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2026 Tesla Model Y
Early days — this model year is still accumulating real-world data
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
273 owner complaints · 6 recalls · data verified July 8, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
54 complaints involve a crash, fire, injury or injury — read them before deciding.
Driver assistance problems dominate (27% of complaints).
The math, shown
Full methodology →The road ahead
What breaks on a 2026 Tesla Model Y, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Driver assistance (74) · Lane Departure (26) · Body & structure (24)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Driver assistance
27%74 complaints · 74 in the last 2 years
“We have owned a 2026 model Y Tesla for one week and have encountered these dangerous behaviors while in full self drive mode, even in “sloth” mode: 1. Tailgating, repe…”
Electrical system
15%41 complaints · typically near 2k mi · 41 in the last 2 years
“The high volatage heat pumps stopped working after 3 months and they left me without a loaner or credit for transportation”
Steering
13%36 complaints · typically near 3k mi · 36 in the last 2 years
“The assisted steering function has on multiple occasions failed to activate when vehicle is turned on. It will reset if vehicle is left off, then will randomly fail to…”
Suspension
10%27 complaints · typically near 2k mi · 27 in the last 2 years
“Tesla 2026 Model Y was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident directly caused by a critical software and/or hardware malfunction of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD…”
Recalls (6)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Equipment · 26V315000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
Risk: Missing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-19-002.
Electrical System · 25V690000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will replace the battery pack contactors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-16-005.
Electrical System · 25V658000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The reverse lights may fail to illuminate while the vehicle is in reverse, due to a defect in the wiring. 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."
Risk: Reverse lights that fail to illuminate reduce visibility and may not alert pedestrians or other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will replace the reverse lights and reverse facia harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-17-011.
Electrical System · 25V490000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The ring terminal of the horn ground wire may be improperly secured, allowing the circuit to open and preventing the horn from sounding.
Risk: An inoperable horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers as needed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will replace the steering wheel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed September 23, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-17-009.
Seats · 25V410000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.
Risk: The seat may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-13-003.
Visibility · 25V359000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."
Risk: The inability to clean the windshield reduces the driver’s visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
Before you hand over money
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.