which gave little to no warnings and could have resulted in serious damage, injury or death.

NHTSA ID
11604382
Incident
May 24, 2024
AirbagsBody & structureDriver assistance
Filed Jul 14, 2024
Crash reported

Tesla met with an head on collision with another Toyota. Tesla’s airbags didn’t deploy and i had my 6 year old in car as well. The other car which was 2007 toyota, its airbag still worked.

NHTSA ID
11601986
Incident
Jul 13, 2024
Body & structureDriver assistanceSteering
Filed May 15, 2024
Crash reported

On Sunday [XXX] I was driving to work, there was a moment where I felt the steering wheel was very stiff to the point where it felt weird and hard to control. I felt the two front wheels a bit odd, but then it went back to normal. I paid no attention to it after. As I was driving on [XXX] , my car started to automatically move to the left and I tried steering my wheel to get back in lane, but the steering wheel got so stiff that even using all my might I could not steer it. Eventually the car slammed against the cement wall three times as it spins. At the end, the police came on site and saw that the two front wheels were pulled inward. I believe it was a software/technology malfunction. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11588991
Incident
May 12, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Apr 26, 2024

Sudden unintended acceleration on my new Tesla Y- occurred while backing slowly out of the garage. Suddenly, there was a lurch forward that hit the side of the garage. Repair to Tesla @ $8,000 and repair to garage @ $300. Tesla told me that their ivestigation did not disclose any mechanical issues but the manager refused to send me that evaluation. Fortunately, no injuries

NHTSA ID
11585498
Incident
Feb 14, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Mar 3, 2024

Water leak passenger floor

NHTSA ID
11575183
Incident
Mar 2, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Feb 14, 2024
Crash reported

The Tesla Y 2023 was in the garage. My wife backed the car carefully out of the home garage that she has done many many times without any problem. It is not clear what exactly happened, but over the time of a few seconds, the car jerked or lurched forward. There was moderate damage to the siding of the garage as well as the side passenger panel. My wife quickly pressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle but the damage to the garage and car was already done.

NHTSA ID
11572002
Incident
Feb 14, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Feb 6, 2024

Windshield is causing a very loud whistling sound on a high speed exceeds 80mph. After multiple visits to the dealership, the windshield, cowl screen panel and sealing around the windshield was replaced but has not addressed the issue. The windshield was inspected by the dealership technicians and did a full diagnose and they have said that even if they replaced the windshield again will not address the sound whistling concern. The technician has said that is most likely a manufacture defect. This is a safety concern, as I'm afraid to operate my motor vehicle on a high speed and could uplift the windshield due to air pressure.

NHTSA ID
11570413
Incident
Jul 31, 2023
Body & structureDriver assistanceExterior lighting
Filed Feb 2, 2024
Crash reported

At 9:37 a.m. on January 26, I was driving on Freeway 60. The three cars in front of me braked suddenly. I stepped on the brake quickly, but after I stepped on the brake for 3 seconds, the speed of the car still did not slow down, and it directly hit the rear of the car in front.Afterwards, on the Tesla app on, an alarm was displayed, saying that at 9:37, there was a problem with the steering wheel and brakes(unavailable) And also, there is a Manufacturer recall number:TBD NHTSA Recall Number 24V-035; TC2024-027 (the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner, I want to file an online complaint with NHTSA)

NHTSA ID
11569570
Incident
Jan 26, 2024
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jan 26, 2024

I used to have a 2021 performance y (the 2021 had none of these issues), and purchased a 2023 in early October. My current milage is 2,783. A few weeks into owning this car I could feel something hitting the cabin floor in varying situations. Initially I thought it was a road debris, but it was only at lower speeds. I should only be able to hear road debris and not feel it in the floor. I have come to believe that the car has loose structural bolts. I have a crease/dent in the roof pillar (passenger rear above door). It is an almost impossible spot to hit without a scratch or breaking the glass, and it would take an exorbitant amount of force to bend that pillar. I now have singled it out to torsion moments like entering a driveway or ramp. I believe this twisting could potentially compromise the battery pack and lead to fires in wet conditions.

NHTSA ID
11568059
Incident
Oct 19, 2023
Body & structureSteering
Filed Jan 18, 2024
Crash reported

As I attempted to make a left turn, I wasn't able to make a complete turn when the steering wheels partially locked on me, resulting the car hitting a utility pole, I could only drive forward or reverse, difficulty making a turn. I was able to make it home but the next day, it had to be towed to a Tesla authorized collision center for damage assessment. I'm hoping Tesla can remedy the problem because usually my kids are in the car with me. Reached out to Tesla regarding the incident, they took my information as to what happened exactly during the accident and that there would an investigation on their end which should take about 1 week.

NHTSA ID
11566358
Incident
Jan 16, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Jan 15, 2024

Defective factory paint. Dirt under the clear coat on hood - inspected by a reputable auto detailer/body shop.

NHTSA ID
11565564
Incident
Oct 6, 2023
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Crash reported

While I was trying to pull up my vehicle at about 10mph from the street to my driveway after driving around 35 miles from work, the vehicle suddenly accelerated (Unintended Acceleration) to 40+ mph (based on logs) and hit the property. This put my life and others at home at risk. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representative. No warnings lights prior to incident. However, the message 'Corrective steering applied for your safety' appeared periodically while driving back home even though the vehicle was very much within the lanes.

NHTSA ID
11564597
Incident
Jan 4, 2024

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

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