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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a recent experience with my 2021 Tesla Model Y, which is still under warranty. While using the vehicle, I observed an abnormal sound when reversing. After seeking Tesla’s service, I was informed that the rotors on my car needed replacement. What greatly concerns me is that, despite the car being under warranty, Tesla charged me an amount of one thousand dollars for this repair. It is essential to note that this malfunction wasn’t due to any negligence or external factors on my part. I have video evidence that captures the sound the vehicle made while reversing, further emphasizing the unexpected nature of this issue. My understanding of the warranty terms led me to believe that such unforeseen defects should be covered without any additional charges. It is deeply unsettling to be presented with such a significant expense for a problem that, in my view, should have been resolved under the warranty’s purview. I am reaching out to the NHTSA to shed light on this matter, as it brings forth concerns about the potential for similar experiences faced by other Tesla Model Y owners. I request the NHTSA’s assistance in investigating this incident to ensure consumers like myself are not unduly burdened with unjustified costs. Your attention to this matter is highly appreciated. I am hopeful for a just resolution that aligns with the NHTSA’s dedication to safeguarding consumers and ensuring vehicular safety standards. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that, while attempting to enter the vehicle, he was unable to access it via the remote access key fob. Upon gaining access to the vehicle through the rear passenger door, it then failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that the battery management system had failed to properly notify him of the impending failure, either through the vehicle instrument panel or the Tesla vehicle phone application. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery management system and determined that the low-voltage battery required replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | SUSPENSION | Upon arriving home last night with our 3 kids, my wife reported a loud clunking noise coming from the right front wheel area, and said the car felt unstable. After investigation I realized the bolts on the lower control arm have backed almost completely out. I’m very thankful they made it home safe. Any further driving could have been catastrophic. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The LTE system for navigation stops working during normal commuting, the system helps with directions when in a town that this unfamiliar. I'm an insurance adjuster who counts on these systems working correctly. I have reviewed several sites and thousands of people are having the same problem. This become a safety issue if the car fails during normal commuting and the drive then becomes lost and is looking down to fix the problem or turns off the road because this system fails. This system is also connected to other system which create a since of failure within the vehicle its self. If you could please look into this issue. thank you | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | Findings from Tesla technician: Verified customer concern for active low brake fluid level alerts. Technician performed a brake inspection and found the rear right brake hose is damaged due to incorrect hose routing. Found the hose is rubbing on the wheel arch liner. The brake calipers have been modified/painted. Technician recommends to replaced rear right brake hose and bleed entire brake system to remove air pockets. Removed and replaced right rear brake hose. Performed brake fluid flush. Performed brake pressure test and passed. Removed and replaced right rear wheel arch liner. Performed validation road test and verified repairs. Vehicle operations is normal at this time and no alerts are active. Further findings from Tesla technician: During brake fluid flush found left rear caliper mounting bolt is not installed. During brake fluid flush found left rear caliper mounting bolt is not installed. Installed new caliper bolt. Torqued both caliper bolts to factory specifications. Test drove vehicle. Verified repairs, operation is normal at this time and no alerts are present at this time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Main console computer spontaneously rebooted mid-drive. Ability to know vehicle speed is not possible during reboot. After reboot, the vehicle turn indicators would not activate and when I attempted to enter “park,”, the vehicle continued to indicate that it was in “drive.” It did not respond to the accelerator pedal after it was attempted to be set to “park,” so the vehicle state and the indicator remained inconsistent. Vehicle appears to have returned to normal operation after manual reboot. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | AIR BAGS | The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash, and the air bags had failed to deploy. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, in severe stormy weather, the vehicle hydroplaned, and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the passenger's side quarter panel of the vehicle struck a pole, and the passenger's side of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated there were no other vehicles involved. The contact stated he did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was totaled. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | 28,000 |
| Sep 2023 | LANE DEPARTURE | Had my front windshield replace by dealership. While driving home on highway from dealership I turned on super cruise and the car no longer followed the center of the lane. It moved over to the left and nearly ran into a neighboring car before I over rode the lane following with the steering wheel. On an empty section of the highway later I tested and it was now driving with its wheels on the left lane line, body and mirror extending over the line into the next lane. Dealership should have checked that or at least warned me to look out for it when I picked up the car. Called Tesla roadside assistance and person on the phone told me to recalibrate camera, which I did and it fixed the problem. Calibration of the front camera was thrown off when it was remounted on the new windshield. Obvious to me in hindsight, but it did not occur to me at all when I picked up the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | SUSPENSION | 2021 Tesla Model Y LR AWD- RUCA (Right Upper Control Arm) started to creak and squeak (sound like a very old mattress). Dealer was contacted. An invoice was sent and was quoted an outrageous repair price. Deal was informed that this is a well known issue and a flaw in the built of the part. Dealer stated: Yes, we know but you still have to pay full price for parts and service. I left the dealer with vehicle disappointed. Still to this day, I’m driving it with this horrible noise hopping nothing catastrophic will happen while driving. Also, if it was a recall, I was never notified via email, postal or a phone call. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The 12-volt battery in the vehicle unexpectedly failed without any prior warning, contrary to Tesla's assurance that a warning should appear on the dashboard screen in advance to indicate the need for replacement. In our specific case, no such warning was given, resulting in the vehicle becoming inoperative. This situation could pose a significant safety hazard if the car had stopped in the middle of the road. On September 12, 2023, my son experienced an incident where he could open the driver's side door, but the dashboard screen went completely blank. Despite attempting to reboot the system, there was no response. After exiting the car and closing the door, we observed that the window did not behave as expected in typical situations, as it did not slide down when the door was closed. This unexpected malfunction led to the window breaking without any prior indication or warning from Tesla. The absence of any alert regarding this electrical failure is concerning, especially considering the potential danger if such an incident occurs on a busy highway. Regrettably, Tesla's service center has firmly asserted that the vehicle is no longer covered under warranty and has declined to provide any assistance or resolution for this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Driving with cruise control on the car would suddenly brake for no reason. Sometimes it was just a quick brake for a second or two but multiple times the car braked hard enough to have things in the car fly off the seats. These incidents happened on 9/5/2023. Needless to say we didn't use the cruise control after that, we are just glad no cars were behind us at the time. If this helps, we did use cruise control on a trip on 6/24/2023 with no issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | WHEELS,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Vehicle Fire - model y performance 2021, XXXXXXXXXXX Dear Tesla Customer Relations & CarMax, I am writing to express my deep concern and file a formal complaint regarding a serious incident involving my Tesla [model y performance ,, 2021, XXXXXXXXXXXXX], which caught fire on August 1st 2023 while in operation. This incident has raised significant safety concerns for me and my family and requires immediate attention and resolution. The vehicle fire occurred under normal driving conditions, and thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. However, the fire resulted in substantial damage to the vehicle and posed a significant risk to nearby properties and individuals. The incident has left me shaken and worried about the safety of Tesla vehicles. I have attached the following documents and information for your reference: I have been a loyal Tesla customer and have appreciated the innovative features and benefits that your vehicles offer. However, this incident has eroded my confidence in the safety and reliability of your products. I kindly request a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and an explanation of the circumstances that led to this incident. Additionally, I request information on any recalls, technical bulletins, or potential issues associated with the model of my vehicle. Furthermore, I urge you to take immediate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in other vehicles. Safety should be the utmost priority for any automobile manufacturer, and I hope Tesla will take swift measures to address any potential risks. I understand that accidents can happen, but it is essential that Tesla demonstrates transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers. I expect to be kept informed about the progress of the investigation and any steps that will be taken to prevent future incidents. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and expect INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: Yes Fatalities: 1 | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On Wednesday, our 2021 Tesla Y - which we have LOVED driving for the last 3 years - took off on its own while I was sitting in traffic - where traffic was at a standstill, and the max speed was probably 4 MPH. Construction ahead had closed a lane, so there was a massive back-up and cars were creeping along each time the traffic light ahead turned green.) As any Tesla owner will tell you, the best way to slow down is to remove your foot from the gas pedal, and the car will slow down and come to a stop on its own. That had always been the case for our vehicle until Wednesday. Shockingly, for no reason at all, the car massively accelerated. I slammed on the brakes, but the brakes did not slow or stop the car. Luckily, the car in front of me was only 2 - 3 car lengths away, so my Tesla which was rapidly gaining speed stopped only when it crashed into that car. I have relatively minor injuries, but I am sure I would have been killed and/or killed others if not for the vehicle in front of me forcing my car to stop. After the crash, we flat-bedded the car to a Tesla-approved auto body shop. Our insurance adjuster will be inspecting the car on Monday. We will make the vehicle available for inspection. I am still shaken from this traumatic experience. I have never had a car accident (but for a fender bender over 40 years ago). Moreover, I have spent my life working in public service (govt, elected officials and nonprofits). I am determined to make sure that this safety problem is fully investigated and repaired - as our roads are not safe until it is fixed. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | When autopilot is engaged (I don't know if just cruise does this) on a highway entrance set to a reasonable speed like 35 or 45, as I approach the acceleration ramp the setting jumps to 90 and then quickly back to 85. I've found no reason to beleive that the car won't accelerate up to 85. There is no way for the driver to make such a jump. Driver is only able to jump in 1 or 5 mph increments. I have no trouble disengaging autopilot, but still... This has been going on for weeks, and despite a software update or two. I can provide video of this happening but I don't think I can upload it here. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | SUSPENSION | Suspension is failed at 68,000 miles. Their technicians don't know how to service suspension system, when there are any issues, they just replace parts and rob customers for diagnostic and test drive charges. After service my suspension is still making same noise and that will lead my car to a safety issues. Parts may be fall a part. I have complained many times, but they said this is not a safety issues. But this is a very risky to drive car with a suspension issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I was accelerating out of a parking lot and was up to 30 MPH when the vehicle suddenly shut down and the rear end began shaking. The control screen went completely black/off. I could not accelerate at all. A semi truck was coming from behind and the vehicle came to a sudden stop within a few seconds. I could not coast and pull into a parking lot. It felt like an emergency brake was turned on or the back wheels locked up. I had to turn into the center turn lane. Vehicle doors would not open and hazard lights would not turn on. Opened manual door handle and forced my way out. Shut door as I ran to safety and the window cracked. I could have been severely injured if that semi hit me from behind and especially if this would have happened on the freeway. Very scary that a car can suddenly shut off like that while driving. After repair I was informed that the 12V battery had failed. They said it’s very rare and they have not seen that happen while the car was driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Model Y Battery Problem. The battery died while my baby was inside the car. Phone app, remote control, key card, etc. did not work. We live in Las Vegas & August is very hot. Today is Sunday and nobody in Las Vegas was able to help. Customer Service took over 30 minutes just to connect, and was no help. I got transferred around numerous times because they have no solution. The frustrating part was that tesla employee wasn't willing to help. I understand that they might not be able to do anything, but their attitude and the unwillingness to help was just shocking. One of them even told me that there's nothing they can do and I need to contact someone in Las Vegas. Other employee who had no knowledge of the car told me to jump start the car. He gave me an attitude when I told him I cannot open the frunk. He told me to read the manual to manually open the frunk. I replied stating I already did read the manual already and do not have the tool to pop open the side frunk. I'm just disappointed with being transferred around and the waste of time while my child was stuck inside the car. Currently, there's no manual door unlock from the outside! There's no manual frunk or trunk unlock either from the outside. All Japanese cars, including hybrid and electric has emergency door lock built into their car. I believe this needs to change for Tesla, as it is putting kids and babies in danger. Thank you for listening to my concern. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | During raining multiple teslas including my tesla last week experienced hydroplaning lead to close ti fatal accidents I believe the car inappropriately used emergency breaking that lead to accident, i am not if that was due to the car seeing water/reflection ln the ground I was driving the speed limit and all cars were driving at the same speed 70-75 mile per hour) I suddenly started spinning with no warnings It is impossible that multiple teslas experienced the same thing more than other cars I am trying to get the data from tesla to confirm this, but it is not easy to make them get us what exactly happened I am seeking third party analysis hopefully once i get the data, but it would be best done from NHTSA The damage to my car was due to hitting the road and my car went to the middle due to hight difference No other cars or objects were hit If i hit anything, it could have been fatal | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | This has occurred on three different occasions. I was driving on highway five on the way to Sacramento, and as I was passing a truck, I was in the fast lane, and the brakes came on, and the car slowed drastically. I was very lucky that I was able to hit the gas pedal to try to maintain speed so that I would not be rear-ended. I had the cruise control on. It is adaptive cruise control, there were no warning lights , and there was no indication to me that something was about to happen. This occurred on two other occasions always when the cruise control was on. I have not used the cruise control very much at all. I am afraid that the phantom breaking it will occur. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | STEERING | Unstable steering especially during freeway driving. No accidents, the warning just come up with steering need service. Then the vehicle cancel all the safety features. Vehicle accelerate by it self when go downhill, need extra effort to step on the brake and hold tight the steering wheel to control the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | STEERING | Steering Rack Dual motor. My auto pilot and lane departure warnings started to deactivate randomly within 10 to 15 minutes of driving. I took it into Tesla and they are saying this part needs to be replace. I’ve only had the car three weeks. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Driving Down freeway at 70 mph when my car stopped immediately ! No one or nothing in front of me . 6 cars behind me and everyone swerved to avoid me or they would have hit me. I was terrified. I called Tesla and they said it was “phantom breaking”. It happens to model 3/Y from 2021 and 2022. It happened 2x in an 8 hr period. July 22, 2023 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The speaker volume will turn up to max constantly while driving randomly without user touching the screen. The display screen will constantly flash random map and zooming in and out of random places. The screen also flash the auto control constantly. It like a ghost in the screen. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I was driving on 270 North from Washington to Frederick at around 70 MPH on cruise control. There were no cars in front of me. Then, all of a sudden, my Tesla Y braked hard (phantom braking) for no reason, to around 40 MPH, I panicked and had to override the cruise control to continue driving. There was a red car behind me; fortunately, he wasn't tailgating so he swerved in time to avoid crashing into the rear of my car. This is unacceptable! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While driving on highway, my Tesla all of a sudden accelerated unintentionally and violently swiveled, not letting me take control of the steering wheel. My car spun 180 degrees and I had to drive to the grass on the side to stop the car. Autopilot was not on, cruise control was not on, I was driving normally. My entire family was in the car and they witnessed the situation. This was extremely scary and could have caused injuries or even death. This is the second time it happened to my Tesla (similar situation, my wife was driving that time). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |