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2023 Tesla Model Y: problems, recalls and reliability

17 recalls and 1,168 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is forward collision avoidance (30% of complaints); the 2021 and 2022 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · 60 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Aug 2026

17
recalls
1,168
owner complaints
4
fire reports
8,129
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

One of the most complained-about Model Y years (#1 of 5, age-adjusted)Weak spot: forward collision avoidance (30%)4 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 8,129 mi)

Common problems

Computed from 1,168 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Forward Collision Avoidance (automatic emergency braking, sensors)30% · 326 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)14% · 151 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)10% · 104 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)7% · 79 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)7% · 72 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)6% · 67 complaints
“During a highway drive, I heard a loud noise from the front of the car, as if something had fallen off. It turned out that the fasteners for the front suspension lateral link had loosened and fallen off. I was really scared and went to dealer service center right away. Technician found the front lower lateral link bolts on the passenger side have become unsecured and required updated hardware with thread lock applied to bolts. Recommending replacement of lower lateral link and hardware. This was really scary moment in my life.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2026
“While driving and making a left turn the wheels pulled hard to the left and a major grinding noise started and at the same time the steering wheel locked up. I was just shy of crashing into a curb area and sitting in oncoming traffic lane. I pulled on the steering wheel and it broke free but still had a grinding noise and this happens a handful of times. I took to Tesla service and they said the lower steering link was completely hanging free. No advance notice just major failure.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2026
“Recurring 'Front passenger safety restraint system fault' warning on 2023 Tesla Model Y. The fault has appeared 5 times: July 2024, November 2024, December 2024, August 2025, and September 2026. The vehicle was serviced by Tesla after each of the earlier occurrences, but the fault keeps returning. This is a safety concern because the front passenger restraint system (airbag/seat belt) may not function correctly in a crash.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The windshield fogs up in front of the front facing camera. It can get dirty such that it is not just a matter of waiting for it to defog. During this time the self driving feature is impaired. The camera should be sealed to the window such that it can not fog up on the inside. The date of incident is the day tesla technician cleaned my camera and I learned how fragile this system is.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Sep 2026
“The Autopilot/Active Safety sensor system and automated emergency braking (AEB) component failed. The vehicle experienced an uncommanded, severe "phantom braking" event and simultaneous steering lock. The vehicle is currently [State if it is at a tow yard, repair shop, or totaled, e.g., at an insurance-designated salvage yard] and is available for inspection upon request.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2026
“Tesla cruise control removed the speed limit functionality as part of its cruise control. I cannot set a maximum speed for the car. Nor can I set a minimum speed for the car. Tesla removed these features through a software update with their autopilot V14. I believe the vehicle is unsafe for myself and others as it does not allow me to set the speed using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC). Tesla is intentionally removing this feature.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Sep 2026
“Today, the Tesla updated while my wife was in the car. During the update all electrical systems went down and the car was locked from the inside and out making it so she could not get out. Because the electrical systems were down while the update was going she did not have any AC either. So she was locked in the car without AC in 107F weather. This is an extreme danger to her health and should be taken care of right away. As well if you had dog mode on it would have locked dogs in the car without AC. This is also an extreme danger because there is not a safe dog mode. the truth is it could be disable at any time without the ability to interrupt or stop the update.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged, fog and mist obstructed the cameras, causing the FSD feature to disengage. A message to "Take Full Control of the Vehicle" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The contact expressed concern that the cameras required heating technology to prevent fog and mist obstruction. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2026
“The driver's side lower lateral link assembly and half shaft failed and made the car undrivable. The front driver's side wheel turned in and would not straighten out. My wife drove the car on the highway where she could have seriously injured herself or someone else when the car started to show signs of distress. The Tesla dealer confirmed this problem and fixed the hazard. The car has only 52, 327 miles at the time so Tesla refused to cover the failure. I know this is a known issue and Tesla didn't help with the expense. There was zero warning messages prior to failure. The car started to make a knocking sound in the late afternoon and finally broke down that same night.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2026
“At approximately 62,600 miles, my 2023 Tesla Model Y developed a creaking noise from the front suspension during low-speed turning, especially when turning right. Tesla inspected the vehicle and found that the front suspension bushings were cracked and torn. Tesla recommended and performed replacement of the front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links. The vehicle was repaired at my expense. Tesla advised that the worn suspension components could have been the source of the noise.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2026

When filing, owners marked a crash in 152 of these complaints and injuries in 87 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 17 campaigns

Tail lights (exterior lighting)22V844000 · Nov 2022

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.

Software (back over prevention)26V283000 · May 2026

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

Warning light/devices (seat belts)24V376000 · May 2024

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."

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

Critical fasteners (steering)23V385000 · May 2023

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The steering wheel fastener may be loose.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed July 28, 2023. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-32-001.

Traction battery (electrical system)23V434000 · Jun 2023

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.

Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-16-005.

Latch (latches/locks/linkages)24V554000 · Jul 2024

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.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

Camera (forward collision avoidance)23V489000 · Jul 2023

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. 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 the driver.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-17-006.

Software (back over prevention)25V002000 · Jan 2025

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.

Camera (back over prevention)24V035000 · Jan 2024

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-002.

Instrument cluster/panel (electrical system)24V051000 · Jan 2024

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."

Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

Electric power assist system (steering)25V092000 · Feb 2025

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. 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 again.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.

Critical fasteners (seats)23V130000 · Feb 2023

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The bolts securing the second-row seat back frames may not have been securely tightened.

Remedy: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-13-001.

Automated/adaptive steering (steering)23V085000 · Feb 2023

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.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

Pressure monitoring and regulating systems (tires)24V935000 · Dec 2024

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."

Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

Software (electrical system)23V838000 · Dec 2023

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.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Front (suspension)22V895000 · Dec 2022

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model Y vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly attached to the sub-frame.

Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-31-002.

Headlights (exterior lighting)26V507000 · Aug 2026

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. 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."

Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

How other years compare

Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Model Y years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.

Check your exact Model Y by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Tesla Model Y reliable?

NHTSA has 1,168 owner complaints and 17 recall campaigns on record for the 2023 Tesla Model Y. The most complained-about area is forward collision avoidance (30% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2023 Tesla Model Y problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 8,129 miles or less.

Does the 2023 Tesla Model Y have open recalls?

17 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.