2023 Tesla Model Y problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,163 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model Y, filed between 2022-11-18 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (475, 41%), steering (212, 18%) and vehicle speed control (167, 14%). Owners reported 152 crashes, 4 fires, 87 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 17 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2023 Tesla Model Y complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 475 | 41% | 57 | 0 | 28 |
| Steering | 212 | 18% | 29 | 0 | 21 |
| Vehicle speed control | 167 | 14% | 35 | 0 | 15 |
| Service brakes | 151 | 13% | 35 | 0 | 13 |
| Unknown or other | 147 | 13% | 27 | 3 | 6 |
| Suspension | 124 | 11% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 121 | 10% | 24 | 3 | 22 |
| Lane departure | 80 | 7% | 17 | 0 | 14 |
| Visibility/wiper | 60 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 50 | 4% | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 42 | 4% | 17 | 0 | 4 |
| Air bags | 40 | 3% | 21 | 1 | 17 |
| Seat belts | 36 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 32 | 3% | 12 | 1 | 5 |
| Power train | 29 | 2% | 5 | 1 | 2 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Forward collision avoidance: 475 complaints
- 475 complaints of 1,163 (41%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 111 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 57 crashes and 28 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2023 Tesla Model Y; the recall, campaign 23V489000, says: “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…”
Steering: 212 complaints
- 212 complaints of 1,163 (18%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 38 of them also name the suspension; owners reported 29 crashes and 21 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2023 Tesla Model Y; the latest, campaign 25V092000, says: “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…”
Vehicle speed control: 167 complaints
- 167 complaints of 1,163 (14%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 111 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 35 crashes and 15 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Tesla Model Y covers this system.
Service brakes: 151 complaints
- 151 complaints of 1,163 (13%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 108 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 35 crashes and 13 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Tesla Model Y covers this system.
Suspension: 124 complaints
- 124 complaints of 1,163 (11%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- 38 of them also name the steering; owners reported 3 crashes in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2023 Tesla Model Y; the recall, campaign 22V895000, says: “The front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly attached to the sub-frame.”
Electrical system: 121 complaints
- 121 complaints of 1,163 (10%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 21 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 24 crashes, 3 fires and 22 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2023 Tesla Model Y; the latest, campaign 24V051000, says: “An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 544 |
| 2024 | 262 |
| 2025 | 161 |
| 2026 | 187 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MODEL Y, MODEL Y (ALL VARIANTS) LATER RELEASE, MODEL Y (All Variants), MODEL Y RWD EARLY RELEASE, MODEL Y RWD LATER RELEASE, model year 2023. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2023 Tesla Model Y recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2023 Tesla Model Y's most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (475 of 1,163 complaints), steering (212 of 1,163 complaints) and vehicle speed control (167 of 1,163 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2023 Tesla Model Y have?
NHTSA has 1,163 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model Y, including 152 reported crashes and 4 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2023 Tesla Model Y's problems?
NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model Y; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.