Complaint volume
1019 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Tesla Model Y Complaints
1019 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Tesla Model Y, grouped by component category.
1019 Total complaints
85 Crash reports
6 Fire reports
22 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control,forward collision avoidance, service brakes,forward collision avoidance. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 85 crash reports, 6 fire reports, 22 injury reports, and 4 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 98 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 16,683 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control,forward collision avoidance, service brakes,forward collision avoidance?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Tesla Model Y?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Tesla Model Y
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Tesla Model Y complaints?
85 Crash
6 Fire
22 Injury
4 Fatality
63 Towed
14 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Tesla Model Y complaint categories?
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 280
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 72
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 70
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 64
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 44
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34
SUSPENSION 30
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 29
STEERING 26
VISIBILITY/WIPER 19
1,019 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Water collects in the rear bottom trunk compartment. This flooding has resulted in moId. It appears as though the rear trunk is not properly installed and I have seen this reported on forums by other Tesla owners. Here is an example: [XXX] I have sent my Tesla for repair but it’s out of warranty. Tesla is also really poor when it comes to service times etc so I want to file a formal complaint to see if this helps other Tesla owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Model y Autopilot Update To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model Y’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model 3 owner for over one year, I have generally found the vehicle and its features to be reliable and safe. However, the recent update has introduced an overly stringent hands-on-wheel detection mechanism that is not only inconvenient but also potentially hazardous. The new update requires frequent and often forceful interaction with the steering wheel to assure the system of driver presence. This change is drastically different from my previous experience, where I received only one hands-on-wheel violation in two years. The current sensitivity of the system disrupts the smooth operation of the autopilot, leading to frequent and abrupt disengagements. I have found myself struggling to maintain the system’s activation, inadvertently causing the vehicle to exit autopilot mode multiple times. This issue goes beyond mere inconvenience; it actively detracts from driving safety. The need for constant and sometimes aggressive adjustments to satisfy the system’s requirements is distracting and can lead to erratic vehicle behavior. The irony is stark: a system designed to enhance driving safety and ease is now a source of potential danger and stress. The unpredictability and over-sensitivity of the updated system could lead to dangerous situations, especially on highways or in heavy traffic, where sudden disengagement of the autopilot can be particularly risky. As a driver, I now find myself more focused on keeping the autopilot engaged than on the actual driving conditions and surroundings, which is surely contrary to the feature’s intended purpose. Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious safety concern. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | After Tesla software update 2023.44.30.2, the rear back up camera no longer works. It’s just a black screen. Failure first occurred on 12/20/2023. Also, Tesla “Auto pilot” no longer works (cruise control and lane assist). Support team could not fix both issues. Have a service appointment scheduled on 12/27/2023. Thank you and happy holidays. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | STRUCTURE | ******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ ******* The contact is requesting this to be cancelled. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | The automatic windshield wiper function never works properly. It does not engage even when the windshield is soaked, and often engages when windshield is dry. This reduces visibility so much, that it is sometimes extremely dangerous. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | SEAT BELTS | Rear seatbelt buckle keeps failing and does not latch. These were replaced by Tesla within the last 6 months and they failed again and refused to cover them under warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My vehicle loss it’s autopilot mode. I called Tesla repair center multiple times but they keep on saying that the engineering department still looking into it and they don’t have any timeframe to when will it be fix. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The bolt holding my control arm bushing came completely out dropping my front passenger side of the car on to my tire. In research and talking to mechanics this is a known problem Tesla is refusing to help me or acknowledge it is an issue | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The Regenerative brakes malfunctioned looks like and the car kept on spinning and we hit the side of the freeway and ended up in a ditch and the tow truck had to pull us out of the rubble. it was very scary and lucky we did not get hurt. I was reading some online reviews and looks like many people are having similar issues with Tesla Model Y and other Tesla Models. thanks | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Phantom braking. We were going at around 45 miles per hour on route 30 and the car suddenly engaged brakes without anybody in front of me. Apparently it's a known issue called phantom braking and I wanted to report it | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | STRUCTURE,CHILD SEAT | The contact owns a Britax, Model number: e1a267, Model Type: Advocate, and was manufactured on December 20 2020. The car seat was being utilized in a 2021 Tesla Model y The contact stated that while she was washing the covers for the car seat, she noticed that the metal bar at the rear top of the car seat had rusted. The car seat had not been repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the rust was actually discoloration. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | STEERING | Steerling wheel malfunction, can't control. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Emergency Breaking in Autodrive mode. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My car auto breaked hard for no apparent reason when I was driving at 75 MPH on an open highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? There are plenty of articles online about Phantom Breaking. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, this happened yesterday morning on 11/18/2023. I plan to report this to Tesla today as well. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Not a single warning and this was the first time that this has happened to my vehicle. I was driving using auto drive at 75 MPH on highway at 8:45AM on 11/18/2023. All of a sudden, and for no reason, my Tesla Model Y slowed down within 3 seconds to around 45 MPH. This was completely unexpected as no other car, debris, person was near me. When I got. home that day, I read about phantom breaking with the Tesla. What happened to my car is yet another example of phantom breaking. This could have caused a major accident if there were more cars on highway at the time. Luckily no one was injured, but my daughter and I were in shock and shooken up. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My car has had a problem with TACC since the day I bought it. Brakes aggressively in what should be a normal driving situation. For instance, when I pass a semi truck on the interstate with my own lane in front of me, the car will slam on the brakes when it is beside the truck. Highly likely to cause a rear end collision. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | STEERING | Got into the car, put it in drive. Warning something like "steering assist not available". My wife was driving and could not turn the steering wheel. I made a service appointment and they returned an estimate for replacing the "PT SENSOR, HIGH PRESSURE (1510047-00-C)" qty 2 and the "PRESSURE TEMPERATURE SENSOR - LOW PRESSURE(1510048-00D) qty 1 and "WASHER, 1/2, STL ZN,SEAL.(1111739-00-A) qty 1 under warrantee. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | STEERING,SUSPENSION | Front left wheel of vehicle started pivoting under causing tire to bottom out on inner fender without any prior incident or issues. Inspection revealed one of two bolts missing on the lower lateral control link, which was later found in the driveway. Second bolt was 1/3 loosened. Car was towed to Tesla and they proceeded with repairs to include replacing both sets of lower lateral control links. After looking into this further, we found Tesla service bulletin SB-21-31-003 which issued a recall for this problem for 2019-2021 model Y and 3, however, according to Tesla our vin was not included in this recall. These bolts hold the linkage that secures the wheel to the frame, without which the wheel and tire assembly will likely separate or collapse causing major damage and possible death to any occupants that are traveling at normal highway speeds. The SB refers to a torque inspection for these bolts that “may not have been torqued to internal specifications.” The problem appears to be wider than the recall vin range as this was precisely what occurred on our model Y. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Car will, without warning brake aggressively while in cruise control, without pressure applied to brake. No other factors on road, except cars behind. This occurs frequently when car is driven in autopilot. Car will, without warning accelerate to a high speed without pressure applied to the accelerator. This acceleration is stopped with pressure being immediately applied to brake. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the master warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the firmware needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 39,000 |
| Nov 2023 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE | The power steering stopped working. "Error UI_a020: Steering assist reduced," and "Error APP_w264: Lane Departure Avoidance features unavailable" appeared on the screen afterwards. I was driving home when suddenly I was unable to turn the steering wheel more than a quarter turn (even with all my weight and strength). I tried resetting my vehicle and the issue persisted. I also tried getting out of the vehicle, locking it and let it sit but the issue persisted when I got back in. Luckily, I had just entered my neighborhood and managed to get it parked in my driveway. After a couple hours of the vehicle sitting in my driveway, the issue stopped. I took the vehicle to the Tesla Service Center where it was inspected, they informed me this is a known issue with current firmware and an unknown future update will fix the issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While in cruise control, car will randomly suddenly brake without warning or visible obstacle. This has been an ongoing problem ever since buying the vehicle in 2021. Very dangerous as it has happened on the highway. Is startling and causes seat belt locking. I have reported the issue to Tesla and it's apparently a "limitation of software". We usually do not use cruise control in the Tesla because of the dangerous of this, but I decided to try again recently in hopes they had fixed it but to no avail. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | driving from Albuquerque NM to Farmington NM, in approximately 1 1/2 hours of driving on hwy 550, 4 lane divided highway, encountered no less than 12 hard shadow breaking events. in all instances there were no vehicles, animals or debris in front of the vehicle. It was a cloudless day, starting around 9am, clear no fog, temperature in the 40's. high risk of being hit if a car was following close behind, incident has been reported to tesla, no inspection. there was no waring prior to all hard shadow breaking events. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | When travelling with adaptive speed control enabled the car will suddenly and violently decelerate 30 to 50 MPH below the set speed. This happens frequently and does not appear to correlate with anything specific. Sometimes it happens when passing a large white truck. Sometimes there is no other traffic anywhere near me. At the very least I would like Tesla to give me the option of disabling the "safety" features so the car operates like every other car with adaptive cruse control. This is not just me. Search the internet for Tesla phantom braking and you will find many instances going back years. It seems to be getting worse with each software update. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that after his daughter reversed the vehicle, bolts from the vehicle were discovered in the driveway. Upon inspection, it was discovered that two bolts from the driver's side suspension arm had separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed about an unknown TSB regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 56,753. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 56,753 |
| Oct 2023 | STEERING | I was backing up in a parking lot with steering wheel turned to the far right. Steering wheel started to shake then froze up. I could just barely turn it. I can't remember how I got it to work, maybe I had to restart the car. No one was at risk since it was just me in the car and I was going really slowly, but if it were on a street it could be risky. The dealer replaced a steering part and it seems OK now. There were no warnings ahead of time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | STEERING | While driving, steering wheel locked! Prior to locking there were no warnings. While wheel locked, warning popped up-“ steering assist reduced.” I was going up a curved parking garage ramp when wheel locked, I was unable to turn my vehicle causing my car hit curb, scraping my rims. Cars were honking behind me, there was no where to move. I was scared, causing me to have a panic attack. I had to turn off/on car twice for steering to go back to normal. I took vehicle to Tesla and had to pay $387 for diagnosis. I was 4,000 miles over warranty. Tesla is saying it could be a possible steering rack replacement and cost $2,500. Tesla will not pay for rim damage or pay for fixing the steering issue, which is a major safety problem. Tesla needs to do better! | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |