What 86 owners told NHTSA about the 2025 Tesla Model Y

Component/Issue Description: Following a recent over-the-air (OTA) software update to the vehicle's Full Self-Driving system, a dangerous user interface defect was introduced. Immediately upon an FSD disengagement—the critical transition window where the operator must resume manual driving control—the center touchscreen populates a mandatory, invasive feedback popup menu. This menu causes a severe driver distraction and creates an immediate safety hazard. The popup blocks vital driving visualizations and navigation data on the screen at a high-stress moment. Furthermore, the UI creates a functional touchscreen lockout, demanding manual and visual interaction from the driver to clear the box while the vehicle is actively in motion. Forcing a driver to divert their eyes from the roadway to navigate a touchscreen menu immediately following a system intervention creates an unreasonable and systemic risk of collision. The manufacturer has provided no setting to disable this dangerous distraction.

NHTSA ODI 11743977

Using Tesla FSD (full self-driving supervised) I drove home, approximately 120 miles, from a family visit. From previous experience with Tesla FSD, I knew that the navigation system would navigate into the incorrect of 2 driveways (left, instead of the correct driveway, right) leading to my parking space. Therefore, upon arriving at the building address I endeavored to take over full control by tapping break and manually turning to the right driveway, whereupon the steering wheel locked up completely and the car lurched forward crashing through the security gate and into a parked car directly in line with how the locked steering directed it. To the best of my knowledge, the car was removed to a salvage location where it was considered a total loss.

NHTSA ODI 11736264

Car was in FSD mode, backing out of a parking place very slowly when it accelerated and crashed into a post and wall. No other cars or people were involved, but no alarms, beeps, or warnings were sounded and the screen/monitor/camera systems went blank simultaneously. This caused over $5000 worth of damage per the estimate provided by the only body shop in the area allowed to fix Teslas. There is also a gap in saved data per our retrieval from the USB and camera installed in the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11729393

I am filing a safety complaint regarding Tesla's removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in FSD (Supervised), a change that has alarmed a significant number of Tesla owners and safety-conscious drivers. Previous software allowed drivers to set a precise maximum speed via the steering wheel scroll wheel while FSD (Supervised) was active. Tesla replaced this with fixed "Speed Profiles" (Sloth, Chill, Standard, Hurry, Mad Max), none of which allow a driver to set a specific speed. Each profile operates at a programmed range relative to the posted speed limit. Even the slowest profile (Sloth) has been observed exceeding the speed limit. The system also frequently misreads posted limits entirely. This is a serious safety regression. In winter conditions, a cautious driver may need to travel well below the speed limit due to snow or black ice. Previously, they could reduce FSD's max speed precisely. That is no longer possible, the system determines speed, and the driver cannot override it downward while FSD remains engaged. This concern is not isolated to just me. Online forums and Tesla owner communities have seen widespread discussion and frustration over this change, with many drivers expressing that it has made them feel unsafe and less in control of their own vehicle. Removing precise speed control from a supervised autonomous system directly contradicts Tesla's stated position that the driver remains responsible for safe operation. This is an ongoing issue and not limited to a single date for the "Tell us the approximate date this incident occurred." I request NHTSA: 1. Investigate Tesla's removal of driver-adjustable maximum speed in FSD (Supervised); 2. Evaluate compliance with FMVSS and driver control guidelines for automated driving features; 3. Require Tesla to restore precise, driver-controlled maximum speed settings.

NHTSA ODI 11724851

On January 28, 2026, the vehicle (a Tesla Model Y) was operating with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system actively engaged in normal highway traffic conditions. Without any prior warning messages, chimes, or system alerts, the FSD system abruptly disengaged approximately 1 second before the vehicle steered into a concrete road divider. Component failed: The Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and underlying perception/control systems failed to maintain the lane and abruptly handed over control with insufficient time to react. The vehicle and its data are available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden, sub-second disengagement provided the driver with zero time to react, take manual control, or perform an evasive maneuver. This system failure directly resulted in a high-speed collision with a road divider, causing significant vehicle damage and physical injuries to the driver that required medical treatment. Inspection/Confirmation: The vehicle is currently subject to an open insurance claim and has been evaluated for repair. Warnings: There were no warning lamps, messages, or requests for the driver to take over prior to the immediate 1-second window before the crash. Evidence: I have downloaded and preserved the complete Event Data Record (EDR) and the multi-angle dashcam video files. The EDR data mathematically documents the sub-second disengagement, and the video files confirm normal traffic flow with no external hazards forcing the collision. I can provide the EDR PDF and video files to NHTSA investigators immediately upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11718949

On February 11, 2026, the 2025 Tesla Model Y "Vision AutoPark" system initiated an uncommanded high-speed reverse acceleration into a stationary yellow concrete bollard in a parking lot. The vehicle's vision-only parking assist hardware failed to detect a clearly visible, fixed obstruction and displayed a clear path on the system interface immediately before impact. No warning lamps, chimes, messages, or other alerts preceded the failure. The system provided zero indication of the imminent collision. The vehicle closed the distance to the bollard in under one second, exceeding human reaction time and making manual braking intervention impossible before impact. This failure mode — autonomous acceleration toward a stationary object without detection or warning — creates a severe crush hazard for pedestrians and property. The vehicle and its onboard data logs are available for inspection upon request. High-definition video evidence of the failure has been preserved showing the system ignoring the visible obstacle. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer. The manufacturer's service center refused to inspect the vehicle or review data logs on the date of the incident despite an immediate in-person request. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by insurance, police, or the manufacturer. The failed component is the Tesla Vision-only AutoPark system, including its camera-based object detection and autonomous vehicle control software.

NHTSA ODI 11717443

All safety and most computer related features in the vehicle have failed. Cruise control, backup cameras, all other cameras, the navigation (assuming this is also impacting the projection of remaining battery life as my car always thinks it is at my home), warning signals for approaching obstacles/dangers, cruise control of any kind does now work, lane departure warning has failed, and automatic windshield wipers do not work. This happened without warning and was not related to an update. On January 13, 2026, the car worked in the morning and then all of these issues started happening. I made a Tesla service appointment, but they are not able to see me until February 3, 2026.

NHTSA ODI 11713306

On January 17, 2026 the vehicle self-accelerated when put in reverse and crashed into a parked truck. This was the second time this occurred. The prior incident occurred on November 29, 2025 when backing out of the garage at our home. The new incident occurred the FIRST time we put the car in reverse after receiving it back after repair from the prior accident (we received it on January 15. 2026 and this was the first time we drove it since then). We had driven the car forward with the full self driving feature turned on and engaged (part of the time and part manually) without incident. However when placed in reverse with the full delf driving turned on but not enagaged the car "took off." It is only through good fortune no one was seriously injured or killed. Self acceleration in reverse only occurred after the vehicle was serviced by Tesla to repair the full self driving system which, at that time, would only engage intermittently.

NHTSA ODI 11713398

On or about May 23 or 24, 2025, while using FSD to park the vehicle, I engaged reverse mode. The vehicle was fully under FSD control during this maneuver. Unexpectedly, the car reversed into a fixed pole, impacting the rear of the vehicle and causing a noticeable dent. The system did detect the collision and stopped upon impact, but failed to avoid it entirely. This incident occurred despite my hands being on the wheel and full attention as a supervising driver, in accordance with Tesla's guidelines for FSD use. I believe this represents a malfunction in the FSD system's object detection or path planning during reverse parking.

NHTSA ODI 11712416

Tesla Supervised Self Driving (FSSD) update 14 removed the ability for the vehicle operator to set speed targets. Additionally, their system is unable to accurately determine speed limits for many roadways. The discrepancy between FSSDs perceived speed limit and actual speed limit can be as much at +/- 25mph. The discrepancy can occur suddenly and at any time during a drive, even on stretches of road with a consistent speed limit. This results in moments of dangerous acceleration and/or deceleration that is not requested by the vehicle operator or can be reasonably anticipated. This causes erratic driving behavior to both the Tesla and to other motorist in the vicinity. Erratic, unpredictable driving is a major cause of traffic accidents that can lead to serious damage, injury, or death. Prior versions allowed the operator to set a speed target, similar to standard cruise control, that the vehicle attempted to maintain and would not exceed. FSSD v14 does not allow the vehicle operator to have any control over the speed of the vehicle to any degree that meaningfully contributes towards safe, legal driving.

NHTSA ODI 11711074

Passenger side airbag did not deploy. Emergency auto brake did not seem to work. The passenger side of the vehicle was struck by other car at high speed and sustained significant damage

NHTSA ODI 11711221

The vehicle was in supervised full self driving on the turnpike, when all of a sudden it darted out of the lane into th grass hitting a guard rail.

NHTSA ODI 11704831

SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: Multiple critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while the vehicle is in operation, creating an immediate crash hazard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION: For approximately one month, my vehicle has experienced intermittent, unpredictable failures of multiple safety-critical systems while driving. These failures occur randomly during operation and include: Regenerative Braking System Failure (PRIMARY SAFETY CONCERN) Lane Departure Warning System Failure Automatic Vehicle Hold System Failure Traction Control System Failure Automatic Emergency Braking System Failure Electronic Stability Control System Failure SAFETY HAZARD ANALYSIS: The sudden disengagement of regenerative braking while driving poses an acute collision risk. Tesla vehicles are designed with regenerative braking as the primary deceleration method when releasing the accelerator. Drivers develop muscle memory and expectations based on consistent vehicle behavior. When regenerative braking unexpectedly disengages mid-drive, the vehicle's deceleration characteristics change dramatically and without warning, creating a dangerous situation where: The driver expects normal deceleration upon releasing the accelerator The vehicle instead continues at speed, requiring sudden brake application Reaction time is insufficient to compensate for the unexpected behavior change Rear-end collisions or other crashes become likely, particularly in traffic Similarly, the Automatic Vehicle Hold feature unexpectedly disengaging means the vehicle may roll when the driver expects it to remain stationary at traffic lights or stop signs. PATTERN AND FREQUENCY: These system failures occur randomly and unpredictably while driving. The issues sometimes resolve after: Restarting the vehicle Restarting the cent However, the failures recur without warning during subsequent driving. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: Service Visit Date: November 28, 2024 Diagnosis: Tesla Service Center acknowledged this as a

NHTSA ODI 11702617

INCIDENT REPORT – TESLA Y – UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2025, APPROXIMATELY 2:40 PM On the above-referenced date and time, we were returning home with the intention of pulling the car into our garage, an activity performed over a hundred times in the one year we have owned the car. Because of the need to back in to allow the car to be charged, the following procedure is adhered to: 1.Disengage self-driving (if it was being used) in the street prior to entering the courtyard for residence. 2.Pull forward three-quarters of the way into garage (since the residence is the last on the courtyard and the car cannot be pulled beyond the garage opening to directly back in). 3.Place car in reverse and slowly perform K-turn to back into garage. On the date in question. The following anomalies occurred: 1.After placing the car in reverse (action 2), instead of starting to back out, the car lurched forward. The brake was immediately applied and the car stopped about a foot before hitting the garage wall. 2.The brake was applied again to assure self-driving was disengaged and proceed with action 3. 3.Car was placed in reverse and accelerator was lightly pressed to slowly back out of garage. Rather than slowly back out (as was done hundreds of times) the car immediately accelerated and rapidly gained speed. 4.The brake was applied to stop the car but could not overcome the acceleration (pictures of skid marks were taken). 5.In order not to directly hit the wall located across from garage, Car steering wheel was turned to minimize any direct contact ( skid marks will show turn). 6.Car came to a stop when it hit the wall causing significant damage to the car and causing damage to the wall (pictures can be forwarded).

NHTSA ODI 11702284

My vehicle experienced multiple safety system malfunctions before a minor collision occurred. While driving, the car displayed warnings indicating that traction control had been disabled, followed immediately by a warning that the automatic vehicle hold/brake hold was disabled. These failures happened before any impact. At the same time, the vehicle’s cameras were not functioning correctly, and the vehicle did not provide any forward collision warning. The automatic emergency braking system also did not activate. Because these systems failed, the vehicle did not warn, slow down, or brake to avoid a collision. After the collision, the vehicle showed several additional safety system failures. These included automatic emergency braking unavailable, and repeated safety restraint system faults affecting both the front left and front right restraint systems. The airbags did not deploy even though conditions suggested they should have, and afterwards the vehicle displayed persistent airbag and seatbelt system error icons. The restraint system appears to have gone offline. The vehicle is currently unsafe to drive due to failures in braking, traction control, perception/camera systems, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and the airbag/restraint systems. These failures occurred before the collision, contributed to the collision, and continued afterward. The manufacturer’s service center has declined to provide towing or a loaner or rental vehicle while the safety defects are being investigated, which will take about 30 days.

NHTSA ODI 11700754

Self driving was maintaining vehicle. Looked at roadway before reaching down to passengers side for water bottle. The weight shift in the seat turned the self driving off immediately while turning sharp left. The Tesla Model Y crossed the left interstate lane barely missing an 18-wheeler. Drove 80mph in the central ditch, branches, and rocks. Car was still in drive, and rolled up to roadside which was covered in dust. The two eighteen-wheelers that I cut off then Drove away, and drove tesla to next exit to see damage.(dashcam footage available.)

NHTSA ODI 11699999

On November 10, 2025 while my 2025 Tesla Model Y was being driven, in Miami, Florida, around 2:55–3:05 PM, the brakes failed completely. Despite firm brake pedal pressure, the vehicle did not slow down or stop as expected and continued forward until a collision occurred. The brake pedal felt normal with no loss of resistance, but the car did not decelerate as expected. No forward collision warning (FCW) or automatic emergency braking (AEB) activated prior to impact. There were no audible or visual alerts displayed before or during braking. After the collision, the vehicle’s screen displayed messages stating “Airbags Deployed” and “Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable. Feature may be restored on next drive.” However, the airbags did not deploy. A burst of white particulate dust, consistent with airbag propellant or deployment powder, was released inside the cabin. None of the vehicle’s cameras recorded the incident; there is no Dashcam or Sentry Mode footage from that time. At the same time, the cell phone, which was actively linked to the vehicle through Bluetooth and the Tesla app, stopped transmitting location data through the Life360 app for a few minutes. This may indicate a coinciding electrical or data interruption affecting both the vehicle and connected devices. This incident placed my families safety and that of others at serious risk. Multiple safety systems appear to have failed simultaneously, including the braking function, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, camera recording systems, and airbag deployment.

NHTSA ODI 11698816

My model Y tesla deployed the emergency brake system while I was driving the vehicle. There wasn’t any vehicle or anything in the way for my tesla to do the emergency brake. I did get whiplash from the incident and been experiencing neck and shoulder pain. Lucky I was able to get an appointment to service my Tesla the next morning but at this moment they haven’t given me any diagnostic. My Tesla did have a message related to the camera that showed up like 5-10 minutes prior to the incident but the warning message disappeared after a few seconds.

NHTSA ODI 11692470

While on a two lane road, my car decided to go around the car in front of me into on-coming traffic while in Full Self-Driving mode. I had to jerk the car to the right to prevent a head-on collision!!!! I missed the on-coming vehicle by seconds!!! This was terrifying!

NHTSA ODI 11690679

Vehicle Autopilot settings with default settings, 1) traveling marked highway speed of 75 mph, vehicle detects something in either the lane to the right or left will slam on the brakes possibly causing a rear end collision, 2) traveling at marked highway speed of 75 mph, vehicle detects curve signs either to the right or left will slam on the brakes possibly causing a rear end collision, 3) traveling in town at marked speed of 40 mph, vehicle detects a vehicle turning at a safe distance for the speed either right or left will slam on the brakes possibly causing a rear end collision. Vehicle Autopilot settings: Forward Collision Warning “OFF”, Lane Departure Avoidance “OFF”. Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance “OFF”, Automatic Emergency Braking “OFF”, Obstacle-Aware Acceleration “OFF”, will remain set for the current drive without any of the above safety issues. Next drive the Automatic Emergency Braking “ON” and the above safety issues can happen. Tesla must make immediate software improvements in the Automatic Emergency Braking system and/or allow continual “OFF” setting disabling of the Automatic Emergency Braking system.

NHTSA ODI 11687450

I have had multiple incidents of "Curvature Assist Active" message appearing on screen while on Cruise Control. It suddenly reduces the speed of the car. This happens on a straight road with no curves or slope. It also happens at random. On the same stretch of road at the same time of the day, this issue pops up sometimes and doesn't on other times. Every time this comes up, the car reduces speed suddenly. For example, I go from 45 mph to 23 mph in a few moments. If there is a lot of traffic behind me and the car behind me was not expecting such a sudden decrease in speed as there is no obstruction in front of me, this could lead to a safety issue. I took the car in for repair. The technicians could not find out what the issue was. They said they recalibrated the sensors and test drove and did not see this occur. As this is occurring randomly it might not have shown up when they test drove. But, it happened to me when I took the car back and it keeps happening randomly at least twice a day. There is no specific location and/or time of the day. Tesla doesn't provide an option to disable this "Curvature Assist" feature for something so basic as Cruise Control. Along with this I have had 2 incidents where my car applied brakes suddenly when there was no obstruction in front of me. In both incidents, I had to immediately take over and speed up to avoid any issue with traffic behind me. If there is any safety incident due to these issues, Tesla will have to be held liable.

NHTSA ODI 11681019

In FSD mode, my Tesla Model Y always heads to the "Do Not Enter" road and I have to take over manually to prevent entering the "Do Not Enter" road. This has happened almost all the time I am there. This is a very unsafe. Tesla needs to correct this issue at their highest priority.

NHTSA ODI 11677115

It is impossible to disable automatic emergency, breaking system permanently. The vehicle brakes strongly and abruptly causing the cars behind to slam on their brakes and potentially cause accidents. Every time I disable it, it comes back on next time we get into the car. There has been several instances where the vehicle hit the brakes really hard, even if there was nothing in front of it.. I was told that this is happening because Tesla does not use sensors but realize on cameras for these features and it can be quite wrong. I don’t know how to drive this car safely because the car makes decisions for me. Since it happens all the time, I’m having to keep my foot on the gas, and when it slams on the brakes, I counter it by pressing the gas pedal. The incident date is just an estimate, but it happens all the time.

NHTSA ODI 11673834

While driving westbound on Lee Jackson Memorial Highway (U.S. Route 50) after passing the intersection with Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly, Virginia, the Autopilot system on my Tesla Model Y malfunctioned. Without any warning or obstacle in my lane, the vehicle suddenly and sharply veered to the right, directly toward two vehicles traveling in the adjacent lane. I was holding the steering wheel at the time and was able to immediately countersteer to prevent a collision. There were no audible or visual warnings from the vehicle before or during the incident. The Autopilot system did not display any messages or alerts, and no braking or turn signal was engaged by the system. The lane shift was abrupt and uncommanded. The dashcam footage clearly captured the incident, and it is available for inspection upon request. To my knowledge, the issue has not yet been reproduced or inspected by the manufacturer or service center. The vehicle has not been examined by police, insurance representatives, or others at this time. This unexpected maneuver created a serious safety risk for myself and nearby drivers.

NHTSA ODI 11653356

1. Brake I used the FSD all the way from the New Asian Market (Charlotte, NC) to the T-section of [XXX] and [XXX] (Columbia, SC), then changed to driver control and turned to [XXX] (home). Entering the garage, when arrived at the parking spot, I released accelerator pedal and pressed the brake pedal, the car did not stop but pushed forward, and hit a wooden shelf, BBQ grill and the drywall. The car, shelf, BBQ grill and the wall all damaged. 2. USB Storage The USB memory did not record any information. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11649612