2026 Tesla Model Y Owner Complaints

I am filing a safety complaint about the lane departure avoidance system in my 2026 Tesla Model Y (VIN [XXX]) software version 2026.26.6.5, purchased XXX, odometer [mileage]). The system makes abrupt, forceful steering corrections during normal driving. I have to resist these unexpected steering inputs repeatedly, and this has caused growing pain in my left hand, including carpal tunnel symptoms. The system cannot be fully disabled. Even when I turn it off, it turns itself back on every time the car is restarted, so I cannot prevent these interventions. I believe steering force that the driver cannot reliably turn off creates a risk of loss of control, particularly in traffic or on narrow roads. I reported this to Tesla on XXX, and Tesla stated that nothing can be done. I ask that NHTSA review this complaint and evaluate whether this system's steering force and its inability to stay disabled are a safety-related defect. I can provide further information or medical documentation on request. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11766501

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

Tesla Supervised Full Self Driving sped Southbound into a school speed zone. Flashing speed zone yellow lights required speed of 20 mph. Tesla continued at 49-50 mph. Driver intervention was required to slow down to 20 mph. There has been one other incident reported for this Tesla in the same school zone operating Northbound last week.

NHTSA ID

11766451

Incident

Sep 22, 2026

While I was driving on the highway in rainy weather, my electric vehicle suddenly made a very loud blast or popping sound and immediately stopped working. The vehicle lost power, and all electrical functions became inoperative while I was in the middle of the highway. This created a serious safety hazard because I was unable to continue driving or operate the vehicle normally. There was no visible damage to the exterior of the vehicle. The tires were intact and appeared to be in normal condition, with no tire damage or other external damage that could explain the sudden loss of power. The vehicle stopped unexpectedly while driving in wet conditions, without any apparent external impact or physical damage.

NHTSA ID

11765714

Incident

Sep 20, 2026

FSD failed to recognize the emergency vehicle and attempted to pull out into the intersection

NHTSA ID

11765639

Incident

Sep 20, 2026

Lane assist and warnings are horrible and can’t be permanently disabled because of your asinine regulations. I have had it try to force me into high way on ramp merge lanes and on unmarked backroads absolutely lose it’s mind and force me over to oncoming traffic because it doesn’t know where the shoulder is. In addition it is over sensitive and likes to blare annoying alarms and jerk my steering wheel when I am not even departing my lane. Thanks for over regulating yet another thing.

NHTSA ID

11765575

Incident

Sep 19, 2026

While using Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised), my vehicle approached an intersection and came to a complete stop at a red traffic light. The vehicle remained fully stopped while the traffic signal was still red. Without any accelerator input from me, the vehicle unexpectedly began moving forward toward the intersection while the traffic light was still red. I did not press or touch the accelerator at any point during this event. As soon as I realized that the vehicle was moving forward against the red light, I immediately applied the brake to stop the vehicle and then immediately reversed to move back to a safe position. My intervention was necessary to prevent the vehicle from entering the intersection and potentially colliding with cross traffic. There was no collision and no physical injury. However, the unexpected movement created an immediate and serious risk of a collision. My pregnant wife was in the passenger seat at the time of the incident. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was engaged throughout the event. I have preserved the original Tesla Dashcam footage documenting the incident, including the red traffic signal, the vehicle coming to a complete stop, the unexpected forward movement while the signal remained red, and my immediate braking and subsequent reversal. I am reporting this incident because the vehicle unexpectedly proceeded toward an intersection against a red traffic signal while Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was engaged, requiring immediate driver intervention to avoid a potential collision.

NHTSA ID

11765559

Incident

Sep 13, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the forward-facing cameras on my Tesla Model Y. The vehicle relies on these cameras for critical driver-assistance functions, including Tesla’s FSD system. However, the camera area is prone to accumulating dust, dirt, moisture, and other contamination during normal driving. When this happens, camera performance can be degraded and driver-assistance functions can become restricted or unavailable. More importantly, the current design makes proper cleaning unnecessarily difficult. To access and clean the camera area properly, the camera cover/housing must be removed. This is not a reasonable or practical routine-maintenance procedure for a component that is essential to the vehicle’s safety systems. It creates a recurring risk that camera contamination will remain uncorrected. This appears to be a design issue, not normal vehicle maintenance. A safety-critical camera system should be designed to remain reasonably protected from contamination and allow the owner to clean the camera area easily without disassembling the camera enclosure. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this design constitutes a safety defect and whether Tesla should provide a permanent design solution or recall/service campaign for affected vehicles. I can provide photographs and documentation showing the contamination and the cleaning procedure required.

NHTSA ID

11765454

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Every time the driver takes over from Full Self-Driving (Supervised), a mandatory "Why did you intervene?" feedback dialog appears on the center touchscreen. The dialog cannot be dismissed: it does not time out, and the driver must either tap one of the on-screen options (Preference / Discomfort / Navigation / Critical) or record a voice note using the steering-wheel microphone button before it goes away. This forces the driver to look at and interact with the touchscreen immediately after a takeover, exactly when full attention should be on the road. Earlier software versions dismissed this prompt automatically after a few seconds; recent updates made it mandatory and it even blocked other screen controls. It is a driver-distraction safety hazard caused by the UI design. The prompt appears on every single FSD disengagement, i.e. daily. Software version 2026.26.6.5.

NHTSA ID

11765419

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

While pulling into my driveway at 3–4 MPH and only a few feet away from the garage door, I suffered a sudden medical emergency and became unconscious. As my body froze, my right foot accidentally floored the accelerator pedal. The vehicle did not override my foot input despite the immediate obstacle ahead. It accelerated through the garage door and the dining room wall, coming to a stop in the kitchen. As a result of this crash, I requiring a three-day hospitalization. I am filing this report because vehicle safety systems should have a setting or protocol to prevent low-speed pedal misapplications from completely overriding automatic emergency obstacle braking. These settings save lives and there are no reasons that Tesla doesn't implement it. I had problems uploading photos. Please contact me at [XXX] to provide photos. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11765401

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

When using FSD in a tesla, they are forcing you to take your eyes off the road to engage with their quationaire on WHY I disengaged with FSD. Its always because I WANT TO. I am being forced to look at the screen which also it is blocking important information. I am not a slave and won't be forced to answer a questionaire several times a day while driving. It makes users angry having to do that and I truly believe it is a safety hazzard. There needs to be an option to either not participate or scroll down so it goes away.

NHTSA ID

11765118

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

Inner barrel of factory OEM rear passenger wheel developed circumferential crack with no known impact. On 09/17/2026 I discovered a crack running along the inner lip/barrel of the factory rear passenger wheel on my 2026 Tesla Model Y with approximately 21,000 miles. The vehicle is 5 months old from new. There was no pothole strike, curb hit, or accident that I am aware of. The tire (Continental ProContact RX) shows no sidewall bulge, cut, pinch, or blister, and the outer wheel face shows no curb damage. The crack was found during visual inspection. The wheel was never repaired, refinished, or modified from factory condition. Tesla Service inspected and denied warranty coverage, stating a small bend was observed near the crack and attributing it to road hazard. No corresponding tire damage was documented. Repair quote provided was $846 for wheel replacement. This is a safety concern because a cracked wheel barrel can cause sudden air loss or wheel failure at highway speed, leading to loss of vehicle control. I have retained photos of the cracked wheel. Searching online, this seems to be a common issue with Tesla's as it is discussed in many blogs and social media websites.

NHTSA ID

11765055

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

On XXX at about 6:14 AM, my 2026 Tesla Model Y drove into a flooded railroad underpass on [XXX] near [XXX], with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged and a navigation route active. It was raining heavily (Newark Airport measured 1.25 in from 5:51 to 6:51 AM), the light was poor around sunrise, and the underpass was dark. The water depth was not apparent to me. At 6:12 AM the National Weather Service had issued a Flash Flood Warning naming [XXX] and listing underpasses. Tesla's data log (my privacy export) records FSD active from 6:12:02, my third FSD session that morning. With FSD active, speed rose from 7 to 27.4 mph between 6:14:04 and 6:14:31, with no accelerator input recorded. Speed then fell sharply (up to about 0.3 g), which I believe is when the car hit the water. FSD stayed active about 8 seconds (200 ft) more; the state changed to ABORTING at 6:14:39, at about 6 mph. I saw no warning, and the export shows none during the approach. We could not drive out. Water rose to about window level and entered the cabin. From 6:17 the log shows restraint system, AEB, ABS, stability and traction control alerts. I lowered a window at about 6:19. At 6:25 the log shows both front door releases activated repeatedly; neither door opened. We climbed out the window onto the roof. Our videos show us there at 6:31 with the front of the hood and headlights under water, and the Elizabeth Fire Department rescued us by boat at about 6:51. The car is a total loss. UNKNOWN: exact water-entry speed, what FSD perceived, and why it disengaged. I ask NHTSA to investigate whether FSD detects and responds to flooded roads in heavy rain and poor light, to obtain Tesla's data for this event, and to review escape from a flooded vehicle whose doors did not open. A report with the data timeline is attached. The full Tesla data export and videos are available on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764922

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

Safety Complaint and Incident Report: Severe Injury Caused by Unprotected Sharp Metal Edge. I am writing to formally lodge a safety complaint regarding a serious design/manufacturing hazard on my Tesla vehicle. While washing the vehicle and wiping down the area near the liftgate/trunk strut, my finger was severely cut by an exposed, unshielded metal sheet edge. This area is extremely sharp and lacks any protective trim, warning labels, or factory finishing, presenting an unacceptable safety hazard during routine vehicle care. This poses a severe risk of injury to any owner or user. I am submitting this formal complaint to document the safety defect and request that Tesla address this manufacturing oversight immediately to prevent further injuries to consumers.

NHTSA ID

11764852

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

Full self driving (FSD) has taken away my ability to set a maximum speed. Car is frequently wrong about the speed limit, especially in constructions zones where the speed limit changes more often. Car goes way too fast, then thinks the speed limit dropped and slows way down and then speeds up again. In addition, the 4 speed profiles they gave us instead of a simple max speed setting are useless. Standard mode usually works best but will sometimes do more than 15 mph over what it thinks the speed limit is.

NHTSA ID

11764423

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

My Tesla Model Y FSD (Full Self Driving mode) malfunctioned when it unintentionally accelerated and swerved dangerously to avoid what it concluded as potential collision with a merging truck. By the time the driver intervened the vehicle had made contact with road barricades damaging both passenger side front and back door and tire fenders. No warnings were issued. - Component or system failed or malfunctioned - Full Self Driving (FSD) - Safety - FSD malfunctioned causing a crash

NHTSA ID

11764404

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

Vehicle disengages my turning signal after I enter the turning lane, leading me to have to turn it on again or risk unsafe turning situations. No fix or work around offered

NHTSA ID

11764298

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

Lane departure pulls the car unsafely when two lanes merge or one lane splits. It has caused us to swerve a few times leading to major safety concerns. It's locked by software we are forced to turn off manually every time we drive. Even when off it seems to pull me around on certain roads

NHTSA ID

11764297

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

Lane departure pulls the car unsafely when two lanes merge or one lane splits. It has caused us to swerve a few times leading to major safety concerns. It's locked by software we are forced to turn off manually every time we drive. Even when off it seems to pull me around on certain roads

NHTSA ID

11764296

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

I was using FSD today and was driving along highway 24 in Orinda and the car almost hit the highway island at speed of 64 mph. I attached the bideo

NHTSA ID

11764280

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

On September 11, 2026 at 5:11:51 PM in San Jose, CA, FSD (Supervised) had been engaged continuously for 23 minutes. The vehicle was traveling straight in its lane at 32 mph and still accelerating. FSD disengaged with no takeover warning: no visual alert, no chime. My data export from the manufacturer (200 ms resolution) confirms the timestamp and shows the driver-monitoring channel never entered either of its warning states during the drive, though both appear elsewhere in my data. Nothing I did caused it. Steering torque stayed within sensor noise, with no rightward torque at any point. First brake application was 5.56 seconds after; first accelerator input 15.5 seconds after; no steering wheel button events near the event. Immediately afterward the steering angle moved about 7 degrees right over five seconds with my torque still near zero. The vehicle left its lane toward parked cars and came very close to striking them. No forward collision warning, no automatic emergency braking. I braked manually and stopped. I re-engaged FSD 36 seconds later and again two minutes later. Both times it steered right again and I disengaged. No warning lamps or messages appeared before any of this. The manufacturer reviewed logs remotely but has not inspected the vehicle or reproduced the problem. They attribute it to reduced forward camera visibility. My export shows one camera-related alert for that drive, logged 23 minutes earlier and absent from the incident window. They later stated the vehicle logged 30 non-customer-facing "low" obstruction events over two weeks, and that a customer alert appears only for significant obstruction. I drove extensively in that period without incident. A condition judged not worth notifying me about should not also explain withdrawal of steering control at 32 mph. Root cause is unconfirmed pending a paid diagnosis I have not authorized. Vehicle available for inspection. I have dashcam footage and the full export.

NHTSA ID

11764259

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

Water entusion in the tail light bar. After time causes corrosion of the circuit board on the turn rear turn signal making it inoperable. tesla doesn't have an open document nor a recall. Was quoted over $1300 to replace the assembly. I did a teardown of the root cause. Glue sealing the through hole for the clip that holds the badge of the car on the rear didn't adhere. Water entered the assembly and dripped onto the circuit board, over time corrosion occurred. My rear left turn signal went out on a car that just turned a year. I have documented the location of the fault with pictures

NHTSA ID

11764041

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

This is an issue with Tesla's Full Self Driving (Supervised). The categories above don't match this capability. Sunday, XXX, about 6:05 PM. FSD (Supervised) version 14.3.9. Leaving In-N-Out Burger, [XXX], FSD chose to exit westbound onto [XXX]. A vehicle coming from the east had gone around the queue on my right and was westbound on [XXX]. FSD pulled forward so the nose entered that westbound lane in front of that car. I intervened with throttle and steering. No contact. Since I didn't honk there was no saved dashcam clip. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763962

Incident

Sep 13, 2026

When I manually disengage Tesla FSD while the vehicle is moving, a persistent feedback popup appears. It cannot simply be dismissed and requires interaction or feedback to clear. This has happened every day since FSD 14.3.2 was released, including September 13, 2026, the incident date entered on this form. This creates visual and cognitive distraction at the exact moment I have assumed manual control and need to focus on driving. I sometimes disengage FSD simply because I want to drive; disengagement does not necessarily indicate an FSD failure. Feedback should be optional, readily dismissible, or deferred until the vehicle is parked. I request that NHTSA review this behavior as a potential driver-distraction safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11763938

Incident

Sep 13, 2026

Using FSD- supervised the car hit the garage door opening denting the car while backing up to park in my garage

NHTSA ID

11763912

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

Tesla Full Self Driving(FSD) supervised system had a critical failure. On 9/11/2026 Tesla FSD software version 14.3.9 was fully engaged and operating. Speed was 55 mph. Entering a school speed zone flashing yellow lights required a speed of 20 mph maximum. Tesla failed to slow down. Safety of driver and citizens was put at risk.Tesla FSD continued into the school speed zone at 55 mph. Driver intervention was initiated inside the school speed zone to obtain the required 20 mph speed in a school speed zone. Weather was clear and pavement dry. Yellow light flashing light & scene visibility was unimpaired and excellent.. The car cameras were clean and dry. There were no warning lamps, symptoms or messages.

NHTSA ID

11763831

Incident

Sep 11, 2026