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2026 Tesla Model Y: problems, recalls and efficiency
The 2026 Tesla Model Y has 8 recalls on file and earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA[1][2]. The 2026 Tesla Model Y has 8 recalls on file and earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA[1][2]. In a small sample of complaints we read, owners often describe driver-assist features[3][4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 411 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Model Y[5]. Of those, 86 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 33 injuries, and no deaths are reported[5]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several components.
The largest component groups are:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown or other[6] | 126 |
| Forward collision avoidance[3] | 123 |
| Electrical system[7] | 57 |
| Steering[8] | 50 |
| Lane departure[4] | 50 |
| Speed control[9] | 33 |
| Structure[10] | 31 |
| Suspension[11] | 31 |
We read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. The themes below are from that sample only and do not describe all owners.
- Forward collision avoidance. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe driver-assist or self-driving modes taking the car off the road, onto a curb or too close to a hazard. Others describe sudden hard braking with nothing ahead[3].
- Electrical system. Owners in the sample describe driver-assist or robotaxi behavior, such as a car running a red light or stopping in traffic. A few describe warning messages or a loss of drive power on a new car[7].
- Steering. Some owners describe a vibration in the steering wheel or the whole car, often at highway speed. A couple describe losing power steering assist[8].
- Lane departure. Several owners in the sample describe automated driving steering the car into the wrong lane or into a barrier. Two describe lane keeping and cruise control switching off together when they turn the wheel[4].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2026 model year[1]. Newest first:
- Front suspension fasteners (26V558). On 19 vehicles[12], front suspension lateral link fasteners may not be tight enough. The link could loosen or separate, which could shift the wheel alignment and cause loss of control. Tesla will tighten or replace the fasteners and check the alignment for free. Owner letters are expected October 30, 2026[12].
- Foreign-market vehicles (26V445). On 15 vehicles built for another market[13], the car lacks knee air bags and some interior safety features, and may not have been tested for bumper impact. That means reduced protection in a crash. Tesla will repurchase affected vehicles registered in the US. Owner letters were expected September 5, 2026[13].
- Certification label (26V315). On 14,575 vehicles[14],, the certification label may be missing. Without the weight information, a driver could overload the car. Tesla will inspect and install a label if needed, free of charge. Letters were mailed July 17, 2026[14].
- Battery contactors (25V690). On 12,963 vehicles[15],, the battery pack contactors may fail and cause a loss of drive power. That raises crash risk. Tesla will replace the contactors for free. Letters were mailed December 9, 2025[15].
- Reverse lights (25V658). On 260 vehicles[16], a wiring defect may keep the reverse lights from coming on. Tesla will replace the reverse lights and the harness for free. Letters were mailed November 26, 2025[16].
- Horn (25V490). On 6 vehicles[17], the horn ground wire may be loose, so the horn may not sound. Tesla will replace the steering wheel for free. Letters were mailed September 23, 2025[17].
- Seat fasteners (25V410). On 48 vehicles[18], the fasteners joining the seat back and seat bottom may be too loose. The seat may not hold an occupant properly in a crash. Tesla will inspect and tighten or replace them for free. Letters were mailed August 16, 2025[18].
- Washer nozzles (25V359). On 172 vehicles[19], a hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles. That reduces visibility. Tesla will check the connector and swap it if needed at no cost to the owner. Letters were mailed July 25, 2025[19].
Tesla's customer service number in these notices is 1-877-798-3752[12].
Efficiency and range
This is an electric car, so the EPA rates it in MPGe. Combined ratings and range depend on the version[20][21][22][23][24][25]:
| Version | Combined MPGe | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard RWD (18in wheels)[22] | 138 | 321 miles |
| Long Range RWD[20] | 134 | 357 miles |
| Standard RWD (19in wheels)[23] | 131 | 303 miles |
| Standard AWD[25] | 127 | 294 miles |
| Long Range AWD[21] | 123 | 327 miles |
| Performance AWD[24] | 105 | 306 miles |
The best range on the list is the Long Range RWD at 357 miles[20]. The most efficient is the Standard RWD with 18 inch wheels at 138 MPGe[22].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the AWD version 5 stars overall[2], with 5 stars in frontal, side and rollover tests[26]. Its rollover risk is 8.6%[2]. The RWD version also gets 5 stars in every category[27], with a rollover risk of 8.9%[28].
Engine and size
Remove the sentence and begin with: The figures below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[29]. For size, the figures below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[29].
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 189 in |
| Width | 78 in |
| Height | 64 in |
| Wheelbase | 114 in |
| Curb weight | 4,363 lb |
All figures are from the same source[29].
How 2026 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 |
NHTSA counts by model year for the Model Y[1]:
| 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 |
| 2027 | 0 | 0 |
The 2026 year has the fourth most complaints and the fifth most recalls of the years listed[1]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show what is on file, not how likely a problem is.
Should you buy a 2026 Model Y?
The crash ratings are strong, with 5 stars overall[2][27]. The 2026 year also has 8 recalls, including battery contactors and front suspension fasteners[15][12]. Tesla says it will repair both for free[12][15]. Owners in the small sample we read often describe driver-assist features, but the reports are unverified[3][4]. If you drive with those features, learn how they switch on and off before you rely on them.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
- NHTSA has 411 complaints[5]. The largest groups are unknown or other with 126[6], forward collision avoidance with 123[3] and electrical with 57[7].[5][3][7]. In a sample we read, owners describe driver-assist behavior and braking[3].
- Does the 2026 Tesla Model Y have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2026 model year, including battery contactors (25V690) and front suspension fasteners (26V558)[1][15][12].
- How many miles does the 2026 Tesla Model Y go on a charge?
- EPA range runs from 294 to 357 miles depending on version[25][20].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Tesla Model Y model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 123 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (37 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 50 complaints name the lane departure component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA has 411 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Tesla Model Y (86 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 33 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 126 complaints name the unknown or other component group (27 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 57 complaints name the electrical system component group (10 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,350). NHTSA vehicle records
- 50 complaints name the steering component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 33 complaints name the speed control component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 31 complaints name the structure component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 31 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V558, filed August 31, 2026: Suspension › Front. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V445, filed July 7, 2026: Structure › Body › Bumpers. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V315, filed May 18, 2026: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V690, filed October 10, 2025: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Fuses, Relays, Contacts, And Shunts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V658, filed October 1, 2025: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V490, filed July 28, 2025: Electrical System › Horn. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V410, filed June 18, 2025: Seats › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V359, filed May 29, 2025: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Linkages. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Model Y Long Range RWD, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 134 MPGe combined, 357 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model Y Long Range AWD, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 123 MPGe combined, 327 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model Y Standard RWD (18in Wheels), electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 138 MPGe combined, 321 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model Y Standard RWD (19in Wheels), electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 131 MPGe combined, 303 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model Y Performance AWD, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 105 MPGe combined, 306 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model Y Standard AWD, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 127 MPGe combined, 294 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MODEL Y 4DR SUV: length 189 in, width 78 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,363 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov