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2026 Tesla Model Y: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2026 Tesla Model Y, most recently filed August 2026. Owners have filed 386 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the unknown or other. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 8campaigns 3 electrical · 1 suspension · 1 air bag Source: NHTSA Complaints 386filed Owner reports, 2020–2026 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 5★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 138mpg combined $473/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs Electric· Automatic 6 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (8)

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2026 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 2026 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V558000 Filed Aug 31, 2026

Front Suspension Lateral Link May Separate

Suspension · critical fasteners
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. One or more front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly tightened, allowing the lateral link to loosen or separate from the sub-frame.
Consequence
A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will tighten or replace the fasteners and check wheel the alignment, free of charge. In addition, Tesla Service will replace any related parts that may have been damaged as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 30, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-31-004.
Repair progress not yet reported19 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 26V558000
Listed for 2026 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V445000 Filed Jul 7, 2026

Noncompliant Vehicles Incorrectly Imported/FMVSS 208, 201

Air bags · knee bolster
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y and 2024 Model 3 vehicles. The vehicles were originally built for a foreign market and do not have knee air bags, may not be equipped with certain interior safety countermeasures, and may not have been tested for bumper impact resistance procedures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers, 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact," and Part 581, "Bumper Standards."
Consequence
A noncompliant vehicle may have reduced occupant protections, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
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. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or resolutions@tesla.com. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-004.
Repair progress not yet reported15 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 26V445000
Listed for 2026 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V315000 Filed May 18, 2026

Missing Certification Label

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Missing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-19-002.
Repair progress not yet reported14,575 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 26V315000
Listed for 2026 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V690000 Filed Oct 10, 2025

Battery Connection Failure May Cause Loss of Drive Power

Electrical system · propulsion system · fuses, relays, contacts, and shunts
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
60.3% repairedof 12,963 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 25V690000
Listed for 2026 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V658000 Filed Oct 1, 2025

Reverse Lights May Fail to Illuminate/FMVSS 108

Electrical system · wiring
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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. 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
Reverse lights that fail to illuminate reduce visibility and may not alert pedestrians or other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-17-011.
49.2% repairedof 260 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 25V658000
Listed for 2026 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V490000 Filed Jul 28, 2025

A Loose Ground Wire May Prevent Horn From Sounding

Electrical system · horn
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
An inoperable horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers as needed, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
50% repairedof 6 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 25V490000
Listed for 2026 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V410000 Filed Jun 18, 2025

Seat Assembly Fasteners Improperly Tightened

Seats · critical fasteners
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
The seat may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-13-003.
54.2% repairedof 48 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 25V410000
Listed for 2026 Tesla Model Y. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V359000 Filed May 29, 2025

Windshield Wipers Nozzles May be Blocked/FMVSS 104

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · linkages
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."
Consequence
The inability to clean the windshield reduces the driver’s visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
64% repairedof 172 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 25V359000

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 (386)

386 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The unknown or other is mentioned most often.

80involved a crash
1involved a fire
32injuries reported
0deaths reported

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

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2026 Tesla Model Y, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 386.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2026 compares with other Model Y years

Best and worst Model Y years →
280 1,083 865 1,170 326 102 386
2020202120222023202420252026
This year (2026)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.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 8.6%★★★★★
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2026 Tesla Model Y suv awd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 138 mpg combined

138
mpg combined
148
city
129
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$550
CO₂ tailpipe
—
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$473per year
$39per month
109gallons a year

Miles ÷ 138 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

2026 Tesla Model Y configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
Electric · AutomaticRear-Wheel Drive148 / 129 / 138$550—
Electric · AutomaticRear-Wheel Drive144 / 123 / 134$550—
Electric · AutomaticRear-Wheel Drive142 / 120 / 131$600—
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive133 / 120 / 127$600—
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive130 / 115 / 123$600—
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive111 / 100 / 105$700—

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

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2026 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 →2025 Tesla Model Y report102 complaints · 3 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2026 Tesla Model Y FAQ

How many recalls does the 2026 Tesla Model Y have?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 26V558000 (suspension), 26V445000 (air bag), 26V315000 (equipment), 25V690000 (electrical), 25V658000 (electrical), 25V490000 (electrical), 25V410000 (seat), 25V359000 (visibility). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2026 Tesla Model Y problems?

Owners filed 386 complaints with NHTSA. Unknown or other (120), Forward collision avoidance (115), Electrical system (55) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2026 Tesla Model Y get?

EPA rates the Electric · Automatic version at 148 city, 129 highway and 138 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2026 Tesla Model Y get?

NHTSA rated the 2026 Tesla Model Y suv awd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 5 stars rollover (8.6% rollover risk).

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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