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Tesla Model Y Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 43 recall campaigns across the Tesla Model Y, 2020–2026. Owners have filed 4,212 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 2 model years with settled counts, the 2021 drew the most (1,083) and the 2020 the fewest (280).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Tesla Model Y complaints by model year

4,212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2020 · 280 complaints
  • 2021 · 1,083 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2021 · 1,083 complaints
  • 2020 · 280 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2020–2026. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Tesla Model Y owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2020202120222023202420252026
Forward collision avoidance 10658049547612447115
Unknown or other 581361191515524120
Vehicle speed control 37161140167371031
Service brakes 36181132154271528
Electrical system 28150120121611855
Steering 26945821324844
Lane departure 30757080492046
Suspension 3077371289129

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Tesla Model Y recalls (43)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Model Y model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Tesla Model Y
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
26V558000Aug 31, 2026Front Suspension Lateral Link May Separate2026—
26V507000Aug 4, 2026Low Beam Headlights May Be Too Bright/FMVSS 1082020–2023—
26V445000Jul 7, 2026Noncompliant Vehicles Incorrectly Imported/FMVSS 208, 2012026—
26V315000May 18, 2026Missing Certification Label2025, 2026—
26V283000May 4, 2026Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 1112020–2023—
25V690000Oct 10, 2025Battery Connection Failure May Cause Loss of Drive Power202660.3%
25V658000Oct 1, 2025Reverse Lights May Fail to Illuminate/FMVSS 108202649.2%
25V490000Jul 28, 2025A Loose Ground Wire May Prevent Horn From Sounding202650%
25V410000Jun 18, 2025Seat Assembly Fasteners Improperly Tightened202654.2%
25V359000May 29, 2025Windshield Wipers Nozzles May be Blocked/FMVSS 104202664%
25V092000Feb 14, 2025Loss of Power Steering Assist202399.9%
25V002000Jan 6, 2025Rearview Camera Image May Fail/FMVSS 1112023, 2024, 202599.7%
24V935000Dec 17, 2024TPMS Light May Not Remain Illuminated/FMVSS 1382020–202599.9%
24V886000Nov 22, 2024Front Seat Back Recliners Improperly Welded202455.6%
24V554000Jul 24, 2024Software May Fail to Detect Unlatched Hood2020–202499.3%

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗
All 43 Tesla Model Y recalls by model year →

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Tesla Model Y (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2026★★★★★5★5★5★suv awd
2025★★★★★5★5★5★suv awd
2024★★★★★5★5★5★suv rwd
2020★★★★★5★5★5★suv awd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

2020111–121 mpg
2021111–129 mpg
2022111–129 mpg
2023111–123 mpg
2024105–120 mpg
2025104–125 mpg
2026105–138 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

Tesla Model Y FAQ

How many recalls has the Tesla Model Y had?

NHTSA lists 43 recall campaigns that cover at least one Tesla Model Y model year from 2020 to 2026. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Tesla Model Y year has the most complaints?

Among the last 2 model years with settled counts, the 2021 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1,083) and the 2020 the fewest (280). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Tesla Model Y problems?

Across the 2020–2026 model years, owners most often name the forward collision avoidance, unknown or other, vehicle speed control in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Tesla Model Y get?

EPA rates the 2026 Tesla Model Y at 105 to 138 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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