2023 Tesla Model Y Electrical Problems

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was determined that the front lateral link assembly and full body suspension needed to be replaced. While a USB cord was connected to the USB port, the USB cord overheated and almost burned out due to a battery surcharge, and the air was leaking into the front passenger’s side door. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to turn as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk door latch was rusted and the front windshield wipers activated independently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,149.

NHTSA ID

11766380

Incident

May 15, 2024

Mileage

9,149 mi

On September 13, 2026, my 2023 Tesla Model Y (13,300 miles) displayed a High Voltage System alert stating the vehicle may not restart and service was required. I brought the vehicle to the Tesla Service Center for diagnosis. The technician found the alert occurred when the brake pedal was applied and identified electromagnetic interference affecting signal integrity in that circuit. On September 17, 2026, a ferrite suppressor was installed to address the interference, and the technician noted the alert cleared. He advised that if the concern returned, replacement of the CHMSL (Center High Mount Stop Lamp) may be required. The same day I picked up the vehicle after this repair, the High Voltage System alert recurred. Both occurrences happened while the vehicle was operating under Full Self-Driving (FSD), not under manual braking. My foot was not on the brake pedal either time. This detail was not accounted for in the original diagnosis, which was based on manual pedal actuation as the trigger. I have raised this discrepancy with Tesla and requested a re-diagnosis based on FSD-commanded brake actuation, including review of vehicle logs for both incident timestamps. My safety concern is that the alert explicitly warns the vehicle may not restart, and the underlying cause has not yet been correctly identified, since the initial repair did not resolve the issue and failed the same day. The vehicle and its diagnostic logs are available for inspection upon request. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the Tesla Service Center (two visits, same fault). It has not been inspected by NHTSA, police, or insurance. No warning lamps or symptoms were noted prior to the first occurrence on September 13, 2026.

NHTSA ID

11766118

Incident

Sep 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged, fog and mist obstructed the cameras, causing the FSD feature to disengage. A message to "Take Full Control of the Vehicle" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The contact expressed concern that the cameras required heating technology to prevent fog and mist obstruction. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11764357

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

Mileage

75,000 mi

2023 Tesla Model Y – HW3 Autopilot computer/camera system failure My 2023 Tesla Model Y has approximately 54,000 miles and is equipped with the Tesla Hardware 3 (HW3) Autopilot computer. After receiving Tesla's FSD v14 Lite software, the vehicle began intermittently losing camera-based driver-assistance functionality. I observed an APP_w141 ECU Thermal Issue alert. The vehicle subsequently experienced APS_w134_appMia and APS_w135_appCritical alerts indicating that the Autopilot Processor Secondary was losing communication with and detecting a malfunction of the Autopilot Processor Primary. When the problem occurs, camera/vision functions and driving visualization become unavailable or degraded, and the vehicle has reported Self-Driving Features Limited, Cruise Control Unavailable, Adaptive Headlight Features Unavailable, and other driver-assistance limitations. In Tesla Service Mode I have documented the primary Autopilot processor repeatedly changing between INIT, CRITICAL and COREBOOT while the secondary processor remains NOMINAL. A DAS reset can temporarily restore communication, but the failure returns. Tesla has proposed replacing the entire HW3 car computer at a cost of approximately $3,120. I am concerned that this may represent a safety-related HW3 computer failure, particularly because I observed an ECU thermal alert and because the failure removes multiple camera-based driver-assistance and safety functions. I have photographs documenting the alerts and processor states and have an open Tesla service case.

NHTSA ID

11764244

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

Today, the Tesla updated while my wife was in the car. During the update all electrical systems went down and the car was locked from the inside and out making it so she could not get out. Because the electrical systems were down while the update was going she did not have any AC either. So she was locked in the car without AC in 107F weather. This is an extreme danger to her health and should be taken care of right away. As well if you had dog mode on it would have locked dogs in the car without AC. This is also an extreme danger because there is not a safe dog mode. the truth is it could be disable at any time without the ability to interrupt or stop the update.

NHTSA ID

11763206

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

Tesla on autopilot crossed over the double yellow line and hit our red jeep head on. Both vehicles were totaled and all passengers were injured.

NHTSA ID

11760950

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

The front left safety system issue. Warning light has come on causing the car, unable to deploy airbags in the event of an accident according to what it’s stating.

NHTSA ID

11760830

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

On the morning of 8-17, 2026, the vehicle experienced a total electrical power loss and high-voltage system deadlock immediately following an official Tesla Over-The-Air (OTA) software update pushed the previous night. Prior to this remote software update, the vehicle had zero operational issues or warning signs. Right after the update completed, the vehicle became completely unresponsive and undrivable. This issue directly compromised safety by causing a sudden, unpredictable loss of vehicle power and propulsion capability, creating a severe risk of stranded vehicle hazards and secondary collisions. The vehicle was brought to an official Tesla Service Center (Whitestone/Flushing, NY) for diagnosis. The manufacturer’s service center inspected the vehicle and confirmed a high-voltage Power Conversion System (PCS) deadlock failure (Repair Estimate ID issued). The failed PCS component remains at the Tesla Service Center awaiting replacement and is fully available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11758131

Incident

Aug 17, 2026

NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT WHAT COMPONENT FAILED: High-voltage (HV) battery system. Vehicle experienced complete electrical failure while parked at home, rendering vehicle completely inoperable. Battery is available for inspection at Tesla Service - Las Vegas, East Saharah location (currently in manufacturer's possession for warranty repair). SAFETY RISK: Vehicle suffered catastrophic HV battery failure while parked at residential location. Complete electrical system failure creates potential fire hazard and electrical hazard to occupants/property. Vehicle became disabled and required emergency towing. Sudden, unexplained electrical failure in residential setting with zero warning signs poses serious safety risk. CONFIRMATION: YES — Confirmed by Tesla Service Center: Service ticket documents battery failure Tesla authorized emergency loaner accommodation only AFTER 10-day delay Tesla ordered HV battery replacement under manufacturer warranty Manufacturer admission of defect confirms safety issue

NHTSA ID

11757845

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

FAILED COMPONENT & AVAILABILITY: 2023 Tesla Model Y front suspension (suspected lower lateral link detachment), steering system, and airbag system (failed to deploy). Preserved intact, but will be at Hendrick Collision ([XXX]; POC: Dendi [XXX]) under Allstate Claim #XXX. Available for immediate NHTSA inspection. SAFETY RISK: At highway speed on Aviation Parkway, the car suffered an unprompted, violent directional loss, zig-zagging uncontrollably in the lane and risking a multi-vehicle crash. Operating manually. Do not have Autopilot or FSD. I was at the mercy of the vehicle's sensor/chassis failure. The car crashed into the grass median, sustaining heavy driver-side damage. Airbags failed to deploy during impact. CONFIRMATION BY REPAIR CENTER: Physical teardown is on hold pending Event Data Recorder (EDR) "Black Box" imaging and chassis alignment inspection. INSPECTIONS TO DATE: Allstate Level 1 Claim #XXX assigned. Evidence preservation and cloud telemetry extraction notices served to Tesla Legal and Allstate. WARNINGS & PRIOR REPAIR HISTORY: No warnings appeared immediately prior to steering failure. Software was fully updated. This crash occurred 14 days after a 2nd High-Voltage (HV) Battery replacement: XXX: HV Battery error code -> 1st HV Battery Replacement (returned XXX) XXX: Recurring HV Battery error -> 2nd HV Battery Replacement (returned XXX) XXX: Unprompted directional failure and crash. INVESTIGATIVE CONTEXT: Matches NHTSA PE26006 investigating 2021-2023 Model Y front lower lateral link detachments causing sudden loss of control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11757531

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

COMPONENT/SYSTEM THAT FAILED: The service brakes failed to stop the vehicle. While reverse-parking at low (parking) speed, I applied the brake pedal and the vehicle did not stop as expected, resulting in contact with an object and vehicle damage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request; it has been preserved and driven only minimally since the event. HOW SAFETY WAS PUT AT RISK: The brakes failed with no warning. Had a person been behind the vehicle, the failure to stop could have caused injury. This is the only vehicle for a family with three children who are regularly transported in it, and I no longer feel safe driving them. REPRODUCED/CONFIRMED BY A DEALER OR SERVICE CENTER: Not yet. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER/POLICE/INSURANCE/OTHERS: The insurer opened and then denied the claim and stated that no vehicle telemetry/data was available to preserve. No independent forensic inspection has occurred yet. Police did not attend. WARNING LAMPS/MESSAGES/SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO FAILURE: NONE. There was no warning light, no alert message, and no audible signal before or during the event. The parking sensors did not beep as they normally do. No ABS or brake warning light appeared at any time before or after. ADDITIONAL RELEVANT DETAIL: Approximately one week earlier, the front lower control arms were replaced. It is UNKNOWN whether the ABS wheel-speed sensor or related wiring was affected; the vehicle displayed no related warning at any time. No injuries occurred.

NHTSA ID

11757226

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

I reporting a potential safety-related defect involving my 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance. Since shortly after purchasing the vehicle in April 2026, it has repeatedly been unable to successfully install Tesla software updates. The updates download, but the installation repeatedly fails. I have attempted installation multiple times under appropriate conditions, including adequate battery charge, stable Wi-Fi, vehicle reboot, removal of USB devices, and installation directly from the vehicle touchscreen. The failures continue. Tesla evaluated the vehicle and documented the failed software installation. Tesla also identified a possible issue involving the HW3 car computer and prepared an estimate of approximately $3,000 that included replacement of the vehicle computer, diagnostic work, and labor. I am concerned because Tesla vehicles rely extensively on their onboard computers and software for vehicle operation, safety systems, driver-assistance functions, security updates, bug fixes, and manufacturer-issued corrections. Because this vehicle cannot successfully install software updates, I am concerned it may be unable to receive safety-related corrections or updates that other vehicles are receiving. This is not simply an infotainment issue. The failure appears to involve the vehicle computer itself and has continued despite repeated troubleshooting and Tesla service involvement. I believe NHTSA should evaluate whether defective HW3 computers or related electronic systems can cause repeated update-installation failures and potentially prevent affected Tesla vehicles from receiving safety-related software updates or recall remedies.

NHTSA ID

11755397

Incident

May 15, 2026

I was involved in an accident while using Tesla FSD. Driving down the freeway my car hydroplaned and spun out and hit another car. My son who was with me said to me that it seemed the car was going a bit fast for the conditions.

NHTSA ID

11744079

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

A 2023 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden electrical failure while parked/being prepared for use. Multiple warnings appeared on May 26, 2026, including high-voltage system service required, low-voltage electrical system power reduced/vehicle shutting down, cabin climate control limited, and steering/braking/parking brake functions degraded. The vehicle could not be driven normally and required flatbed recovery. The failure created a safety concern because the vehicle showed high-voltage and low-voltage faults together with steering/braking/parking brake warnings and could have left the vehicle disabled without reliable restart or parking brake function. The manufacturer service center inspected and repaired the vehicle after several days. The component should be available through manufacturer service records, and screenshots of the warnings, tow/recovery, and service records are available.

NHTSA ID

11743303

Incident

May 26, 2026

On May 8, 2026 at approximately 1:15 PM in [XXX] , my 2023 Tesla Model Y unexpectedly locked with my [XXX] infant inside during approximately 100°F weather. I briefly exited the vehicle while charging to disconnect the charging cable. My authenticated phone key remained inside the cabin. Immediately after unplugging the charger, the vehicle activated Walk-Away Door Lock and locked all doors despite the phone key remaining inside the vehicle. I was locked out without access to my phone and had to ask a stranger to call 911 and contact my husband. Cabin temperatures rapidly became dangerous for an infant. My husband was eventually able to remotely unlock the vehicle using the Tesla app, narrowly avoiding forced entry by emergency responders. The vehicle failed to detect the phone key inside the cabin and improperly initiated locking while a vulnerable child occupant was present. This created a serious risk of heat injury or death. The vehicle also failed to prevent the lockout despite an infant occupant being seated in the second row, raising concerns about whether rear-seat occupancy detection and child safety protections functioned properly during the event. I am requesting investigation into Tesla’s proximity sensing, phone key detection, walk-away lock behavior, and child occupant safety protections during charging/unplugging events. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11736713

Incident

May 8, 2026

While driving on I-95 North in the fast lane at highway speed, my 2023 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and displayed a warning indicating the vehicle was shutting down. The vehicle rapidly decelerated and would not respond to acceleration or drive engagement. Steering remained functional, which allowed me to maneuver the vehicle across lanes to the shoulder to avoid a potential collision. This required an emergency maneuver in active highway traffic with my family in the vehicle. A soft reset did not resolve the issue. After performing a hard reset, I was able to move the vehicle slowly off the roadway to a nearby location where it was later towed. This incident occurred without prior warning and created a significant safety hazard due to sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed.

NHTSA ID

11735482

Incident

May 2, 2026

### Summary: Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) from a stationary position. ### Vehicle Configuration: 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD. Battery Type: NMC. ### Incident Details: On April 19, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the vehicle was stationary on a flat surface at 6722 Vista Del Mar Ave, San Diego. I was in the driver's seat with the vehicle "On" but stopped, conversing with two witnesses. My feet were completely clear of both the accelerator and brake pedals. ### The Event: Without driver input, the vehicle suddenly and forcefully accelerated forward. I immediately slammed the service brake with full force. The vehicle traveled approximately 20 feet before the brakes brought the car to a halt. ### Evidence & Gaps: Two eyewitnesses confirmed the vehicle moved autonomously without pedal interaction. A manufacturer data report was requested, but it showed a specific data gap for the exact seconds of the acceleration event, despite providing second-by-second logs for the rest of the day.

NHTSA ID

11733914

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

I was driving home with Tesla FSD engaged, and my right turn was approaching. Since the Tesla did not activate the right turn signal on its own, I turned on right indicator manually while FSD was still engaged. But FSD changed the lane to the left and accelerated, and rear-ended the vehicle in front of me.

NHTSA ID

11732198

Incident

Mar 8, 2026

The rear subframe wiring harness on my Tesla contains a significant design flaw that creates an unreasonable safety risk. The factory-installed corrugated protective tubing (wire loom) terminates prematurely, leaving approximately 1 inch of critical wiring completely exposed at the connector. This specific harness uses soy-based insulation, which is a known attractant to rodents. Because of the 1-inch gap in protection, rodents have been able to sever the same connector twice within a 30-day period Safety Risk: The exposed wires in the rear subframe harness are responsible for Rear Drive Unit communication / Wheel Speed Sensors / Brakes]. A failure of these wires while the vehicle is in motion could result in a sudden loss of propulsion, unexpected braking, or the loss of stability control systems. This creates a high risk of a collision, particularly at highway speeds.

NHTSA ID

11731575

Incident

Apr 14, 2026

The forward-facing camera system, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and Autopilot/cruise control have repeatedly failed on a 2023 Tesla Model Y with approximately 22,000 miles. The AEB system becomes unavailable and the Autopilot disengages without warning, including at highway speeds of 70 mph and city speeds of 30 mph. The active safety systems are functional less than 10% of the time. The sudden, unexpected loss of active safety systems at speed presents a serious risk of accident and injury. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an authorized Tesla service center on three separate occasions. Repairs attempted include replacement of the triple forward-facing camera assembly (twice) and replacement of the car computer (HW3) with a firmware update. Despite these repairs, the defect recurred within days of each service visit. A fourth service appointment is now scheduled for the same issue. Warning alerts appeared on the vehicle display prior to each failure, specifically "Camera Blocked" and "Automatic Emergency Braking Unavailable." These alerts were first detected in August 2025 and have recurred through January 2026. All three repair attempts were covered under the manufacturer's Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty, confirming acknowledgment of a manufacturing defect. The vehicle and components have been inspected by the manufacturer's authorized service technicians. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11730598

Incident

Aug 27, 2025

My 2023 Tesla Model Y suddenly became inaccessible via key card and phone key with no prior warning. The tow operator successfully jump-started the vehicle with a 12V jump and it powered on — suggesting a 12V battery failure, not an HV system failure. Tesla diagnosed water ingress in the HV battery pack and HV harness, citing an isolation resistance fault and open flood port. Their conclusion escalated from "water ingress" to "vehicle submerged," with an $11,000 battery replacement recommended and warranty denied. I am disputing this. The vehicle has never been submerged or exposed to flooding. The only physical evidence provided was clean water droplets on a single HV connector — no waterline staining, no sediment, no debris, no pin corrosion. No ingress pathway (seal, gasket, or breach point) was identified. The flood port mechanism was not explained and may activate from pressure changes or seal failure — not exclusively submersion. The vehicle powering on after a 12V jump is inconsistent with catastrophic HV failure from submersion. I believe this may represent a manufacturing defect in the HV battery pack sealing system allowing moisture intrusion under normal conditions. Tesla has classified this as owner-caused damage without sufficient physical evidence. If similar cases exist across 2023 Model Y vehicles, a systemic defect may be present. Safety risk: sudden, complete vehicle shutdown with no warning — potential loss of propulsion while driving. Vehicle is currently at Tesla Service, undisassembled, and available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11728423

Incident

Mar 29, 2026

In approximately August 2023 — approximately seven months after purchase — the vehicle’s battery stalled completely while I was driving a few miles from my house on a surface road. The vehicle lost all drive power without warning. I was fortunate that no vehicle was following me or they might have slammed into the vehicle’s rear if they were unable to suddenly quickly stop. I turned on the emergency flasher lights, and after waiting a few minutes, the vehicle restarted and I decided to just drive the car home. I did not continue on my planned destination.

NHTSA ID

11726359

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

The front trunk (frunk) actuator failed due to an under voltage condition. During repair, Tesla technicians also found corrosion in the wiring harness connectors. The vehicle has been garaged its entire life and has never been exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Tesla's own service documentation specifies that underwood and underbody connectors should be protected with anti-corrosion grease during assembly. Premature corrosion on a grade vehicle at 78,000 miles suggests a manufacturing defect in either the harness materials or the factory assembly process. Repair cost $860.20, partially offset by a $200 goodwill credit. A non-functional frunk also represents a potential safety concern as the hood latch mechanism is part of vehicle safety systems.

NHTSA ID

11723821

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that on two occasions while stopped in self-driving mode, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated into oncoming traffic. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stopped after driving a foot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11721717

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

Mileage

35,000 mi

This is my 8th report. Just after my 7th report, in May 2025, I had my tires rotated at 25,000ish miles. The car still did not record that still shows the last rotation at 8,000 miles. Furthermore, I was told at Discount Tire that I needed new tires because the tread was so thin. I was aghast...a new Tesla with tires that wear out at 25,000 miles? I was told that Tesla does not provide adequate tires for the weight of the car, and that I could buy higher quality tires next time. Now I understand why I kept having flats in the right front tire, despite rotation: all 4 tires were inadequate for my car! I asked if I could wait until my next rotation and he said I could probably make it...but they can't let me leave Discount Tire with tread 4/32nd inch thick. I think I was at 5 or 6 /32nds. The price of appropriate replacement tires is roughly $1,500. Additionally, I just downloaded a software update; here's the first screen of the Release Notes: (uploaded below) Are you kidding me? They still have not fixed the cruise control, and instead of fixing the charge port, they add another step to sidestep the broken one. I'm hoping you will investigate and recall this car. Tesla owners like me who have lost 50% of the value of the low-quality vehicle we were scammed by are pretty frustrated! thanks for listening [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11721081

Incident

Dec 31, 1969