Tesla Model Y Engine problems
55 of the 3,749 complaints about the Tesla Model Y (1.5%) concern Engine, making it the model's #11 problem area. That share is 0.1× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2023 model (20, 2% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2020 model (1). 10 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
Owners most often describe: “motor disabled”, “rear motor”, “center”, “front motor” and “acceleration”. 10 of these reports (16.4%) describe a crash or fire, with 9 injuries and 1 death mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 10 · Previous 12 months: 9
Common terms in reports
- motor disabled7
- rear motor6
- center17
- front motor5
- acceleration11
- safely shutting3
What owners report
UPDATE to previous complaint – Reference Number: [XXX] VIN: [XXX]a [XXX] UPDATE to my previous NHTSA complaint regarding sudden unintended acceleration in my Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] ) I previ[XXX]sudden acceleration incident on [XXX], at [XXX] 4 parking…
On Saturday 16th Oct 2026 around 10 AM EST, while driving down the ramp from Parking Floor 2 to Parking Floor 1 in the JFK Terminal 4 Short Term Parking garage (John F.
SYSTEMIC POWERTRAIN SAFETY DEFECT: Catastrophic Loss of Propulsion & Failure of Dual-Motor Redundancy. 1. Incident & Safety Risk: While traveling in the far-left HOV lane of a 6-lane interstate highway, the vehicle experienced an uncommanded, unwarranted…
While driving on I-95 North in the fast lane at highway speed, my 2023 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and displayed a warning indicating the vehicle was shutting down.
Vehicle experienced PCS (Power Conversion System/DC-DC converter) failure, rendering it completely undrivable—no 12V power, cannot charge or start. PCS is physically integrated inside high-voltage battery pack per service manuals.
I parked my Tesla vehicle in a friend’s driveway. When I returned and opened the driver’s door, I entered the vehicle and attempted to put it into Drive. At that point, the vehicle display went completely blank and the vehicle became inoperable.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Tesla Model Y
- Driver-assist systems1286
- Electrical560
- Brakes482
- Steering344
- Interior & equipment252
- Wheels, tires & suspension218
- Body & structure186
- Airbags & seat belts161
- Transmission / powertrain77
- Engine55
Tesla Model Y problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›
Related reading
- Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the Tesla Model Y?
55 of the 3,749 complaints about the Tesla Model Y (1.5%) concern Engine, making it the model's #11 problem area. That share is 0.1× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Tesla Model Y model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2023 model (20, 2% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2020 model (1).
Is there a recall for Tesla Model Y Engine problems?
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.