2021 Tesla Model Y problems, complaints & recalls

Far more Rising

NHTSA has received 1,066 owner complaints about the 2021 Tesla Model Y, or 187.9 per year on the road — far more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 4.47, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #84 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Tesla models its rate is 183% higher; against other Electric vehicles it is 233% higher.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2020-11-25 and 2026-09-02. Median delay from incident to filing: 5 days.

1,066Complaints

187.9Complaints per year on the road

4.47Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles

23Recalls

8.4%Share involving a crash or fire

124Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2020) drew 41.2 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2022) drew 182.7 per year, about the same. In its first two years on the road the 2021 model collected 625 complaints, 922% higher than the average vehicle of the same model year.

The most common problem area is Driver-assist systems (39.8% of complaints), followed by Brakes (14.7%) and Electrical (13.8%). Driver-assist systems complaints are 6.9 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Driver-assist systems reports, owners most often mention “phantom”, “cruise”, “braking”, “autopilot” and “control”. 90 reports (8.4%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 25 injuries and 4 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 18 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the second year (40% of incidents). In the last 12 months 124 new complaints were filed, versus 85 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.

NHTSA lists 23 safety recalls for this model year. 87% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses. 15 NHTSA defect investigations cover this model year; the most recent is “Lower Lateral Link detachment” (opened 2026-07-29, still open).

Complaint index

vs. all tracked vehicles4.47
vs. other Tesla models2.83
vs. other 2021 models4.92
vs. other Electric vehicles3.33
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (625)10.22
#84 of 85 · 2021Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

20190.0 per year0.0
202041.2 per year0.98
2021187.9 per year4.47
2022182.7 per year4.34
2023311.4 per year7.4
2024117.4 per year2.79
202557.4 per year1.36

Tesla Model Y problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

Driver-assist systems424 · 39.8% · 6.94×
Brakes157 · 14.7% · 2.42×
Electrical147 · 13.8% · 0.88×
Interior & equipment69 · 6.5% · 0.73×
Steering65 · 6.1% · 0.94×
Wheels, tires & suspension50 · 4.7% · 1.89×
Body & structure47 · 4.4% · 0.48×
Airbags & seat belts38 · 3.6% · 0.94×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Driver-assist systems · Common terms in reports

phantom186
cruise234
braking215
autopilot130
control250
lane149

Brakes · Common terms in reports

phantom62
cruise83
braking82
control92
brakes52
autopilot28

Electrical · Common terms in reports

battery42
center36
screen35
trapped14
open29
door27

Problem areas: Driver-assist systems · Electrical · Brakes · Steering · Interior & equipment · Wheels, tires & suspension · Body & structure · Airbags & seat belts · Transmission / powertrain · Engine

When complaints were filed

Crashes reported: 86
Fires reported: 6
Injuries: 25
Deaths: 4

Vehicle age at incident

<1 yr20.8%
1–2 yrs39.9%
2–3 yrs14.7%
3–5 yrs18.2%
5+ yrs6.4%

Median age at incident: 18 months

What owners report

I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y with approximately 51,300 miles. Beginning in June 2026 I noticed a persistent creaking noise from the front suspension, most audible when accelerating and when turning at low speed.

Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-09-02 · ODI 11761709 · Crash
While my vehicle was operating under FSD, it ran a red light at the above intersection, resulting in an accident.

Interior & equipment · 2026-05-28 · ODI 11740671 · Crash
My passenger rear door is completely broken and unsafe. While I am driving down the road, the car suddenly thinks the door is wide open (ajar) because the window won't roll up all the way.

Interior & equipment · 2026-09-01 · ODI 11761375
Creaking noise when turning at low speed or going over a bump.

Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-08-31 · ODI 11760850
Rear passenger door is impossible to open. On using the exterior latch, the window retracts partly and the door opens 1/2 inch only. From inside, nothing works and a passenger would be trapped.

Electrical · 2026-08-29 · ODI 11760625

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2021 · Electric vehicles

Models	Complaints	Complaints per year on the road	Complaint index
2021 Tesla Model X	40	7.1	0.17
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV	67	11.8	0.28
2021 Tesla Model S	176	31.0	0.74
2021 Volkswagen ID.4	330	58.2	1.38
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E	343	60.5	1.44
2021 Tesla Model 3	657	115.8	2.75
2021 Tesla Model Y	1,066	187.9	4.47

Safety recalls (23)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Campaign 26V507000 · 2026-08-05

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE Campaign 26V283000 · 2026-05-05

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS Campaign 24V935000 · 2024-12-17 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH Campaign 24V554000 · 2024-07-24 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES Campaign 24V376000 · 2024-05-28 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT Campaign 24V153000 · 2024-02-27 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL Campaign 24V051000 · 2024-01-30 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE Campaign 23V838000 · 2023-12-12 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING Campaign 23V085000 · 2023-02-15 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS Campaign 22V844000 · 2022-11-15 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

Risk: A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Campaign 22V702000 · 2022-09-19 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Campaign 22V317000 · 2022-05-09

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y vehicles. The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.

Risk: Swapped camera views can prevent the vehicle's cameras from detecting crossing objects and high-curvature lane lines, impairing the Autosteer and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) performance, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service will correct the swapped terminals and recalibrate the cameras, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-17-007.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Campaign 22V235000 · 2022-04-12 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Campaign 22V063000 · 2022-02-04 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Campaign 22V050000 · 2022-02-02 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Risk: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Campaign 22V045000 · 2022-02-01 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE Campaign 22V037000 · 2022-01-27 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

SUSPENSION Campaign 21V912000 · 2021-11-21

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.

Risk: Suspension links that separate can reduce vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the knuckles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-004.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 21V846000 · 2021-10-29 · Over-the-air fix

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

Risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS Campaign 21V835000 · 2021-10-25

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR Campaign 21V388000 · 2021-05-25

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors may not be properly attached.

Risk: Improperly attached fasteners may prevent the seat belt retention system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-002.

SEAT BELTS Campaign 21V389000 · 2021-05-25

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.

Risk: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Campaign 21V387000 · 2021-05-25

Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.

Risk: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

Lower Lateral Link detachment Open

PE26006 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM · Opened 2026-07-29 · Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 156 complaints alleging a suspension failure in model year (MY) 2018-2020 Model 3 and MY 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles. The suspension failure involves the detachment of the front lower lateral link, which potentially causes a loss of vehicle directional control. In most cases, there was no advance warning or indication that the suspension failur…
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions Open

EA26002 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS · Opened 2026-03-18 · Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Teslaâs Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the systemâs ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient t…
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged Open

PE25012 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS · Opened 2025-10-07 · Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

The Office of Defects Investigation (âODIâ) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traï¬c safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that Tesla has labeled as "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)." Tesla characterizes FSD as an SAE Level 2 partial automat…
Electronic door handles become inoperative Open

PE25010 · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · Opened 2025-09-15 · Model years: 2021

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received nine Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting an inability to open doors on Model Year (MY) 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles. The most commonly reported scenarios involved parents exiting the vehicle after a drive cycle in order to remove a child from the back seat or placing a child in the back seat before starting a drive cycle. InÂ those e…
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements Open

AQ25002 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS · Opened 2025-08-20 · Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

The Office of Defects Investigation (âODIâ) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (âTeslaâ) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the âSGOâ), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the Standing General Order in place at the time required a…
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts. Closed

PE24033 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING · Opened 2025-01-06 · Closed 2026-04-03 · Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to Tesla, Summon is a short-distance SAE Level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private prope…
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions Closed

PE24031 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS · Opened 2024-10-17 · Closed 2026-03-18 · Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

On October 17, 2024, NHTSAâs Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031) of Teslaâs Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) to assess: the ability of the FSD system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other FSD crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility co…
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness Open

RQ24009 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE · Opened 2024-04-25 · Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system, which Tesla described as an SAE Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Autopilot is the simulta…
Sudden Unintended Acceleration Open

DP23002 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Opened 2023-06-29 · Model years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the DP20-001 denial. The petiti…
Defect Petition Interlock Request Closed

DP23001 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER · Opened 2023-04-07 · Closed 2026-03-18 · Model years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

On March 21, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting a ârecall of all Tesla carsâ produced from 2013 to the date on which the petition was filed due to what Petitioner considers to be the increased likelihood of pedal misapplication. Attached to the Petition is a paper authored by Petitioner. According to Petitioner, the differences in the operator contro…
Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

DP22005 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM · Opened 2023-01-27 · Closed 2023-08-07 · Campaign 22V063000 · Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and ele…
Autopilot System Driver Controls Closed

EA22002 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Opened 2022-06-08 · Closed 2024-04-25 · Campaign 23V838 · Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded PE21020 to EA22002 on June 8, 2022, to extend work and deepen the PE21020 crash analysis, to supplement that analysis with additional data, and to perform vehicle evaluations to understand how Teslaâs Autopilot system may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driverâs supervision. To suppor…
Unexpected Brake Activation Closed

PE22002 · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS · Opened 2022-02-16 · Closed 2026-06-29 · Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

On February 16, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22002) to investigate reports of unexpected deceleration while driving with the adaptive cruise control system engaged in Model Year (MY) 2021 â 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured by Tesla. The subject systems include Autopilot (all versions), Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Traffic Aware C…
Tesla Passenger Play Closed

PE21023 · EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:120/240 VAC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:RECEPTACLE · Opened 2021-12-21 · Closed 2023-05-26 · Model years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-023) on December 21, 2021, to evaluate the driver distraction potential and use frequency / circumstances of in-vehicle game-play functionality referred to as ?Passenger Play? in certain model year (MY) 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3, S, X, and Y vehicles. Distracted driving can result in an increased risk of a crash. PE21-023 …
Autopilot & First Responder Scenes Closed

PE21020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS · Opened 2021-08-13 · Closed 2022-06-08 · Model years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

On August 13, 2021, NHTSA?s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-020) to assess the performance of Tesla?s Autopilot system (a system characterized by Tesla as an SAE Level 2 driving automation system designed to support and assist the driver in performing the driving task) available in Tesla vehicles. The investigation opening was motivated by an accumulatio…

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints were filed for the 2021 Tesla Model Y?

1,066 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model Y, or about 187.9 per year on the road.

What is the most common problem reported for the 2021 Tesla Model Y?

The most common category is Driver-assist systems, accounting for 39.8% of complaints.

Does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 23 safety recall(s) for this model year. 15 NHTSA defect investigations cover this model year; the most recent is “Lower Lateral Link detachment” (opened 2026-07-29, still open).

Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y still generating complaints?

In the last 12 months 124 new complaints were filed, versus 85 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.