2026 Tesla Model Y Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2026 Tesla Model Y, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance19037.5%
- Electrical6613.0%
- Steering5510.9%
- Body & structure346.7%
- Suspension316.1%
- Brakes305.9%
- Exterior lighting214.2%
- Interior & seats163.2%
- Other / unspecified122.4%
- Visibility112.2%
- Powertrain (other)102.0%
- Seat belts102.0%
- Airbags102.0%
- Fuel system61.2%
- Engine20.4%
- Tires & wheels20.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car sways/oscillates side to side on highway speed. Took the car in for service on XXX. Multiple works performed on the car such as wheel alignment, Camera Pitch corrections, and tire balance. The service report indicated "The vehicle was released for the customer to monitor." After the car returned to me, I drove on the highway, on the way home, and found the oscillation amplitude has gotten worse. I reported the concern immediately to the [XXX] Tesla Service center. I was told they will call back. Subsequently I left two more urgent messages but never received a call back. This problem, per Tesla's message, asking the customer not to drive on highway due to safety concerns. Unfortunately, I am unable to avoid driving highway for practical daily purposes. On XXX, my daughter vomited (motion sickness) due to car oscillation side to side driving on highway XXX. The oscillation is especially bad when driving on [XXX]. This problem has made me and my family felt very unsafe to drive the car on highway which has prevented us from taking longer trips. This problem has prevented my for normal day to day driving needs and also affecting my family health. Tesla Technician personally ride with me and confirm the defect on XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Cut to 1,423 characters — fits with room to spare. Same facts, same careful framing, nothing lost. I'm reporting a recurring suspension/control-arm problem with 2026 Tesla vehicles. My 2026 Tesla developed suspension squeaking. Tesla fixed it under warranty. The same noise is back. While Tesla had my vehicle, they gave me a 2026 Model Y loaner — it makes the same noise. The problem is in multiple 2026 vehicles, not just mine. Tesla Service Bulletin SB-25-31-005 (May 8, 2026) covers rattling/knocking from the suspension on 2025+ Model Y, including front upper-control-arm mounts. Tesla has also documented upper-control-arm ball-joint creaking on Model 3/Y/X from water ingress and corrosion. NHTSA recalled 2020 Model Y for improperly secured front upper-control-arm hardware, stating separation could reduce steering ability and increase crash risk. I am not claiming my vehicle has that exact defect. I am asking NHTSA to determine whether these recurring symptoms indicate another suspension/control-arm defect. I transport a baby in this vehicle. A control-arm failure causing loss of steering could cause a crash with serious injury or death. Tesla now refuses warranty inspection unless I pay a diagnostic deposit first, even though they fixed the same issue under warranty before and the car is under the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. I ask NHTSA to review this with other Tesla suspension complaints for a defect trend. I can provide VINs, service records, Tesla communications, and noise recordings.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
On October 24, 2026, while washing my nearly new 2026 Tesla Model Y, I found the brake fluid reservoir cap loose in the windshield cowl area. I took delivery on October 1, 2026. The vehicle had approximately 529 miles when presented to Tesla Service Fremont that day. Tesla's repair invoice confirms that the brake fluid reservoir cap was found on the windshield cowl. It states that the technician inspected the frunk interior for other missing components, found none, performed a brake fluid test and found no moisture, and reinstalled the reservoir cap. I have retained the repair invoice. My safety concern is possible exposure of the brake fluid reservoir to moisture, wash water or debris while the cap was not installed. I do not know when the cap came off or whether it was properly installed at delivery. Contamination and any resulting internal damage have not been established. The invoice does not specify the reservoir's condition when inspected, the test method or numerical results. I am seeking clarification and a technical review of whether further action is needed. I am reporting a potential brake-system assembly or delivery-quality issue for safety review. I am not claiming that a crash or actual loss of braking occurred. The cause, exposure duration and prior warning-lamp status are UNKNOWN.
Repeated Unexpected Braking / Suspected AEB Activation My 2026 Tesla Model Y has repeatedly experienced sudden unexpected braking at the same location near my home over the past several weeks. The incidents have occurred both while Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was engaged and, importantly, while I was manually driving with FSD disengaged. During some periods, this occurs almost every morning. It has also occurred during both daytime and nighttime driving. The location currently has construction activity, and the behavior is highly location-specific. In the most serious recent incident, the vehicle suddenly braked while another vehicle was following behind us, creating a near rear-end collision. Our approximately two-year-old child was in the rear seat, and repeated sudden braking events have frightened our child on multiple occasions. We now do not feel safe driving this vehicle with our child through this location, but the road is a necessary route for entering and leaving our neighborhood. We reported the issue to Tesla and provided multiple specific timestamps. Tesla performed remote diagnostics and stated that no vehicle hardware fault was detected. Tesla told us that it believes the behavior is related to the construction/road environment at this location and that it currently has no repair or solution for the issue. My concern is that an active safety/braking system can repeatedly initiate unexpected braking during normal manual driving because of a specific road environment. The absence of a hardware fault does not resolve the safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate this recurring unexpected braking behavior, including whether similar incidents are occurring in other Tesla Model Y vehicles.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
On XXX, I was driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y All-Wheel Drive northbound on [XXX] toward the [XXX] exit in [XXX]. Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) was engaged as the vehicle entered a single-lane exit ramp with a curve. The FSD system did not slow the vehicle sufficiently for the curve. I intervened by applying the brakes, but the vehicle struck a reflector pole with its front bumper area. No other vehicle was involved. I am reporting a suspected malfunction of the FSD system’s ability to recognize roadway curvature, select an appropriate speed, and slow the vehicle in time to navigate the curve safely. This created a safety risk because, despite my intervention, a collision occurred. Under similar circumstances, the vehicle could strike other roadside objects or cause a more serious crash resulting in injuries. To my knowledge, a Tesla service center or independent facility has not reproduced or confirmed the suspected malfunction. I request that NHTSA investigate and that Tesla preserve and examine available vehicle telemetry, event logs, FSD status, vehicle speed, braking inputs, and driver-intervention data from the incident. Tesla Insurance reviewed the collision and determined me at fault. I disputed that determination and requested reconsideration. However, the insurance decision does not establish whether the FSD system malfunctioned. I did not receive a warning lamp or message alerting me in advance that the vehicle would not slow sufficiently for the curve. The problem became apparent as I approached and entered the ramp. I request investigation into whether this represents a safety defect affecting Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD and whether corrective action is necessary. I can provide additional incident information and make the vehicle available for inspection upon request, subject to availability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Driver seat frame, cushion and backrest moves from side to side during cornering. This issue has gradually gotten worse, to a point that just shifting my body weight on the seat is able to move it. Tesla service center says it is within specification, but it does not feel safe.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car sways/oscillates side to side on highway speed. Took the car in for service on XXX. Multiple works performed on the car such as wheel alignment, Camera Pitch corrections, and tire balance. The service report indicated "The vehicle was released for the customer to monitor." After the car returned to me, I drove on the highway, on the way home, and found the oscillation amplitude has gotten worse. I reported the concern immediately to the [XXX] Tesla Service center. I was told they will call back. Subsequently I left two more urgent messages but never received a call back. This problem, per Tesla's message, asking the customer not to drive on highway due to safety concerns. Unfortunately, I am unable to avoid driving highway for practical daily purposes. On XXX, my daughter vomited (motion sickness) due to car oscillation side to side driving on highway XXX. The oscillation is especially bad when driving on [XXX]. This problem has made me and my family felt very unsafe to drive the car on highway which has prevented us from taking longer trips. This problem has prevented my for normal day to day driving needs and also affecting my family health. Tesla Technician personally ride with me and confirm the defect on XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
In regards to degradiation of driveway battery in my Tesla model Y I have lost 7.3 % of range vehicle now has 21,601 miles. The battery is at 90% health that the on board diagnosis has computed I’ve owned this Teslafor 18 months normal driving 17 times at the supercharger hall charging at level two at home. I feel that this battery pack made by Panasonic is degrading faster than expected, even though I have no faults or alerts. I believe this is unacceptable. I am hearing the same across the country. I have reported it to the Tesla service team and they say this is normal. I wish for a recall and or replacement.
The car is 4 months old (a 2026 Tesla y i bought new recently) — a rear hit my left tire with left axel brook not survive the crash it is any engineering problem with tesla manufactory this never happen this damage in my life time when i am rear ending how I report to tesl also i have clam with my insurance allstate under clam number 0840045827
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Component Involved: Full Self-Driving (FSD) / Uncommanded Vehicle Movement DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY DEFECT & INCIDENT: While using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, the vehicle navigated into a driveway sloped on an uphill incline and came to a stop. Immediately after the front passenger unbuckled their seatbelt to exit, the vehicle unexpectedly began moving backward down the slope on its own. Because my focus was entirely on preventing a collision, I could not verify if the touchscreen or gear indicator changed states; I immediately had to apply the manual brakes to stop the vehicle. This uncommanded rearward movement immediately after a passenger unbuckled poses a severe safety hazard to exiting occupants and nearby pedestrians. Emergency driver intervention was required to secure the vehicle.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am formally requesting an investigation and corrective software update addressing Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) improperly navigating into closed HOV/express lanes. On October 14, 2026, at approximately 5:19 PM, my Tesla was operating with FSD engaged, Mad Max mode selected, and HOV lane navigation enabled. The vehicle entered a closed Georgia Peach Pass express lane, passed the first security barrier, and subsequently collided with a second barrier despite my attempt to intervene by braking. The collision shattered my windshield, damaged the windshield frame, and caused minor physical injuries. My primary concern is that FSD failed to recognize or appropriately respond to a physically closed express lane. This presents a potentially serious safety hazard for other Tesla drivers and surrounding motorists.
I am writing to raise a serious safety concern regarding my Tesla Model Y Premium AWD 7-seater which was involved in a significant rear-end collision The vehicle sustained substantial impact and has been determined to be a total loss. Given the severity of the collision, I am concerned that none of the airbags deployed. This is a serious safety concern, and I would appreciate a detailed technical explanation rather than a general statement about airbag deployment criteria. Please let me know what information, photographs, police reports, or other documentation you need from me to conduct the investigation
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
In regards to degradiation of driveway battery in my Tesla model Y I have lost 7.3 % of range vehicle now has 21,601 miles. The battery is at 90% health that the on board diagnosis has computed I’ve owned this Teslafor 18 months normal driving 17 times at the supercharger hall charging at level two at home. I feel that this battery pack made by Panasonic is degrading faster than expected, even though I have no faults or alerts. I believe this is unacceptable. I am hearing the same across the country. I have reported it to the Tesla service team and they say this is normal. I wish for a recall and or replacement.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
A day or two prior I had received an alert that my coolant was low and to get service on my vehicle. Through the Tesla app I was unable to orginally schedule until July but I kept looking and an opening opened up on June 20th. I was on my way to that appointment from New Bern (the nearest service center is 120 miles from my house). I was avoiding highways, driving early AM, and driving at or below the speed limit to try to avoid the car from overheating. The car is pretty much brand new with just over 10k miles. I was only an hour in and had just left Kinston when I got a warning to pull over and then another alert a few moments later as I was trying to get off the parkway that the rear motor was shutting down and I began to lose speed rapidly. I stopped the car which proceeded to make a ton of noise and called roadside assistance. I had never experienced this type of noise before and was worried about combustion. Tesla was excellent at responding, towing, and the car is currently being repaired under warranty but I wanted to report the incident as it is a 2026 model with only 10k miles on it and has not been in an accident. This should not be happening to a brand new car. The latest repair report shows the rear drive inverter inlet hose and the supermanifold coolant pumps required replacing.
I was driving in full self driving mode on my Tesla model Y. The car stopped at the left turn stoplight as it does normally. And then while the light was still red and the cross traffic was green (traffic flowing), the Tesla released the brake, accelerating into the intersection. I stomped on the brake and kept the car from fully entering the intersection, then continue home without using Full Self Driving mode any further. If I hadn’t intervened, the Tesla would have caused an accident, injury, or even death.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front driver-side OEM Hankook tire (size: 235/55R18) on my 2026 Tesla Model Y Standard Range developed a severe 2-inch structural split/crack along the tire shoulder/sidewall under normal daily commuting on paved roads. There was no road hazard or curb impact. This sudden structural failure caused immediate, complete air pressure loss, creating a severe safety risk on the road. The failure was confirmed by an independent local tire repair technician, who inspected the tire and declared it irreparable, forcing an immediate out-of-pocket replacement. No prior warning lights or symptoms appeared before the incident. Photos of the defect, tire size, and DOT code are available upon request.
Owned car for only a week with 470 miles on odometer. At appromately 10am CST on June 26 while on an exit ramp the tire sidewall failed catastrophically causing extraneous damage to fender well liner and molding. Car was stopped immediately as emergency services police and towbtruck were called. Weather was clear and there was np obstructions on the road. There was also no indication of low tire pressure until the failure happened. All tires were at the recommended 42 PSI per Tesla vehicle data. The failure was a complete total circumferential separation of the inner bead /sidewall from the rest of the tire. All tires were replaced by owner with Michelins due to lack of trust in the manufacturing quality of the pirelli tires. Tesla and Pirelli are not acknowledging any responsibility for this failure. This is a major safety related incident which could have caused a lot more damage if the car was traveling at a higher rate of speed. On an exit ramp the speed was not more than 45 mph.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .