2021 Tesla Model Y body problems

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Body · AR

I am filing this complaint regarding a serious front suspension failure involving my 2021 Tesla Model Y. Vehicle Information: •Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc. •Model: Model Y •Model Year: 2021 •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 92,515 miles •Tesla Service Inspection Date: XXX •Service Location: Tesla Service Center, [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: My 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a serious failure involving the front driver’s side lower control arm/lateral link assembly. The inner mounting bolt backed out and the lower control arm detached from its mounting point on the front subframe. The control arm bushing was torn, and the suspension arm became loose, rendering the vehicle unsafe and undrivable. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center in [XXX], where the issue was documented in the service estimate dated XXX. Tesla proposed replacing the front lower lateral links, front subframe assembly, left front lower compliance link, and right front halfshaft, along with performing a four-wheel alignment. Safety Concerns: I am extremely concerned that a critical suspension mounting bolt could back out and allow the lower control arm to separate from the vehicle’s subframe. A failure of this nature could result in loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, or a serious accident, particularly if it occurs at highway speeds. This is not a routine suspension wear issue. It involves the separation of a critical suspension component that is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and steering control. Potential Related Recalls and Investigation: I requested that Tesla review whether my vehicle is affected by the following recall or investigation references: •the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑835 •the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑235 •the federal safety agency Recall 26V558 •Tesla Service Bulletin SB-26-31-004 •the federal safety agency Investigation PE26006 See more info in attachment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Body, Electrical · NY

On XXX, my 2021 Tesla Model Y displayed a low-voltage warning. Approximately 15 minutes later, the vehicle became completely inoperable and we could not open its doors. Our children's car seats were inside and inaccessible. We were stranded with two young children, ages [XXX].[XXX] and [XXX]. My wife ultimately had to transport the children without their car seats because we could not retrieve them. This loss of vehicle and door access after such limited warning created a serious safety risk. Tesla Roadside Assistance was dismissive, including after escalation to [XXX], who was described as part of its senior leadership team. The vehicle was serviced at Tesla's [XXX] center. We incurred $364 for towing and $139 for transportation and lost more than five hours. Please investigate the electrical and door-access failure. It may be relevant to the federal safety agency investigation PE25010, but I do not know the underlying cause or whether it is the same issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Body, Suspension · CA

I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for a front suspension noise. During the alignment portion of that repair, the technician found a crack in the left side of the rear subframe casting, the structural member that locates the rear suspension links and supports the rear drive unit. The subframe required full replacement. There was no impact event. The vehicle has never struck a curb, pothole, or object, and Tesla's own written finding confirmed there was no evidence of any side impact. Tesla attributed the crack to stress transmitted from failed front lower control arm bushings, which were replaced at the same visit. The front lower lateral links and their subframe fasteners were also replaced during this repair. The Tesla technician stated he had not seen this subframe crack so severely at this mileage, and that he normally sees this failure only on vehicles over 100,000 miles, or vehicles that have hit severe potholes or fallen off steep curbs, none of which applies here. A rear subframe cracking under normal driving loads at 68,000 miles is a structural failure with safety implications. The subframe controls rear wheel alignment and retains the drive unit. Progressive or sudden failure could cause loss of alignment, instability, or loss of vehicle control. I am reporting this so the federal safety agency can determine whether premature rear subframe cracking, potentially linked to front suspension link failure, represents a defect trend on these vehicles.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Body, Suspension · 64,811 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the suspension on the undercarriage of the vehicle was separating from the vehicle. The contact stated that a year prior to the failure, the half shaft used to attach the wheel to the vehicle subframe was fractured and was falling off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the battery was very heavy and was possibly the cause of the failure. The vehicle was being repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,811.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Body, Electrical · CA

My 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) experienced a serious safety malfunction during a 12V low‑voltage failure. When the vehicle displayed the 12V alert, it became non‑functional. Upon entering, no systems were operating. When I pressed the brake pedal, the interior lights flashed and both front windows began moving up and down automatically without any input. This uncommanded movement caused both windows to shatter violently inside the cabin. The glass broke along the lower section of the window, consistent with internal mechanical stress caused by the window motor cycling during a fault. This was not external impact. I have photos documenting the breakage pattern. This is a safety defect. Automatic window movement during electrical failure poses a risk of injury. Additionally, even if a customer closes a door with the window raised, the glass should not shatter. Tesla vehicles are designed with automatic window indexing and motor resistance protection. The system should adjust the window position to prevent breakage. The fact that the glass shattered indicates a failure of Tesla’s safety logic and window indexing system. Tesla denied responsibility and claimed “misuse,” but could not provide system logs to support this claim. Tesla also stated customers must ensure windows are lowered before closing doors, but this requirement does not exist anywhere in Tesla’s manual. Tesla’s explanation does not address the automatic window movement that caused the breakage. This malfunction presents a clear safety hazard: unexpected window movement, glass shattering inside the cabin, and risk of injury to occupants. I request the federal safety agency investigate Tesla’s window indexing behavior during 12V failures, the failure of safety protections, and the risk of glass breakage caused by system‑initiated movement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 19, 2026 · Body, Driver assistance · TX

I am reporting two unresolved safety-related defects on my 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] ) that occurred following paid service at Tesla's League City Service Center on 04/16/2026 DEFECT 1 — COMPUTER AND SENSOR SYSTEM FAILURE: The vehicle's onboard computer cuts in and out intermittently. Sensors fail during operation and the problem worsens significantly in high-temperature conditions. Tesla vehicles rely on their computer and sensor systems for core safety functions including collision avoidance, autopilot, and driver assist features. Intermittent failure of these systems while operating the vehicle is a safety hazard to the driver and the public. DEFECT 2 — GLOVE BOX INOPERABLE: The glove box does not open following Tesla service. The glove box in Tesla vehicles houses key vehicle documentation and is integrated into the vehicle's locking and security system. I paid $2,497.50 for service on [06/16/2026]. Both defects were either caused or left unresolved by that service. I have notified Tesla service staff directly and followed up multiple times over more than four weeks. Tesla has not responded, has not scheduled any repair, and has not refunded my money. I am filing this complaint because (1) the sensor and computer failures present an active safety risk during operation, (2) Tesla has ignored all attempts to resolve this, and (3) public reviews indicate this is a pattern affecting multiple consumers. I request that the federal safety agency investigate and determine whether a safety defect investigation or recall is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Body · IN

The paint on my Tesla Model Y is peeling and delaminating along both sides of the rear trunk/hatch seam, adjacent to the rear glass. The issue appears in the same location on both sides in a symmetrical pattern. There has been no accident, impact, or external damage to these areas. The peeling began gradually and has continued to worsen over time. The symmetry and location suggest this is not normal wear or environmental damage, but a potential defect in paint adhesion or manufacturing at the trunk seam. This condition exposes underlying material and may lead to further deterioration, including corrosion over time. I am reporting this as a potential manufacturing defect affecting durability of the vehicle exterior

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Body, Electrical · MD

On [XXX], after placing my young child in my Tesla and closing the door, the 12V battery failed suddenly and the vehicle became inaccessible. I was unable to unlock or enter the car. I did not receive any warning or alert that the 12V battery was about to fail. The vehicle was in my garage, and the window automatically cracked, which allowed me to monitor my child while I sought help. I called Tesla Roadside Assistance at 8:59 AM. During the call, the representative reassured me that help was being dispatched and at times described the service provider as “on the way” (timing details such as “within ~45 minutes” and the length of the initial call are my best estimates). After continued waiting with my child confined inside the vehicle, I contacted emergency services due to the safety risk. I called 911 at 10:03 AM. I later had the 12V battery replaced at my own expense. This incident involved a sudden electrical failure without warning that resulted in a child being trapped inside a disabled vehicle, and I am also concerned about the accuracy and effectiveness of roadside assistance dispatch communications during the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Body · NY

Frunk (Hood) has been randomly opening at times when the car is parked. Today it opened after being parked at my office parking lot for 3 hours. I am concerned that this can occur while driving, especially on the highway, potentially causing a deadly accident.

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · Body, Electrical · CA

This incident appears to relate to the federal safety agency ongoing investigation at Tesla's low voltage battery system failure causing door handle malfunction. (September 26, 2025) 2021 Model Y front and rear doors (all four) was locked down with a seven years old child inside the car at home garage driveway. Mom unable to open up doors from exterior. A few hours later, left driver door was able to open but other passengers door remained locked down. (October 2, 2025) Sent Model Y to Tesla service center and identified low voltage battery and vehicle controller failure. Tesla technician replaced those electrical components with service fee charged.