2023 Tesla Model Y: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · NY

On the morning of 8-17, 2026, the vehicle experienced a total electrical power loss and high-voltage system deadlock immediately following an official Tesla Over-The-Air (OTA) software update pushed the previous night. Prior to this remote software update, the vehicle had zero operational issues or warning signs. Right after the update completed, the vehicle became completely unresponsive and undrivable. This issue directly compromised safety by causing a sudden, unpredictable loss of vehicle power and propulsion capability, creating a severe risk of stranded vehicle hazards and secondary collisions. The vehicle was brought to an official Tesla Service Center (Whitestone/Flushing, NY) for diagnosis. The manufacturer’s service center inspected the vehicle and confirmed a high-voltage Power Conversion System (PCS) deadlock failure (Repair Estimate ID issued). The failed PCS component remains at the Tesla Service Center awaiting replacement and is fully available for inspection upon request.

Filed Jun 20, 2026 · Driver assistance · GA · crash

The car's computer shorts out and disables all safety features including navigation, blind spot monitoring, all cameras, emergency braking, autopilot, lanekeeping, auto headlights and wipers. This is a known issue that Tesla will not repair. This resulted in a collision due to poor rear visibility, lack of cameras, and disabled emergency braking. In addition, intermittently there is loss of power steering. Despite this being a known issue, Tesla will not replace my computer, insisting I pay several thousands of dollars for the repair. I feel they must issue a recall and cover this safety defect. The car software cannot be updated, either. Please intervene. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I do not have the claim information for the other car involved, but can get from State Farm. I do have the repair costs for my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 24, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · TX · crash

Driving our 2023 Tesla model Y east on [XXX] on [XXX] near Pecos TX. Car suddenly lost power and started hard braking. We were rear ended by a large pick-up truck that was following as we were both traveling approximately 80 miles per hour when this occurred. The car was towed back to Dallas from Big Springs, TX (approximately 280 miles). The car's rear-end damage was such that my Tesla was deemed totaled by the insurance company. This power failure and hard braking had happened to me repeatedly over the last few years. When I spoke to Tesla at the Dallas service center about this issue, they acted as though they had never heard of this happening to anyone. We were both shaken by this accident but other than some soreness the next day we are physically OK. Tesla repair estimate was approximately $22,000. I was forced to buy another car. I had not planned on doing this as my car was fairly new with low mileage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NJ

I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2023 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete power loss while in operation, creating a hazardous situation. Below are the details of the incident: •Component/System Failure: The vehicle’s electrical system failed, leading to a shutdown. The following alerts were displayed on the screen: •VCFRONT_a191: Electrical system power reduced – Vehicle shutting down •VCFRONT_a192: Electrical system unable to support all features – Switching off features to conserve energy •BMS_a151: Vehicle may not restart – Service is required •DI_a227: Please wait while high voltage system powers up •Safety Risk: The unexpected shutdown posed a serious safety risk. If this had occurred in high-speed traffic, it could have led to a crash, endangering my safety and that of others on the road. •Reproduction of Issue: The issue has not been reproduced yet, but it is an ongoing concern. I have not received a resolution from Tesla at this time. •Inspection by Authorities: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Tesla, law enforcement, or insurance representatives. However, I am willing to make it available for investigation. •Warning Signs: There were no prior warning signs before the failure. The alerts appeared shortly before the vehicle lost power completely. This issue raises concerns about the reliability and safety of Tesla’s electrical system. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this matter to prevent potential accidents caused by similar failures in other vehicles.

Filed Nov 27, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

While Driving, the system prompt electrical system failure. pull to the road side. within 20 or so seconds, the car lost power. About 10 minutes or so later, the whole car (emergency light, door, trunk etc lost power too. Consider the car lost driving power in seconds, then lost emergency light can be highly dangerous to all parties. Before the failure, the car shows "front motor is disabled, power is reduced, OK to drive" This OK to drive turns out not OK to drive, misleading. Now the car is fixed (yet to pickup), reason Front drive unit and pyro fuse were replaced (new car, but with refurnished part).

Filed Feb 17, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I was driving my vehicle and the vehicle suddenly started giving warnings. The gas pedal lost all power immediately and the car started to slow down. I then stepped on the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop and turned on the hazard light. However, after around 5 minutes, the car completely shut down and the hazard light also stopped functioning.

Filed Oct 5, 2023 · Steering · CA

While driving, the car suddenly lost power steering. We had to struggle to get the car to the side of the road. Had to do a reboot to get the power steering back.

Filed Sep 25, 2023 · Steering · CA

I lost all power in my steering and was completely unable to steer. I contacted Tesla who advised me to conduct a soft reboot and the issue was resolved only to return about an hour later. I contacted Tesla again for roadside assistance. I was advised to complete a soft reboot and drive the vehicle to the nearest service station. I refused to drive the vehicle, as I did not feel safe to do so. Tesla sent a tow truck to pickup the vehicle and drop off at a Tesla service station. After 3 days, I was informed there was a malfunction in the vehicles steering rack and the entire part will be replaced. I conducted research and found a lot of owners are experiencing the same issue with 2023 Tesla Y, some even having crashes as a result. This is very unsafe and needs to be addressed.

Filed Sep 13, 2023 · Steering · PA

lost all power steering today on model Y 2023 tesla.

Filed Aug 13, 2023 · Steering · GA

Last night the steering totally failed right after starting the car. An alert popped up saying “steering assist reduced”. Total loss of power steering and the car is inoperable.

Filed Aug 12, 2023 · Steering · DC

I have had the car 5 months and have had no problems. This week while driving there was a jerk of the steering wheel to the right and a second later I lost all power steering. I could not turn the wheel without using great force. Luckily I was in the far right lane and could pull over. Car behind me almost rear ended me. The warning on the Tesla screen said "steering assist reduced". I called Tesla and they sent a tow truck to get the car. I did try restarting the car and the steering came back for 10 seconds, but again there was a jerk the right of the wheel and then NO power steering again. Was very upsetting to say the least. I have a home in the mountains and had I been driving down a winding mountain road I could see myself having driven into a tree or off the road! The car is in the shop and they are saying they will likely replace the steering column. I see that others have experienced this and wanted to make sure my voice was heard. I will not be surprised if there are MANY more similar incidents with this car. I hope that it does not lead to deaths.

Filed Aug 2, 2023 · Steering · CA

After a software update I lost all power steering and could not drive the car. It had to be towed and the power steering motor replaced