The Lemon IndexTesla Model Y.
The best Tesla Model Y years are 2022, 2020, 2021. Years to avoid: 2021, 2020, 2022. Across 2020-2022, it has a Lemon Index of 359, where 100 is the average car and lower is better.
Reliability by year, 2020 to 2025.
Every year. Lower is better. Tap a year for its full report.
What buyers watch before they buy.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2026 Tesla Model Y, 23.5M views.
What owners say it costs
- Monthly payment / lease$57412 videos · most $420–$700Hear it ▶
- Insurance$3,4207 videos · most $1,800–$3,800Hear it ▶
- Yearly cost to own$1,2506 videos · most $650–$1,500Hear it ▶
- Tires$8505 videos · most $400–$1,200Hear it ▶
- Battery$15,0002 videos · most $10,000–$20,000Hear it ▶
Dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos (median, so one wild number can't swing it). Not verified sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Most-watched topics
- Reviews & first drives13.0M views
Exclusive First Drive of the 2026 Tesla Model Y | Jay Leno's GarageJay Leno's Garage · 1.8M views · 40 videos - Problems, recalls & complaints2.3M views
All NEW Features On 2026 Tesla Model Y | Don't Make a MistakeRyan Shaw · 551K views · 11 videos - Off-road, towing & tests2.1M views
2026 Tesla Model Y Premium AWD - POV Test Drive (Binaural Audio)Winding Road Magazine · 686K views · 7 videos - Owner reviews & long-term2.0M views
New Tesla Model Y Juniper Review after 1 Month...Everyday Chris · 359K views · 15 videos
Show 4 more
- Versus rivals1.5M views
2026 Tesla Model Y vs Model 3 (Which is Better?)Everyday Chris · 429K views · 9 videos - Price, trims & which to buy1.1M views
NEW 2026 Tesla Model Y Review | Watch Before BuyingRyan Shaw · 442K views · 8 videos - Interior, tech & features1.1M views
NEW 2026 Tesla Model Y - Interior and Exterior WalkaroundCarsAround · 444K views · 6 videos - Range, MPG & charging528K views
Amazing range and power! // 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance reviewMotormouth · 182K views · 4 videos
Views show what people watch most, not how often something goes wrong. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
Best years to buy
2022.
Quick answers.
Is the Tesla Model Y a good car?
Not overall: it draws more complaints than the average car, by owner complaints to the government per car sold (2020-2022: Lemon Index 359; 100 is average). Some years are much better than others: the best is 2022 and the worst is 2021.
What are the best Tesla Model Y years to buy?
By owner complaints per car sold: 2022, 2020, 2021.
What Tesla Model Y years should you stay away from?
The years with the most complaints per car sold: 2021, 2020, 2022.
How many recalls does the Tesla Model Y have?
92 safety recalls across the 6 model years we track. Most: 2020 (24), 2021 (23), 2022 (20). Each year's page lists them.
What are the most common Tesla Model Y problems?
Across every year, owners' complaints to the government name automatic emergency braking, speed control and brakes most. Some years are much worse than others: see the chart above.
Every year in one table
| Year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Top complaint | Recalls | Crash test | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 298 | 3× the average car's complaints | 199 | automatic emergency braking (56%) | 24 | ★★★★★ | 111–121 |
| 2021 | 533 | 5.3× the average car's complaints | 888 | automatic emergency braking (90%) | 23 | ★★★★★ | 111–129 |
| 2022 | 272 | 2.7× the average car's complaints | 771 | automatic emergency braking (86%) | 20 | ★★★★★ | 111–129 |
| 2023 | 258 | 2.6× the average car's complaints | 1,182 | automatic emergency braking (54%) | 17 | ★★★★★ | 111–123 |
| 2024 | 94 | about average | 328 | automatic emergency braking (53%) | 5 | — | 105–120 |
| 2025 | 50 | 2× fewer complaints than average | 106 | automatic emergency braking (58%) | 3 | — | 104–125 |
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. How it works
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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