2023 Tesla Model Y problems
The 2023 Tesla Model Y has 2,078 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (31%) concerns forward collision avoidance. After that come steering (10%) and cruise control (8%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 2,078 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Forward collision avoidance 31% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 336 and 9
- Injuries and deaths
- 172 and 1
- Typical mileage
- 5,000 miles 112 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 81 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 17 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 10 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 4 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 112 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 5,000 miles. For forward collision avoidance specifically, the median reported mileage is about 3,000 miles (23 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 336 complaints mention a crash; 9 complaints mention a fire; 172 injuries reported; 1 death reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2023 ranks 1st most-complained-about out of 7 model years of the Tesla Model Y with enough data (2,078 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 17 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
The contact's dad owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated the owner opened the liftgate, attempting to unload the vehicle after a trip, when the liftgate inadvertently fell on the head near the left ear area, fracturing his skull on the left side, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the asphalt. As a result, the contacts dads brain bled within both fractures.
The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH in autopilot mode when the vehicle crashed into a tree. After the crash, the vehicle battery caught on fire and there was an explosion. The contact sustained bruises on the left hand that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed but no further information was available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
The Autopilot/Active Safety sensor system and automated emergency braking (AEB) component failed. The vehicle experienced an uncommanded, severe "phantom braking" event and simultaneous steering lock. The vehicle is currently [State if it is at a tow yard, repair shop, or totaled, e.g., at an insurance-designated salvage yard] and is available for inspection upon request.
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while his grand-son was driving 40 MPH with his friend in the front passenger's seat, he depressed the brake pedal as he was approaching a stopped-occupied vehicle. A light indicating that the brakes were engaged illuminated, but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the automatic emergency braking system failed to engage, and the vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of him. The air bags deployed.
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle misread the Route 10 road sign for the speed limit sign and the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.