Tesla Model Y engine failure problems

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Suspension · MA · crash

I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y with approximately 51,300 miles. Beginning in June 2026 I noticed a persistent creaking noise from the front suspension, most audible when accelerating and when turning at low speed. The vehicle had been rear-ended in June 2026 and repaired at a body shop; the noise was reported to the shop at that time and persisted after the repair was completed. On September 2, 2026 I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for diagnosis. The technician test drove the vehicle, verified the noise, and performed an inspection on a lift. The written findings were that both front upper control arm ball joints were partially seized, both front lateral link bushings were torn, and both front compliance link bushings were torn. Tesla recommended replacement of the front upper control arms, front lower lateral links, and front lower compliance links, quoted at approximately $2,610 at my own expense. Tesla further stated that a four-wheel alignment could not be accurately performed in the vehicle's current condition because of the torn bushings. No crash, fire, or injury has resulted. The vehicle remains in service. I am filing this complaint because these are the same front suspension components identified in the federal safety agency's open investigation into front suspension link separation in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, and my vehicle falls within the model years under review. The failure is bilateral and occurred with no impact to the front of the vehicle and no off-road or track use. I am concerned that degraded bushings and seized ball joints across all three component types create a risk of link separation and loss of steering control without meaningful warning beyond the creaking noise.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Brakes · MD

Purchased used 2023 Tesla Model Y from Tesla on April 17, 2026 at ~16,300 miles. Pre-delivery, Tesla notified me by text that the vehicle failed state safety inspection due to front upper ball joint play (a known Tesla Model 3/Y defect). Tesla repaired it at its own service center and certified it as passing on April 8, 2026. No warning lamps or messages. ~12 days post-delivery a family member reported a noise from the left rear; the vehicle was then parked. On May 10, 2026, I removed the left rear wheel and found the left rear brake caliper completely detached from the rear knuckle. Both caliper bracket mounting bolts were missing. The caliper was held only because it had seized on the rotor. Vehicle unsafe to operate. Towed by flatbed to Tesla May 11; available for inspection on request. Properly torqued caliper bracket bolts do not back themselves out in ~800 miles of light use. Realistic causes: (a) bolts installed but not torqued to spec, worked loose in service; (b) bolts missing at state inspection and certified anyway; (c) suspension disassembled during the pre-sale repair, bracket reassembled with bolts omitted. All implicate Tesla's workmanship; (b) and a visibly-loose (a) also implicate the inspection. Tesla previously acknowledged this failure mode in recall SB-21-33-002 ("Loose Brake Caliper Bolts," 2019-2021 Model 3 / 2020-2021 Model Y): caliper bolts "may not be torqued to internal specifications" and "may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate." My vehicle is outside that range but the recall shows this is a known Tesla pattern. Risk: caliper detachment can wedge the wheel, lock the brake, damage tire/wheel, boil brake fluid, or break free at speed — any can cause loss of control. Vehicle driven ~800 miles in this condition. Dealer confirmation pending; Tesla instructed in writing not to repair pre-inspection. State Police ASED complaint filed; formal dispute filed with Tesla Resolutions.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · 4,900 miles · CA · crash

The contact owned a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to attempt to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact mentioned that when attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver, and the vehicle crashed into a curb and merged into a landscaping facility. The contact was able to shift the vehicle into neutral, then reverse. The vehicle began to work as intended, and he looked out of his rearview mirror. He could see smoke coming from the rear passenger side, and he heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear passenger tire. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnosis was unknown. The contact mentioned the dealer, and insurance deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 4,900.

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Brakes · 10,100 miles · CA · crash

The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while at a stop, the brake pedal was depressed when suddenly the steering wheel seized to function, and the vehicle started to move forward independently, causing the driver to veer to the right to avoid crashing into a home garage. The contact attempted to get back into the street however, the vehicle kept moving forward independently as the contact kept depressing on the brake pedal crashing the front center of the vehicle into a sign pole. The vehicle continued to accelerate independently causing the contact to crash into a second sign pole on the front passenger side where the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was damaged by the fender upon the first impact and was damaged on the front passenger side upon the second impact however, the vehicle was not destroyed. The air bags did not deploy. The contact and his wife suffered from whiplash however, medical attention was not required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the place of the accident to the contact's home. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 10,100.

Filed Feb 23, 2025 · Electrical, Visibility · MN

The heat pump stopped working twice, which requires a trip to the service center and the repair to restore function is a minimum of $3,000. The vehical has no heat at all, no defrost, no cabin heat nothing! This defect happens in the coldest parts of winter and leaves the owner stranded wherever this occurs. The first time was at 52,000 miles. It wouldn't turn on. The heat pump seized. The second time was on a trip, it blow out all the freon and stopped working in Waterloo, Iowa. I was 4 hours from home and it was -4F outside. The car had 136,000 miles. Many others have had heat pumps go out in the same situation...dead of winter. The repair is $3,000 to get heat back into the car. The heat pumpscare clearly defective or not big enough and are destroying themselves every other winter in Minnesota. This is 1. Dangerous because you can't defrost your windshield. 2. You cold freeze to death in very cold conditions. 3. A very expensive repair pn a part that should last mire than a 1 or 2 years. Home heat pumpsvlast 10- 24 years!!

Filed Nov 2, 2023 · Steering · 13,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle before the vehicle returned to normal functionality. Upon arriving to his destination and attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly took control of the steering and jerked into the next lane before he was able to regain control of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 13,000.

Filed Sep 14, 2023 · Electrical · NJ

My dual engine Model Y had bilateral engine failure about 1 month after purchase. While driving on highway, first 1 engine failed, then somehow drove to parking where 2nd 3ngine stopped . Concerned that 2 engines could stop working in 1 month old new Tesla Towed to Tesla repair Correction: Inverter - Front Drive Unit (Remove & Replace) Correction: Pyrotechnic Battery Disconnect (Remove & Replace) Parts Replaced or Added Part Quantity DISCONNECT,BATTERY,PYRO. (1064689-00-J)

Filed Aug 21, 2023 · Steering · NY

Had my vehicle for under 1 month. I was driving on a busy highway and the steering wheel completely seized up. It was unable to respond to turns or even curves in the road. Luckily, I was eventually able to pull over gradually, stop the car and contact roadside assistance. However, this was a very dangerous condition that could have cause multiple fatalities, including my own. Tesla replaced the steering column and sent me away without explaining the cause of the condition.

Filed Aug 1, 2023 · Steering · WA

The steering wheel locked up for 3 seconds. I returned the vehicle to Tesla and they said they replaced the control arms. I suspect the bearings in the steering control arms seized. I suspect the steering control arms are not robust enough to handle the weight of vehicle.

Filed Jul 19, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · CA

On, June 24th and July 15th my vehicle experienced multiple errors while driving. Indicator lights stated the following: stability control disabled, dash cam disabled, traction control disabled, regenerative braking disabled, emergency braking disabled. On July 15th the front motor was disabled, causing the vehicle to not have enough power to continue up the mountain. The vehicle stopped in the middle of the highway, and started rolling backwards. After I was able to turn the vehicle around, the brakes were grinding, and did not stop the vehicle. There as a smell of burnt rubber, and the brake pedal started “ popping” and moving back and forth on its’ own. The engine failure has occurred twice, and all of other errors have occurred 4 times since June 2023. I made an appointment with the Tesla service center and they cancelled my appointment, for no reason. After the July 15th incident, I took the vehicle into the service center myself. These issues are intermittent, which is very dangerous. The car will experience these errors, and then operate as normal. Tesla told me that they thought this entire thing was “ strange” and that they have never heard of this issue. All logs on the vehicle show these errors, and I have a witness. Tesla has not updated me with the status of my repair, or even a diagnosis. I am terrified to drive this vehicle.