2026 Tesla Model Y Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2026 Tesla Model Y. Part of Generation 2 (Juniper refresh) — 2025–present.

2025newer >
Complaints
358
per 10K Sold
45.9
US Sales
78,000
Crashes
68
Fires
1
Injuries
21
Fatalities
Recalls
5

Worst 2026 Tesla Model Y Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#132 complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control

Crash-related:4
#230 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:10 mi
Crash-related:3
#325 complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking

Crash-related:12
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2026 Tesla Model Y.

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
32
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
30
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
10
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
25
complaints
Crashes
12
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
21
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
10
Electrical Faults
17
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
570
Brakes
16
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
4,900
Body Structure
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
16
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
4,950
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
15
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Assist
15
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
14
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Airbags
6
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
5,000
Lane Departure: Warning
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
6
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
6,401
Seat Belt Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Warnings
4
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Latch:Emergency Mechanical Release
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Adas
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Adas:Blindspot:Sensors
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Electrical:Infotainment:Video (Touch)Screen/Monitor/Unit
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Tesla Model Y. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2026 Tesla Model Y

5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~13,449 vehicles.

25V690000Electrical System:propulsion System:fuses, Relays, Contacts, And Shunts
~12,963 affected

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.

25V658000Electrical System:wiring · Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights
~260 affected

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The reverse lights may fail to illuminate while the vehicle is in reverse, due to a defect in the wiring. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

25V490000Electrical System:horn
~6 affected

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The ring terminal of the horn ground wire may be improperly secured, allowing the circuit to open and preventing the horn from sounding.

25V410000Seats:critical Fasteners
~48 affected

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.

25V359000Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
~172 affected

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

Other Tesla Model Y Years

2026 Tesla Model Y — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2026 Tesla Model Y reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 2026 Tesla Model Y has 358 NHTSA complaints, 68 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control with 32 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
Top reported problems: Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control (32 complaints); Steering Defects (30 complaints, avg 10 mi); Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking (25 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 2,070 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
NHTSA complaints for the 2026 Tesla Model Y include 68 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 21 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2026 Tesla Model Y have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 13,449 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2026 Tesla Model Y?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

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.

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