Complaint volume
1068 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
2023 Tesla Model Y Complaints
1068 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2023 Tesla Model Y, grouped by component category.
1068 Total complaints
137 Crash reports
3 Fire reports
45 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, steering, vehicle speed control,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 137 crash reports, 3 fire reports, 45 injury reports, and 1 fatality report. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 74 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 13,628 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to forward collision avoidance, steering, vehicle speed control,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 2023 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.
2023 Tesla Model Y
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2023 Tesla Model Y complaints?
137 Crash
3 Fire
45 Injury
1 Fatality
92 Towed
34 Medical attention
What are the most common 2023 Tesla Model Y complaint categories?
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 184
STEERING 97
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 65
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 60
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 54
SUSPENSION 53
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 36
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34
VISIBILITY/WIPER 32
SEAT BELTS 26
1,068 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2024 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE | My vehicle beeps liberally when parking in tight spots, anywhere near a line of any sort, etc. A few weeks after getting my vehicle in late November (I don’t remember the exact date), I was driving through construction at night and without warning, the steering “corrected” itself and I hit a cone causing 2 scuffs on my new vehicle. The steering locked, but thankfully I was able to get the vehicle back into the lane. When I called Tesla a few weeks later they asked for a specific date and time which I didn’t have. They said they were unable to help without that. Thankfully there was nothing more serious, but I would like my scuffs and steering fixed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On almost a daily basis, with the cruise control set to maintain speed (vs the option of advanced speed control that will adjust to signs), the car will inexplicably and quite randomly decelerate aggressively at highway speeds. On four separate occasions just today (although it happens at least once or twice a day), with the cruise set to 70 MPH, the car will randomly decelerate aggressively or even change the max speed of the cruise to 55 MPH. On all occasions, the posted speed limit is 65 or even 75 mph. This is dangerous, particularly in DFW traffic during rush hours, with traffic flow moving at similar and often higher speeds in close proximity. Having my car aggressively decelerate without warning to 55 MPH has caused me to be tailgated and honked at. This has been happening since I've received my car. At first, I tried to use the advanced features of the cruise, but whilst driving on the Dallas Tollways, where the toll road has a speed limit of 75 MPH and the regular highway paralleling at 65, the car is unable to differentiate and would often interpret the wrong speed limit and aggressively brake. Going from the flow of traffic (close to 80 MPH) to 65. This is why I switched the cruise to absolute speed rather than any sort of posted adaptive. It's seems to have gotten progressively worse. So much so that I only use the cruise where traffic is light because of this issue's unexpected and random nature. Besides being dangerous, it's also very scary as it's completely unexpected and aggressive. I did make a service support call, but the Tesla technician said it's a known issue and no data available if/when it may be fixed. Currently, car is running software v11.1 2024.2.3 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The Facts of the Incident: On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] PM, [XXX] , was driving our 2023 Tesla Model Y on Arizona State Route [XXX] ), a two-lane highway, enroute from Orange, California, to the Grand Canyon South Rim. The vehicle carried a total of four passengers, including my wife, myself, and another couple from San Diego. During our journey, an alarming and life-threatening situation unfolded. Without warning, our 2023 Tesla Model Y abruptly veered to the left, dangerously encroaching into oncoming traffic. Despite my immediate attempts to regain control by steering the vehicle away from the oncoming traffic, the steering wheel became unresponsive, effectively locking in place. This mechanical or software malfunction prevented me from correcting the perilous situation, resulting in a head-on collision with a large Ford 350 Truck, which was also traveling at a high speed, estimated to be more than 60 miles per hour. Fortunately, while there were injuries, there didn’t appear to be any life threating injuries. Because of the resources required to further investigate and do an analysis of the vehicle, as well as the challenge of dealing with Tesla Inc., law firms have declined to pursue further investigations. Morgan and Morgan initially started an investigation with Knott, LLC, Arizona, but then dropped the pursuit due to costs. The vehicle is still on-hold by my insurance company, USAA, but they may not hold it much longer before placing it on auction. However, it is urgent that NHTSA take possession and complete further analysis of this vehicle. Your assistance and consideration are appreciated, and I look forward to assisting with this investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 6 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE | I was driving my vehicle and the vehicle suddenly started giving warnings. The gas pedal lost all power immediately and the car started to slow down. I then stepped on the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop and turned on the hazard light. However, after around 5 minutes, the car completely shut down and the hazard light also stopped functioning. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | When on Autopilot, the car engages in "ghost braking" for no valid reason. This has happened a couple of time. The last incidence happened today, 02/16/2024, at about 10:38 a.m. while on a freeway. I was lucky that there was no cars immediately following me, otherwise a chain accident with pile up would had happened. This was a very risky and scary incident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The tail lights get condensation inside which causes the brake lamp not to be as bright, and when in freezing tempures it acutuly freezes making it worest. Tesla replaced it once and the same day the new tail lamp had condensation I reached out to Tesla and now they are stating "Tesla's tail lights are not actually sealed. There is a small pin hole in the center of the light to allow the transfer of moisture. Small amounts of condensation are very normal especially after heavy rains. After a few hours in the sunlight the moisture will dissipate." Tesla has refused to replace it and I find this a safty consern and do not know where to get help. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Vehicle is not up to date. Needs “over the air” update for auto steering. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Slowed down entering a driveway when car sped up on its own , Forward Collision Warning/Emergency Automatic Breaking did not warn or do any breaking. NO SOUND or WARNING on the computer screen. I brake but the car still hit the post. I do not know what speed it accelerated to. I am not sure if Autopilot kicked in but the car accelerated when I have already released the accelerator. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? YES - injuries sustained. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? When calling Tesla on Dec 23, 2023 - was told by the rep that ticket has to be filed but I was disconnected and I was not able to get through the lines. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes - Car was totalled. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? I never saw any warning lamps come on as I always driven with distance. The camera was worked was worked on due to the wiper going on even when not raining on October 24 but the fix did not work. Once at the Emergency room, trying to call tesla or texting the no that responds when buying the car no longer accepting my text. The promise that when we get car accident, Tesla will call - no phone calls. All I received was text alert car suffered failure and was deactivated. I was in pain and not able to follow up and try to do report and look at pictures.. Today I just received a letter dated 2/8/2024 about Recall no 23V-838 in the mail. BUT the car is gone... The software version it had is 2023.27.7. The tech guy came here to the house on Oct 25, 2023 and checked everything. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Driving 30 mph on a two lane road at night, the car suddenly sounded a warning sound and slammed on the brakes, hard enough to make the tires skid. There was nothing in front of us on the road nor on the sides of the road. Road was clear and dry. No cars ahead of us or (fortunately) behind us. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | STRUCTURE | The Tesla Y 2023 was in the garage. My wife backed the car carefully out of the home garage that she has done many many times without any problem. It is not clear what exactly happened, but over the time of a few seconds, the car jerked or lurched forward. There was moderate damage to the siding of the garage as well as the side passenger panel. My wife quickly pressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle but the damage to the garage and car was already done. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I was driving my normal route utilizing the autosteer functionality of the Tesla that I purchased and it suddenly jerked and crashed into a parked vehicle, which resulted in a total loss of my vehicle by the insurance company. Thank god nobody was injured during the accident but it was scary, dangerous and a major inconvenience. Once the accident happened (on 12/6/2023), I submitted this claim over the phone on December 7th 2023 with Tesla and Geico, my insurance company. I spoke with the Tesla representative for over an hour giving details of the accident and have yet to hear back. My insurance premium has gone up significantly and I need Tesla to agree that it was not the driver but the software's mistake that caused the accident. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Phantom braking when cruise control is on and when I have the right away and cross traffic is stopped at a stop sign. Also with no cars present in front or any side, the car will suddenly brake with cruise control on and I have no reason why? Shadows, sun?. Sometimes it brakes easily. Sometimes it brakes very hard like to avoid a crash, but there are no cars around. We hope no car is behind when this happens as the car behind us make run into our car. We live in country. On our drive to our town south of us when we are heading north the car does not brake at the county highway intersection, we have the right away. Heading North the car brakes every time at this intersection. I either have to immediately over ride this action by stepping on the accelerator or turn of cruise control. We also have had this happen on a curve when we meet on coming traffic. Occasionally the car will begin braking when meeting the car during and left bend in the road. Not always, but way too many times. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I bought Model Y on December 1st and after two weeks the car suddenly stopped working with a message that electrical system failure unable to support all function and vehicle will stop, it only gave a minute or two before car getting stopped and not responding. The vehicle got towed and they diagnosed the front inverter getting too much current causing the fuse to blow. I got the car fixed and after 2 months same thing happened [XXX] with same message and car stopped working and only gave a minute to park. The car is in repair shop with Tesla. This raises a serious safety issue where the driver only has a minute or two to take the car off of the road and park at safe location. Imagine if you are on a busy highway and you only have a minute to pull it on the side. You might be stuck in the middle of the road and waiting for someone to hit your car. NHTSA needs to closely look at it and take up the issue with Tesla and also raise the question on the quality of car produced. I am sharing some user threads where people have experience similar issues [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I was on Reverse, when I pressed the accelerator, the car was moving FORWARD! i tried pressing the accelerator 2 separate times; both times it moved Forward. I had to do a hard restart to fix it. This happened last night, I have not had the vehicle inspected by anyone. There was no warning lamps/messages or other symptoms. I had my whole family in my car at the time of incident. This was very traumatic for all of us; as I was inches away from hitting the car in front of us. This morning when we turned the car on the screen Froze and then proceeded to restart on its own. Something is going on with my car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I am experiencing sudden braking, without me using any of the braking system. Scared my wife and I. Our safety was at risk 3 times, when this sudden braking happened. Sent a message to Tesla but did not get an answer yet. The warning lights were activated when the sudden braking happened. my first sudden braking happened on January 17th 2024, and then 2 more the following two days of the same month. Now we are driving the car, but we are deactivating the automatic braking system anytime time we get in the car, | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | After making a right turn, the car accelerated automatically and drove onto the sidewalk. The driver was hitting the brakes and attempting to redirect the vehicle with the steering wheel but both components of the vehicle were locked, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash into several things on the sidewalk (flower pot, parked cars, building pillars). The Tesla is completely dead so we are unable to retrieve any data within the vehicle. The safety of civilians on the street as well has the driver and passenger of the vehicle were at risk due to the lack of control of the vehicle. Two weeks after the accident, Tesla sent out a recall notice in regards to autosteer which can increase risk of collision, but prior to this no notice/warning was in place. The police were involved and at the scene at the time of the event and a police report has been made. No messages were seen on the screen or on the Tesla app in regards to any car mode (autopilot, cruise control, etc.) the vehicle could've been on, nor any warnings about risk of collision due to the recall. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | As I was trying to make a turn on a street which I have used for months, the vehicle started accelerating on its own. So much so that it laterally flew over a median curb and hit another vehicle. I could not steer the vehicle nor stop it despite the fact that I hit the breaks several times. It truly was a very scary experience, and I am not sure what caused it. I have read of similar issues in the past, but I never thought that this truly happens. As a result of the acceleration, I got into an accident that damaged four vehicles. I am a very good and confident driver with clean driving record, and I have no explanation as to what happened, other than that the vehicle took control on its own. There were no warning lamps before, the vehicle has not been inspected yet, but I assume it will be after I have reported this very issue to the insurance company. While I am fine, my safety and the safety of those who were involved in the accident could have been extremely in danger. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I brought the car home after purchasing and came back out to the car in the garage, a notice appeared on the screen and the car shut down locking me in. I had to call Tesla who instructed me to use the manual release on the door to get out. This occurred on the first day of ownership and had to be towed to Tesla for repair the next day. From my understanding looking online one of the parts that was replaced (pyrotechnic battery disconnect - please refer to attached repair invoice) was involved in a Tesla recall earlier in 2023. I view this as a safety concern and am fortunate such an event occurred while parked in my garage and not while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Auto Wipers either don't work when it's raining or will always come on randomly when it's dry. Manuel wipers work fine | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Ongoing issue of phantom braking while driving with cruise control. I have documented numerous instances with Tesla and they are refusing to acknowledge and resolve the problem | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | STRUCTURE | Windshield is causing a very loud whistling sound on a high speed exceeds 80mph. After multiple visits to the dealership, the windshield, cowl screen panel and sealing around the windshield was replaced but has not addressed the issue. The windshield was inspected by the dealership technicians and did a full diagnose and they have said that even if they replaced the windshield again will not address the sound whistling concern. The technician has said that is most likely a manufacture defect. This is a safety concern, as I'm afraid to operate my motor vehicle on a high speed and could uplift the windshield due to air pressure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | When FSD was activated, the MY had a number of incidents that the car was maneuvered in a way that was not safe: 1) It started going forward when the MY was stopped at a Red Light at the intersection when the light was still in red; 2) It started to move suddenly and turned right while waiting at an intersection; 3) It changed to the right lane suddenly while approaching an exit in a highway. These movements were corrected manually by overriding the FSD but they were quite scary. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | STEERING,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Vechile started skidding and didn't respond to steering wheel control, ultimately failed to a make a turn and fell off road into a ditch. Also emergency braking wasn't triggered to prevent vechile from falling off road and furthermore upon impact airbags weren't deployed. The driver sustained grevious injuries and was transported away by EMS. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Tesla's auto-wipers do NOT detect rain on the windshield and are dangerous to drive with enabled. During heavy rain with the windshield covered and unable to see the auto wipers would not enable and clean the windshield. I was forced to "wake-up" the wipers with a manual swipe, but even then the auto-wipers failed to keep the windshield clear while only occasionally/intermittently cleaning the windshield. Tesla's auto-wipers are dangerously ineffective. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Bought this Model Y lease and had it delivered from Jacksonville to miami after sales guy convinced us from getting the 2024 model since this one was cheaper and was a long range (I wonder why). On that same night, I took the car to the gym and coming back, it shut down on me on the middle of the road. (Screenshots of the error attached). On [XXX], Model Y shut down on my wife entering her aunts complex picking up the kids. Same day wife was driving on a 3 lane main road and the car shut down on her in the middle of the road with cars passing by. Model Y made us get out the vehicle and re-enter the vehicle multiple times putting us in danger, not to mention the abrupt stop could’ve been worse if this was on the highway and/or God forbid an accident. Took car to service and in 1-day Tesla claims the inspected and replaced the inverter and everything should be up to code. I told them that my wife and I don’t feel comfortable driving the same vehicle. They say “they completely understand where I’m coming from and that the vehicle is now performing as designed. And I’m more than welcome to pick up the car” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |