Compare two vehicles

Spot recall, complaint, investigation, and fuel-cost differences before you trust the listing. No VIN required to start.

Vehicle A

Electric · 27.0455 kWh / 100 mi · All-Wheel Drive

Vehicle B

Electric · 27.8558 kWh / 100 mi · All-Wheel Drive

No VIN required to compare

More recall homework

2020 Tesla Model Y

has more recalls listed.

More complaint activity

2021 Tesla Model Y

has more complaint records.

Open investigation signals

2021 Tesla Model Y

has more open investigations.

Lower estimated fuel cost

2021 Tesla Model Y

may cost less to fuel.

Short answer: Model Y needs more recall homework, Model Y has more complaint activity, Model Y has more severity reports, Model Y has more open investigation signals and Model Y has the lower fuel-cost estimate. Confirm the exact VIN before buying.

Public-record comparison

Rows show model-year records, not exact VIN status.

Record 2021 Tesla Model Y 2020 Tesla Model Y Difference
Total recalls 22 23 Model Y has 1 more recalls
Total complaints 1,019 270 Model Y has 749 more complaints
Crash / Fire / Injury / Death reports 85 / 6 / 22 / 4 47 / 0 / 17 / 0 Model Y has 53 more severity reports
Defect investigations 31 12 Model Y has 19 more investigations
Open investigations 24 5 Model Y has 19 more open investigations
Manufacturer communications 94 103 Model Y has 9 more communications
Recall completion reports 139 149 Model Y has 10 more reports
Warranty programs 0 0 Similar
Service campaigns 0 0 Similar
Software notices 40 40 Similar
Canadian recall records 0 0 Similar
Latest recall May 5, 2026 May 5, 2026 Similar
Latest complaint May 30, 2026 May 8, 2026 Model Y has newer activity
Top complaint categories Top 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Vehicle Speed Control Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Service Brakes Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Suspension
 Similar focus
Fuel type Electric Electric Same
Efficiency 27.0455 kWh / 100 mi 27.8558 kWh / 100 mi Different
Estimated annual fuel cost 15,000 miles / year $600 $650 Model Y about $50 less
Safety-rating records 8 1 Different availability

Practical next steps

What to ask each seller

2021 Tesla Model Y

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control forward collision avoidance repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

2020 Tesla Model Y

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had forward collision avoidance and unknown or other repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

What to inspect first

2021 Tesla Model Y

  • Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras
  • Vehicle Speed Control Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras
  • Service Brakes Forward Collision Avoidance: vibration, pulsing, noise, stopping distance

2020 Tesla Model Y

  • Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior
  • Suspension: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior

Always get an independent mechanic inspection.

Do not buy on model-year data alone.

Confirm the exact VIN before purchase and check for new updates.

Learn what a VIN check can and cannot show