2026 Tesla Model Y Electrical Problems

The contact owned a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 16 MPH with the self-driving feature activated the vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign. Seconds later the contact's daughter attempted to disengage the self-driving feature and then depressed the brake pedal to stop from entering a right-turn-only minor road stop-controlled intersection. However, the front passenger’s side of the vehicle was struck by another vehicle, before striking another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags on the passenger’s side of the vehicle deployed. The contact's daughter sustained minor leg injuries. Medical attention was not needed, and the contact was not sure whether occupants of the other vehicle required medical attention. A Police report was filed. The contact stated that the vehicle had not detected the oncoming traffic and that the crash could have been prevented. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,986.

NHTSA ID

11754808

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

Mileage

13,986 mi

My tesla model Y was driving on FSD (full self driving) and just did hard full stop brake at a traffic light and brought the car to a complete stop even when the light was green. Both of toddler kids in the back got pulled jolted forward where the seat belt hurt them. This stopping was random was unnecessary as no threat of other cars or the light was present. Luckily no one was behind us or they would have rear ended our car causing a serious accident. This really left my children in shock.

NHTSA ID

11753870

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

Center brake light fails intermittently when outside temperature is hot (115). Tesla is aware of the issue and has no fix. Side brake lights still seem to work when center fails.

NHTSA ID

11753834

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11752088

Incident

Nov 30, 2025

The vehicle's Indirect TPMS showed a "Pressure Sensor Fault (may clear next drive)" without issuing any "Low Tire Pressure" alert. On July 20, 2026, while driving, the rear right tire lost pressure and disintegrated over a 10-minute drive. Despite severe tire failure that triggered multiple safety system alerts (Traction Control, Stability Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Avoidance disabled), the vehicle software FAILED to issue a critical "Do Not Drive" command or explicit "Flat Tire" warning. Furthermore, the official Tesla App automated response advised that "Most alerts may resolve automatically on your next drive," encouraging continued driving. This total absence of critical emergency alerts and misleading system guidance created an extreme, life-threatening road hazard and resulted in severe tire and wheel destruction.

NHTSA ID

11751866

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed without the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature engaged, the steering wheel suddenly jerked to the right. While the FSD was engaged, the vehicle made erroneous turns at 51 MPH, forcing the driver to take control of the vehicle. The contact received several warnings about the brakes and other safety features. The steering wheel jerked to the right while driving with the FSD engaged. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center on July 9th. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 303.

NHTSA ID

11750033

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

Mileage

303 mi

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH with the Full Self-Driving mode engaged, the vehicle suddenly swerved into the left lane, and the rear passenger’s side door struck the right side of another vehicle. The vehicle stopped after the impact. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle did not need to be towed. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the Forward Collision Avoidance feature was not activated during the failure. A Police report was filed. There was no injury reported. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,609.

NHTSA ID

11748001

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

Mileage

3,609 mi

The high volatage heat pumps stopped working after 3 months and they left me without a loaner or credit for transportation

NHTSA ID

11746948

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system engaged, the vehicle unexpectedly made a left turn toward a tree and a light pole. The contact manually took control of the vehicle to avoid a crash. There were no warning lights illuminated, or messages displayed prior to the failure; however, after the failure, the contact was prompted to take control from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,800.

NHTSA ID

11746774

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

Mileage

11,800 mi

While driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y in June 2026, the vehicle suddenly applied steering input on its own and began swerving left and right even though there were no obstacles in the road. I was driving on a straight section of roadway, centered in my lane, when the steering wheel started moving by itself as if the lane keeping system and steering were confused. I had to fight the wheel in both directions to keep the car from veering toward the curb and toward the adjacent lane. It felt like struggling against another person at the wheel. Fortunately there were no vehicles directly beside me at that moment, so I was able to avoid a collision, but this behavior could easily cause an accident for a typical driver. This incident is part of an ongoing pattern of safety issues with this vehicle. Since late 2025, I have experienced multiple events where the car fails to respond to the accelerator after shifting into Drive and behaves as if it is in neutral until I shift back to Park and then into Drive again including a complete loss of propulsion while driving in moderate traffic. Tesla has already performed recall repairs on the battery/battery contactors and multiple diagnostic visits for intermittent loss of propulsion and steering concerns, but the problems continue. I am filing this complaint because I believe there is a serious defect involving the steering, propulsion system, and lane keeping driver assist systems that could cause loss of control and a crash.

NHTSA ID

11746596

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a serious safety incident involving our brand‑new 2026 Tesla Model Y (Juniper), equipped with FSD version 14.2.2.5 and Software Version 2025.45.10. We purchased this vehicle as our dream car, and for nearly six months it delivered exactly what we hoped for—innovation, safety, and an exceptional driving experience. That trust was the foundation of our decision to choose Tesla. On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] in Frisco, TX, that trust was shaken by a sudden and alarming event. After coming to a stop and while making a routine right turn at under 10 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own, causing an immediate loss of control. The entire incident unfolded in seconds, leaving no opportunity to react or correct the vehicle’s behavior. The incident happened at the intersection of [XXX]. The "Autopilot" feature in Tesla was on at the time of the incident. The impact was severe. The airbags deployed, the vehicle was declared a total loss by insurance, and first responders—including the Frisco Police Department—were required to clear the wreckage. My wife sustained injuries in the crash and continues to recover. Witnesses at the scene confirmed that the acceleration was abrupt and not driver‑initiated. The emotional and physical toll has been significant. More importantly, the nature of this incident raises serious concerns about a potential safety issue that could affect other Tesla owners. We feel compelled to ensure this incident is thoroughly examined. If there is a systemic issue—software‑related or otherwise—it is critical that it be identified and addressed to protect other drivers and uphold the integrity of the Tesla name. We truly miss our vehicle and the confidence we once had in it. We hope Tesla will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and provide a transparent path forward. Thank you for your time, attention, and commitment to safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11745911

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

This is Reference my existing ODI number 11742309. On June 4, 2026, while driving slowly into a parking space, the vehicle experienced a sudden and unintended acceleration. I applied the brake, but the vehicle did not respond as commanded, resulting in a collision. The vehicle was approximately 3 months old at the time of this incident.

NHTSA ID

11745374

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

I purchased a new 2026 Tesla Model Y Standard and took delivery on approximately 30 May 2026. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle displayed multiple safety-related warnings, including: * Steering Assist Reduced * Power Braking Assist Reduced * Automatic Emergency Braking Unavailable * Lane Departure Avoidance Features Unavailable * Automatic Vehicle Hold Disabled The warnings have occurred more than once. They initially disappeared and then returned on a later drive. Both incidents occurred while the vehicle was operating with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged. During the most recent occurrence, while parking at less than 3 mph, the vehicle’s braking assistance appeared reduced and the brake pedal required significantly more effort than normal. As a result, I nearly struck a curb because the vehicle did not slow as expected. The warnings indicated that increased steering and braking effort may be required. Because the vehicle is brand new and these warnings involve steering, braking, and collision-avoidance systems, I believe this creates a significant safety risk. I no longer feel the vehicle is safe to drive until it is inspected and repaired. Tesla has been notified and a service request has been initiated.

NHTSA ID

11742507

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

On XXX at approximately 9:30am, my 2026 Tesla Model Y suddenly accelerated without driver input while parking at The Center at [XXX], [XXX]. Vehicle surged forward unexpectedly. I immediately applied brakes. No warning messages appeared before or during the incident. Vehicle struck parking lot curb. Police responded and vehicle was towed. Physical evidence including tire drag marks and vehicle debris remain at scene. Requesting full EDR data log preservation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11742309

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, with the autopilot feature engaged, the vehicle approached a lane closure as big, metal arrow road signs where on the road indicating the road closure. The contact, who was distracted at the time, expected the vehicle to acknowledge the road closure and switch lanes. The vehicle failed to recognize the Chevron barricade lights on the highway and the vehicle ran through the road signs without warning. The contact was forced to take over and stop the vehicle due to the failure. Due to the failure, the front, driver side mirror detached from the vehicle. The contact exited the highway and inspected the damage to the vehicle. Despite the failure, the contact managed to drive the vehicle home. The service center was notified of the failure and an appointment was made to have the damages repaired. The cause of the failure had yet to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

NHTSA ID

11741614

Incident

May 28, 2026

Mileage

21,000 mi

Tesla 2026 Model Y was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident directly caused by a critical software and/or hardware malfunction of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. At the time of the incident, the vehicle’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software suite was actively engaged and driving the vehicle. While navigating, the system suffered an abrupt and uncommented control malfunction. Despite prompt attention, the autonomous system executed an erratic, uncorrectable maneuver that overrode human intervention thresholds, completely failed to respond safely to the immediate driving environment, and directly caused a collision.

NHTSA ID

11740400

Incident

May 18, 2026

This is the opposite of a complaint. Somebody may have already submitted a blurb about their Tesla Y traveling on a highway with the speed limit of 60 giving an extra foot of room to a motorcyclist that was passing their vehicle. This happened to me today for the first time while I was in full self driving mode . My car was aware of the motorcyclist wanting to pass me and the car in the next lane.  Sensing this it moved over about a foot in my lane to allow the motorcycle passage  more room. A few minutes later, it did it again for a different motorcyclist. It did this all while in full self driving mode. Kudos to this safety technology. 

NHTSA ID

11739136

Incident

May 20, 2026

I am reporting a recurring and unresolved electrical/safety issue with my new Tesla Model Y. The issue has occurred 5 times within the past 4 weeks and affects multiple systems simultaneously. When the issue occurs: * The air conditioning stops working completely. * The driver-side front and rear windows cannot be rolled down or up. * The driver seat adjustment may not function properly. The problem appears intermittently. It may disappear temporarily and then return hours or days later. Tesla service has inspected the vehicle multiple times, but the issue continues to recur. This creates a significant safety concern because: * The driver window may not function during rain or emergencies. * The AC may fail during extremely hot weather. * The driver seat may not adjust properly, potentially affecting safe vehicle operation and driver visibility. * The intermittent nature of the failure makes the vehicle unpredictable and unreliable to operate safely. The issue has not been permanently resolved despite repeated service visits. I am concerned there may be a broader electrical or control system defect affecting vehicle safety.

NHTSA ID

11738462

Incident

May 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the contact's husband was driving at 70 MPH, the self-drive feature failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle aggressively jerked into the merging lane. The contact stated that the vehicle almost crashed into a concrete wall. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was persistent. The contact stated that the failure began after an unknown software update was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,800.

NHTSA ID

11738182

Incident

May 1, 2026

Mileage

4,800 mi

I took delivery of a brand new Tesla Model Y today in Austin, Texas. Within less than two hours of delivery, the vehicle experienced two separate and serious failures while driving. During the first incident, the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road without any warning while I was driving. The vehicle became completely unresponsive and came to a stop in active traffic. I immediately contacted Tesla service for assistance. The representative advised me not to worry and stated that the vehicle likely came to a safe stop location and that there appeared to be no issue since the system had recovered. I was told the vehicle was safe to continue driving. However, this information did not reflect what actually occurred. The vehicle had stopped in the middle of an active roadway, not in a safe location.After the system temporarily became operable again, I continued driving as instructed. However, during a second drive shortly after, the exact same issue occurred again within approximately 10–15 minutes, this time on a much larger and heavily trafficked road. When the vehicle stopped both times, it became completely electronically controlled and unresponsive. There was no manual way to move or safely reposition the vehicle. I was stranded in the middle of moving traffic on a major road, unable to control or move the car in any way. I felt that my life was in danger due to the inability to regain control or remove the vehicle from traffic. Both incidents occurred on the same day of delivery within a very short time frame, making the vehicle completely unreliable and unsafe to operate. At least one of the incidents occurred while using self-driving features. Due to the repeated failures, the severe safety risk, and the incorrect reassurance provided during the first incident, I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle. I am requesting a buyback or refund rather than repair, as this issue occurred immediately after delivery and represents a critical safety conce

NHTSA ID

11734432

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

I am reporting multiple safety-related failures with my Tesla Model Y, purchased December 18, 2025. Within four months of ownership, the vehicle has experienced escalating issues: On April 19, 2026, while driving approximately 70 mph on a freeway in heavy rain, the vehicle suddenly lost power and decelerated to approximately 20 mph. Multiple safety systems became unavailable simultaneously, including automatic emergency braking, traction control, stability control, and vehicle hold. I was able to pull to the side of the road, but the vehicle would not restart and required towing. This created a dangerous situation and significantly compromised my ability to safely control the vehicle. On April 9, 2026, a rear seatbelt unlatched under braking while in use. This is a serious safety concern, as the passenger was not properly restrained and had to brace themselves. On February 10, 2026, the vehicle experienced repeated software failures causing lockouts. In one incident, I was locked out while my [XXX] child was inside the vehicle. On January 2, 2026, the vehicle required service for a cracked window shortly after delivery. The vehicle has been taken in for service multiple times, and although repairs were performed, new and increasingly serious failures have continued to occur. I am concerned about the safety of operating this vehicle, particularly due to the loss of power at highway speed and failure of safety systems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11732247

Incident

Apr 18, 2026

Upon delivery of the vehicle the passenger door would not open from the outside. Multiple vehicle settings were reviewed, and a repair was scheduled to fix the issue.

NHTSA ID

11730066

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11728518

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

On March 23, 2026, my vehicle experienced a sudden and simultaneous failure of multiple critical safety systems without any prior warning. The alerts displayed included: Automatic Emergency Braking unavailable, traction control disabled, stability control disabled, and additional driver-assistance features becoming unavailable. This incident created a serious safety hazard, as the loss of these systems significantly reduces vehicle stability and braking assistance, increasing the risk of loss of control, especially at highway speeds or in adverse weather conditions. In addition, the front-facing camera exhibits fogging and reduced visibility during cloudy and rainy conditions, which further impacts the reliability of safety and driver-assistance systems. Based on my research, similar issues have been reported by other Tesla owners, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a potential pattern defect. I am concerned about the safety of operating this vehicle and request that this matter be investigated for potential defects affecting critical safety systems.

NHTSA ID

11727101

Incident

Mar 23, 2026

On [XXX] I pick up my New Tesla Y. On [XXX], while traveling at highway speeds on [XXX] with Autopilot "FSD" engaged, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden vehicle shutdown and start giving multiple alerts without warning. The vehicle displayed multiple critical alerts: "Vehicle Shutdown", "Pull Over Safely", "Stability Control Disabled." Upon the failure, Autopilot FSD disengaged, and the power steering immediately became extremely heavy ("hard"), making the vehicle difficult to steer. The car lost all propulsion. I had to manually maneuver the heavy, unpowered vehicle through active highway traffic to reach the shoulder, which created an immediate and severe safety risk. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center in Fort Lauderdale with only 130 miles on the odometer. Technicians confirmed a "major motor failure" of the rear drive unit requiring a full replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11722480

Incident

Mar 3, 2026