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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Summary of Complaint: My 2023 Tesla Model Y has had two roof glass failures in three months (two glass roof replacements). Both times, the glass cracked from small road debris while driving under normal city conditions. Safety Concern The roof glass appears unusually fragile and prone to cracking, raising concerns about whether it meets industry standards for impact resistance and occupant safety. The rapid failure rate (two roof glass panels in three months) suggests a potential design or materials defect rather than isolated incidents of road damage. If roof glass panels cannot withstand normal road debris, this presents a safety risk for drivers and passengers, as well as for other motorists if large shards detach while driving. The roof glass seems unusually fragile. Two failures in such a short time suggest a design or material defect. If the glass cannot withstand normal road debris, it may not meet durability or safety standards. There is also risk to occupants and other drivers if roof glass fails while in motion. Request: Please investigate whether the 2023 Tesla Model Y roof glass meets required safety standards, and whether this issue is affecting other owners. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | WHEELS | The front driver’s side wheel came off of the axel while parking. Lug nuts/studs appear intact, suggesting a suspension component failure. This is a serious safety hazard that could have caused loss of control and injury. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | This started at about 65000 miles in my 2023 Model Y. The rear camera first lost picture and I received a warning that it may be intermittent. It has progressed now to the point that autopilot, navigation, all cameras, cruise control, auto headlight, and auto wipers are all nonfunctional. The car does not know its location. All safety features such as lanekeeping, cross traffic alert, auto braking are disabled. The rearview camera no longer functions. Software updates no longer complete downloading. While there are numerous reports of computer short circuits in hardware 4 cars, the only solution I am offered is to have the computer replaced at my own cost of just under 3000 dollars. And that would be warranted only for one year or 12500 miles. Reviewing the submissions on the NHTSA website as well as searching online, this problem is not infrequent. I do not feel safe letting my wife or daughter drive the car. Certain 2024 and 2025 models with this problem have been recalled for new computers. This must be expanded to include 2023 models as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | Carry Handle, Shell, Base,Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness,Insert, Padding | The shoulder straps will not stay. They are supposed to lock in place once you adjust it and buckle the child in, but unfortunately, they will play back-and-forth and they will not lock in place. It is the same problem that Nuna is having with other versions of their car seat. We followed all instructions for cleaning, all instructions for maintenance, we have contacted the manufacturer and are unsatisfied with their response. They will not tell us what they think is broken, they will not tell us how to potentially fix it, nor will they admit that there is a problem, even though we have shown them video evidence. Instead, they want us to re-purchase a replacement item for half price. This issue allows the child to climb out of the car seat because the straps will not restrain them. The child can simply push on the straps and climb out. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | This is a complaint regarding intermittent camera blindness, driver assistance failure, and dismissed diagnostics on a 2023 Tesla Model Y. These issues have impacted critical safety systems including: •Pillar and rear-view cameras •Autopilot and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) •Park assist and visualization systems Despite multiple service visits and clear documentation, Tesla has failed to diagnose or remedy the malfunction, attributing the issues to external weather factors despite my repeated statements that the problems occurred in clear conditions. The vehicle has also generated camera blocked/blinded alerts, even when the lenses were clean, and service technicians confirmed the B-pillar camera was blocked during 8.7% of the drive cycle — a serious figure given that Tesla’s driver-assist systems depend entirely on vision-based processing. The vehicle has shown alerts related to Automatic Emergency Braking being disabled, which Tesla attributed to a “false trigger.” Regardless, the vehicle may have operated without key crash-avoidance systems enabled at unknown times. I live near Santiago Canyon, a winding road I specifically raised concerns about in relation to Tesla’s camera-only system. A recent fatal crash in that same area involving a Tesla with severe post-collision fire damage has made this complaint more urgent. My concerns appear predictive and ignored. Timeline of Complaints •12/20/2023: Rear camera issues begin. •12/22/2023: Initial service request opened. •12/31/2023 – 1/4/2024: Repeated documentation of pillar camera blindness and system failures. Tesla dismisses as fogrelated. Invoice #3000S0008955083 issued (Irvine, CA). •1/4/2024: I confirm continued camera blindness after service. •1/5/2024: I formally tell Tesla I believe the issue is due to a software update and is broader than one sensor. •7/11/2024: New concerns about GPS failure and power trunk documented in invoice #3000S0010537222 (Lake Forest, CA). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | SUSPENSION | The 2 bolts on the lower lateral control arm on the front driver side fell off as I was driving. This caused the front wheel to collapse into the wheel well. Two large bolts were on the ground. Car had to be lifted onto tow truck . The car is out of warranty but this is a manufacture defect for the bolts to just fall off. If I had been on the freeway, there would have been a major collision. Luckily I was on a residential street. Tesla needs to do a recall. I looked up this issue and many Tesla owners have the same experience. Please help | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH, in a parking lot, the message for an alignment was displayed for several seconds before the front driver’s side wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The tow truck driver had difficulties placing the vehicle on the tow truck. Upon inspection, the contact found two loosened bolts had detached and fallen to the ground. The front suspension was also loose. The dealer confirmed that the bolts had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V835000 (SUSPENSION). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 36,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 36,000 |
| Sep 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | When using the adaptive cruise control or “autopilot” feature on my Model Y, the vehicle will brake extremely hard without warning. This sudden, unnecessary braking is commonly referred to as phantom braking. The failure is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction poses a significant safety risk to myself and others, especially vehicles following behind, as it could lead to rear-end collisions. The issue is widespread, with many other drivers experiencing the same problem. The problem is easily reproducible on highways, particularly at certain intersections where no obstacle is present. The system will sometimes display a “curvature assist” prompt despite the road being straight, causing the vehicle to brake abruptly. I have not taken the vehicle to a dealer because the warranty has expired. The issue has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, nor has it been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I reported it directly to Tesla and have received no response. No warning lamps or error messages appear before the failure, aside from the inaccurate “curvature assist” prompt. Cause: UNKNOWN. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS | Two days ago a warning popped up on the Tesla screen saying to schedule service for something the car had detected. It said the car could still be driven. I submitted a service request in the app, and in the meantime researched the error. Per Google, it said this was a potential issue with suspension / steering components that needed to be looked at. The next day, a Tesla technician called and asked what my appointment was for. I told him about the error and that I had found it said it was for a suspension or steering issue. He told me I was wrong, and that it was only for low tire pressure. The car did not have low tire pressure. He said the appointment wasn't needed, cancelled the appointment, and told me to drive 30-40 miles to clear the error. Literally 5 hours later, after my wife driving my kids down the freeway, when parking on the street in front go my house the car made a giant pop and the front left sank. We looked under the car and the front drivers side control arm had completely disconnected, popping straight down towards the road. More concerning, two bolts popped out, not broken, but just clearly loose and had finally unscrewed. You will see them on the ground in the pictures. If this had happened 5 minutes earlier while on the freeway I don't want to even think about what might have happened. These cars should be recalled, this is super dangerous. Not to mention the fact that Tesla explicitly canceled my appointment for this and told me not to bring the car in. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING,WHEELS | Incident Details: • Date/Time: [XXX]. • Location: [XXX] • Event: While driving, the front left wheel partially detached without warning, causing an immediate loss of steering control. Findings (third-party technician at the scene): • The wheel/control arm/linkage had come loose/detached. • Two major suspension bolts were extremely loose or had detached. • A rotor screw detached easily during inspection. • Photos, videos, and witness statements are available upon request. Current status: Tesla has not provided a failure analysis or demonstrated that the issue is resolved. Similar failures have been reported on social media, and recalls between 2021–2023 addressed front suspension lateral link fasteners that could loosen or detach. “A 2021 recall (NHTSA Recall #21V835) affected Model 3s from January 2019-April 2021 and Model Ys from March 2020-June 2021. A 2022 recall (NHTSA #22V895) was for certain 2023 Model Ys with issues on the left-hand lateral link. “ My vehicle has not been included in any such recall, and I received no prior notification. Supporting documentation (emails, service records, publications) is available upon request. Risk Level: Extremely high. This defect creates a severe danger to drivers, passengers, and the public. Tesla’s lack of corrective action leaves many customers at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | LANE DEPARTURE | Statement of Facts Regarding Tesla Accident [XXX] On [XXX], I was involved in an accident with a Tesla that I had rented directly from Tesla’s rental program. The vehicle was equipped with Tesla’s full software capabilities, including AutoDrive and the Smart Summon feature. At no time during the rental process was I given warnings, training, or any overview about how these features work, the risks they pose, or the long history of reported incidents involving Teslas colliding with stationary objects while operating under self-driving or summoning functions. On [XXX], I used the Summon feature for the first time in the parking lot of my business at [XXX] . The car was parked in spot [XXX], where I regularly park. I attempted to use Summon while standing in full view of the vehicle, but the software repeatedly displayed “lost connection.” After disabling Wi-Fi, I held the Summon button again and the car successfully pulled out of the spot, drove forward, and arrived directly in front of me. This demonstrated the feature was functioning properly on that day. On [XXX], while again parked in the same spot, I attempted to demonstrate Summon to my wife. I was standing in clear view, approximately 50–75 feet away, near the complex entrance. As before, the software repeatedly displayed “lost connection.” I attempted to reengage by hitting the summon button to reconnect the command. That did not work. When I walked up to the vehicle, I discovered that the front quarter panel near the wheel had come into contact with the covered parking pole. At no time was I aware that the car had hit anything, nor did the system provide any alert that it had engaged with an object. This stands in stark contrast to the way Tesla’s software consistently warns when the car is being manually driven — giving constant alerts when drifting out of a lane or approaching another vehicle. The absence of such a warning during Summon demonstrates a failure of the software’s sa INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | Tesla has a bug with their basic Autopilot software that they refuse to fix and that I believe is causing a safety issue. They advertise Autopilot as standard on all Tesla's as an active safety feature that helps reduce driver stress and improve safety on the road. Here is the issue. Basic Autopilot has a feature built into it that limits the speed to 5 mph over the speed limit. This is a great idea! However, since a software update that was released early last summer, the car struggles to read the proper speed limit. For instance, many roads in my area are posted at 65 mph. The car doesn't read these and defaults the speed limit to 50 mph, meaning I can only use Autopilot at 55 mph max. When most people are driving 70 mph, this causes a safety issue. Tesla is aware of the problem. I have filed MANY bug reports, and even contacted a service center about the issue. The service center claims to be aware of it, and said that they escalated the problem to the software team, but no fix has been issued in over a year. Either they just don't care about this issue and are too busy trying to work on FSD and Robotaxi to fix it, or they are purposely not fixing it to force people to subscribe to FSD as FSD doesn't have this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving a Tesla Model Y on a freeway in Arkansas, the vehicle was operating in Autopilot mode (Tesla's driver-assistance system). During a highway merge, the vehicle followed a state trooper's car too closely and failed to slow down appropriately. The trooper had to apply his brakes to avoid a collision. After stopping the vehicle, the trooper issued a written warning, explicitly attributing the issue to equipment failure and advising immediate correction. This issue appears to involve a failure of the adaptive cruise control and forward collision detection system while Autopilot was engaged. No collision occurred, but the situation posed a clear safety risk to both the trooper and my vehicle. This was not the first issue with the vehicle's automation. In a previous incident (November 2024), the vehicle exceeded the posted speed limit while on Autopilot, resulting in a traffic citation. Tesla has been notified, and a service request is open. Diagnostic review is pending. There were no warning lights or alerts from the vehicle before the incident. The vehicle remains available for further inspection if required. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS | According to TESLA service, my two "lateral links" for the front wheels need to be replaced. They sent us photos of the issue and it looks like one of the fasteners for one of the lateral links was missing (1 of two fasteners) If the other fastener failed/fell out the car could easily steer out of control. The problem of the lateral links was confirmed by Tesla servicing. They are repairing it under warranty. It was only been inspected by the manufacturer, Tesla. There were no warning lamps. The only indication was the thumping sound during turns. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The vehicle went into Turtle mode and there was a warning sign that power was reduced. The car eventually stopped moving on the highway seconds later. The warning time was minimal and I was on a two lane highway when the car stopped in one of the lanes during rush hour. This is the third time I have had this warning since February 2025 and I started leasing the vehicle December 2024. The first time, the service replaced the accelerator pedal. The second time, the rear motor. This third time, they are saying it's the accelerator pedal again. Each time there is no warning or signs that there is an issue and it is unacceptable for a vehicle that is only one year old. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Front wipers stoped during use on windscreen, returned to functionality and then minutes later shut down. No ability to manually or via rain sense to get arms to move. Performed soft, hard, and thired suggested Tesla reboot. Not resolved. Service scheduled for 15 days rendering vehicle unsafe to drive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SEAT BELTS | 2nd Seat belt does not latch and cannot be secured. This poses a serious safety risk while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | Driving on I 880 south on the fast lane. The car suddenly braked for no reason and began to shutdown. It warned me to pull over before complete shutdown. Luckily there was space on my left and I was able to rolling stop. Nothing on the screen was working. Turned on hazard light. Got out of car with my phone. Accessed Tesla app and ran battery check. After couple mins the error went away. Tried to slowly move with hazard light on. It appeared to have fixed itself. Slowly merged back into freeway when it was safe. Attached notification when I tried to schedule service request. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE | Las luces son demaciado fuertes y el aire conducionsdonen Florida no funciona | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel, and the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING,WHEELS | I am writing to report severe safety concerns involving my Tesla Model Y. Without any accident or impact, my vehicle experienced a mechanical failure on [XXX}, when the front left tire detached, making the car immobile. The vehicle had approximately 31,500 miles and no prior damage or accident history. Tesla towed the car for repairs. However, during the repair process, I discovered that the vehicle was transferred to a body shop in Chantilly, VA, without my prior knowledge or consent. When I visited the shop to retrieve personal belongings, I was shocked to see that the condition of my vehicle had significantly worsened. The technician informed me that the car now had serious structural damage, including a twisted frame and extensive paint damage. This damage did not exist before and was not caused by an impact. The technician indicated that repairs would take at least a week if only bodywork was addressed. Most concerning, the vehicle was transferred with no visible damage, yet now has severe structural issues. Tesla has suggested replacing the damaged body parts later, which makes no sense given that the car was in a safe condition prior to the transfer. Additionally, the front wheel, which detached earlier, was reassembled without impact, but the vehicle remains unsafe. It has taken over 30 days to attempt repairs, and the vehicle still is not fully fixed. I do not feel safe driving it under these conditions. Furthermore, communication regarding the damage has been poor. I was not informed of any body or structural damage before the transfer. Tesla’s recent message asked me to pick up the vehicle, stating they will order parts later, which is confusing and concerning. Given the extensive damage, delays, and safety risks, I request the NHTSA investigate these issues. I also urge Tesla to buy back my vehicle so I can use the credit toward purchasing a new Tesla, ensuring my safety and confidence. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | WHEELS | I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my Tesla Model Y 2023, VIN: [XXX] , in which the front right tire detached from the axle while parking on [XXX] at [XXX] . Description of Incident: While maneuvering the car slowly into a parking spot, the front tire suddenly dislodged from the axle or aero suspension. The car became immobile on the spot. Thankfully, there were no injuries, but the outcome could have been catastrophic had this happened at speed. The car was immediately towed to Tesla Service Center Sacramento, Arden Way, where technicians diagnosed the failure as being due to The issue being caused by loose front lower lateral link mounting bolts and damaged front compliance links — a structural suspension component. Critical Concerns: Tesla’s own technicians confirmed that: This failure was not caused by user error or road impact. The issue was caused by loose front lower lateral link mounting bolts and damaged front compliance links The bolts had loosened over time or were improperly torqued during manufacturing or servicing. Emotional & Functional Impact: I am now afraid to drive this vehicle, unsure of its reliability and safety. I’ve experienced anxiety, sleep disruption, and ongoing depressive symptoms since the incident. This event has interrupted my daily life, shaken my trust in Tesla, and caused extreme emotional stress. Had this happened on a highway or in traffic, it could have led to serious injuries or fatalities. My Formal Requests: A written report detailing the failure, root cause, and whether it relates to known issues or recalls. A clear statement on whether Tesla assumes liability for this event. A full remedy, which may include: Replacement or buyback of the vehicle, Compensation for emotional distress and lost use, Commitment to enhanced quality control inspections. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The vehicle in front of us came to a sudden stop, but my Tesla failed to issue any alerts or activate automatic braking. When we attempted to brake manually, the car did not allow full braking and continued moving forward, ultimately causing a collision. This strongly suggests a malfunction in the Tesla’s safety or braking system. As a result, I’ve suffered significant financial losses due to the vehicle being totaled and damage caused to other vehicles/other persons injuries involved. This incident is also likely to lead to increased insurance premiums moving forward. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 2 Towed | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | LANE DEPARTURE | -As a regular driver in the DC area, I have repeatedly experienced the Lane Departure Avoidance system disabling itself mid-drive. This is particularly troubling in city driving conditions marked by unpredictable traffic, unclear lane markings, and frequent distractions—scenarios where these safety features are most essential. Lane Departure Avoidance helps prevent accidents by alerting drivers or gently correcting steering if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane. -I don't know if there was a specific concern about the safety of others, but it may have. -Unknown -Not needed -No - just happened | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS | While driving on the freeway, I heard an unusual noise coming from beneath the battery of my car. Concerned, I drove to a nearby friend's house and parked there, carefully checking my dashboard for any warning signals but finding none. I decided to resume my journey, but as I backed out of the driveway, I heard a sudden noise indicating something had come loose, followed by a crackling sound. Upon inspecting the car, I discovered that the control arm had become detached, the axle had popped out, and two bolts had come off. During the towing process, I noticed that the steering had become extremely tight. To my surprise, I had never received any recall notice from Tesla addressing this issue. Considering that my car is less than two years old, I was deeply disturbed by the situation. This incident has significantly undermined my confidence in the safety of the vehicle, as it highlights a potential manufacturing defect involving defective parts. I regularly use this car to drive my children to their activities, and knowing that this could have led to a catastrophic failure such as tire separation, loss of steering control, or compromised braking capabilities especially on the freeway, is worrying. The car was towed to a dealer and currently in the queue for evaluation by tesla technicians. I requested detailed service report from Irvine service center. There were no warning indicators in the dashboard while I was driving or after the bolts came loose. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |