Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2021 Tesla Model Y: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the 2021 Tesla Model Y: seven for electrical parts (filed 2022–2024), four for seat belts (filed 2021–2024), three for the rear camera (filed 2021–2026) and nine more for other parts. Owners have filed 1,083 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the forward collision avoidance and the service brakes. For comparison, owners filed 280 for the 2020 and 865 for the 2022 Model Y.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 23campaigns 7 electrical · 4 seat belt · 3 steering Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,083filed Owner reports, 2020–2026 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 129mpg combined $506/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs Electric· Automatic 3 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
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Recalls (23)

NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the 2021 Tesla Model Y. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V507000 Filed Aug 4, 2026

Low Beam Headlights May Be Too Bright/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting · headlights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Repair progress not yet reported20,349 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V507000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V283000 Filed May 4, 2026

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111

Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Repair progress not yet reported218,868 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V283000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V935000 Filed Dec 17, 2024

TPMS Light May Not Remain Illuminated/FMVSS 138

Tires · pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
99.9% repairedof 696,281 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V935000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V554000 Filed Jul 24, 2024

Software May Fail to Detect Unlatched Hood

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
99.3% repairedof 1,849,638 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V554000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V376000 Filed May 28, 2024

Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208

Seat belts · front · warning light/devices
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
89.9% repairedof 125,233 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V376000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V153000 Filed Feb 27, 2024

Muted Pedestrian Warning Sound/FMVSS 141

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
99.3% repairedof 6,557 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V153000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V051000 Filed Jan 30, 2024

Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105

Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Repair progress not yet reported2,193,869 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V051000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V838000 Filed Dec 12, 2023

Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse

Electrical system · adas · driver monitoring · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
98.8% repairedof 2,031,220 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V838000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V085000 Filed Feb 15, 2023

Full Self-Driving Software May Cause Crash

Steering · automated/adaptive steering
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
96.5% repairedof 362,758 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V085000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V844000 Filed Nov 15, 2022

Taillight May Fail to Illuminate

Exterior lighting · tail lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Consequence
A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.
100% repairedof 321,628 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V844000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V702000 Filed Sep 19, 2022

Power Windows May Pinch/FMVSS 118

Visibility · power window devices and controls
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
99.4% repairedof 1,096,762 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V702000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V317000 Filed May 9, 2022

Fisheye and Narrow Camera Views Swapped

Electrical system · adas · driver monitoring · camera/sensor
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Swapped camera views can prevent the vehicle's cameras from detecting crossing objects and high-curvature lane lines, impairing the Autosteer and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) performance, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will correct the swapped terminals and recalibrate the cameras, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-17-007.
100% repairedof 7 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V317000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V235000 Filed Apr 12, 2022

Pedestrian Warning Sound May Be Obscured/FMVSS 141

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
99.7% repairedof 594,894 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V235000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V063000 Filed Feb 4, 2022

Pedestrian Warning Sound May Be Obscured/FMVSS 141

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Repair progress not yet reported578,607 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V063000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V050000 Filed Feb 2, 2022

Windshield May Not Defrost Properly/FMVSS 103

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.
99.9% repairedof 26,681 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V050000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V045000 Filed Feb 1, 2022

Seat Belt Chime May Not Activate/FMVSS 208

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
97.7% repairedof 817,143 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V045000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V037000 Filed Jan 27, 2022

Vehicle May Fail to Stop at Stop Sign

Steering · automated/adaptive steering
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
100% repairedof 53,822 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V037000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V912000 Filed Nov 21, 2021

Suspension Knuckles May Fracture

Suspension
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Suspension links that separate can reduce vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and replace the knuckles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-004.
84.6% repairedof 826 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V912000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V846000 Filed Oct 29, 2021

Unexpected Activation of Automatic Emergency Brake

Forward collision avoidance · automatic emergency braking
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
100% repairedof 11,728 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V846000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V835000 Filed Oct 25, 2021

Front Suspension Lateral Link May Separate

Suspension · critical fasteners
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.
87.9% repairedof 2,791 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V835000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V387000 Filed May 25, 2021

Loose Brake Caliper Bolts

Service brakes, hydraulic · critical fasteners
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.
94.8% repairedof 5,974 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V387000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V388000 Filed May 25, 2021

Seat Belt Retractor Not Securely Attached

Seat belts · critical fasteners
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Improperly attached fasteners may prevent the seat belt retention system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and replace both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-002.
93.9% repairedof 2,166 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V388000
Listed for 2021 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V389000 Filed May 25, 2021

Front Seat Belts Not Securely Attached To B-Pillar

Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
91.2% repairedof 5,530 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V389000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Model Y years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Tesla Model YAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,083)

1,083 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The forward collision avoidance is mentioned most often.

87involved a crash
6involved a fire
25injuries reported
4deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model Y, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,083.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2021 compares with other Model Y years

Best and worst Model Y years →
280 1,083 865 1,170 326 102 386
2020202120222023202420252026
This year (2021)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 129 mpg combined

129
mpg combined
140
city
119
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$600
CO₂ tailpipe
—
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$506per year
$42per month
116gallons a year

Miles ÷ 129 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2021 Tesla Model Y configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
Electric · AutomaticRear-Wheel Drive140 / 119 / 129$600—
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive131 / 117 / 125$600—
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive115 / 106 / 111$700—

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

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Looking at a 2021 Model Y for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Model Y years

Where to next

Which Model Y years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2022 Tesla Model Y report865 complaints · 20 campaigns →2020 Tesla Model Y report280 complaints · 24 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2021 Tesla Model Y FAQ

How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have?

NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns: 26V507000 (lighting), 26V283000 (rear camera), 24V935000 (tire), 24V554000 (electrical), 24V376000 (seat belt), 24V153000 (electrical), 24V051000 (electrical), 23V838000 (electrical), 23V085000 (steering), 22V844000 (lighting), 22V702000 (visibility), 22V317000 (steering), 22V235000 (electrical), 22V063000 (electrical), 22V050000 (electrical), 22V045000 (seat belt), 22V037000 (steering), 21V912000 (suspension), 21V846000 (rear camera), 21V835000 (suspension), 21V387000 (brake), 21V388000 (seat belt), 21V389000 (seat belt). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2021 Tesla Model Y problems?

Owners filed 1,083 complaints with NHTSA. Forward collision avoidance (580), Service brakes (181), Vehicle speed control (161) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2021 Tesla Model Y get?

EPA rates the Electric · Automatic version at 140 city, 119 highway and 129 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

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

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

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