The Lemon Index2025 Tesla Model Y.
The 2025 Tesla Model Y is so far better than average by owner complaints: 106 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 50, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, and it has 3 recalls. The best Tesla Model Y year is 2022.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 106 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Tesla Model Y year. 2025 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.
Recalls 3
- equipment 2026
The certification label may not have been installed.
- 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.
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 10 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some Model Y vehicles, water may ingress into the front fascia camera via the channels on…
- On some Model Y Standard vehicles, the gap between the front door glass run seals and the…
- Some Model Y vehicles may emit rattling or knocking noises when driving over bumps or rough road
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
- OpenCompliance with standing general order 2021-01 reporting requirements2025
- OpenTraffic safety violations while full self driving ("fsd") is engaged2025
- ClosedActually smart summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.2025–2026
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 (All variants) 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Tesla Model 3 (All variants) 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Tesla Model S (All Variants) 5 HB AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $600–750 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
Passenger side airbag did not deploy. Emergency auto brake did not seem to work. The passenger side of the vehicle was struck by other car at high speed and sustained significant damage
2025 Tesla Model Y owner · NHTSA complaint 11711221
More owner reports
Automatic Emergency braking stopped working. Parking assist stopped working. Back window is dismal. You can't see anything behind through the window. All cameras stopped working and it poses a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint 11632249
The vehicle was in supervised full self driving on the turnpike, when all of a sudden it darted out of the lane into th grass hitting a guard rail.
NHTSA complaint 11704831
Quick answers
Is the 2025 Tesla Model Y reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 50; 100 is average).
What are the most common 2025 Tesla Model Y problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (58%), lane assist (23%) and electrical (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model Y have?
3 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2025 Tesla Model Y have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2025 Tesla Model Y cost in fuel a year?
About $600 to $750 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What Tesla Model Y year is better than the 2025?
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