2026 Tesla Model Y Owner Complaints

FSD Safety Incident – Collision While Exiting Parking Space My Tesla Model Y was operating in Full Self-Driving mode while exiting a parking space. Instead of proceeding straight out of the parking space, the vehicle accelerated while turning toward a basketball pole and collided with it. There was a clear, unobstructed path to exit straight ahead. The vehicle’s unexpected acceleration and turning maneuver happened so quickly that I did not have time to intervene. My hands were positioned next to the steering wheel, ready to take control. I believe this was an FSD driving error and am requesting a formal investigation.

NHTSA ID

11776855

Incident

Oct 10, 2026

On October 4, 2026, while driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance downhill toward my home, the vehicle experienced a low-voltage electrical system malfunction, displaying multiple electrical and propulsion errors, including “Low voltage battery disconnected,” “Connector on low voltage battery is not secured,” and “Unable to drive.” Similar warnings had first appeared the previous day, prompting me to schedule a service appointment. I was able to reach my home and park safely, but the vehicle then became inoperable and could not be driven. Tesla Roadside Assistance towed it to a Tesla service center. The odometer was approximately 3,111 miles. On October 5, Tesla inspected the vehicle under warranty. According to its repair invoice, technicians inspected the low-voltage battery connections and found no physical issues. Tesla determined the battery required a configuration update, performed an “LV Battery - Recover” procedure, and reported that the warnings disappeared and the vehicle operated normally. Tesla returned the vehicle as repaired. Approximately one month later, in November 2026, the same electrical and propulsion failure symptoms returned while the vehicle was parked, again rendering it unable to drive. Tesla Roadside Assistance towed the vehicle a second time. It is currently at Tesla’s service center awaiting diagnosis and is available for inspection upon request. These recurring failures create a serious safety concern because the original malfunction occurred while the vehicle was moving. An unexpected loss of propulsion at highway speeds could result in a collision, endangering occupants and surrounding motorists. Tesla has inspected and attempted to repair the malfunction once, but the problem has recurred. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this recurring electrical and propulsion system safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11776478

Incident

Oct 4, 2026

My 2026 Tesla Model Y with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged violates a posted "No Turn on Red" restriction on a daily basis at the intersection of South Street (eastbound) and Dedham Street in Needham, Massachusetts. When my vehicle is first in line at the red light at this intersection, FSD brings the vehicle to a stop and then proceeds to make the right turn on red, despite a clearly posted No Turn on Red sign. This happens every time I approach this intersection in FSD while first in line at a red light. On November 2 2026, at approximately 5:30–6:00 AM, the vehicle made this illegal turn into the path of cross traffic creating a situation where I could have been struck by another vehicle. I repeatedly need to intervene at this intersection and have reported this behavior to Tesla repeatedly over the last 3 months using the in-car voice feedback feature. The behavior has not changed. Software version: FSD v14.3.13 This behavior appears related to NHTSA investigation PE25-012 regarding FSD traffic-law violations, including running red lights.

NHTSA ID

11776394

Incident

Nov 2, 2026

The vehicle was taken to an offical Tesla Service Center for driver's seat foam repair. Following the service, the vehicle was returned to me in an extremely hazardous condition with severe assembly oversights on the driver's seat structural mountings: The rear-left bolt securing the driver's seat frame to the vehicle floor was COMPLETELY MISSING. The rear-right bolt was left ONLY HALFWAY THREADED and loose. The seat side trim and foam were improperly reinstalled. Safety Risk: An unanchored driver seat poses a critical safety hazard. During normal driving, the seat shifts and clunks on turns. In the event of a crash or hard braking, an unbolted seat can detach or structural seat rail failures could occur, severely compromising restraint systems (seatbelts/airbags) and causing life-threatening injury to the driver. Inspection Availability & Symptoms: The loose and missing bolts are visually confirmed, documented via photographs and videos, and remain available for official inspection upon request. Symptoms began immediately after picking up the vehicle from the service visit. this is a physical mounting fastener omission by service technicians.

NHTSA ID

11776375

Incident

Oct 27, 2026

On Friday evening, XXX, in the [XXX] area of [XXX], my Tesla 2026 Model Y was operating in Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on [XXX] and made a turn at [XXX] while running a red light. No collision or injury occurred. This follows my complaint #XXX from XXX, when the same vehicle in Full Self-Driving (Supervised) turned right on red against a posted "No Turn on Red" sign at [XXX], [XXX] and [XXX], and a second incident on XXX, at that same intersection, when the vehicle made an illegal U-turn into the intersection where turns are prohibited (driving mode not confirmed). The XXX maneuver violated a red traffic signal and created a risk to cross traffic and pedestrians. I request that NHTSA review this red-light incident together with complaint #XXXand the XXX incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11776353

Incident

Nov 6, 2026

i purchased an used 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range Launch edition "launch edition" from Automotive Avenue in [XXX]. Tesla advertised the "launch edition" that has a non-transferable lifetime FSD. We do also own another launch edition that has no problem with the FSD attached to the car. However, this car only comes with 3 months of the FSD trial, and set to expire on XXX. I have reached out to the local Tesla dealership and NO ONE can give me an answer nor point it to the company policy regarding to the issue. I left my phone number, and never gotten a call back either. Tesla company website has no information regarding to the situation and I am demanding them to turn back on the FSD feature that is supposed attached to the "launch edition" I purchased. ref: [XXX] ref: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775902

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

Component/system involved: Rear light bar (continuous taillight assembly) on both sides. Stress cracks have formed along the bottom edge of the light bar. The left side has cracked completely through. The cracked housing is allowing rainwater to enter the light assembly, which is shorting the brake lights and turn signals and causing them to malfunction. The light bar is still installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: When the brake lights and/or turn signals fail due to water intrusion, other drivers cannot properly see when the vehicle is braking or turning. This creates a risk of rear-end collision or other accidents, especially in wet conditions or at night. Reproduction / confirmation: Service has been scheduled for replacement of the rear light bar. The issue has not yet been inspected or confirmed in person by a dealer or independent service center. Inspection by others: None. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. Prior symptoms / warning lights: Stress cracks first noticed on the bottom of the rear light bar on both sides. The left-side crack progressed until it went fully through, after which rainwater began entering and the brake lights/turn signals started malfunctioning. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the electrical shorting.

NHTSA ID

11775895

Incident

Oct 26, 2026

FORMAL SAFETY COMPLAINT – Multiple FSD Supervised Malfunctions – 2026 Tesla Model Y VEHICLE: 2026 Tesla Model Y VIN: 7SAYGDEDOTA664631 Current Software: 2026.38.5.11 FSD: v14.3.13 INCIDENT DATE: October 31, 2026 APPROXIMATE TIME: 9:00 PM PURPOSE OF COMPLAINT I am submitting this formal complaint requesting an engineering-level investigation into four recurring and unusual behaviors involving the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system in my 2026 Tesla Model Y. These problems involve unexpected vehicle movement, apparent changes in steering and acceleration behavior, incorrect navigation instructions, inaccurate destination positioning, and repeated failures to identify my actual home driveway. Most concerning is an incident on October 31, 2026, when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated in a straight line while exiting my garage, failed to make its previously established steering corrections, and nearly struck a fixed garage-door structure. These behaviors represent a significant departure from the vehicle’s previous operating characteristics. 1. UNEXPECTED CHANGE IN GARAGE-EXITING BEHAVIOR – NEAR COLLISION During the first six months of ownership, my Tesla consistently demonstrated cautious and controlled behavior when using FSD to exit my garage. The established behavior was as follows: I would program my destination while the vehicle was parked inside my garage. Upon activating FSD, the vehicle would slowly begin backing out. The steering wheel would make small, incremental corrections. Acceleration was gradual, with occasional near-stops followed by continued movement. The vehicle appeared to be carefully adjusting its position while exiting the garage However, on Saturday evening, October 31, 2026, at approximately 9:00 PM, its behavior changed dramatically. Immediately after activating FSD: The vehicle moved quickly in a straight line It did not exhibit the previously observed gradual steering corrections It did not appear to slow down as usual, hitting the wall

NHTSA ID

11775641

Incident

Oct 31, 2026

2026 Tesla Model Y: trim and underbody panels detached after driving through standing water. Vehicle and incident details Description On the evening of [XXX], I drove my 2026 Tesla Model Y through standing water on a public road in Vero Beach, FL. It was dark and the flooding wasn't visible ahead of time. The water was about halfway up the wheels, and I was going about 30 mph. The car hydroplaned briefly and slid to the right before the all-wheel drive regained traction. I drove about two blocks to get out of the water and then went home. At home I found that the side rocker trim, the plastic underbody panel(s) and the rear bumper had all come loose from their mounts. There was no collision, curb strike or road debris. The water alone was enough to pull these parts off. I'm concerned about safety because loose trim and underbody panels can drag or fall off while driving. That creates a hazard for other drivers and leaves the high-voltage battery and coolant lines underneath unprotected. Another Model Y owner I know had his side trim come off the same way after driving through water. Moderate standing water is common in Florida during heavy rain, so I believe the way these parts are attached may not hold up to normal water exposure. I'm asking NHTSA to review whether this is a pattern across Model Y vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775579

Incident

Nov 2, 2026

On XXX, at about 3:50 PM ET, my Tesla was operating in Full Self-Driving (Supervised) mode at the intersection of [XXX], [XXX] and [XXX], next to the Virginia ABC store. The vehicle turned right on a red signal even though a posted 'No Turn on Red' sign prohibits that turn at this corner. The system did not respond to the sign. No crash or injury occurred, but the maneuver violated a posted traffic control and created a risk to cross traffic and pedestrians. I believe this is a defect in the system's recognition of or compliance with No Turn on Red signs, and I am requesting that NHTSA review it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775215

Incident

Nov 2, 2026

The Full Self Driving on the Tesla attempted to exit I [XXX] north of [XXX] on the express lane which had the access gate arm down and was closed to traffic in my direction as the traffic was coming from the opposite direction. I grabbed the steering wheel and kept the car in the proper lane. We would have crashed through the gate and headed for the oncoming one way traffic. Tesla saved the video record of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775209

Incident

Oct 26, 2026

On a brand-new 2025/2026 Tesla Model Y (Juniper), etched scoring arcs appeared on the front windshield exactly along the path of the OEM wiper blades within the first 1–2 weeks of ownership. No debris, impact, or foreign object was present. The scoring is visible in certain lighting and follows the full arc of both wiper blades. The windshield is available for inspection. The issue has been reported to Tesla Service; they have scheduled a evaluation but have not confirmed warranty coverage. The scoring impairs visibility in certain light conditions and could worsen with continued use of the original blades. This appears to be a defect in the factory wiper blades and/or windshield glass rather than normal wear.

NHTSA ID

11775059

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

I was using Tesla Full Self Driving during an on-ramp merger. During the turn the car suddenly stopped turning in the direction of the road while on FSD and hit the curb without turning off FSD or alerting the driver. I did apply light acceleration, but with no warning I was unable to react. I have the video dash cam but the website will not allow me to upload it I have the video dash cam from the Tesla

NHTSA ID

11775054

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

I was using FSD while backing into a parking space and the car collided with a cement flower box on the rear driver side causing a dent and multiple scratches on the body of the car.

NHTSA ID

11774971

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

On XXX, at approximately 4:36 p.m. Eastern in [XXX], my Tesla was operating with FSD (Supervised) v14.3.13, vehicle software 2026.38.5.11, using the Hurry profile. About two intersections earlier, I selected an alternate navigation route estimated to save one minute. In slow-moving traffic, FSD initiated a rightward lane change across a solid white divider into a right-turn lane. The adjacent Buick appears stationary when the maneuver begins, then moves forward while the lane change develops. I recall applying the brakes when I saw the Buick continuing forward. The vehicles collided during this sequence, putting the occupants of both vehicles at risk. A preliminary reading of the recordings’ embedded data indicates that the right turn signal was activated before the maneuver, and that brake application and FSD disengagement occurred at approximately 7 mph. These readings and the precise timing relative to contact should be independently verified. The suspected safety issue concerns FSD’s lane-change planning and response to adjacent traffic. My concern is whether it allowed sufficient clearance for the Buick to begin moving and responded appropriately as the conflict developed. Please evaluate whether delaying or abandoning the maneuver, including missing the turn and rerouting, could have prevented the conflict, and whether the driving profile or recent route change influenced the maneuver. The underlying cause is UNKNOWN. Original recordings from all six camera views, including embedded vehicle data, are available upon request. Vehicle inspection would need to be arranged. Dealer or independent service center reproduction or confirmation: UNKNOWN. Manufacturer or insurer technical inspection: UNKNOWN. Police took my initial account; the report is pending. Warning lamps or messages before the incident: No. I am reporting this to help identify and correct a potential safety issue and prevent similar collisions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774874

Incident

Oct 29, 2026

I set the lane departure assistant to off. But it reset it ti assist witjout my knowledge. when I tried to swerve to avoid collision it try to correct me, very dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11774868

Incident

Oct 31, 2026

Car has been steering erratically, but suddenly accelerated in reverse, nearly hitting a friend’s car that was parked. Two other near misses since the last update

NHTSA ID

11774790

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

Severe vehicle electrical network short circuit and central computing safety failure. Following a factory warranty replacement of the front windshield bi-cam assembly, the vehicle's internal diagnostics flagged continuous Redundant Control Unit (RCU) data link communication errors and an active network voltage mismatch (VCFRONT_a265_ESPVoltageMismatch). While actively operating the vehicle at speed on a live roadway, the main infotainment screen and safety computer completely locked up, went black, and froze on the Tesla logo. I suffered a total in-motion loss of my speedometer, primary safety displays, and driver operational interface while moving on a live street. Video proof captured on the road confirms that the vehicle's high-speed Camera Serial Interface (APP_w352_csiDevice1Down) is actively shorting out mid-drive, overloading the primary CAN bus communication network and crashing the safety computer while the vehicle is in motion. This vehicle represents an immediate driving hazard.

NHTSA ID

11774782

Incident

Oct 29, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety incident involving my 2026 Tesla Model Y while using Full Self-Driving (Supervised). While my vehicle was making a left turn with FSD engaged, the system unexpectedly disengaged midway through the maneuver. Instead of completing the left turn, the vehicle continued traveling straight toward a parked car. I immediately attempted to take control and correct the vehicle's direction, but there was insufficient time to avoid the collision. I received no apparent advance warning before the disengagement. Additionally, the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems did not appear to activate or intervene before impact. The collision caused significant damage to the front passenger-side bumper of my Tesla, requiring the vehicle to be towed. The vehicle subsequently underwent repairs, leaving me without transportation for approximately one month. I had been using Tesla's FSD system regularly for several months before this incident. I reported the incident to Tesla and contacted its FSD malfunction team, but I have not received a response, investigation findings, or an explanation regarding the unexpected disengagement and apparent lack of collision avoidance intervention. I am concerned that FSD may unexpectedly disengage during an active turning maneuver without sufficient advance warning or time for the driver to react. The apparent lack of collision warning or automatic emergency braking intervention further raises concerns about vehicle safety. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident and determine whether a malfunction or safety defect contributed to the crash.

NHTSA ID

11774478

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

The company markets the Quick Bandit license plate holder for the Tesla Model Y 2026 Juniper, stating it "does not obstruct Autopilot front camera or sensors." After installing the holder, during FSD (self-driving mode), the Tesla began stopping suddenly on roads and freeways. After stopping, the car will not move because the front camera is seeing non-existent people, as indicated on the screen display. This is a dangerous situation, which could result in a rear-ending accident. After many visits to the Tesla service department, it was diagnosed that the vertical brackets of the holder are causing the cameras to see non-existent pedestrians. I've reported the issue to Teslarati customer service and sent pictures of the problem, but they've responded only once and provided no resolution. They are now ignoring my emails and will not post my reviews. Their product is causing a serious road hazard.

NHTSA ID

11774331

Incident

Mar 31, 2026

On October 28, 2026 at about 3:57 PM EDT, my 2026 Tesla Model Y (Long Range RWD) was operating on Full Self-Driving (Supervised) as it turned left into our residential driveway in Watkinsville, GA. A family member's parked Subaru Forester was on the left side of the driveway with its right rear passenger door standing open. An adult was leaning into that doorway and a child was standing beside the car. The Tesla's dashcam (left pillar camera) shows the open door clearly in view for 6 to 8 seconds before contact. Despite this, Full Self-Driving did not stop or steer away. It slowed to about 2 mph but kept creeping forward alongside the Subaru, and the Tesla's left rear quarter panel struck the edge of the open door. The vehicle data export shows Full Self-Driving active and steering throughout, with no accelerator or brake input from me and near-zero steering torque from the driver. No forward collision warning or automatic emergency braking event was recorded. I braked about 5 seconds after contact, which disengaged Full Self-Driving. No one was injured, but a person was standing in the door opening the car struck. The Tesla has a V-shaped dent and gouge in the left rear quarter panel, with the paint cut through. Estimated repair cost is over $5,000. I expected the system to detect a stationary open door with a person in it and either stop or steer around it. I have the dashcam footage from all six cameras and Tesla's vehicle data export, and can provide both.

NHTSA ID

11774322

Incident

Oct 28, 2026

On October 20, 2026, at approximately 8:14 PM, I was starting a drive from a parked position in a parking garage. I engaged Full Self-Driving (Supervised), software version 14.3.10. Within less than 2 seconds of engagement, the vehicle moved forward and struck a concrete support pillar. I was seated in the driver's seat and supervising, but the vehicle hit the pillar before I could intervene. Failed systems: FSD (Supervised) steered the vehicle into a stationary, clearly visible obstacle. Automatic emergency braking did not prevent the collision. Safety risk: The vehicle drove into a fixed structure in a garage used by pedestrians and other vehicles. The same behavior near a pedestrian could cause serious injury. [No one was injured.] Warnings before the crash: None Evidence: I have the vehicle's dashcam footage of the collision. The clip's embedded telemetry shows FSD (Supervised) was active at the moment of impact. Footage is available on request. Inspection: The vehicle was inspected by the insurer and repaired at a Tesla-approved collision center. The problem has not been reproduced by a service center. The vehicle is available for inspection on request.

NHTSA ID

11774315

Incident

Oct 20, 2026

On October 27, 2026, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a serious front hood safety incident. Before the incident, the hood would not fully latch closed and could not be reopened using the touchscreen or Tesla app. The vehicle displayed a hood warning and restricted acceleration. I contacted Tesla Roadside Assistance but was informed that complimentary towing was unavailable because the vehicle was considered drivable. I proceeded toward Tesla for service at a very low speed, approximately 16 mph or less. While traveling downhill on the freeway, the vehicle briefly reached approximately 30 mph. The hood suddenly flew open and struck the windshield, causing extensive cracking and severely compromising visibility. Fortunately, no one was injured. After the incident, the responding police officer observed that the hood could latch closed, although it had been unable to close properly beforehand. The vehicle was delivered to a Tesla-owned Collision Center and has since been disassembled. I have requested preservation of the original components, diagnostic data, and inspection records. The exact cause remains unknown, and Tesla's technical investigation is pending. I am concerned about a possible failure of the primary or secondary hood latch mechanism. This incident created a serious risk of losing visibility and control of the vehicle. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a potential safety defect that could affect other Model Y vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11774196

Incident

Oct 17, 2026

Subject: Suspected Sudden Unintended Acceleration While Reversing — Tesla Collision on October 25, 2026 On October 25, 2026, at approximately 11:00 AM Pacific Time, I experienced an unexpected acceleration incident while reversing my Tesla on my property. I was reversing slowly when the vehicle lightly contacted another car that I own. Immediately afterward, the Tesla unexpectedly accelerated backward at a much higher speed and struck my garage with considerable force. The garage impact brought the Tesla to a complete stop. The vehicle subsequently moved forward and stopped. Fortunately, nobody was in the vehicle's path. However, the incident created a serious risk of injury, particularly if children or pedestrians had been nearby. I visited a Tesla Service Center after the incident. I was instructed to obtain a Tesla privacy data report, but I have not yet received a technical explanation. My preliminary review of Tesla's vehicle data indicates that the recorded accelerator signal increased from approximately 4.4% to 100%, reverse speed reached approximately 12.4 mph, and a crash-related event and braking activity were registered. I do not remember my exact foot position during the incident. I cannot determine whether the acceleration was caused by physical pedal input, an electronic or mechanical fault, or another factor. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as a potential vehicle safety concern. My primary objective is to understand what happened and help prevent similar incidents from causing serious injury or death. I can provide the original Tesla privacy report, photographs, and additional details upon request.

NHTSA ID

11774085

Incident

Oct 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that for children or individuals with a small frame, the rear seat belt rode up across the neck instead of resting across the chest. The contact stated that the issue was a safety hazard and might cause a choking issue in the event of a crash. The dealer was contacted and stated there was no way to adjust the seat belt. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure.

NHTSA ID

11774074

Incident

Oct 27, 2026