Worst 2021 Tesla Model Y Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
Brakes
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Tesla Model Y.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 398 | 10 | — | 12,850 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 320 | 19 | 1 | 11,384 mi | |
| Brakes | 176 | 17 | — | 3,766 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 154 | 17 | 1 | 10,282 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 108 | 12 | 2 | 15,198 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 100 | 13 | 1 | 2,035 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 78 | 10 | 1 | 9,389 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 51 | 4 | 1 | 17,693 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 45 | 8 | — | 12,200 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 41 | — | — | 1,017 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 27 | 3 | 2 | 718 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 24 | 5 | — | 1,050 mi | |
| Airbags | 20 | 7 | — | 22,633 mi | |
| Body Structure | 19 | 3 | 2 | 524 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 17 | 1 | — | 24,917 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 15 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | 1 | — | 14,956 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 13 | 2 | 1 | 34,178 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 12 | 1 | — | 2,000 mi | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 12 | — | — | 88,070 mi | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 11 | — | — | 72,763 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1,395 mi | |
| Structure:Body:Door:Handle:Exterior | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | 6 | 1 | — | 4,720 mi | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | 18,800 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 3 | 1 | — | — |
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Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model Y. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Tesla Model Y
21 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~10,784,115 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
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.
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
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. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
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. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y vehicles. The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.
+ 11 more recalls
Other Tesla Model Y Years
2021 Tesla Model Y — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model Y?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Tesla Model Y?
How safe is the 2021 Tesla Model Y?
Does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Tesla Model Y?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Tesla Model Y reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Tesla Model Y
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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