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2021 Tesla Model Y: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners filed 1,091 complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 Model Y, and the largest group involves forward collision avoidance[1][2]. The model year also has 23 recalls on file, so a used buyer should confirm each one was done[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 1,091 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Model Y[1]. Of those, 88 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 25 injuries and 4 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component.
The biggest groups by count are below.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance[2] | 582 | 32 |
| Brakes[4] | 180 | 18 |
| Speed control[5] | 161 | 19 |
| Electrical system[6] | 152 | 13 |
| Steering[7] | 94 | 10 |
| Suspension[8] | 79 | 5 |
| Lane departure[9] | 77 | 11 |
The group labeled unknown or other has 140 complaints[10].
We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the top groups. In that sample, owners of the forward collision group describe a car that did not react to a stationary object on the highway, and a car that moved unexpectedly while parking[2]. In the speed control sample, owners describe the car surging forward at low speed during parking, and sudden hard braking with cruise control on[5]. Owners in the brakes sample also describe hard braking with no visible hazard while adaptive cruise control was on[4].
The electrical system sample is more varied. Owners describe a touchscreen that freezes or reboots, a phone key or app that loses contact with the car, and cabin heat that did not work in cold weather[6]. A few owners in the speed control sample also mention the screen flickering or restarting while driving[5].
Speed control complaints show a median mileage at failure of 524[5]. Suspension complaints have a higher median of 7,716 miles[8]. Treat all of this as a pattern in reports, not a failure rate.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 23 recalls for this model year[3]. Newest first. Some campaigns cover several Tesla models. NHTSA lists them for this model year, so check whether each one applies to the car you are looking at.
- Remedy pending
Headlights (26V507), August 2026. The low beams may be brighter than the legal limit and can dazzle oncoming drivers. Tesla plans to replace the headlights. The repair is not yet available, and owners will get another notice when it is[11]. - Rearview camera (26V283), May 2026. The backup image may lag when the car shifts into reverse, which cuts the driver's view behind the car. An over-the-air software update has been released[12].
- Tire pressure light (24V935), December 2024. The warning light may go out between drives, so a driver may not learn a tire is low. An over-the-air update has been released[13].
- Hood latch (24V554), July 2024. The car may not notice an unlatched hood, which could swing open and block the view ahead. An over-the-air update has been released[14].
- Seat belt warning (24V376), May 2024. The warning light and chime may stay silent when the driver is unbelted. Tesla's remedy is an over-the-air update[15].
- Pedestrian sounds (24V153), February 2024. A factory reset muted the sounds that warn people outside the car. An over-the-air update has been released[16].
- Dashboard warning lights (24V051), January 2024. The brake, park and ABS lights show in the wrong font size. Tesla began sending an over-the-air update[17].
- Autosteer controls (23V838), December 2023. The controls may not do enough to keep drivers paying attention, which raises the risk of misuse. The fix is an over-the-air update[18].
- Full Self-Driving Beta at intersections (23V085), February 2023. The software may act unsafely at intersections, for example by going straight from a turn-only lane. The fix is an over-the-air update[19].
- Taillights (22V844), November 2022. One or both taillights may flicker out. An over-the-air update has been released[20].
- Window reversal (22V702), September 2022. A closing window may not back off correctly after hitting an obstruction and could pinch a passenger. The fix is an over-the-air update[21].
- Camera cables (22V317), May 2022. The cable ends were installed the wrong way, so two camera views were swapped. That can hurt Autosteer and automatic emergency braking. Only 7 vehicles are listed, and Tesla corrects the cables and recalibrates the cameras[22].
- Boombox sounds (22V235), April 2022. A sound feature played through the outside speaker could cover the pedestrian warning sounds. The fix is an over-the-air update that turns Boombox off when the car is in drive, neutral or reverse[23].
- Boombox sounds (22V063), February 2022. Same issue and same type of fix as 22V235. NHTSA says this earlier recall was superseded by 22V235[24].
- Heat pump (22V050), February 2022. A software error can trap refrigerant, so defrosting works worse and visibility drops. The fix is an over-the-air update[25].
- Seat belt chime (22V045), February 2022. The chime may not sound at startup when the driver is unbelted. The fix is an over-the-air update[26].
- Rolling stop (22V037), January 2022. A Full Self-Driving Beta feature may roll through an all-way stop. The fix is an over-the-air update that turns it off[27].
- Suspension knuckles (21V912), November 2021. The front and rear knuckles may crack, which can let suspension links come apart and cut stability. Only 826 vehicles are listed[28]. Tesla inspects and replaces knuckles as needed[28].
- Camera communication (21V846), October 2021. A communication error may trigger a false collision warning or an unexpected automatic stop. An over-the-air update has been released[29].
- Suspension fasteners (21V835), October 2021. Front lateral link fasteners may loosen and let the link separate, which can upset the wheel alignment. Potentially affected units: 2,791[30]. Tesla tightens or replaces the fasteners as needed[30].
- Brake caliper bolts (21V387), May 2021. Loose bolts may let a caliper come off and hit the wheel rim, which can cost the car its tire pressure. Potentially affected units: 5,974[31]. Tesla inspects and tightens or replaces the bolts[31].
- Rear seat belt fasteners (21V388), May 2021. The fasteners holding the second row belt retractors may not be attached properly. Potentially affected units: 2,166[32]. Tesla inspects and replaces them if needed[32].
- Front seat belt fastener (21V389), May 2021. A shoulder belt fastener at the b-pillar may not be attached properly. Potentially affected units: 5,530[33]. Tesla inspects and repairs both fasteners if needed[33].
Fuel economy and range
This is an electric car, so the EPA rates it in MPGe. The ratings differ by version[34][35][36].
| Version | Combined MPGe | City / highway MPGe | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range AWD[34] | 125 | 131 / 117 | 326 miles |
| Performance AWD[35] | 111 | 115 / 106 | 303 miles |
| Standard Range RWD[36] | 129 | 140 / 119 | 244 miles |
The Standard Range RWD has the best combined rating but the shortest range of the three[36]. The Performance AWD has the lowest combined rating[35].
Engine and size
The EPA lists the electric motor at 280 to 418 hp, depending on version[37].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, so a US car can differ slightly[38][39].
How 2021 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 282 | 24 |
| 2021 | 1,091 | 23 |
| 2022 | 873 | 20 |
| 2023 | 1,185 | 17 |
| 2024 | 328 | 5 |
| 2025 | 106 | 3 |
| 2026 | 411 | 8 |
The 2021 model year has 1,091 complaints and 23 recalls on file[3]. Only 2023 has more complaints, at 1,185[3]. The 2022 year has 873 and the 2020 year has 282[3]. On recalls, only 2020 has more, at 24[3]. The 2022 year has 20, the 2023 year has 17, and 2024 has 5[3].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. Treat the ranking as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2021 Model Y?
The 2021 Model Y has a long recall list, and most of it is software that Tesla fixes over the air[3]. Before buying, ask for proof that each recall was completed, and check the headlight recall, because its repair is not yet available[11]. The suspension and brake caliper recalls involve physical parts, so a service record for them is worth asking for[28][30][31]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe unexpected braking and sudden acceleration, so test drive the car on a highway and in a parking lot[2][5]. This year sits second for both complaints and recalls among Model Y years, which is a reason to check history, not a verdict on any one car[3].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model Y?
- By complaint count to NHTSA, forward collision avoidance leads with 582 complaints, then brakes with 180 and speed control with 161[2][4][5]. These are unverified owner reports.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have?
- NHTSA lists 23 recalls for this model year[3]. The headlight recall 26V507 has no repair available yet[11].
- What is the range of a 2021 Tesla Model Y?
- The EPA rates it at 326 miles for Long Range AWD, 303 miles for Performance AWD and 244 miles for Standard Range RWD[34][35][36].
- Is the 2021 Model Y a worse year than 2022 or 2023?
- It has more complaints than 2022 (1,091 against 873) and fewer than 2023 (1,185), and more recalls than both (23 against 20 and 17)[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,091 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Tesla Model Y (88 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 25 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 582 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (32 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Tesla Model Y model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 180 complaints name the brakes component group (18 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 161 complaints name the speed control component group (19 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 524). NHTSA vehicle records
- 152 complaints name the electrical system component group (13 crashes, 2 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 94 complaints name the steering component group (10 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 79 complaints name the suspension component group (5 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,716). NHTSA vehicle records
- 77 complaints name the lane departure component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 140 complaints name the unknown or other component group (20 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 20). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V507, filed August 4, 2026: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V283, filed May 4, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V935, filed December 17, 2024: Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V554, filed July 24, 2024: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V376, filed May 28, 2024: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V153, filed February 27, 2024: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V051, filed January 30, 2024: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V838, filed December 12, 2023: Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V085, filed February 15, 2023: Steering › Automated / Adaptive Steering. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V844, filed November 15, 2022: Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V702, filed September 19, 2022: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V317, filed May 9, 2022: Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V235, filed April 12, 2022: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V063, filed February 4, 2022: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V050, filed February 2, 2022: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V045, filed February 1, 2022: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V037, filed January 27, 2022: Steering › Automated / Adaptive Steering. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V912, filed November 21, 2021: Suspension. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V846, filed October 29, 2021: Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V835, filed October 25, 2021: Suspension › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V387, filed May 25, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V388, filed May 25, 2021: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V389, filed May 25, 2021: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Model Y Long Range AWD, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 125 MPGe combined, 326 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model Y Performance AWD, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 111 MPGe combined, 303 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model Y Standard Range RWD, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 129 MPGe combined, 244 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Tesla Model Y with electric motor: rated 280 to 418 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MODEL Y 4DR SUV AWD: length 187 in, width 76 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,416 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MODEL Y 4DR SUV RWD: length 187 in, width 76 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 3,924 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov