2021 Tesla Model Y reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA has 23 recalls on file, including Headlights, Back-over prevention, software, and Tire pressure monitoring. NHTSA's complaint API returns no filings for the 2021 Model Y, including years that have recalls on file, so a complaint count isn't shown. Recalls are tracked separately.

2021 Tesla Model Y
Photo by Alexander Migl, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2021 Tesla Model Y. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (23)

Recall exterior lighting, headlights 2026-08-05 · NHTSA campaign 26V507000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Recall back-over prevention, software 2026-05-05 · NHTSA campaign 26V283000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Recall tires, tire pressure monitoring 2024-12-17 · NHTSA campaign 24V935000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Remedy Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
Recall latches, locks, and linkages, hood, latch 2024-07-24 · NHTSA campaign 24V554000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall seat belts, front, warning light 2024-05-28 · NHTSA campaign 24V376000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Recall forward collision avoidance, warnings, pedestrian alert 2024-02-27 · NHTSA campaign 24V153000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Remedy Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
Recall electrical system, instrument cluster 2024-01-30 · NHTSA campaign 24V051000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Remedy Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Recall electrical system, driver assistance, self-driving, software 2023-12-12 · NHTSA campaign 23V838000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Remedy Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Recall steering, adaptive steering 2023-02-15 · NHTSA campaign 23V085000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Remedy Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Recall exterior lighting, tail lights 2022-11-15 · NHTSA campaign 22V844000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Remedy Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.
Recall visibility, power windows 2022-09-19 · NHTSA campaign 22V702000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Recall forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking 2022-05-09 · NHTSA campaign 22V317000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y vehicles. The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.
Remedy Tesla Service will correct the swapped terminals and recalibrate the cameras, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-17-007.
Recall electrical system, software 2022-04-12 · NHTSA campaign 22V235000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Recall electrical system, software 2022-02-04 · NHTSA campaign 22V063000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Recall electrical system, software 2022-02-02 · NHTSA campaign 22V050000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.
Recall electrical system, software 2022-02-01 · NHTSA campaign 22V045000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Recall electrical system, driver assistance, self-driving, software 2022-01-27 · NHTSA campaign 22V037000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Recall Suspension 2021-11-21 · NHTSA campaign 21V912000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and replace the knuckles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-004.
Recall forward collision avoidance, sensing system, camera 2021-10-29 · NHTSA campaign 21V846000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Remedy Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Recall suspension, critical fasteners 2021-10-25 · NHTSA campaign 21V835000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Remedy Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.
Recall Seat belts 2021-05-25 · NHTSA campaign 21V389000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
Recall hydraulic brakes, foundation components, disc, caliper 2021-05-25 · NHTSA campaign 21V387000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.
Recall seat belts, rear or other, retractor 2021-05-25 · NHTSA campaign 21V388000
Summary Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors may not be properly attached.
Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and replace both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-002.

NHTSA's complaint API returns no filings for the 2021 Model Y, including years that have recalls on file, so a complaint count isn't shown. Recalls are tracked separately.

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat SUV RWD Early Release 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars
2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat SUV RWD Later Release 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars
2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat SUV AWD Early Release 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars
2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat SUV AWD Later Release 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars
2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat SUV RWD Early Release 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars
2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat SUV RWD Later Release 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Model Y Long Range all-wheel drive — Automatic (1-speed) All-wheel drive 131 117 125 MPG / 326 mi range $600
Model Y Performance all-wheel drive — Automatic (1-speed) All-wheel drive 115 106 111 MPG / 303 mi range $700
Model Y Standard Range rear-wheel drive — Automatic (1-speed) Rear-wheel drive 140 119 129 MPG / 244 mi range $600

Specs and fitment

First generation, 2020–2025
Body styles SUV
Tire size 255/45R19 (19-inch), 255/40R20 (20-inch), 255/35R21 (Performance 21-inch front) front / 255/45R19 (19-inch), 255/40R20 (20-inch), 275/35R21 (Performance 21-inch rear) rear
Towing capacity 3,500 lbs

Known issues for this generation

Recall 21V-912 covers certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles whose front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate; Tesla Service inspects and replaces knuckles as necessary, and the campaign lists 826 vehicles. Recall 21V-835 covers certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles whose front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen and allow the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. Recall 23V-838 covers 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Autosteer versions up to the remedy software; NHTSA states that in certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature. The Autosteer campaign lists 2,031,220 vehicles across those models. Recall 24V-554 covers certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles whose hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood after the hood has been opened; an unlatched hood can fully open and obstruct the driver's view. That campaign lists 1,849,638 vehicles across those models.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y reliable?

NHTSA has 23 recalls on file, including Headlights, Back-over prevention, software, and Tire pressure monitoring. NHTSA's complaint API returns no filings for the 2021 Model Y, including years that have recalls on file, so a complaint count isn't shown. Recalls are tracked separately.

Has the 2021 Tesla Model Y been recalled?

The 2021 Tesla Model Y has 23 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

What mpg does a 2021 Tesla Model Y get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2021 Tesla Model Y is 121.7 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What generation is the 2022 Tesla Model Y?

First generation (2020-2025), before the Juniper refresh.

How much can a US Tesla Model Y tow?

With the factory tow package, Tesla's Model Y manual lists a maximum of 3,500 lbs and a 350 lb maximum tongue weight. Lower limits apply to specific combinations of wheel size and passenger count: the 2020-2024 manual caps 20-inch cars at 2,300 lbs with four or five occupants and does not permit towing at all on 20-inch wheels with six or seven.