2023 Tesla Model Y Problems & Complaints

Avoid2.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Model Y at the same age

Owners have filed 1,185 complaints about the 2023 Tesla Model Y with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 2.4× as many as a typical Model Y model year at the same age, which makes the 2023 one of the Model Y years to avoid. The most reported problem area is the driver assistance (545 complaints, typically around 4,000 miles). 17 recalls cover this model year.

1,185complaints
17recalls
156crashes
4fires
87injuries
1deaths

Most common 2023 Tesla Model Y problems

Share of the 1,185 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Tesla Model Y complaints by model year

201920202021202220232024202520262821.1k8731.2k328106411
Owner complaints per model year, Tesla Model Y. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Model Y years: 2025, 2024. Years to avoid: 2021, 2022, 2023. Compare all years →

2023 Tesla Model Y recalls (17)

Exterior lighting › Headlights

NHTSA recall 26V-507 · Aug 4, 2026 · 20,349 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and…

Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available.

Back over prevention › Software

NHTSA recall 26V-283 · May 4, 2026 · 218,868 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Steering › Electric power assist system

NHTSA recall 25V-092 · Feb 14, 2025 · 376,241 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 25V-002 · Jan 6, 2025 · 239,382 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the…

Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA recall 24V-935 · Dec 17, 2024 · 696,281 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch

NHTSA recall 24V-554 · Jul 24, 2024 · 1,849,638 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Show 11 more recalls

Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devices

NHTSA recall 24V-376 · May 28, 2024 · 125,233 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 24V-051 · Jan 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.

Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 24V-035 · Jan 22, 2024 · 199,575 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Electrical system › ADAS › Driver monitoring › Software

NHTSA recall 23V-838 · Dec 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Forward collision avoidance › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 23V-489 · Jul 14, 2023 · 1,337 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery

NHTSA recall 23V-434 · Jun 19, 2023 · 26 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.

Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Steering › Critical fasteners

NHTSA recall 23V-385 · May 30, 2023 · 137 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The steering wheel fastener may be loose.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed July 28, 2023. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-32-001.

Seat belts › Rear/other › Anchorage

NHTSA recall 23V-130 · Feb 27, 2023 · 3,470 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The bolts securing the second-row seat back frames may not have been securely tightened.

Remedy: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Steering › Automated/adaptive steering

NHTSA recall 23V-085 · Feb 15, 2023 · 362,758 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Suspension › Critical fasteners

NHTSA recall 22V-895 · Dec 5, 2022 · 26 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model Y vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly attached to the sub-frame.

Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Exterior lighting › Tail lights

NHTSA recall 22V-844 · Nov 15, 2022 · 321,628 vehicles

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 14 possible defects involving the 2023 Tesla Model Y:

Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness

NHTSA investigation RQ24009 · opened Apr 25, 2024 · open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system, which Tesla described as an SAE Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

Lower Lateral Link detachment

NHTSA investigation PE26006 · opened Jul 29, 2026 · open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 156 complaints alleging a suspension failure in model year (MY) 2018-2020 Model 3 and MY 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles. The suspension failure involves the detachment of the front lower lateral link, which potentially causes a loss of vehicle directional control. In most cases, there was no advance warning or indication that the suspension failure would occur.

Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged

NHTSA investigation PE25012 · opened Oct 7, 2025 · open

The Office of Defects Investigation ("ODI") is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute tra c safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that Tesla has labeled as "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)." Tesla characterizes FSD as an SAE Level 2 partial automation system requiring a…

Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.

NHTSA investigation PE24033 · opened Jan 6, 2025 · closed Apr 3, 2026

On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to Tesla, Summon is a short-distance SAE Level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property.

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

NHTSA investigation PE24031 · opened Oct 17, 2024 · closed Mar 18, 2026

On October 17, 2024, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031) of Tesla's Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) to assess: the ability of the FSD system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other FSD crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are…

Loss of steering control

NHTSA investigation PE23014 · opened Jul 28, 2023 · closed Feb 5, 2024

On July 28, 2023, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-014) after receiving 12 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting loss of steering control in model years (MY) 2023 Tesla Model 3 and Y vehicles.

Steering Wheel Detachment

NHTSA investigation PE23003 · opened Mar 4, 2023 · closed Apr 24, 2026

On March 4, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23003 to investigate two reports of steering loss on model year (MY) 2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles due to the detachment of the steering wheel from the steering column while the vehicle was in motion.

Unexpected Brake Activation

NHTSA investigation PE22002 · opened Feb 16, 2022 · closed Jun 29, 2026

On February 16, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22002) to investigate reports of unexpected deceleration while driving with the adaptive cruise control system engaged in Model Year (MY) 2021 - 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured by Tesla. The subject systems include Autopilot (all versions), Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC).

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

NHTSA investigation EA26002 · opened Mar 18, 2026 · open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla's Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system's ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond.

Loss of steering control

NHTSA investigation EA24001 · opened Feb 1, 2024 · closed Jun 25, 2026 · led to recall 25V-092

On July 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23014) to investigate instances of loss of electronic power-assisted steering in MY 2023 Tesla Model 3 and MY 2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles manufactured by Tesla, Inc. The complaints allege a sudden and unexpected inability to turn the steering wheel or an increase in effort required to turn the steering wheel.

Autopilot System Driver Controls

NHTSA investigation EA22002 · opened Jun 8, 2022 · closed Apr 25, 2024 · led to recall 23V-085

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded PE21020 to EA22002 on June 8, 2022, to extend work and deepen the PE21020 crash analysis, to supplement that analysis with additional data, and to perform vehicle evaluations to understand how Tesla's Autopilot system may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver's supervision.

Sudden Unintended Acceleration

NHTSA investigation DP23002 · opened Jun 29, 2023 · open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the DP20-001 denial.

Defect Petition Interlock Request

NHTSA investigation DP23001 · opened Apr 7, 2023 · closed Mar 18, 2026

On March 21, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting a "recall of all Tesla cars" produced from 2013 to the date on which the petition was filed due to what Petitioner considers to be the increased likelihood of pedal misapplication. Attached to the Petition is a paper authored by Petitioner.

Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements

NHTSA investigation AQ25002 · opened Aug 20, 2025 · open

The Office of Defects Investigation ("ODI") has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. ("Tesla") in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the "SGO"), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports.

What 2023 Tesla Model Y owners say

Driver assistance all 545 →

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's grandson and his friend were able to exit the vehicle. The vehicle then turned off and locked, which rendered the vehicle unnoticeable by oncoming drivers. Another driver who noticed the incident parked behind the vehicle and activated the hazard lights to prevent other drivers from crashing into the vehicle. …

Automatic emergency braking · 8,000 miles · Nov 2023 · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH in light rain, the vehicle suddenly braked and causing the vehicle to lose control. The contact stated that the vehicle was on cruise control and auto drive assist. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the left, crossed two lanes of traffic, and crashed into the highway divider wall. The contact stated that there were no warning lights. The contact stated that the left front end had crashed first, and then the driver's door and left front fender had crashed into the dividing wall. The contact stated that the driver's front air bag had deployed and burst; there was a large tear starting from the top of the air bag all the way to the steering wheel. The contact stated that he had burns on his hands due to the air bag explosion, bruises on his chest, and right arm. …

Adaptive cruise control › Software · 45,000 miles · Dec 2025 · crash · 1 injury

Steering all 215 →

The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to regain control of the vehicle and attempting to correct the steering wheel, the vehicle kept going to the right and to the left independently. The contact was unable to regain control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle struck a railing and a concrete divider with the passenger's side front bumper and then the rear passenger's side quarter panel, and the vehicle spun around on the highway and came to a stop. The contact pressed the emergency latch to exit the vehicle out of fear that the vehicle might catch on fire. The contact stated that the rear passenger's side tire was pushed back due to the impact. There were no warning lights illuminated. …

40,000 miles · Jun 2025 · crash · 1 injury

Two days ago, as I was turning left into my neighborhood, I suddenly lost control of my car's steering. Just as I started the turn, the steering wheel unexpectedly pulled to the right, causing my car to veer off course and head straight toward the curb. Despite trying to correct it, the steering wouldn't respond, and the car collided with the curb. The impact was substantial, and the vehicle continued dragging along the curb until I was able to bring it to a complete stop. Upon inspection, I found that the passenger-side front wheel had been severely damaged, appearing crushed and warped from the impact. When I looked under the car, I noticed that the control arm was visibly damaged. It seemed bent or possibly broken, which I suspect contributed to my sudden loss of control over the steering. …

Nov 2024 · crash

Speed control & acceleration all 168 →

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and struck an occupied parked vehicle ahead. Upon shifting into Reverse (R), the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to strike the front bumper of a parked and unoccupied USPS truck, which then struck a parked, unoccupied vehicle. The contact engaged the electric parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the forward collision avoidance system failed to engage to prevent the collisions. The front driver's side air bag failed to deploy as expected. The vehicle sustained rear-end damage. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision center, where a superficial diagnostic inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. …

31,000 miles · Oct 2026 · crash

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while at a stop with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she rear-ended the vehicle in front as she turned the steering wheel to the left and landed in a ditch. No air bags deployed. The contact stated that she and her front-seat passenger sustained no injuries however the other vehicle driver was seen by the EMTs on the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Tesla Center and was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated that she was informed by the manufacturer that a diagnosis team was working on the diagnosis. The approximate failure mileage was 473.

0 miles · Jan 2023 · crash · 1 injury

2023 Tesla Model Y engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combinedRange
ElectricSingle-speedAWD129 / 116 / 123 MPGe279 mi

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Tesla Model Y a good car?

Based on 1,185 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2023 Model Y rates avoid: 2.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Model Y at the same age. It is one of the Model Y years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2023 Tesla Model Y?

The driver assistance — 545 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year, most often about adaptive cruise control. Next are the steering (215) and speed control & acceleration (168).

How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model Y have?

There are 17 recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model Y, the most recent from August 4, 2026 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Tesla Model Y?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2022 and 2023. See the full Tesla Model Y years comparison.

At what mileage do 2023 Tesla Model Y problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 7,000 miles; 92% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.