Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Tesla Model Y, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Forward collision avoidance582
- Service brakes177
- Vehicle speed control161
- Electrical system152
- Unknown or other140
- Steering94
- Suspension79
- Lane departure77
- Visibility/wiper44
- Structure34
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 25 injuries and 4 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 42 2021 Model Y vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 15 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Tesla Model Y failed the safety check 1.12% of the time — 19% more often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 29,484 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2021
25,019 new Tesla Model Y cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2021; the largest markets were Norway (8,268), Germany (4,408), Sweden (3,084).
- Average mass
- 2,057 kg
- Average CO₂
- 0 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 224 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Electric 100%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
In the Netherlands
1,847 first registered in 2021 are on Dutch roads; 16% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €66,400.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde417
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld346
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm262
- Band onvoldoende profiel241
- Band beschadigd166
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm123
- Mistlicht voor onjuist afgesteld117
- Fusee(kogel) te veel speling95
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
2 cars built in 2021 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025.
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
In Finland
1,032 of these cars first registered in 2021 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 94,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
15 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model Y.
| 2026401 19 Aug 2026 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain vehicles, the low beam headlights may be too bright. Canadian regulations specify a maximum brightness for low beam headlights. Safety … |
| 2026221 5 May 2026 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could delay the rearview camera image from displaying when the transmission is shifted into reverse shortly aft… |
| 2024427 25 Jul 2024 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the hood latch assembly could fail and cause the unlatched hood warning not to display on the instrument panel. As a result, you m… |
| 2024298 28 May 2024 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles, the seat belt reminder chime and visual warning may not work when you start the vehicle and your seat belt is not buckled. Canadia… |
| 2024283 21 May 2024 | Lights And Instruments Issue: A previous over-the-air (OTA) software update could cause the vehicle not to display the correct visual warning indicators when there are problems with… |
| 2024130 27 Feb 2024 | Other Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the pedestrian warning system not to work. As a result, the vehicle may not produce enough sound to … |
| 2023657 12 Dec 2023 | Accessories Issue: On vehicles equipped with the Autosteer advanced driver-assistance feature, when using the feature, the vehicle may not provide strong enough warnings … |
| 2023063 14 Feb 2023 | Accessories Issue: In certain traffic situations, when the FSD Beta advanced driver assistance feature is engaged, the vehicle may perform maneuvers that break certain tr… |
| 2022528 20 Sept 2022 | Visual System Issue: The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. This could cause the window to close with too much force b… |
| 2022037 1 Feb 2022 | Seats And Restraints Issue: Under certain conditions, the seat belt reminder chime may not sound when you start the vehicle and your seat belt is not buckled. Canadian regulations… |
| 2021714 19 Nov 2021 | Steering Issue: On certain vehicles, the front and rear suspension knuckles may not have been properly heat-treated. As a result, a knuckle could bend or break. If thi… |
| 2021649 25 Oct 2021 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the front suspension lateral links to the sub-frame may not be properly tightened. Over time, the bolts coul… |
| 2021321 25 May 2021 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolt that attaches the D-ring on the driver and front passenger seat belts may not be properly tightened. As a result, the sea… |
| 2021319 25 May 2021 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the second-row left and right-side seat belt retractors may not be properly tightened. As a result, the seat… |
| 2021318 25 May 2021 | Brakes Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the brake calipers to the wheel knuckles may not be properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could loosen … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y vehicles. The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors may not be properly attached.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Tesla told its dealers about the 2021 Tesla Model Y: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11009771 | On certain Model Y vehicles, the LH and/or RH rear primary body seals might cause wind noise in the cabin. |
| 11008831 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008830 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008829 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008827 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008824 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008822 | On certain Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles, the interior camera requires replacement to mitigate reduced driver attentiveness detection performance in low-light conditions. |
| 11008807 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008806 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008805 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008803 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008800 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008798 | On certain Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles, the interior camera requires replacement to mitigate reduced driver attentiveness detection performance in low-light conditions. |
| 11008783 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008782 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008781 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008779 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008776 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11008774 | On certain Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles, the interior camera requires replacement to mitigate reduced driver attentiveness detection performance in low-light conditions. |
| 11006914 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11006913 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11006912 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11006911 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11006910 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
| 11005742 | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owners manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owners manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSAs submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owners manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owners manual via their vehicle |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Lower Lateral Link detachment
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Electronic door handles become inoperative
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Defect Petition Interlock Request
Pedestrian alert sounds
Autopilot System Driver Controls
Unexpected Brake Activation
Tesla Passenger Play
Autopilot & First Responder Scenes
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation