Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
On October 1, 2026, at approximately 5:40 p.m. in the Marina Square Center parking lot in San Leandro, California, the powered rear trunk of my 2025 Tesla Model Y popped up slightly but failed to fully open. I repeatedly attempted to open it using both the touchscreen and the physical trunk button without success. When I reached underneath to manually lift it, the trunk unexpectedly began closing under power and trapped both of my hands, injuring six fingers. I remained trapped for several minutes and had to call for help; two bystanders assisted, and repeated electronic and manual attempts were required to free me. Nearly one week later, visible wounds and soft-tissue injuries remain, and I experience intermittent numbness in my fingertips. I have not yet received a medical evaluation. The trunk still does not open reliably and sometimes requires a second activation. …
On or about May 23 or 24, 2025, while using FSD to park the vehicle, I engaged reverse mode. The vehicle was fully under FSD control during this maneuver. Unexpectedly, the car reversed into a fixed pole, impacting the rear of the vehicle and causing a noticeable dent. The system did detect the collision and stopped upon impact, but failed to avoid it entirely. This incident occurred despite my hands being on the wheel and full attention as a supervising driver, in accordance with Tesla's guidelines for FSD use. I believe this represents a malfunction in the FSD system's object detection or path planning during reverse parking.
I am writing to formally report a serious malfunction involving my Tesla vehicle. On my 2024 Tesla model y.I experienced an unexpected accelerator malfunction that caused the vehicle to surge forward uncontrollably. The incident occurred at approximately As I attempted to dive in slowly, the accelerator suddenly malfunctioned and my car creeped in slowly and rapidly increased power without my intention. Despite immediate attempts to brake and regain control, the vehicle continued to accelerate and subsequently collided with a gate, resulting in significant front-end damage. I firmly believe this was due to a mechanical or electronic failure in the vehicle's accelerator or related control systems. The malfunction posed a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in injuries, and this has affected me mentally. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The "Actually Smart Summon" failed. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The "Actually Smart Summon" function did not detect the post next to my vehicle as it was exiting the parking space. It immediately turn right into the post instead of pulling straight out first. I had very little reaction time. If there had been a person in the position of the post, this could have caused physical harm. My vehicle sustained damage to the front passenger door, its side mirror, and to the PPF material over these components. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I don't know Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? …
1. Failed Component/System: The failed system is the Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD - Supervised) software and its underlying vehicle control logic, specifically resulting in an uncommanded torque request (Sudden Unintended Acceleration). 2. Safety Risk: The vehicle engaged in Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) in reverse from a complete stop, without any driver pedal input. In a parking environment, this uncommanded acceleration poses an extreme and immediate threat to life safety. Had a pedestrian, child, or another moving vehicle been behind my car instead of a metal pillar, this software malfunction would have resulted in severe injury or a fatal collision. 3. Inspection Status: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. …
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving a variable speed with the front passenger's seat unoccupied, the front passenger's side door made abnormal rattling sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred mainly while driving on a bumpy road surface. Additionally, the contact stated that upon closing the door, she noticed that the door failed to close securely with approximately 5mm gap between the door and the frame. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center, who informed the contact that the door needed to be taken apart for diagnostics tests and declined to test drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Tesla Model Y years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (34), 2022 (32), 2023 (32), 2026 (31) and 2024 (17) model years. Body complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2021.
Is there a recall for Tesla Model Y body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Tesla Model Y model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Tesla Model Y body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 17,000 miles; 93% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (138 mentions), followed by the body › door › handle › exterior (11).
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.