Tesla Problems & Recalls: Models and Years to Avoid

Current Tesla models

Model 32017–2026 · 4,370 complaintsAvoid: 2022, 2023, 2021 Model Y2019–2026 · 4,276 complaintsAvoid: 2021, 2022, 2023 Model S2012–2026 · 3,409 complaintsAvoid: 2023, 2015, 2016 Model X2015–2026 · 1,554 complaintsAvoid: 2016, 2023 Cybertruck2024–2026 · 212 complaintsNo years flagged

Tesla model years to avoid

2021 Tesla Model Y8.1× complaints · collision avoidance
2026 Tesla Model Y6.8× complaints · collision avoidance
2022 Tesla Model Y3.6× complaints · collision avoidance
2016 Tesla Model X3.2× complaints · suspension
2023 Tesla Model X3.1× complaints · steering
2023 Tesla Model Y2.4× complaints · collision avoidance
2022 Tesla Model 32.1× complaints · collision avoidance

Latest Tesla recalls

2026 Tesla Model Y: suspension – frontAug 31, 2026 · 26V-558 · 19 vehicles
2017–2023 Tesla Model 3, 2020–2023 Tesla Model Y: exterior lighting – headlightsAug 4, 2026 · 26V-507 · 20,349 vehicles
2024 Tesla Model 3, 2026 Tesla Model Y: air bags – knee bolsterJul 7, 2026 · 26V-445 · 15 vehicles
2025–2026 Tesla Model Y: equipment – labelsMay 18, 2026 · 26V-315 · 14,575 vehicles
2017, 2021–2023 Tesla Model 3, 2021–2023 Tesla Model S and 2 more: back over prevention – softwareMay 4, 2026 · 26V-283 · 218,868 vehicles
2024–2026 Tesla Cybertruck: wheels – lugs/nuts/bolts/studsApr 21, 2026 · 26V-255 · 173 vehicles
2024 Tesla Cybertruck: exterior lightingOct 27, 2025 · 25V-735 · 6,197 vehicles
2024–2026 Tesla Cybertruck: exterior lightingOct 14, 2025 · 25V-699 · 63,619 vehicles

All recent Tesla recalls →

Frequently asked questions

Which Tesla model years should you avoid?

By owner complaints compared at the same age, the worst Tesla model years include the 2021 Model Y, the 2026 Model Y, the 2022 Model Y, the 2016 Model X and the 2023 Model X.

How many Tesla recalls are there?

NHTSA lists 90 recalls for Tesla vehicles from 1995 onward, the latest on August 31, 2026. See the latest Tesla recalls.

What Tesla model gets the most complaints?

In the last ten model years, the Model 3 has drawn the most complaints (4,370) — partly because it is one of the brand's best sellers. Compare years on the Tesla Model 3 page.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.