Model Y (Juniper)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Tesla Model Y Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y
That's near the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.7 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 13 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
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.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2026] Component: Electric power steering system (steering column rack). Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: Loss of power steering assist renders the steering wheel virtually inoperable, creating an immediate risk of loss of vehicle control for the driver and danger to other road users. The vehicle required towing on November 27, 2025 — one month after purchase (October 25, 2
- [2026] On [XXX] I pick up my New Tesla Y. On [XXX], while traveling at highway speeds on [XXX] with Autopilot "FSD" engaged, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden vehicle shutdown and start giving multiple alerts without warning. The vehicle displayed multiple critical alerts: "Vehicle Shutdown", "Pull Over Safely", "Stability Control Disabled." Upon the failure, Autopilot FSD disengaged, and the
- [2026] The rear door releases contain no easily accessible mechanical back up for releasing the door. In an emergency during a loss of power rear passengers would either have to know how to access the hidden door releases cable or would be trapped.
Regenerative Braking
- [2025] SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: Multiple critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while the vehicle is in operation, creating an immediate crash hazard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION: For approximately one month, my vehicle has experienced intermittent, unpredictable failures of multiple safety-critical systems while driving. These failures occur randomly during operation and include: Regenera
- [2026] I am submitting this complaint regarding a newly leased 2026 Tesla Model Y Premium RWD, which I took delivery of on February 6, 2026 from Tesla Watertown, MA. I am a returning Tesla customer and entered this lease after test driving the same model on January 24, which did not exhibit any issues. Immediately upon driving the vehicle off the lot (approximately 12 miles), I noticed a persistent rattl
- [2026] It was snowing and I was driving slow. About 8:40am, Feb 6th, 2026, I got a "One pedal driving disabled" alert just for a moment, then tried to stop before an intersection because a signal was turning to red. However, break didn't work and I had to enter the intersection under a red signal. Fortunately, there was no car in front of me, also a car coming from the side didn't notice signal changed.
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2025] The vehicle has suffered recurring, critical electronic and low-voltage safety system failures that first began under the original factory warranty and have now resulted in a complete central computer (HW4) failure. History of Defect: 1. Feb 2025 (~7,170 miles): Initial failure of the 16V low-voltage network and safety systems. Tesla replaced the VCFRONT body controller and low-voltage battery un
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Battery: Tesla Model 3 / Model Y Long Range pack (2024-2025)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 120k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Battery: Tesla Model Y Long Range pack (2026 refresh)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 120k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Tesla Model Y, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y
On a used 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (118), the electrical system (43) and the steering (38). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 118 owner complaints on the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y about the electrical system.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y about the steering.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y about the brakes.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 26 owner complaints on the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y about the body and structure.
Recalls (10)
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
Show 5 older recalls
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.
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.
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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 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."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y complaints?
Owners have filed 308 complaints with NHTSA about the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the steering.
Is the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 308 complaints with NHTSA about the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y have?
NHTSA has 308 owner complaints on file for the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls covering some 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Tesla Model Y?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the steering, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Model Y?
The 2026 Tesla Model Y received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (8.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 308 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.