2021 TESLA MODEL Y Complaints

I was backing up in a parking lot with steering wheel turned to the far right. Steering wheel started to shake then froze up. I could just barely turn it. I can't remember how I got it to work, maybe I had to restart the car. No one was at risk since it was just me in the car and I was going really slowly, but if it were on a street it could be risky. The dealer replaced a steering part and it seems OK now. There were no warnings ahead of time.

While driving, steering wheel locked! Prior to locking there were no warnings. While wheel locked, warning popped up-“ steering assist reduced.” I was going up a curved parking garage ramp when wheel locked, I was unable to turn my vehicle causing my car hit curb, scraping my rims. Cars were honking behind me, there was no where to move. I was scared, causing me to have a panic attack. I had to turn off/on car twice for steering to go back to normal. I took vehicle to Tesla and had to pay $387 for diagnosis. I was 4,000 miles over warranty. Tesla is saying it could be a possible steering rack replacement and cost $2,500. Tesla will not pay for rim damage or pay for fixing the steering issue, which is a major safety problem. Tesla needs to do better!

To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a recent experience with my 2021 Tesla Model Y, which is still under warranty. While using the vehicle, I observed an abnormal sound when reversing. After seeking Tesla’s service, I was informed that the rotors on my car needed replacement. What greatly concerns me is that, despite the car being under warranty, Tesla charged me an amount of one thousand dollars for this repair. It is essential to note that this malfunction wasn’t due to any negligence or external factors on my part. I have video evidence that captures the sound the vehicle made while reversing, further emphasizing the unexpected nature of this issue. My understanding of the warranty terms led me to believe that such unforeseen defects should be covered without any additional charges. It is deeply unsettling to be presented with such a significant expense for a problem that, in my view, should have been resolved under the warranty’s purview. I am reaching out to the NHTSA to shed light on this matter, as it brings forth concerns about the potential for similar experiences faced by other Tesla Model Y owners. I request the NHTSA’s assistance in investigating this incident to ensure consumers like myself are not unduly burdened with unjustified costs. Your attention to this matter is highly appreciated. I am hopeful for a just resolution that aligns with the NHTSA’s dedication to safeguarding consumers and ensuring vehicular safety standards. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that, while attempting to enter the vehicle, he was unable to access it via the remote access key fob. Upon gaining access to the vehicle through the rear passenger door, it then failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that the battery management system had failed to properly notify him of the impending failure, either through the vehicle instrument panel or the Tesla vehicle phone application. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery management system and determined that the low-voltage battery required replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Upon arriving home last night with our 3 kids, my wife reported a loud clunking noise coming from the right front wheel area, and said the car felt unstable. After investigation I realized the bolts on the lower control arm have backed almost completely out. I’m very thankful they made it home safe. Any further driving could have been catastrophic.

The LTE system for navigation stops working during normal commuting, the system helps with directions when in a town that this unfamiliar. I'm an insurance adjuster who counts on these systems working correctly. I have reviewed several sites and thousands of people are having the same problem. This become a safety issue if the car fails during normal commuting and the drive then becomes lost and is looking down to fix the problem or turns off the road because this system fails. This system is also connected to other system which create a since of failure within the vehicle its self. If you could please look into this issue. thank you

Findings from Tesla technician: Verified customer concern for active low brake fluid level alerts. Technician performed a brake inspection and found the rear right brake hose is damaged due to incorrect hose routing. Found the hose is rubbing on the wheel arch liner. The brake calipers have been modified/painted. Technician recommends to replaced rear right brake hose and bleed entire brake system to remove air pockets. Removed and replaced right rear brake hose. Performed brake fluid flush. Performed brake pressure test and passed. Removed and replaced right rear wheel arch liner. Performed validation road test and verified repairs. Vehicle operations is normal at this time and no alerts are active. Further findings from Tesla technician: During brake fluid flush found left rear caliper mounting bolt is not installed. During brake fluid flush found left rear caliper mounting bolt is not installed. Installed new caliper bolt. Torqued both caliper bolts to factory specifications. Test drove vehicle. Verified repairs, operation is normal at this time and no alerts are present at this time.

Main console computer spontaneously rebooted mid-drive. Ability to know vehicle speed is not possible during reboot. After reboot, the vehicle turn indicators would not activate and when I attempted to enter “park,”, the vehicle continued to indicate that it was in “drive.” It did not respond to the accelerator pedal after it was attempted to be set to “park,” so the vehicle state and the indicator remained inconsistent. Vehicle appears to have returned to normal operation after manual reboot.

The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash, and the air bags had failed to deploy. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, in severe stormy weather, the vehicle hydroplaned, and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the passenger's side quarter panel of the vehicle struck a pole, and the passenger's side of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated there were no other vehicles involved. The contact stated he did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was totaled. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Had my front windshield replace by dealership. While driving home on highway from dealership I turned on super cruise and the car no longer followed the center of the lane. It moved over to the left and nearly ran into a neighboring car before I over rode the lane following with the steering wheel. On an empty section of the highway later I tested and it was now driving with its wheels on the left lane line, body and mirror extending over the line into the next lane. Dealership should have checked that or at least warned me to look out for it when I picked up the car. Called Tesla roadside assistance and person on the phone told me to recalibrate camera, which I did and it fixed the problem. Calibration of the front camera was thrown off when it was remounted on the new windshield. Obvious to me in hindsight, but it did not occur to me at all when I picked up the car.