2021 Tesla Model Y

1,080 complaints on file, page 1 of 54.

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Feb 24, 2026Washington, DCSuspension

   The vehicle suffered severe, premature suspension control arm degradation resulting in loud creaking/squeaking, forcing an emergency out-of-pocket replacement costing over $1,000. This is a known systemic defect noted in Tesla TSB SB-20-31-006. This first occurred in February and then again in July this year.

   NHTSA complaint 11768194
2. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 22, 2026San Diego, CAVisibility/wiper

   In Sep 2026, the driver’s side door window malfunctioned while the car was stopped and the door was opened. The malfunction caused the window to roll all the way up while the door was open, where the window should have “indexed” and stayed rolled down about an inch. When the door was closed, the window, being all the way up, contacted the door frame, shattering the window and badly scratching the door frame. Key facts: A.The incident occurred while the car was stopped and stationary. B.No other vehicles or occupants were involved in the incident. C.The vehicle was “stock” with no aftermarket modifications to the affected components. D.The fault occurred and the window malfunctioned, with no warning lights or other indicators that something was not operating properly. E.At the time of this writing, the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and arrangements are being made to have the car repaired. F.The malfunction was successfully demonstrated to the manufacturer’s service representative – while the door was open, the car spontaneously rolled the window back up again. G.The root cause of the malfunction appears to be a sensor or related circuitry – when the malfunction occurred the car display erroneously indicated that the door had been closed. Safety concerns related to this incident are as follows: 1.The door cannot be opened safely, without the window being lowered slightly. 2.When the system malfunctioned and the window rolled back up, the window was shattered, posing a broken glass hazard to the driver and occupants. 3.The shattered glass obstructs the view of the driver’s side mirror, interfering with driver visibility and driving safety. 4.The car believing the driver’s side door was closed, when it was in fact open, poses a driving risk. Additional details and analysis are contained in the attached statement.

   NHTSA complaint 11767915
3. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 20, 2026Ashburn, VAAdas

   I would like to report a serious safety incident involving Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in a 2021 Tesla Model Y. Vehicle Safety Complaint – Tesla FSD Wrong-Way Entry / Near Head-On Collision Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model Y VIN: [XXX] Date: XXX Time: Approximately 7:30 PM Location: [XXX] I was leaving a public parking area near the Crystal Gateway Marriott in [XXX], traveling toward [XXX]. Navigation was set to avoid tolls, and Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) was engaged. At the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX], the vehicle should have proceeded toward the appropriate XXX entrance/on-ramp. Instead, FSD directed and drove the vehicle onto the southbound XXX off-ramp in the wrong direction. The vehicle was therefore traveling against the legal direction of traffic on a one-way highway ramp, and I was suddenly facing oncoming traffic traveling toward me. This created an immediate risk of a head-on collision. I had to intervene to prevent a collision. This was not simply an incorrect navigation route or missed turn. The automated driving-assistance system entered a one-way highway ramp against oncoming traffic. I am attaching map and satellite images identifying the intersection and road configuration. I am reporting this incident because I believe this FSD behavior presents a serious vehicle safety risk and could potentially result in a severe or fatal collision. I am also reporting the incident directly to Tesla and requesting that Tesla preserve and investigate the associated FSD, telemetry, navigation, location, intervention, and available camera/safety-event data. Please let me know if you require additional information, including the vehicle VIN, Tesla software/FSD version, or additional details regarding the incident. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11767433
4. Filed Sep 26, 2026Failure Jul 13, 2026Ontario, CAElectrical system, Adaptive cruise control, Assist

   Shortly after I purchased and activated Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised), my vehicle's driver-assistance system stopped functioning. Autopilot and FSD became unavailable, the vehicle cameras stopped functioning properly, GPS/navigation positioning stopped functioning properly, and the vehicle could no longer communicate normally with the Driver Assistance System (DAS). Service Mode testing showed DAS Ethernet communication failure. I attempted multiple troubleshooting procedures, including vehicle reboots and resets. The low-voltage battery was also replaced, but the driver-assistance failure remained. I cancelled my FSD subscription on July 13, 2026 because the purchased feature was not functioning and sought assistance from Tesla. I subsequently had a Tesla Service appointment on July 16, 2026. Tesla advised that the Autopilot computer would need to be replaced and quoted approximately $3,000 for the repair/replacement. The failure occurred after the FSD purchase/activation and associated software changes. I am concerned that a Tesla software update or FSD-related software may have contributed to the HW3 Autopilot computer failure, but I do not know the definitive technical cause. This is a safety concern because multiple driver-assistance and camera-dependent functions became unavailable simultaneously. The vehicle is available for inspection. I am requesting that NHTSA review this failure and compare it with similar HW3/Autopilot computer failures reported by other Tesla owners.

   NHTSA complaint 11767070
5. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Sep 23, 2026Ontario, CAAir bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Vehicle speed controlCrash

   On September 23, 2026, the vehicle was being driven at low speed when the driver experienced sudden and unexpected acceleration. The vehicle rapidly accelerated and a collision occurred. The driver reports that she did not intentionally accelerate the vehicle to this degree. Vehicle data and the Event Data Recorder (EDR) were subsequently obtained. The data records the vehicle accelerating from approximately 0 mph to approximately 35 mph in about four seconds, with the recorded accelerator-pedal-position signal reaching 100%. The EDR does not record brake application before the first crash trigger. Vehicle data records driver brake application shortly after the initial crash trigger, including ABS activity. The cause of the accelerator-pedal-position signal is UNKNOWN. It has not been determined whether the recorded signal resulted from driver pedal application, the accelerator pedal/sensor system, or another vehicle system. I am reporting this because of the sudden acceleration and severity of the resulting collision and would like the incident reviewed as a potential vehicle safety issue. The EDR also indicates that airbag and seat-belt pretensioner deployment was not commanded during either of the two recorded crash events. Given the severity of the collision, I am also reporting the lack of airbag deployment as a safety concern. I do not know whether the collision met the applicable deployment thresholds. The vehicle is available for inspection. The EDR report and complete raw vehicle-data CSV have been preserved. There were no known warning messages indicating an accelerator problem before the incident.

   NHTSA complaint 11766674
6. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Jul 1, 2026Fairburn, GASteering, Suspension

   My vehicle falls within the 2021–2023 Model Y population identified in NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26-006. The vehicle is a 2021 Model Y and current mileage is 73,350 miles. I am experiencing progressively worsening front suspension squeaking/creaking when turning the steering wheel in either direction, which can now be heard both inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle also feels noticeably bouncier than normal. I first noticed a faint creaking sound in July and it has gotten worse over time. So I have concerns regarding the lower lateral-link/control-arm suspension failure. Additionally, I have experienced unusual wear on my tires and alignment issues in the last couple of years. There was also a previous recall from 2021 , 21V-835 / SB-21-31-003, that involved certain 2020–2021 Model Ys where the front lower lateral-link fasteners could loosen and allow the lateral link to separate from the subframe. NHTSA specifically described the potential consequence as changed wheel alignment, instability, and increased crash risk. I have reached out to Tesla about my concerns and they stated there were no open recalls and quoted me for repairs. I have screenshots of the Tesla correspondence if needed. I have an upcoming appointment with Tesla on 9/24/26 for diagnostic testing.

   NHTSA complaint 11766449
7. Filed Sep 16, 2026Failure Sep 16, 2026Shasta, CAUnknown or other

   I was using my cars FSD program and it nearly turned me in front of an oncoming Semi truck. This was after it hesitated to turn the car when it had a safer opportunity. I thought it would wait but then it started to turn and I had to stop it, which left me slightly out of my lane which was scary too, with a giant truck coming head on.

   NHTSA complaint 11764834
8. Filed Sep 16, 2026Failure Sep 16, 2026Killeen, TXAdaptive cruise control

   The Tesla will randomly when the Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged brake from highway speeds down to 30mph. This happens when you go by off ramps and at some intersections on the highway. 1) At the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] in [XXX] it happens sometimes especially if there is a vehicle next to you 2) At the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] 3) Off ramp on [XXX] and [XXX]. these are the places that it happens the most. It does very randomly do it at other locations. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11764813
9. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Jul 23, 2026Kirkland, WAElectrical system, Automatic emergency braking, Adaptive cruise control

   On or about XXX my Tesla Model Y downloaded FSD version 14 Lite. One day after downloading the software, I used FSD and the new software caused the computer to overheat. This killed the car computer and made FSD, adaptive, cruise control, lane keep assist, reverse camera, and many other functions, including GPS and navigation inoperable. My car’s warranty expired in January of this year and Tesla will not cover the replacement car computer. There are hundreds of other complaints of this issue reported online on [XXX], Reddit, Facebook, etc. In the 2nd quarter Tesla Earnings Call, [XXX] declared that hardware 3 equipped Tesla vehicles would not be able to support autonomous driving with full self driving. He stated every hardware 3 vehicle will need to be updated with a hardware 4 computer and cameras. Since my hardware 3 computer failed, I requested the hardware 4 computer and cameras to be installed, but Tesla denied this service even though [XXX] said it was a requirement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11764580
10. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure May 11, 2026North Oaks, MNAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings

    In the 5 years we have had this vehicle there have been multiple issues with the Self Driving feature including: 1)Phantom braking on busy freeways in [XXX] 2)Swerving randomly into the other late on a curve on 4 lane hwy at 65 mph ([XXX] near [XXX]) 3)Attempting to switch lanes into fast traffic when we were at a standstill in rush hour traffic ([XXX]) 4)Slamming brakes on on a 2 lane road on a curve because there was a semi in the other lane (that had not crossed the line) [XXX] 5)Being a short way from exiting the freeway and having the car jump back into traffic ([XXX] at [XXX]) 6) Slammed on brakes when the car in front of us was exiting [XXX] normally on an offramp going northbourd around the city of [XXX]. These are some of the most egregious errors the car has made, but there are more not listed. I try it on occasion when there is a software update. It is not safe though- almost without fail I need to take over each time I try it. As [XXX] said on XXX "Hardware 3 simply does not have the capability to achieve unsupervised FSD due to physical computing and memory limitations." The full self driving is dangerous, yet each time I get in the car the computer encourages its use. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11764224
11. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2026Walnut Creek, CABody, Suspension, Unknown or other

    I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for a front suspension noise. During the alignment portion of that repair, the technician found a crack in the left side of the rear subframe casting, the structural member that locates the rear suspension links and supports the rear drive unit. The subframe required full replacement. There was no impact event. The vehicle has never struck a curb, pothole, or object, and Tesla's own written finding confirmed there was no evidence of any side impact. Tesla attributed the crack to stress transmitted from failed front lower control arm bushings, which were replaced at the same visit. The front lower lateral links and their subframe fasteners were also replaced during this repair. The Tesla technician stated he had not seen this subframe crack so severely at this mileage, and that he normally sees this failure only on vehicles over 100,000 miles, or vehicles that have hit severe potholes or fallen off steep curbs, none of which applies here. A rear subframe cracking under normal driving loads at 68,000 miles is a structural failure with safety implications. The subframe controls rear wheel alignment and retains the drive unit. Progressive or sudden failure could cause loss of alignment, instability, or loss of vehicle control. I am reporting this so NHTSA can determine whether premature rear subframe cracking, potentially linked to front suspension link failure, represents a defect trend on these vehicles.

    NHTSA complaint 11763484
12. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2026Mclean, VASuspension

    My garage-kept 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a premature failure/tearing of the front lower lateral link and compliance bushings at only 31,930 miles under normal driving conditions. The service center identified severe degradation requiring immediate replacement. This component failed prematurely without any severe impact or road hazards, posing a potential safety hazard regarding vehicle control and alignment. This issue appears to be part of the ongoing suspension defect under NHTSA investigation (PE26006). Funny thing is that my dad's model Y also has the similar issues on the rear suspension. sigh...

    NHTSA complaint 11763387
13. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Buford, GASteering

    My 2021 Tesla Model Y developed a steering system/EPAS fault identified in Tesla Service Mode as EPAS3P_a072_motFeedFwdError, along with UI_a020 Steering Assist Reduced. Tesla diagnosed the vehicle as requiring replacement of the steering rack/EPAS assembly. Tesla informed me in writing that the vehicle may experience intermittent or complete loss of electronic steering assistance, that the vehicle is not operating within manufacturer safety specifications, and that Tesla advises against operating the vehicle until the steering rack is replaced. Tesla also confirmed that there is currently no applicable recall or service campaign for my VIN. I am reporting this because failure or loss of electronic power steering assistance presents a significant safety concern, particularly if steering assistance is lost unexpectedly while the vehicle is being operated. Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model Y VIN: 5YJYGDEE6MF207395 Mileage: approximately 129,281 Tesla diagnostic fault: EPAS3P_a072_motFeedFwdError Related alert: UI_a020 Steering Assist Reduced I request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether similar steering/EPAS failures are occurring in other Model Y vehicles and whether this represents a broader safety defect.

    NHTSA complaint 11762861
14. Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Morgan Hill, CASteering

    The electronic power steering (EPAS) system/steering gear malfunctioned. Tesla diagnosed fault code EPAS3P_A072_mot and recommended replacement of the steering gear/rack, part number 1188832-00-B. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. If the steering gear is replaced, I will request that the failed component be retained or otherwise made available for inspection if possible.The vehicle displayed a warning stating “Steering Assist Reduced Steering May Require Increased Effort.” A reduction or loss of electronic power steering assistance could require significantly greater steering effort and could affect the driver's ability to safely maneuver the vehicle, particularly during turns, low-speed maneuvers, or an emergency maneuver. I was concerned that the steering assistance could further deteriorate or fail unexpectedly while driving, putting the driver, passengers, and other road users at risk.The problem was confirmed by a Tesla Service Center. Tesla diagnosed fault code EPAS3P_A072_mot and determined that the steering gear/rack requires replacement. Tesla recommended the replacement of the steering gear part number 1188832-00-B and provided an estimate of approximately $3200.The vehicle was inspected by Tesla technicians at the Tesla Service Center. I specifically asked Tesla to determine whether a pothole impact could have caused the steering rack failure. After inspecting the vehicle, Tesla informed me in writing that its technicians did not observe any signs of impact damage and that Tesla does not believe the pothole incident caused the current steering rack failure. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The vehicle displayed the warning message “Steering Assist Reduced / Steering May Require Increased Effort.” The warning first appeared on or about 8-25-26 at approximately 136K miles. I subsequently brought the vehicle to Tesla for diagnosis, where Tesla identified fault code EPAS3P,recommends rep

    NHTSA complaint 11762166
15. Filed Sep 2, 2026Failure Jun 11, 2026Duxbury, MASuspensionCrash

    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. The vehicle had been rear-ended in June 2026 and repaired at a body shop; the noise was reported to the shop at that time and persisted after the repair was completed. On September 2, 2026 I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for diagnosis. The technician test drove the vehicle, verified the noise, and performed an inspection on a lift. The written findings were that both front upper control arm ball joints were partially seized, both front lateral link bushings were torn, and both front compliance link bushings were torn. Tesla recommended replacement of the front upper control arms, front lower lateral links, and front lower compliance links, quoted at approximately $2,610 at my own expense. Tesla further stated that a four-wheel alignment could not be accurately performed in the vehicle's current condition because of the torn bushings. No crash, fire, or injury has resulted. The vehicle remains in service. I am filing this complaint because these are the same front suspension components identified in NHTSA's open investigation into front suspension link separation in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, and my vehicle falls within the model years under review. The failure is bilateral and occurred with no impact to the front of the vehicle and no off-road or track use. I am concerned that degraded bushings and seized ball joints across all three component types create a risk of link separation and loss of steering control without meaningful warning beyond the creaking noise.

    NHTSA complaint 11761709
16. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Wurtsboro, NYUnknown or other

    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. It triggers the car alarm to blast violently while I am actively driving, which is terrifying and distracting. When parked, the car won't lock, leaving it totally unsecured. I have paid Tesla $500 over three separate visits to fix this safety hazard, but their technicians have completely failed to fix it, and it keeps happening while the vehicle is in motion. I was told this is a known issue, but they still cannot fix it, there should be a recall in place for anyone else with this issue and Tesla should fix it without billing their customers.

    NHTSA complaint 11761375
17. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Aug 8, 2026Monroe, CTSuspension

    Creaking noise when turning at low speed or going over a bump.

    NHTSA complaint 11760850
18. Filed Aug 29, 2026Failure Aug 12, 2026Newport, ORElectrical system

    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. Please have Tesla fix this - a very known problem, there are youtubes videos complaining about this door problem - always the same door too - so Tesla knows this is a problem.

    NHTSA complaint 11760625
19. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Aug 28, 2026Buffalo Grove, ILSteering, Suspension

    I am submitting this safety complaint regarding premature suspension failure on my 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]), specifically concerning the front lower suspension links.During a dealer inspection at a Tesla Service Center on XXX, with 72,758 miles on the odometer, technicians diagnosed that the vehicle’s front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links suffered from severely torn factory air-gap rubber bushings. The degradation of these critical structural components required immediate, full replacement of the entire arm assemblies to ensure safe operational handling, resulting in an out-of-pocket repair quote of $1,976.57 (Tesla Invoice #XXX). A compromised or torn bushing in the lower lateral link assembly compromises structural integrity, increasing the risk of mechanical detachment or fracture while in motion, which poses a severe loss-of-control safety risk at highway speeds. This issue directly correlates to the high failure rates and premature degradation profiles currently being investigated by the Office of Defects Investigation under active NHTSA Probe PE26006. I request that this case data point be reviewed as further evidence to transition this active preliminary evaluation into a mandatory, formal safety recall for the protection of all affected owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11760460
20. Filed Aug 27, 2026Failure Aug 27, 2026Orinda, CAElectrical system

    On August 27, 2026, the 12V/low-voltage battery in my Tesla completely failed without any prior low-voltage warning displayed on the screen or sent to the mobile app. After placing my infant/toddler in their car seat in the rear and closing the door, the vehicle's electronic systems shut down entirely. The electronic door handles and key access became completely inoperative from the outside, locking my child inside the vehicle with no way for me to open the doors or retrieve them. The manual override releases are inaccessible to a young child buckled in a car seat, and the vehicle provided zero advance warning that the low-voltage battery was at critical failure. This severe design flaw creates an immediate, life-threatening entrapment hazard.

    NHTSA complaint 11760101