2026 Tesla MODEL Y problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
343 owner complaints analyzed
8 distinct recall campaigns
4,950 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2026 model year. Data snapshot: . 26 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 107 of 343 complaints (31.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 79 | 23.0% |
| Steering behavior | 56 | 16.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 11 | 3.2% |
| Transmission and shifting | 6 | 1.7% |
| Engine operation | 4 | 1.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 107 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 54 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 49 |
| Steering | 42 |
| Electrical System | 33 |
| Suspension | 29 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 28 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 27 |
Unknown Or Other: 107; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 54; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 49; Steering: 42; Electrical System: 33; Suspension: 29; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 28; Vehicle Speed Control: 27
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 26 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 26; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (26). 317 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 129 |
| 2026 | 214 |
2025: 129; 2026: 214
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 79 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 56 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 11 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11658970 · 2025-05-05 (May 5, 2025)
I was driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y when another vehicle pulled out from a driveway and struck the front/side of my car. The Tesla failed to initiate Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and no airbags deployed. This raises serious concerns about the functionality of Tesla’s safety systems in real-world scenarios. The vehicle has not been modified in any way and was in standard driving mode. I have contacted Tesla Support requesting a diagnostic and explanation, but I believe this incident should also be reviewed as a potential safety defect.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11658970 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11664977 · 2025-06-04 (June 4, 2025)
My 2026 model Y won't stop on the road when I released the gas paddle and even i felt it speeded up a little bit at 35 miles.it put me, my [XXX] daughter and other's safety at risk. I hit on the brake and feel need to hit harder abnormally to slow the car not even mention to stop the car. It took me long way to stop the car. At Once I stopped the car, it tried to speed up and I hit the paddle again. right after, then it tried to rocking back and forth and vibrated finally stopped. I tried serval time to repeat the issue it still exits. and…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11664977 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11670595 · 2025-07-01 (July 1, 2025)
After doing multiple search online came across multiple user complaints about new Tesla model y juniper 2026 Lr awd you can feel vibration from steering wheel at highway speeds it is really specific at 80mph this is not a normal behavior especially vibrations took it to the service center and was told it was the wheels are not balanced properly so they fixed it apparently but is still doing it. I truly believe there is something Tesla knows but is not acknowledging it.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11670595 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11675797 · 2025-07-24 (July 24, 2025)
Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 2026 Tesla Model Y (Launch Series) Incident Date: [XXX] Incident Location: [XXX] System/Component Involved: Automated driving systems / Autopilot / Steering What Happened: While driving my new 2026 Tesla Model Y on Autopilot, the vehicle suddenly turned off the main road near [XXX] , and steered toward the curb. I immediately pressed the brake, but due to the vehicle’s speed, it still hit the curb, causing damage to the front right tire, wheel well liner, and triggering multiple system error messages. Shortly aft…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11675797 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11665568 · 2025-06-08 (June 8, 2025)
I leased this brand new but demo car with 1850 miles, 2 months old from Tesla Seattle. This is a brand new total redesign-2026 Model Y. I was assured that they do multiple point testing before delivery and I had to trust their process. Unlike any other car dealers, I was NOT allowed to test drive this car before I sign the lease. The car was not in great condition (in addition to the expected wear and tear as a demo car). a) It's charged to only 60% battery rather than the full 80%. b) The stains all over suggest that apparently no one did …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11665568 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11694446 · 2025-10-20 (October 20, 2025)
Took delivery of a Tesla Model Y 2026 Juniper (not stated VIN #) in September 2025. This vehicle includes the mandated illumintated Emergency Release Button in the Front Trunk ("Frunk"). Then took delivery of a Tesla Model Y 2026 Juniper (VIN [XXX] ) in October 2025. This vehicle does NOT include any illuminated Emergency Release Button in the Front Trunk ("Frunk"). I visited the Tesla Service Center the day after I took delivery of the second vehicle, and spoke to the Service Technician, and then the General Manager for that location. Bo…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11694446 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11665528 · 2025-06-07 (June 7, 2025)
I picked up a new model Y Juniper. I have an issue with the driver's side seat. The seat bottom is shifting and popping when turning. They replaced the seat with a brand new one. I still have the same issue.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11665528 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11696007 · 2025-10-28 (October 28, 2025)
I recently purchased a new Tesla Model Y (Juniper refresh). The vehicle has a loud clunking/creaking noise coming from the front suspension at low speeds, especially when driving over small bumps, turning into driveways, or when the road surface is uneven. The noise is noticeable inside the cabin and feels like a mechanical component is shifting. I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service. They confirmed the noise and told me it is not caused by the damper assembly but is a known issue that Tesla’s engineering team is currently investigating. Howe…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11696007 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11699029 · 2025-11-12 (November 12, 2025)
My 2026 Tesla Model Y with under 3,000 miles experienced a sudden and total loss of power steering while driving. The car became extremely difficult to control. Tesla towed it to their service center, where they claimed it was a software-related issue that could not be replicated. The service center released the car back to me but refused to provide written assurance that the vehicle is safe to drive, stating only that it is “cleared for release.” I’m concerned this issue could reoccur, creating a risk of loss of control and injury. The lack …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11699029 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11707164 · 2025-12-26 (December 26, 2025)
The rear door releases contain no easily accessible mechanical back up for releasing the door. In an emergency during a loss of power rear passengers would either have to know how to access the hidden door releases cable or would be trapped.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11707164 at NHTSA ↗