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Tesla / Model Y / 2021

2021 Tesla Model Y problems

Owners have filed 2,042 complaints about the 2021 Tesla Model Y with NHTSA. Forward collision avoidance accounts for 41.8% of them, far more than any other system, ahead of service brakes at 8.7%.

Complaints2,042
Crashes177
Fires14
Injuries51
Deaths7

What owners report breaking

Forward collision avoidance 41.8% · 853
Service brakes 8.7% · 177
Vehicle speed control 7.9% · 161
Electrical system 7.4% · 152
Unknown or other 6.8% · 138
Lane departure 4.7% · 95
Steering 4.6% · 94
Suspension 3.9% · 79
Severity

Of those complaints, 177 describe a crash, 14 describe a fire, 51 report an injury and 7 report a death.

Reading the numbers

Across the 7 model years of the Tesla Model Y in this data, 2021 ranks 2nd by complaint volume; 2023 draws the most.

Filings have fallen off, 526 in the last three years against 1508 in the three before. The issues here may already have been addressed.

The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 2,800 miles.

In owners' own words

Pulling into a parking space, at very slow speed, pressed service brake to stop car. The car suddenly accelerated at high speed, hit a tree directly in front of the space, veered off and sprinted across another parking space and a two lane passage, hit a brick pillar, veered into the wall of a restaurant, bounced off the wall and back into the street. All airbags deployed. No one was injured. Car probably totaled. Forward collision avoidance
This is our second Tesla, so I am familiar with the function of adaptive cruise control and autopilot. Vehicle frequently initiates hard braking events without warning or cause on the highway. I have contacted Tesla service, and they are stating that the car functions normally, and that this is normal behavior. If this is normal behavior, it is definitely unsafe. I have almost been rear ended several times. Forward collision avoidance
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle independently stopped without the brake pedal being depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,500. Forward collision avoidance · reported at 11,500 miles

Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Safety recalls

Checking NHTSA for open recalls…

Other Tesla Model Y years

Compare all 7 model years →