Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2026 Tesla Model Y owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud pop coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the glass on the passenger's side had shattered, and glass had fallen inside the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that there was no impact on the glass to cause it to shatter. The contact returned to the residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer was called, and the dealer stated that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the failure was not caused by an impact and informed the contact that the parts were expected to be ordered and should arrive within a week for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, while other vehicles were driving beside the vehicle, or when the wind was blowing, the vehicle unexpectedly moved to the left or right. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to a different dealer, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was operating as designed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Make/Model: Tesla [Y] Rear Body got significant dent While attempting to reverse into a parking space at a Tesla Supercharger station, the vehicle-operating with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged-collided with a stationary pole located behind the designated parking spot. FSD failed to detect the tesla supercharger and tried to park in EVgo charging station despite of plenty of vacant Tesla supercharger spots nearby. No other vehilcle was involved netiher any property damage. We would like to make sure tesla FSD takes full responsibility of damage. as their FSD system malfunctioned. Tesla should bare all charges for repair.
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the driver's side rear wheel. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear subframe. The contact was informed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
On June 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM MST, I was scheduled to take delivery of a Tesla Model Y at Tesla's Aurora, CO Delivery Center. Upon inspection, I found visible rear paint damage. Tesla staff verbally acknowledged the defect but refused to provide any written documentation of the issue or the repair plan. I declined delivery due to the defect and the lack of formal repair documentation. I was then told by Tesla staff that if I refused a second delivery - even if the issue remained - I would forfeit my $250 deposit. This was framed as non-refundable and used to pressure acceptance. I also attempted to trade in my leased vehicle (financed by Santander Consumer USA). Tesla and Santander gave me conflicting information about the lease structure, trade-in value, and ownership responsibilities. No formal documentation was offered to clarify. …
The front trunk (frunk) on my 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper lacks both internal lighting and an emergency safety release mechanism. This design flaw creates an unnecessary and severe safety risk, as a small adult or child could easily become trapped in the frunk with no way to signal for help or escape. In low-light conditions-such as at night or in a garage without adequate illumination-the absence of a light would exacerbate disorientation and panic for anyone trapped. Without an internal release latch or glow-in-the-dark handle (standard in many vehicle trunks to prevent entrapment deaths), this could lead to a life-threatening suffocation or injury situation, especially if the frunk is accidentally closed on a person during loading/unloading. …
The front trunk (frunk) on my 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper lacks both internal lighting and an emergency safety release mechanism. This design flaw creates an unnecessary and severe safety risk, as a small adult or child could easily become trapped in the frunk with no way to signal for help or escape. In low-light conditions-such as at night or in a garage without adequate illumination-the absence of a light would exacerbate disorientation and panic for anyone trapped. Without an internal release latch or glow-in-the-dark handle (standard in many vehicle trunks to prevent entrapment deaths), this could lead to a life-threatening suffocation or injury situation, especially if the frunk is accidentally closed on a person during loading/unloading. …
Incident Date: December 11, 2025 Vehicle: 2026 Tesla Model Y Location: DFW Airport, Irving, TX System: Full Self-Driving (Autopilot / FSD) Description: On December 11, 2025, my 2026 Tesla Model Y was operating under Full Self-Driving while exiting an airport when the vehicle struck a gate arm, causing property damage and windshield/body damage. No injuries occurred, but the collision happened while the FSD system was actively controlling the vehicle. Following the collision, I requested the vehicle operational and FSD engagement data from Tesla for the incident timeframe. Tesla provided a CSV dataset; however, the FSD engagement and autonomy decision-layer data were almost entirely missing, despite the vehicle being in motion and presumably under FSD control. …
On April 11 2026, I was involved in a serious accident involving my 2026 Tesla Model Y. At the time of the incident, I was returning home from my daughter's event in downtown and had just entered my residential driveway. As I approached the driveway, I applied the brakes and slowed the vehicle. While momentarily stationary or near-stationary, I spoke to my wife, who was seated in the front passenger seat, advising her to secure the food she was holding due to the uneven surface of the driveway. Upon removing my foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated without any input . The vehicle proceeded forward and collided with my garage door. Notably, no collision warning alerts were issued, and no automatic emergency braking system engaged prior to or during the impact. …
Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) - control handover protocol. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. WHAT HAPPENED: On June 25, 2026 at approximately 4:17 PM, the vehicle was operating under Full Self-Driving (FSD) navigating into a residential driveway. The driver pressed the gas pedal to take manual control. At the exact moment FSD transferred control, vehicle telemetry confirms the steering wheel was at 299 (nearly 3 full turns of hard left lock). No warning was given. With a ~13:1 steering ratio, approximately 300 of wheel rotation was required before driver input would affect the front wheels - taking 0.4-0.5 seconds during which the front wheels remained pointed left despite the driver turning right. The vehicle struck a tree at approximately 13-15 kph. …
Body complaints in other Model Y years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the body & structure of the 2026 Tesla Model Y, 8% of the model year's 411 complaints. The component named most often is body (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2026 Tesla Model Y body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2026 Tesla Model Y, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2026 Tesla Model Y body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 13,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.