2021 Tesla Model Y: engine stalls while driving

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · PA

COMPONENT: The car computer (Tesla HW3 / "Full Self-Driving Computer 3," which houses the Autopilot computer and GPS) failed during a scheduled overnight over-the-air software update from version XXX in early XXX. The update failed to install, and from that point all cameras were black including the backup camera, navigation was frozen, and every driver-assistance feature was unavailable: Autopilot, FSD, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping, and blind spot monitoring. The failed unit was returned to the owner and is available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: The vehicle remained drivable with crash-avoidance systems and the federally required backup camera disabled. The only indication was a camera-unavailable message; there was no clear warning that AEB and collision warning were off. The vehicle was driven about three weeks in this condition while awaiting parts. CONFIRMED BY MANUFACTURER: Yes. Tesla remote diagnosis determined the car computer required replacement. Tesla remotely cancelled and re-pushed the update on XXX; the download stalled at 0 B/s and never installed. Tesla Service in [XXX] replaced the car computer on XXX at owner expense ($2,489.48; outside basic warranty, goodwill declined). Tesla's repair notes state the loss of all camera images and Autopilot capability occurred "after a failed software update." PRIOR WARNINGS: None. No warning lamps or messages before the update; the vehicle operated normally on XXX Owner resets, power-off, and 12V disconnect did not restore function. ASSESSMENT: The Autopilot computer failed during a manufacturer-pushed software update. Owner forums and automotive press reported numerous similar HW3 computer failures in summer 2026 following Tesla software releases. No crash, fire, or injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Electrical, Visibility · FL

In May 2025, Tesla pushed an over-the-air (OTA) software update overnight while the vehicle was parked. When the vehicle was started the following morning, the update had failed mid-process and stalled at approximately 50%. Immediately upon startup, the backup camera and navigation/maps stopped functioning. The vehicle has been unable to complete subsequent software updates since. Tesla service later inspected the vehicle and indicated that the main computer/ECU was stuck in a loop and required replacement. The backup camera and navigation loss occurred immediately following the OTA update and persisted for several months despite multiple service attempts. Due to the vehicle’s rear design and limited rear window visibility, operating the vehicle in reverse without a functioning backup camera significantly impairs visibility. Even when using mirrors or physically turning to look backward, rearward visibility is restricted. As a result, the loss of backup camera functionality presents an ongoing, daily safety hazard during normal vehicle operation.

Filed Mar 6, 2023 · Engine · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that her husband was attempting to drive from a stationary position and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact experienced the failure three times. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 19, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · CA

On June 28th 11:50pm with 174 mile range, my Tesla Model Y LR died while driving on fwy 5 with my 10 year old. I barely had time to exit, it gave me warning “PULL OVER SAFELY” “VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN”. I barely made it to off-ramp, my car completely shutdown at the end of off ramp. Could not put it to neutral, me and my 10 years old had to exit the car immediately, called tow truck via tesla app. Tow truck showed up in 20 mins, can was not drivable. This could have been much worst, if I was not able to exit and my car stuck on middle of the freeway at night. This is a huge safety concern.

Filed Jun 14, 2022 · Driver assistance · FL

There are 4 issues to report for our Tesla Model Y: 1) On the highway, our Tesla often presses on the brakes and slows down by itself when it should not be doing so. This occurs when we have adaptive cruise control on. We’ve noticed that at the time of the slowdown, the Tesla misreads the highway speed limit. For example, the Tesla will read the speed limit as 70 mph, then all of sudden without warning, the Tesla will suddenly read the speed limit at 40 mph, which then causes the Tesla to break and slow down by itself, when the speed limit is actually still 70 mph. This can happen several times on a single highway trip. Aside from the shock we receive as a driver as our vehicle slows unexpectedly, this could cause a rear end collision if a car is following us too closely from behind. 2) When we use adaptive cruise control and the steering assist feature, the car does not recognize to slow down on highway off ramp curves. I monitor the speed around curves, though if a driver is not aware of the issue and expects for the Tesla to take the curve slowly, this could cause an issue. In particular, if there is a big curve, I’d be concerned of the Tesla losing control and going off the road, due to speed. 3) The car will often provide a frontal collision warning, even if there is no car or object in front of the car, while it's in motion. This can lead to confusion for the driver or possibly hard breaking, which could cause a rear-end collision, if a car is following too close behind the Tesla. Also, the Tesla driver may swerve unnecessarily to avoid an object that isn’t there, which could cause a collision. 4) The Tesla is advertised as being able to travel over 300 miles on a single charge, however, the conditions for this to happen seem incredibly difficult to meet, as mileage is usually far less than this. This can cause drivers to overestimate how far they can drive, which could lead to cars urgently pulling of the road to prevent stalling where traffic is.

Filed Apr 19, 2021 · Electrical · 440 miles · CA

I received delivery of my 2021 model y on monday, march 29th. After 12 days of ownership and driving approx. 400 miles, on saturday, april 10th, the vehicle shut down while driving, leaving me stranded in a lane of traffic at night. The following error message appeared on the monitor: 'vehicle shutting down ' pull over safely'. I was not successful in completely pulling over, since I had very little time (approx. 5 seconds) to respond before the car shook and stopped entirely. I had no ability to place it in neutral to move it to a safer location. I was able to put my hazard lights on. An hour later, the car was towed. According to tesla, it required a new rear motor and new 12 volt battery. As a result of the rear motor shutting down, after 12 days of use, the car force stopped itself without any option to place into neutral leaving a driver stranded and essentially a "sitting duck" in the most dangerous situations a driver can be put in. This is a safety issue that should be addressed - at least provide the driver longer than 5 seconds to react &/or provide option to place vehicle into neutral to move to safety.