TroubleCAR
66
Trouble

2021 Tesla Model Y

Complaints: 1004Avg mileage: 16,683 miSince: Nov 2020
4 deathsCrashFire24 injured

Summary

The 2021 Tesla Model Y has drawn 1004 NHTSA complaints since November 2020, earning a trouble score of 66/100 elevated complaint activity. Filings include 84 crashes, 6 fires, 24 injuries, and 4 deaths across an average of 16,683 mi.

The most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (822 complaints), Service Brakes (181 complaints), and Vehicle Speed Control (155 complaints). Reports spiked in Feb '22 with 216 filings — roughly 18× the typical monthly volume for this model.

Problem Areas

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
398
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
320
Service Brakes
176
Vehicle Speed Control
153
Unknown or Other
124
Electrical System
107
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
100
Steering
78
Suspension
50
Lane Departure: Assist
44

Complaints Over Time

Recent Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 23, 2026Sharon, MA
1 deathCrashFire

The contact's client owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while his client was driving at an undisclosed speed under 60 MPH, the vehicle caught fire in an unknown location. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact stated that his client attempted to unlock the vehicle doors, but the driver's handle did not work as intended, trapping the contact's client in the burning vehicle. The contact stated that the police and fire department arrived, but were not able to get close enough to the vehicle due to the inferno. The contact's client succumbed to the fire. The fire department extinguished the fire after approximately 40 minutes. The vehicle was destroyed but towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the fatality. No further information was available as of yet. The failure mileage was unknown.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 1, 2023rolling hills, CA
1 deathCrash

My mother was involved in a fatal crash on August 30, 2022. We believe there was something unusual that occurred with the Tesla Model Y as it was on a quiet residential street and the car seems to have accelerated suddenly and she hit a pole. We are still waiting on the California Highway Patrol report.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Sep 6, 2021New York, NY
1 deathCrash

This 2021 Tesla Model Y struck and killed a motorist who was outside of his disabled vehicle with the hazard flashers functioning on the motorist's vehicle. I represent the wife of the deceased. You are already investigating this accident as part of a larger investigation. See article below. The wife of the deceased, [XXX] , was on the phone with him when he was struck and killed and is a witness who you would likely want to interview as part of your investigation. I also am in possession of the disabled vehicle in an unaltered state and available for your Investigators to inspect. Please contact me on my cell phone at [XXX] . [XXX] Sincerely, [XXX] , Esq. [XXX] , P.C. New York, New York INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

WHEELS
Sep 8, 2023Murphy, TX
1 deathFire

Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Vehicle Fire - model y performance 2021, XXXXXXXXXXX Dear Tesla Customer Relations & CarMax, I am writing to express my deep concern and file a formal complaint regarding a serious incident involving my Tesla [model y performance ,, 2021, XXXXXXXXXXXXX], which caught fire on August 1st 2023 while in operation. This incident has raised significant safety concerns for me and my family and requires immediate attention and resolution. The vehicle fire occurred under normal driving conditions, and thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. However, the fire resulted in substantial damage to the vehicle and posed a significant risk to nearby properties and individuals. The incident has left me shaken and worried about the safety of Tesla vehicles. I have attached the following documents and information for your reference: I have been a loyal Tesla customer and have appreciated the innovative features and benefits that your vehicles offer. However, this incident has eroded my confidence in the safety and reliability of your products. I kindly request a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and an explanation of the circumstances that led to this incident. Additionally, I request information on any recalls, technical bulletins, or potential issues associated with the model of my vehicle. Furthermore, I urge you to take immediate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in other vehicles. Safety should be the utmost priority for any automobile manufacturer, and I hope Tesla will take swift measures to address any potential risks. I understand that accidents can happen, but it is essential that Tesla demonstrates transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers. I expect to be kept informed about the progress of the investigation and any steps that will be taken to prevent future incidents. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and expect INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

STRUCTURE:BODY
524 miApr 8, 2021MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA
CrashFire

PARKING MY CAR WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND READY TO ENGAGE PARK , CAR ACCELERATED IN HIGH SPEED AND DROVE TO ISLAND AND TRYING TO CONTROL THE WHEEL WHILE MY FOOT STILL ON BREAK TO AVOID HITTING OTHER CARS ON THE PARKING LOT , HIT SOME CURBS WHICH CAUSE THE TIRE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CAME OFF COMPLETELY WITH AXLE ATTACHED . THIS CAUSE THE CAR TO STOP AND DEPLOYED AIR BAG AND CAUGHT ON FIRE , THAT'S WHEN I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT THE CAR. THE CAR MILEAGE IS 524 WHEN IT HAPPENED. MINOR BURN ON MY LEFT ARM FROM THE FIRE AND SORE SHOULDER LESS THAN 24 HOURS.

SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 31, 2025Granada Hills, CA
Crash1 injured

Picked up car from tesla service on 12/30/2025. On [XXX] at around [XXX] I had pressed the car break and suddenly accelerated and lead to crashing into the pole. I am concerned about the safety and if it is drivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN
Apr 1, 2024Norwich, CT
Crash1 injured

I was driving on PA Turnpike in light rain . I never drive fast . Somehow my car start shifting from one side of the rd to another I slow down but I did not feel connection with sterling wheels car start spinning in circles and I crashed with 2 kids in the car.

SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 14, 2024Mission, TX
Crash2 injured

On 6/25/22 our 2021 Tesla Model Y with 16,163 miles had a sudden unintended acceleration, it didn't responded to the breaks and within seconds hit a parked car and finally stopped when it crashed to a large tree. It was a "Total Lost" by the insurance. Around 1pm on a clear sky day, driving out of a small gated residential community, before exiting I pulled over the side of the road for a few minutes, when I resumed the car suddenly accelerated to what felt like full speed. While I stopped by the side of the road the car remained in "D" mode, when I resumed I forgot that it was already on "D" and pushed the shift level down; we think the car went to Cruise Control to the last used speed which was probably a highway speed. The breaks didn't stopped the car and didn't cancel the accelaration. It traveled out of control less than 150 feet before it crashed to a large tree. For some "unknown" reason, the footage of the 4 cameras got erased from my usb memory stick. The only video left was the front camera and that video was cut a couple of seconds before the first crash. Tesla took almost a year on their "investigation" and the result was a long technical BS indicating that they didn't found anything abnormal. Driver airbag deployed.

STEERING
Nov 20, 2023Houston, TX
Crash1 injured

Steerling wheel malfunction, can't control.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 8, 2023Great Neck, NY
Crash1 injured

On Wednesday, our 2021 Tesla Y - which we have LOVED driving for the last 3 years - took off on its own while I was sitting in traffic - where traffic was at a standstill, and the max speed was probably 4 MPH. Construction ahead had closed a lane, so there was a massive back-up and cars were creeping along each time the traffic light ahead turned green.) As any Tesla owner will tell you, the best way to slow down is to remove your foot from the gas pedal, and the car will slow down and come to a stop on its own. That had always been the case for our vehicle until Wednesday. Shockingly, for no reason at all, the car massively accelerated. I slammed on the brakes, but the brakes did not slow or stop the car. Luckily, the car in front of me was only 2 - 3 car lengths away, so my Tesla which was rapidly gaining speed stopped only when it crashed into that car. I have relatively minor injuries, but I am sure I would have been killed and/or killed others if not for the vehicle in front of me forcing my car to stop. After the crash, we flat-bedded the car to a Tesla-approved auto body shop. Our insurance adjuster will be inspecting the car on Monday. We will make the vehicle available for inspection. I am still shaken from this traumatic experience. I have never had a car accident (but for a fender bender over 40 years ago). Moreover, I have spent my life working in public service (govt, elected officials and nonprofits). I am determined to make sure that this safety problem is fully investigated and repaired - as our roads are not safe until it is fixed.

STEERING
Aug 2, 2023Cary, NC
Crash1 injured

On July 19th around 6:45pm, I was driving on the left most lane of I-95S in VA towards NC near Exit 41 at 70mph. The care suddenly steered hard left towards the median. I tried to steer it back but the steering wheel was locked and would not let me steer back. The brakes would also not work and the car drove into the guardrail and spun180 degree and hit the guardrail again and spun180 and did that one more time and stopped facing the oncoming traffic. The impact tore the entire front left-wheel assembly off my Tesla, sending it more than 250 yards forward. Damaging the left side of the car front to back but the airbags did not deploy neither did the seatbelts locked. Fortunately, the entire cabin was intact and I walked away without any external injuries.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
40,000 miJun 22, 2023Homestead, FL
Crash1 injured

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned shortly after he merged into another lane. The contact stated that he left his foot off the throttle in an effort to not lose control of the vehicle; however, the vehicle's automated regenerative braking feature engaged and the vehicle drifted at a 90-degree angle. In an attempt to avoid hitting another vehicle, the contact hit a concrete barrier. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact suffered neck pain and a gash to his right arm but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 1, 2023Las Vegas, NV
Crash1 injured

Tesla Y Unintended Acceleration! Driving my Tesla I got a phone call that did not show up on screen then 1-3 seconds later my car took control of itself and rapidly accelerated. I had NO control with no steering or brakes. Powerless inside an accelerating vehicle! The car then crashed up on the median through a private community light post and into a tree. The car did not stop until the battery was severed and destroyed by the tree. All airbags went off and all glass shattered. There was no prior warning at all. Insurance adjuster deemed the car a complete total; not worth repair.

SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 23, 2022San Jose, CA
Crash1 injured

I was driving on the freeway, no one was near me (I had full control of the car, it wasn’t on autopilot) and the car’s brakes deadlocked while I was traveling high way speed and then made a sharp left turn which caused me to crash into the center divide and then hydroplane across the entire freeway uncontrollably

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
8,000 miNov 17, 2022Davis, CA
Crash2 injured

The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The vehicle swiped the side of an apartment building before crashing into a tree and coming to a complete stop. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact sustained chest pain, and his daughter, who was a passenger, sustained chest and ear injuries from the air bags deployment. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

STEERING
Jul 9, 2022Pomona, CA
Crash1 injured

Going 40 MPH on CA 210W in left lane. Full Self Driving available on vehicle but no autopilot/lane assist activated at time of incident. Steering wheel locked up completely; I was unable to turn the wheel at all so I ended up drifting across 4 lanes of highway (miraculously didn’t hit anyone) and ended up under a semi. Car airbags did not deploy and system did not detect a collision. Contacted Tesla to ask about the cause of the accident multiple times; never got an answer. They had us pull the USB in glovebox and see if anything is on there but there wasn’t even though dash cam was activated. They “escalated” the ticket to a supervisor and have been ghosted ever since asking for an answer. We scheduled a service appointment to have them check out the vehicle and they canceled it. It is a miracle that I did not die; I have severe PTSD from the incident which has affected my career negatively. I would like Tesla to take accountability for things like this; it’s scary that they don’t and threaten legal action instead.

SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 1, 2022Manhasset Hills, NY
Crash1 injured

1. Pulling the car into a parking spot at a low speed (tight parking space for which you had to turn the car at a 90 degree angle, so had to be slow). 2. Applied brakes BUT the brakes didn't work. 3. Car went through very thick hedges and over a ledge (parking collision and emergency brakes didn't work). Follow up: Filed a data request with Tesla and they denied the request.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Apr 12, 2022DALLAS, TX
Crash1 injured

I was driving on full self driving assistance on the highway on the far left lane. I wanted to change lane to exit but notice a car was in my blind spot so I tried to take over the car my tugging the wheel. The car sounded an alarm indicating I was going to crash I think into the left median, so it auto corrected to pull towards the right lane. I didn't want to hit any incoming car so I tried to tug it left. I believe I was fighting with the car to regain control of the car and ended up hitting the left median which ricochet the car all the way to the right hitting the median, where the car came to a stop.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Feb 18, 2022Palo Alto, CA
Crash1 injured

The Tesla Model Y had a software update at 12:05 am on Feb 13, 2022, which was complete. I drove the car to local YMCA at around 8:15 am on Sunday Feb 13, 2022, for my swim exercise and drove it home at around 9:30 am. I planned to park it by backing up to my driveway so that I can charge it. I positioned my car, with the front facing my neighbor's house. My foot was on brake and my right hand was moving the Drive Stalk towards R for reverse. The car all of the sudden flew forward on its own! It was only stopped after it hit my neighbor's house, making a big hole into her house, and causing severe damages to it outside and inside (smashed furniture and falling glassware), as well as to her landscaping. When this happened, my foot was still on the brake but pushing brake did stop the car. Additionally, hitting a tree also did not stop the car. Only the house and its strong frame stopped the car. The front of the car was totally damaged, including pieces falling out of the car and a big piece under the car falling down. Please come by immediately to take photos and examine damage. I called 911 immediately. The police and emergency trucks came. Since no one seemed to be visibly hurt (I had a whiplash and headache due to impact but was more was scared and shocked), the emergency medical crew left. The police said they are not making a report because the accident happened in private driveway and no crime was involved. I called Liberty Mutual to file a claim and was directed to file it online. I never bought the Tesla autopilot package but the new software update showed autopilot is an included package. This is a problem. I called Tesla customer service and reported this serious software malfunction. Thinking back, software problem caused another safety concern that started on Feb 6, 2022. Not only the right passenger door cannot be opened from outside, it also cannot be opened from inside. Someone could be trapped inside. This is a SAFETY alert!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
300 miAug 19, 2021Grand Prairie, TX
Crash1 injured

The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph but doesn't recall; the vehicle began shifting from left to right for 5 - 10 seconds when another vehicle approached the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The contact attempted to disable the autopilot by depressing on the brake pedal and maneuvering the steering wheel however, the vehicle would not allow the contact to control it and it spun around and hit the median wall on the highway. Medical attention was received on the scene for the contact's sister, who was a passenger. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla repair center, where there's an ongoing investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would respond within 6-8 weeks after the investigation. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

Other Model Y Years

Other Tesla Models