2026 Tesla Model Y
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 275 |
| 2021 | 1062 |
| 2022 | 851 |
| 2023 | 1135 |
| 2024 | 313 |
| 2025 | 96 |
| 2026 | 326 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 128 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y when another vehicle pulled out from a driveway and struck the front/side of my car. The Tesla failed to initiate Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and no airbags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250505
Also filed under AIR BAGS and SERVICE BRAKES
15% of complaints: electrical system — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing autonomous/self driving and adas.
CRASH FIRE INJURY13% of complaints: steering — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: lane departure — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing assist and warning.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: suspension — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield.
Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 25V359000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.
Remedy: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 25V410000 — check if this car was fixed
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The ring terminal of the horn ground wire may be improperly secured, allowing the circuit to open and preventing the horn from sounding.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the steering wheel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed September 23, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-17-009.
Campaign 25V490000 — check if this car was fixed
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The reverse lights may fail to illuminate while the vehicle is in reverse, due to a defect in the wiring.
Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the reverse lights and reverse facia harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 25V658000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the battery pack contactors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-16-005.
Campaign 25V690000 — check if this car was fixed
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Campaign 26V315000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y and 2024 Model 3 vehicles.
Remedy: Tesla will repurchase noncompliant vehicles currently registered in the United States, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 5, 2026.
Campaign 26V445000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2026 Tesla Model Y — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (128 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V315000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V445000 (air bags, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V359000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V410000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V490000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V658000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V690000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2026 Tesla Model Y reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2026 Tesla Model Y is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2026 Tesla Model Y have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.