The Lemon Index2021 Tesla Model Y.
The 2021 Tesla Model Y is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 888 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 533, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, and it has 23 recalls. The best Tesla Model Y year is 2022.
Lemon alert. 5.3× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2022
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,089 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Tesla Model Y year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 27K miles on the car (100 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- automatic emergency braking complaints mostly came at 1K–10K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 0K–32K miles
Recalls 23
- lights 2026
The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output.
- back over prevention 2026
The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- tires 2024
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure.
Show all 23 recalls
- latches/locks/linkages 2024
The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- seat belts 2024
In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended.
- automatic emergency braking 2024
A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
- electrical 2024
An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.
- electrical 2023
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.
- steering 2023
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…
- lights 2022
One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
- visibility 2022
The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.
- automatic emergency braking 2022
The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.
- electrical 2022
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.
- electrical 2022
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.
- electrical 2022
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.
- electrical 2022
The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt.
- electrical 2022
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.
- suspension 2021
The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
- automatic emergency braking 2021
A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
- suspension 2021
The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
- seat belts 2021
One or both fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors may not be properly attached.
- seat belts 2021
One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
- brakes 2021
The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Tesla told dealers about
Tesla sent dealers 95 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS)…
- Leaked inside the rear trunk area through the liftgate assembly
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenFsd collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions2026
- OpenLower lateral link detachment2026
- OpenCompliance with standing general order 2021-01 reporting requirements2025
- OpenElectronic door handles become inoperative2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model S 5 HB AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $600–700 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
Sudden, unexpected breaking multiple times while using autopilot cruise control.
2021 Tesla Model Y owner · NHTSA complaint 11450085
More owner reports
While traveling at night on a 2-way highway at about 65-70mph my vehicle incorrectly thought every semi-truck I encountered was in my lane and would apply hard braking. This has happened 10+ times.
NHTSA complaint 11450647
I was changing lanes on the highway and my tire flew off the vehicle. Car lost control and slammed between railing and a large truck multiple times. Airbags did not deploy. Defective vehicle!
NHTSA complaint 11422282
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 5.3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 533; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Tesla Model Y year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2021 Tesla Model Y problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (90%), brakes (19%) and speed control (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have?
23 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Tesla Model Y problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 600 and 27,100 miles. The middle report was at 3,800 miles, from 100 complaints.
Does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Tesla Model Y cost in fuel a year?
About $600 to $700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What Tesla Model Y year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2020 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works