2023 Tesla Model Y: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Driver assistance · FL

I run FSD 96% of the time. It’s so good that I get somewhat complacent. That’s not a character flaw. That’s what a reliable system does to people. The failure mode is simple. Car is holding a curve. Foot accidently brushes the brake. Autosteer disengages. Assist steering torque goes to zero. Wheel unloads. At speed the path goes straight, worst cases, into barrier, pole, or oncoming lane. A heavy Tesla in that geometry is ugly. Tesla’s answer is always the same: the driver disengaged, so it’s not on us. The accident is losing lateral control because of another control (braking) that should only change speed. Brake pedal grazes are easy and inevitable. I can recover a braking event. But I may not recover an instant straight-line on a bend if my hands weren’t on the wheel. Simple fix: Disengage traction but don’t have FSD disengage AutoSteer until I force the wheel. That way FSD knows I have control instead of only assuming that. I love FSD but always feel there is a suicide/killer stick just inches away from my feet. To answer your question, there is no component failure and safety risk is obvious. I can reproduce the scenario by simply tapping the brake on a curve and feel the wheel try to jerk out of my hands. Tesla acknowledges that this is the way the system was designed: complete instant manual takeover. The normal FSD disengagement tone rings. But that is too little, too late for a surprised driver.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Driver assistance · MA

We recently got a subscription for Tesla's full self driving (FSD) system. While using the system, on several occasions, the car "jerked" momentarily. Like it is hard braking but then the car resumes its previous pace. Again, this is very quick, perhaps taking less than a second. It is an occasional occurrence, but it has happened enough times that I am not using the feature anymore. For a split second, It feels like the car was stopping abruptly, which startled everyone riding in the car. My wife called Tesla and provided the information above to an automated help center. She was told to try the "Hurry" mode in FSD. We've been using the "Standard" mode.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

I am submitting this report based on my personal experience operating a Tesla Model Y equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD). I have used FSD for approximately four years and have extensive experience with the system. During several recent road trips through heavily forested and mountainous areas, including Yosemite National Park and multiple locations throughout Oregon, I repeatedly observed similar unexpected behavior under the same environmental conditions. On roads where dense tree cover creates alternating bands of sunlight and shadow across the pavement, the vehicle occasionally performs abrupt deceleration, unnecessary braking, or jerky speed adjustments despite there being no visible hazards, obstacles, pedestrians, or animals in the roadway. I cannot determine the technical cause, but based on repeated observations at different locations, it appears that rapidly changing lighting conditions or high-contrast tree shadows may present a perception challenge for the vision-based driving system. This is only my observation and not a technical conclusion. My concern is that unexpected braking or sudden speed changes could surprise following drivers and increase the risk of rear-end collisions, particularly on two-lane highways or winding mountain roads. While I remained attentive and was able to supervise the vehicle, these unexpected reactions occurred multiple times under similar conditions. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency evaluate this type of real-world driving environment as part of its ongoing assessment of advanced driver assistance and automated driving systems. Forested roads and mountain highways are common throughout the United States, and ensuring reliable performance in these challenging lighting conditions is important before wider deployment of autonomous driving technology. I would be happy to provide additional information if needed.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Suspension · TX

On May 4, 2026, at approximately 9:10 AM, the 2023 Tesla Model Y was being operated at low speed in a parking lot while backing into a parking space. As the driver turned the steering wheel to maneuver into the space, there was a clunk and the front driver-side wheel jerked. The driver stopped immediately, before fully entering the space. The front driver-side suspension had separated: the lower control arm/lateral link became detached at its attachment point, the wheel and rim tilted outward and folded under the wheel arch, and the front halfshaft (axle) pulled out of the front drive unit. The vehicle was immediately immobilized and could not be driven. No collision, curb strike, or impact occurred. The failure happened during a low-speed parking maneuver. Photographs taken at the scene before any recovery, on May 4, show the detached control arm intact and undamaged and the wheel folded under the arch, with the rim, tire, and adjacent bodywork undamaged. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla service location on May 6, 2026, and inspected. Tesla's repair estimate identified damage to both front suspension assemblies, including control arms, lateral links, suspension fasteners, the front crossmember/subframe, steering rack, halfshaft, and front drive unit. This failure mode — a front suspension lateral link/control arm separating from its attachment due to a fastener concern — is the same failure mode addressed by Tesla recall SB-22-31-002 (the federal safety agency campaign 22V895000) on certain 2023 Model Y vehicles, in which a loose fastener can allow the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame, causing loss of vehicle control. This VIN was not included in that recall campaign. Had this separation occurred at highway speed rather than during a low-speed parking maneuver, it could have caused a loss of control and a crash. No injuries occurred. No crash or fire occurred. The vehicle has approximately 56,480 miles. Photographs and the repair estimate are ava

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Driver assistance · OH · crash

I was driving with the car in Autopilot in the center lane of the highway. I could see a white vehicle move close on my right, and I confirmed that it had crossed over into my lane with both its front and back left wheels on my Tesla screen with a quick glance. I then tried to maneuver to the left lane (which my screen showed was clear) but the steering wheel had significant tension. All of a sudden, I heard the chime signaling that Autopilot disengaged, the car jerked hard, and my car was headed toward the median. I swerved quickly to the right and hydroplaned. As I straightened out, my vehicle hit a vehicle in the right hand lane. The strong tension followed by jerk and quick release of tension prevented me from having full control of my vehicle. I believe that if Autopilot had not been engaged, I could have safely moved into the left lane with control. The police arrived but I was very shaken up and simply said I swerved to avoid a car in my lane but in retrospect wish that I had gone into detail. I’d also like to note that I have a clean driving record, was not in a hurry, did not have loud music on, had both hands on the wheel at 10 and 2 o’clock, and was focused on the road.

Filed Dec 24, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · FL

All in the same day: 1) Odd sound from behind the pedal area of driver side front quarter (sounded like a styrofoam cooler top rubbing against the cooler is the best way to describe - faint though). 2)BANG when in a parking garage turning full right but still able to control without difficulty. Made it home without incident. 3)Later that day, just after getting off of I4 in Orlando I pulled into grocery parking lot and parked. When I returned to my car I again turned right and a loud BANG and the car jerked to a sudden halt. I was able to back into a parking spot but there were 2 large screws in the driving land and the left wheel was toed slightly to the left. Ultimately it was detached when we tried to tow it we had to remove tire and put on a device to allow us to move it. Per Tesla “I have updated that estimate! The vehicle has very heavy damage, and this is the start. Once we replace these components their (sic) could be more damage, and it also could potentially need to go to a body shop!” Thankfully this didn’t happen at speed with my daughter in the car on I4! This is unsafe and a simple internet search revealed it is not an uncommon parts failure at this mileage! This is dangerous. All of this at just 54,000 miles. (4k out of warranty)

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · 54,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a left turn, the contact briefly heard an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, after which the steering wheel jerked abnormally. The vehicle quickly returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front-end suspension bushings. The contact was also informed that a bolt on the driver’s side control arm had loosened. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · NM

This is my 4th safety report about the same issue: unexpected braking while on cruise control. Since my last report, Tesla offered another free month of auto pilot but I did not take it for fear of this braking issue. On Tuesday [XXX] I was returning to my home in Las Cruces NM from Colorado. I was on [XXX] toward Albuquerque, and there was very little traffic. I decided to see if I could get away with the cruise control. As I was pulling into Bernalillo, there were some oncoming cars in a left-turn lane at a signal, and my car braked automatically...enough to lurch me forward. I decided to stop at the "new" Tesla dealer in Bernalillo (I got my car in Santa Fe) and ask about the automatic breaking and whether they'd fixed it. The 2 service employees looked at each other and one said "No". I then asked about whether I needed to re-boot my key card since my screen went blank while I was in CO, during a snow storm, parked. I luckily had my phone and on the Tesla App, under Roadside Service, it gave me the option to re-boot the screen! I did so. The serviceman said he didn't think the blank screen had anything to do with my key card, but I could re-boot it if I want to. (A prior complaint also reported the failed key card in less than a year and Tesla's unwillingness to replace it). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 13, 2024 · Driver assistance · WA

We have had numerous incidents of sudden and unexpected braking. Earlier this month while rounding a curve with adaptive cruise control enabled, the car aggressively braked when it saw an oncoming semi safely in the other lane. It was good there were no cars behind us or no doubt they would’ve rear-ended us. Last night - like so many other times the past year or so - I was pulling into a parking spot with a bush in front and, only a few feet in, the car slammed the brakes on even engaging ABS. Usually the warning system just makes a sound or gently applies this brakes but this was jarring. Everyone in the car lurched forward. The date below is from the incident related to the semi. That could have been very bad. My Subaru Outback uses sonar and I’ve never had these sorts of problems.

Filed Sep 29, 2024 · Driver assistance · TX

On [XXX] , south of Austin, north of [XXX] , on both directions, there are many turn lanes on either side. These turn lanes fork from either of the two highway lanes and do not have clear lane markings (by design, not due to fading) until the lane width is full. Tesla Autopilot with lane assist will, at multiple times along this route, center the car between the current lane and the emerging turn. Once the lane markings begin , the car will violently jerk back into a lane. Avoidance of these situations requires a takeover. Along this route, this is particularly dangerous on banks, hills, and in traffic (even with max following distance configured) due to reduced visibility of the start of the lane markings. One example of this is at [XXX] , although there are many others along this route in both directions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 3, 2024 · Driver assistance · CA

Ever since the first few miles on the car, the forward collision warning (FCW) system triggers all the time for no reason. I cannot drive the car without it triggering, and I use the car almost daily. It constantly thinks I am going to run into the car in front of me when coming to a stop at a light, for example, however I am never anywhere near running into the car in front of me. It also triggers when making a turn if there is a car parked on the curb. It thinks I am tracking straight, however my wheel is turned and I am simple following the curve of the road. These constant alerts cause me and my guests panic, and occasionally cause me to jerk the wheel in an unsafe manner for, again, no reason. Its embarrassing. This feature does not work as intended whatsoever.

Filed Apr 26, 2024 · Body · CA

Sudden unintended acceleration on my new Tesla Y- occurred while backing slowly out of the garage. Suddenly, there was a lurch forward that hit the side of the garage. Repair to Tesla @ $8,000 and repair to garage @ $300. Tesla told me that their ivestigation did not disclose any mechanical issues but the manager refused to send me that evaluation. Fortunately, no injuries