2021 TESLA MODEL Y Complaints

Separately, the system could not hold a consistent speed on open highway with no vehicle ahead. It would surge from a set 70 mph to roughly 72-73 mph and then drop back, repeatedly, producing a pulsing acceleration and deceleration. The system also hesitated frequently and issued repeated audible alerts without an identifiable hazard present. I previously filed a complaint regarding phantom braking on this same vehicle (ODI number 11450326, filed February 4, 2022), which described nearly identical behavior triggered by trucks on the same Georgia-to-New Jersey route. That complaint concerned FSD/Autopilot software from 2022. The behavior described here occurs on Tesla’s current v14 Lite software released to Hardware 3 vehicles in July 2026. The defect has persisted across more than four years and multiple software generations. Unexpected hard braking at highway speed with no hazard present creates a rear-end collision risk to my vehicle and to following traffic.

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the lower and upper control arms were failing. The contact was informed that the lower and upper control arms needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Front suspension makes creaking noises for a few months now. The car only makes noises when steering wheel is turned while reversing and sometimes when turning. Took the car to Tesla and they told me since the sound is not that loud and not really reproducible, then to bring it back when it gets worse. My car only has 34k miles on it.

Noises started coming from suspension and I had an independent shop verify the issue. The lower control arm had separated from bushing and rubbing against subframe.

Description of Safety Incident:The front passenger safety restraint system failed, displaying the warning alert: "Seats - Front passenger safety restraint system fault / Service is required." This alert disables or suppresses the front passenger airbag and seatbelt restraint system, creating a direct safety hazard for front-seat occupants.Service History & Recurring Defect:On February 26, 2025 (at 50,596 miles), Tesla Service Center diagnosed an open circuit in the front passenger seat harness/back frame. Under Service Bulletin / SRS Warranty, Tesla replaced the front seat back, seat harness assembly (PN: 1489060-03-G), occupancy sensor (PN: 1099592-00-F), and SBR sensor clip (PN: 1130363-00-B). On August 1, 2026 (at 63,583 miles)—less than 13,000 miles after the initial replacement—the exact same safety restraint system fault recurred.Safety Concern:The front passenger seat harness and Occupant Classification System (OCS) appear to suffer from design strain, pinching, or premature wiring degradation during normal seat movement. Because this defect disables critical safety restraint components and recurs shortly after replacement, I am submitting this report to request a federal safety review and investigation regarding Tesla Model Y front passenger seat wiring harness integrity.

Failure of the front lower lateral link and compliance link assembly. A creaking noise when steering at low speeds prompted me to take the vehicle to be checked out at a Tesla repair shop. The vehicle required a complete replacement of these parts at an independent cost of $1,900. I have the line-item proof of parts and labor.

On June 7, 2026, my 2021 Tesla Model Y with approximately 37,131 miles became completely unresponsive and could not be driven. Tesla Mobile Service replaced the 12V low-voltage battery on June 11, 2026. The official repair notes stated that the battery was replaced, proper operation was verified, there were no active alerts, and the vehicle was in excellent condition. Shortly after this repair, multiple vehicle systems stopped functioning, including all cameras, navigation/GPS, and software/firmware updates. Tesla Service later diagnosed the vehicle as requiring replacement of the HW3 vehicle computer at a cost of approximately $3,066. The loss of camera functionality disabled or affected multiple driver assistance features that rely on the camera system. The vehicle has been unavailable for approximately one month while awaiting repair. During discussions with Tesla Service regarding the diagnosis, I was informed verbally by the Service Manager that they see similar HW3 computer-related issues on a regular basis (approximately every other week). I cannot independently verify that statement, but I am including it because it contributed to my concern that this may not be an isolated incident. I am not asserting the root cause of the failure. I am submitting this complaint because the loss of the vehicle’s camera system and related driver assistance functionality may represent a potential safety concern, and I believe NHTSA should be aware of this incident.

I am reporting a safety defect involving a severe structural metallic "clank" or "clunk" under the vehicle's chassis during rapid acceleration and sudden braking. This vehicle was previously serviced by Tesla in 2023 for this identical issue (service invoice attached). While the repair initially suppressed the sound, the hazardous clanking noise subsequently returned, persisted for a period, and then went away on its own.The return and subsequent disappearance of the noise suggests that critical suspension or drivetrain components are shifting out of specification under load, binding, or experiencing intermittent mechanical failure. Given the active federal investigation into 2021–2023 Tesla Model Y front lower lateral link separations, I am deeply concerned that the underlying component remains structurally compromised despite the 2023 service. An intermittent or settling defect still poses an imminent safety risk of sudden component separation and total loss of steering control at driving speeds.

Within four months my car has suspension problems and I didn't know until my tires got bad there was a noise and I didn't know that was the suspension. I bought four brand new tires and I took it to the Tesla dealer and I told the attendant that my car was wearing the tire inside really bad. After I bought 4 brand new tires I took it to the Tesla for an alignment and when you left the car was even worse with the noise so bad. I am barely driving my car and I don't really know what to do if I have to take it to Tesla. I tried to get an appointment with Tesla and they are so full and my car feels like a rocking chair sometime. The tesla has only 31,000 miles.

My 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) experienced a serious safety malfunction during a 12V low-voltage failure. When the vehicle displayed the 12V alert, it became non-functional. Upon entering, no systems were operating. When I pressed the brake pedal, the interior lights flashed and both front windows began moving up and down automatically without any input. This uncommanded movement caused both windows to shatter violently inside the cabin. The glass broke along the lower section of the window, consistent with internal mechanical stress caused by the window motor cycling during a fault. This was not external impact. I have photos documenting the breakage pattern. This is a safety defect. Automatic window movement during electrical failure poses a risk of injury. Additionally, even if a customer closes a door with the window raised, the glass should not shatter. Tesla vehicles are designed with automatic window indexing and motor resistance protection. The system should adjust the window position to prevent breakage. The fact that the glass shattered indicates a failure of Tesla’s safety logic and window indexing system. Tesla denied responsibility and claimed “misuse,” but could not provide system logs to support this claim. Tesla also stated customers must ensure windows are lowered before closing doors, but this requirement does not exist anywhere in Tesla’s manual. Tesla’s explanation does not address the automatic window movement that caused the breakage. This malfunction presents a clear safety hazard: unexpected window movement, glass shattering inside the cabin, and risk of injury to occupants. I request NHTSA investigate Tesla’s window indexing behavior during 12V failures, the failure of safety protections, and the risk of glass breakage caused by system-initiated movement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)