2023 Tesla Model Y transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 20, 2026NYElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   On the morning of 8-17, 2026, the vehicle experienced a total electrical power loss and high-voltage system deadlock immediately following an official Tesla Over-The-Air (OTA) software update pushed the previous night. Prior to this remote software update, the vehicle had zero operational issues or warning signs. Right after the update completed, the vehicle became completely unresponsive and undrivable. This issue directly compromised safety by causing a sudden,…

   NHTSA complaint #11758131 · source
2. Filed Aug 16, 2026CACrashElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   COMPONENT/SYSTEM THAT FAILED: The service brakes failed to stop the vehicle. While reverse-parking at low (parking) speed, I applied the brake pedal and the vehicle did not stop as expected, resulting in contact with an object and vehicle damage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request; it has been preserved and driven only minimally since the event. HOW SAFETY WAS PUT AT RISK: The brakes failed with no warning. Had a person been behind the vehicle, the failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11757226 · source
3. Filed May 4, 2026VAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on I-95 North in the fast lane at highway speed, my 2023 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and displayed a warning indicating the vehicle was shutting down. The vehicle rapidly decelerated and would not respond to acceleration or drive engagement. Steering remained functional, which allowed me to maneuver the vehicle across lanes to the shoulder to avoid a potential collision. This required an emergency maneuver in active highway traffic…

   NHTSA complaint #11735482 · source
4. Filed Apr 16, 2026ILBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The rear subframe wiring harness on my Tesla contains a significant design flaw that creates an unreasonable safety risk. The factory-installed corrugated protective tubing (wire loom) terminates prematurely, leaving approximately 1 inch of critical wiring completely exposed at the connector. This specific harness uses soy-based insulation, which is a known attractant to rodents. Because of the 1-inch gap in protection, rodents have been able to sever the same connector…

   NHTSA complaint #11731575 · source
5. Filed Mar 9, 2026CASteeringSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   On January 29, 2026 my 2023 Tesla Model Y was serviced by Tesla for windshield repair and routine maintenance. Within a week after the service visit, the vehicle began displaying a service warning message on the dashboard. I contacted Tesla and was advised to bring the vehicle back for inspection. Before I could return to the service center, while slowly reversing out of my garage, a large bolt fell from the vehicle and the front left wheel assembly dropped, causing the…

   NHTSA complaint #11723109 · source
6. Filed Feb 24, 2026COElectrical SystemLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle display flashed red and then the vehicle turned off completely while in traffic with no ability to change gear, operate the electronic door releases, or turn the hazards on. Safety was put at risk because insufficient notice of failure was given so it was impossible to get out of traffic, the vehicle could not be put in neutral so could not be pushed out of traffic, further the hazard lights could not be turned on so I had to stand in traffic waiving people…

   NHTSA complaint #11720264 · source
7. Filed Oct 12, 2025ALCrashTowedBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   June 9, 2025 Phantom acceleration. No foot on accelerator. Car jumped from 5 to 35 mph. Breaks unresponsive for 3 seconds, smashed into 4 parked cars, creating a Chain-Reaction crash, my Tesla Model Y Totaled, Airbags deployed. Burlington Police Department arrived, took statements, filed report, no copy yet.

   NHTSA complaint #11692951 · source
8. Filed Oct 8, 2025PASuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving, I heard a loud clicking noise from the front driver side wheel, followed by resistance and dragging of something under the vehicle. I did my best to pull over safely, but I could no longer steer the car. The control arm complete broke off of the wheel, and was now almost resting on the street while the tire/wheel was lodged into the wheel well bent sideways.

   NHTSA complaint #11692225 · source
9. Filed May 27, 2025TXFireElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle had a open window during rain storm. Interior got wet. Next day the vehicle was left to dry out. Vehicle caught on fire and engulfed in flames in the backseat. Nobody was harmed fire was contained by the Frisco Fire Department. Vehicle was then towed away.

   NHTSA complaint #11663167 · source
10. Filed May 22, 2025CAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    On [XXX], the vehicle displayed multiple alerts: “Electrical power reduced,” “Climate cabin controller requires service,” “Electrical system may not support all features,” and “Vehicle may not restart.” I scheduled service for May 21, 2024, and dropped the vehicle off at the Tesla Service Center in Fresno, CA. Tesla failed to provide a written invoice for that visit. A service advisor told me “It was a glitch” and that I should check the app, but no documentation appeared.…

    NHTSA complaint #11662584 · source
11. Filed Dec 18, 2024CASuspensionTransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires

    Front suspension axel system failed two bolts fell off left wheel arm causing me to lose control of vehicle. I was in the vehicle with my children I was driving out my mothers driveway less than 5mph when the incident occurred I do not even want to imagine what could have happened if I was driving the vehicle on a high way or at a high speed. Tesla representatives I have spoke to over the phone have said them selves this is common and I have read multiple articles online…

    NHTSA complaint #11631331 · source
12. Filed Oct 14, 2024WIElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    Got a new battery for the car due to an accident I had back in Feb 2024. The battery lasted me up to August 2024 before I received an error saying that my car won’t charge any more and it’s at maximum charge. I took my car in and the Tesla service center explained there is no physical damage, and that it’s a mechanical issue

    NHTSA complaint #11619585 · 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