The Lemon Index2023 Tesla Model Y.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y is so far one of the worst years by owner complaints: 1,182 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 258, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, and it has 17 recalls. The best Tesla Model Y year is 2022.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,182 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Tesla Model Y year. 2023 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 2K to 25K miles on the car (82 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–5K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 1K–15K miles
Recalls 17
- 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.
- steering 2025
The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.
Show all 17 recalls
- back over prevention 2025
The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image.
- 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.
- 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.
- electrical 2024
An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.
- back over prevention 2024
Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
- 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.
- automatic emergency braking 2023
The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.
- electrical 2023
The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.
- steering 2023
The steering wheel fastener may be loose.
- seats 2023
The bolts securing the second-row seat back frames may not have been securely tightened.
- 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…
- suspension 2022
The front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly attached to the sub-frame.
- lights 2022
One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
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 91 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the steering wheel cover material may separate from the…
- 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
- OpenTraffic safety violations while full self driving ("fsd") is engaged2025
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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model S (All Variants) 5 HB AWD Early Release | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $600–700 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
Phantom braking in cruise control almost caused being rear ended. This happens all the time! Super dangerous
2023 Tesla Model Y owner · NHTSA complaint 11527639
More owner reports
Intermittent sudden braking for no reason when driving with the cruise on during highway driving.
NHTSA complaint 11558848
While on cruise control on US-93 North bound on between mile marker 116 and 110 ghost breaking occurs. Can cause an accident. It happened multiple times.
NHTSA complaint 11543464
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Tesla Model Y reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.6× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 258; 100 is average). The best Tesla Model Y year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2023 Tesla Model Y problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (54%), steering (18%) and speed control (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model Y have?
17 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2023 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 2023 Tesla Model Y problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,000 and 25,800 miles. The middle report was at 6,100 miles, from 82 complaints.
Does the 2023 Tesla Model Y have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 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 2023?
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