2021 Tesla Model Y body & structure problems

Related recalls

• Recall 24V554000Jul 24, 20241,849,638 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

  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.

  Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 10, 2026CABody & StructureOther / UnknownSuspension

   I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for a front suspension noise. During the alignment portion of that repair, the technician found a crack in the left side of the rear subframe casting, the structural member that locates the rear suspension links and supports the rear drive unit. The subframe required full replacement. There was no impact event. The vehicle has never struck a curb, pothole, or object, and Tesla's own written finding confirmed there was no…

   NHTSA complaint #11763484 · source
2. Filed Aug 18, 202664,811 miCABody & StructureSuspension

   The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the suspension on the undercarriage of the vehicle was separating from the vehicle. The contact stated that a year prior to the failure, the half shaft used to attach the wheel to the vehicle subframe was fractured and was falling off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the battery was very heavy and was possibly the cause of the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11757712 · source
3. Filed Jul 31, 2026CABody & StructureElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11753908 · source
4. Filed May 19, 2026TXBody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   I am reporting two unresolved safety-related defects on my 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] ) that occurred following paid service at Tesla's League City Service Center on 04/16/2026 DEFECT 1 — COMPUTER AND SENSOR SYSTEM FAILURE: The vehicle's onboard computer cuts in and out intermittently. Sensors fail during operation and the problem worsens significantly in high-temperature conditions. Tesla vehicles rely on their computer and sensor systems for core safety functions…

   NHTSA complaint #11738762 · source
5. Filed Apr 13, 2026INBody & Structure

   The paint on my Tesla Model Y is peeling and delaminating along both sides of the rear trunk/hatch seam, adjacent to the rear glass. The issue appears in the same location on both sides in a symmetrical pattern. There has been no accident, impact, or external damage to these areas. The peeling began gradually and has continued to worsen over time. The symmetry and location suggest this is not normal wear or environmental damage, but a potential defect in paint adhesion or…

   NHTSA complaint #11730815 · source
6. Filed Feb 4, 2026MDBody & StructureElectrical System

   On [XXX], after placing my young child in my Tesla and closing the door, the 12V battery failed suddenly and the vehicle became inaccessible. I was unable to unlock or enter the car. I did not receive any warning or alert that the 12V battery was about to fail. The vehicle was in my garage, and the window automatically cracked, which allowed me to monitor my child while I sought help. I called Tesla Roadside Assistance at 8:59 AM. During the call, the representative…

   NHTSA complaint #11715486 · source
7. Filed Dec 8, 2025NYBody & Structure

   Frunk (Hood) has been randomly opening at times when the car is parked. Today it opened after being parked at my office parking lot for 3 hours. I am concerned that this can occur while driving, especially on the highway, potentially causing a deadly accident.

   NHTSA complaint #11703701 · source
8. Filed Nov 5, 202560,000 miOHTowedBody & StructureElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud pop coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle lost automotive power and rolled away in reverse downhill towards oncoming traffic. The contact was able to avoid oncoming traffic and reverse onto the shoulder of the road; however, the driver’s side rear driver’s door failed to…

   NHTSA complaint #11697715 · source
9. Filed Nov 3, 2025CABody & StructureElectrical System

   This incident appears to relate to NHTSA ongoing investigation at Tesla's low voltage battery system failure causing door handle malfunction. (September 26, 2025) 2021 Model Y front and rear doors (all four) was locked down with a seven years old child inside the car at home garage driveway. Mom unable to open up doors from exterior. A few hours later, left driver door was able to open but other passengers door remained locked down. (October 2, 2025) Sent Model Y to Tesla…

   NHTSA complaint #11697086 · source
10. Filed Oct 7, 2025NYBody & Structure

    The rear passenger door was stuck in the closed position and would not open. We brought this to Tesla to fix 5 separate times. My kids sit in the back seat and were not able to get out of the car. We were very worried about their safety because if there was an accident or emergency and they had to get out, they would be stuck inside the car. Each time we brought it to Tesla for repair they "fixed it," only to have the problem occur again weeks to months later. This is a HUGE…

    NHTSA complaint #11691938 · source
11. Filed Sep 26, 2025CABody & StructureElectrical System

    On August 20th, 2025 at 2:50pm, my eight-month-old infant was trapped inside my Tesla Model Y for approximately 30 minutes due to a critical systems failure. The vehicle experienced an error with the 12V battery that rendered the doors, windows, and trunk completely inoperable, preventing any means of access or escape. My infant was flushed, diaphoretic, and crying while stuck in his car seat with an indoor temperature exceeding 104 degrees fahrenheit. Despite all attempts…

    NHTSA complaint #11689915 · source
12. Filed Sep 19, 2025CABody & StructureElectrical System

    On July 5, 2025, I entered my vehicle parked in my home garage and the door latched shut. Upon putting my foot on the brake. Center screen was blank (did not power on). I attempted to press the unlock button on the door and there was no sound from the motor to open the door. The door was still locked from the inside of the vehicle and I was locked inside. I waited around 5 minutes (after attempting to call my wife to try to let me out of car and tried the open the drivers…

    NHTSA complaint #11688401 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology