TESLA MODEL Y · model year

2026 TESLA MODEL Y

291 NHTSA complaints, 52 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2026TESLAMODEL Y carries 291 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 52 crashes, 1 fire, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2026 MODEL Y is unknown or other with 61 filings, followed by forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control (28) and forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (22). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2026 MODEL Y, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

291
Complaints
52
Crashes
1
Fires
15
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

291 filings

Crashes Reported

52 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER61
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL28
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING22
STEERING21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
SUSPENSION15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL15
SERVICE BRAKES13
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS13
EXTERIOR LIGHTING13
STRUCTURE:BODY12
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST11
AIR BAGS5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING5
POWER TRAIN5

Recalls (5)

25V35900030/05/2025

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

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,

25V49000028/07/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

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.

25V41000018/06/2025

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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.

25V69000010/10/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:FUSES, RELAYS, CONTACTS, AND SHUNTS

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.

25V65800001/10/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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,

Recent Complaints

20260219SUSPENSION

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 rattling noise from the front suspension area. The noise occurs over normal road conditions and has been present since delivery, significantly affecting the quality and value of the vehicle. On February 9, Tesla Watertown evaluated the vehicle and later replaced both front upper control arm (FUCA) mounts. On February 10, before repairs were completed, multiple safety systems suddenly disabled while driving, including regenerative braking behavior, traction and stability control, lane safety features, and automatic emergency braking, creating a dangerous situation. I returned the vehicle immediately

20260219FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 rattling noise from the front suspension area. The noise occurs over normal road conditions and has been present since delivery, significantly affecting the quality and value of the vehicle. On February 9, Tesla Watertown evaluated the vehicle and later replaced both front upper control arm (FUCA) mounts. On February 10, before repairs were completed, multiple safety systems suddenly disabled while driving, including regenerative braking behavior, traction and stability control, lane safety features, and automatic emergency braking, creating a dangerous situation. I returned the vehicle immediately

20260219LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

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 rattling noise from the front suspension area. The noise occurs over normal road conditions and has been present since delivery, significantly affecting the quality and value of the vehicle. On February 9, Tesla Watertown evaluated the vehicle and later replaced both front upper control arm (FUCA) mounts. On February 10, before repairs were completed, multiple safety systems suddenly disabled while driving, including regenerative braking behavior, traction and stability control, lane safety features, and automatic emergency braking, creating a dangerous situation. I returned the vehicle immediately

20260218ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the model year was advertised with a front trunk emergency release and interior lighting. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was not designed with the front trunk emergency release or interior lighting, which the contact considered a safety issue and a violation of FMVSS No. 401. The Tesla Service Center was contacted and confirmed that the model year and other vehicles were no longer designed with the missing parts. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 570.

Mileage: 570

20260218LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the model year was advertised with a front trunk emergency release and interior lighting. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was not designed with the front trunk emergency release or interior lighting, which the contact considered a safety issue and a violation of FMVSS No. 401. The Tesla Service Center was contacted and confirmed that the model year and other vehicles were no longer designed with the missing parts. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 570.

Mileage: 570

20260218ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tesla decided to remove the safety unlock illuminated button from its front trunk (frunk) sometime in mid 2025. This can be a safety issue which was present in earlier models and against the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 401, mandating an interior release mechanism for enclosed trunks to prevent entrapment. I contacted Tesla and they told me that my vehicle was made after Tesla decided to remove this safety feature.

20260218EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Tesla decided to remove the safety unlock illuminated button from its front trunk (frunk) sometime in mid 2025. This can be a safety issue which was present in earlier models and against the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 401, mandating an interior release mechanism for enclosed trunks to prevent entrapment. I contacted Tesla and they told me that my vehicle was made after Tesla decided to remove this safety feature.

20260217CrashSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH into a parking spot, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle drove over a parking bump, struck a bench, and the automatic emergency braking system engaged, preventing the vehicle from hitting the wall. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that she had back pains, but was unsure whether they were related to the failure. There was no medical attention received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who test-drove the vehicle. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not equipped with a manual parking brake; however, the brakes were functioning normally according to the computer, and to wait for corporate's report before taking the vehicle to a collision center for front-end repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware o

Mileage: 6,000

20260215UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is no frunk emergency release button in this version of Juniper Model Y

20260213CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Rear-end collision. My Tesla impacted the rear of another vehicle at approximately 15–18 mph. No forward collision warning observed. Owner-provided data shows AEB status as SNA. Impact is such that the car is totaled.

20260213CrashAIR BAGS

Rear-end collision. My Tesla impacted the rear of another vehicle at approximately 15–18 mph. No forward collision warning observed. Owner-provided data shows AEB status as SNA. Impact is such that the car is totaled.

20260213CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Rear-end collision. My Tesla impacted the rear of another vehicle at approximately 15–18 mph. No forward collision warning observed. Owner-provided data shows AEB status as SNA. Impact is such that the car is totaled.

20260211STEERING

I am reporting a safety incident involving my Tesla while Autopilot/Full Self-Driving was engaged. On February 11, 2025 at approximately 9:22 am, on Waccamaw Medical Park Ct Conway, SC 29526, I was driving on a normal city street with the system actively controlling steering and speed. Without any warning or alert, the vehicle suddenly steered to the right toward the curb and struck it. I was very attentive, but the steering movement happened too quickly for me to safely prevent the impact. No forward collision warning, lane departure alert, or disengagement occurred prior to the incident. The impact caused damage to the wheel and tire (see attached photo). This behavior appears to be an incorrect steering decision by the automated driving system after misinterpreting the roadway edge or lane boundary. I am requesting review of the vehicle logs and investigation of the system behavior during this event.

20260211LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

I am reporting a safety incident involving my Tesla while Autopilot/Full Self-Driving was engaged. On February 11, 2025 at approximately 9:22 am, on Waccamaw Medical Park Ct Conway, SC 29526, I was driving on a normal city street with the system actively controlling steering and speed. Without any warning or alert, the vehicle suddenly steered to the right toward the curb and struck it. I was very attentive, but the steering movement happened too quickly for me to safely prevent the impact. No forward collision warning, lane departure alert, or disengagement occurred prior to the incident. The impact caused damage to the wheel and tire (see attached photo). This behavior appears to be an incorrect steering decision by the automated driving system after misinterpreting the roadway edge or lane boundary. I am requesting review of the vehicle logs and investigation of the system behavior during this event.

20260211FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I am reporting a safety incident involving my Tesla while Autopilot/Full Self-Driving was engaged. On February 11, 2025 at approximately 9:22 am, on Waccamaw Medical Park Ct Conway, SC 29526, I was driving on a normal city street with the system actively controlling steering and speed. Without any warning or alert, the vehicle suddenly steered to the right toward the curb and struck it. I was very attentive, but the steering movement happened too quickly for me to safely prevent the impact. No forward collision warning, lane departure alert, or disengagement occurred prior to the incident. The impact caused damage to the wheel and tire (see attached photo). This behavior appears to be an incorrect steering decision by the automated driving system after misinterpreting the roadway edge or lane boundary. I am requesting review of the vehicle logs and investigation of the system behavior during this event.

20260210SEATS

The passenger side seat heat was on and burnt the leather of passenger side seat.

20260208SERVICE BRAKES

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. No accident, but very very scary. On Dec 6th, I also got an alert "One pedal driving disabled" and even after I released an accelerator pedal, speed didn't slow down. I reached Tesla on Feb 6th, but the service scheduled 4 weeks later. It's not safe to drive at all, thus, I will try to have them to check my vehicle asap.

20260208VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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. No accident, but very very scary. On Dec 6th, I also got an alert "One pedal driving disabled" and even after I released an accelerator pedal, speed didn't slow down. I reached Tesla on Feb 6th, but the service scheduled 4 weeks later. It's not safe to drive at all, thus, I will try to have them to check my vehicle asap.

20260206STRUCTURE:BODY

The forward trunk also known as the Frunk does not have the legally required interior release. I have children. I train them how to use a trunk emergency release. This car does not have one for the Forward trunk. This is a serious safety hazard.

20260205SUSPENSION

Went for a tire rotation. Service tech noticed the following- THE PASSENGER REAR CONTROL ARM HAD A BOLT THAT WAS BACKING OUT OF IT & THE NUT WAS MISSING. THE BOLT HAD RUBBED THROUGH THE WHEEL WEIGHT ON THE WHEEL THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ON THE RIGHT REAR. Photo is included of the rear control arm bolts for both sides of the car. Only the right rear had a problem.

Compare 2026TESLAMODEL Y to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2026 TESLA MODEL Y have?
The 2026 TESLA MODEL Y has 291 NHTSA complaints, 52 crashes, 1 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2026 TESLA MODEL Y?
Yes, the 2026 TESLA MODEL Y has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 TESLA MODEL Y?
The most-complained component for the 2026 TESLA MODEL Y is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 61 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING.
Is the 2026 TESLA MODEL Y safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.