Tesla Model Y loss of power problems

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

On XXX (4:59 PM and 5:47 PM) and XXX (7:49 AM), while driving, my 2021 Tesla Model Y (approx. 41,500 miles) displayed "Steering assist reduced" (UI_a020), each followed within about a minute by "Lane Departure Avoidance unavailable" (APP_w264). [Add if true: The steering felt noticeably heavier when the alert appeared.] The vehicle's 12V system tested healthy in Service Mode (13.32 V, DC-DC output normal). Tesla Service ([XXX]; service SV02F94980) diagnosed an Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) rack motor control error with limited power output from overheat or overload protection. On XXX, at 41,788 miles, Tesla replaced the steering gear (part 1188832-00-B), along with the front lower compliance and lateral links, and performed an alignment. I paid $4,522.27 out of pocket; Tesla declined goodwill. Losing power steering assist while driving is a safety hazard. The failed rack belongs to the same Mando-manufactured family (XXX) named in recall 25V‑092 and investigation EA24001, which covered only 2023 Model 3 and Model Y. the federal safety agency's complaint database shows a growing number of 2021 Model Y complaints describing the same UI_a020 alert and the same rack replacement, many filed in 2026. I ask the federal safety agency to evaluate whether the defect and remedy should extend to 2021 Model Y vehicles. Invoice attached. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · FL

This vehicle presents a safety risk because it can lose power unexpectedly while driving in traffic. The 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range currently displays alert BMS_a074 and will not charge above approximately 32%. This is a recurring high-voltage battery failure. The car has already required two battery replacements under warranty (June 2025 at 90,707 miles and February 2026 at 92,077 miles). Only months after the second replacement, the same issue returned. Tesla Service has quoted $17,550.18 for a fourth battery and has not offered further investigation into the root cause, despite three batteries being needed within roughly 16 months on a 2021 vehicle. The car has been charged exclusively at Tesla Superchargers and is otherwise well maintained.

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Electrical · TX

While I was driving on the highway in rainy weather, my electric vehicle suddenly made a very loud blast or popping sound and immediately stopped working. The vehicle lost power, and all electrical functions became inoperative while I was in the middle of the highway. This created a serious safety hazard because I was unable to continue driving or operate the vehicle normally. There was no visible damage to the exterior of the vehicle. The tires were intact and appeared to be in normal condition, with no tire damage or other external damage that could explain the sudden loss of power. The vehicle stopped unexpectedly while driving in wet conditions, without any apparent external impact or physical damage.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · WA

We had a terrifying moment today. Low-voltage battery died instantly, leaving the driver locked inside a completely blacked-out car. No electronic door response, phone app & keycards completely frozen. Luckily, we got out safely after calling Roadside Assistance, but this is a serious hazard: No advance warning: The car gave zero indication the low-voltage battery was dying. Counter-intuitive exit: In a panic, 99% of people won't recall where the hidden manual release is. Two urgently needed safety updates: 1. Advanced, explicit warnings days before low-voltage battery failure. 2. Door safety logic that guarantees standard exit hardware works seamlessly even during complete power loss. In hot weather, this corner case can turn fatal in minutes. Please prioritize this safety redesign!

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 Jul 24, 2026 · Steering · TX

I was backing out of my residential driveway when I suddenly noticed the steering wheel required much greater effort than normal, indicating a loss of power steering. There were no prior warning messages or symptoms before this event. As I began driving, multiple warnings appeared on the display, including “Steering Assist Reduced,” “Stability Control Disabled,” “Traction Control Disabled,” and “Vehicle Hold Unavailable.” The steering immediately became extremely heavy, making the vehicle difficult to maneuver safely. Because the failure occurred without warning, I did not feel it was safe to continue driving except to move the vehicle as necessary. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by a Tesla Service Center, which confirmed that the steering rack and Front Vehicle Controller required replacement. The repair was performed by Tesla after diagnosis. I am submitting this report because a sudden loss of steering assist without any prior warning presents a significant safety risk. Although this occurred while pulling out of my driveway, the same failure could occur while a driver is traveling at higher speeds or in traffic, where maintaining control of the vehicle could be much more difficult.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · MA

SAFETY DEFECT REPORT: Sudden Power Loss & Falsified Records 1. INCIDENT & 5-HR TOWING (XXX): On XXX at ~16:30, while executing a low-speed (<10 mph) left turn in Cambridge, MA, the vehicle had a sudden, total high-voltage failure mid-turn, losing all motive power and power steering without warning or error codes. Photos/videos were taken on-scene confirming ZERO physical impact or undercarriage collision. The dead vehicle stopped directly in the active lane, completely blocking traffic. With zero power, the driver and several helpful bystanders had to use extreme physical effort to manually push the dead car out of the road. AAA arrived at 18:00 but could NOT tow because total power loss completely locked all 4 wheels/brakes (no Tow Mode). AAA dispatched a 2nd specialized flatbed with dollies (arrived 21:00). Driver was stranded on-site for over 5 hours. Car reached Tesla Dedham Service at 22:00. On XXX at 10:00 AM, driver reported the driving power loss in person at Dedham, handed over key, and got a loaner. 2. WRITTEN NOTICE (XXX): On XXX, explicit written notice was sent to Tesla Service Manager Taso, re-confirming the exact mid-driving power loss hazard. 3. TESLA DIAGNOSIS & REPAIRS: Invoice #XXX confirms a severe high-voltage failure: "A hardware overcurrent event caused small high voltage battery brick imbalance and rear inverter failure." Tesla replaced Rear Drive Unit Inverter (3DU) and Pyrotechnic Battery Disconnect (Pyrofuse). 4. FALSIFICATION OF SAFETY ISSUE: Despite 5-hr towing from wheel lock-up, XXX in-person report, and XXX written notice detailing mid-turn power loss, Tesla falsely recorded on invoice: "customer states: vehicle will not charge." This is deliberate falsification and deceptive practice by Tesla to downplay a critical road hazard into a benign charging issue. I request the federal safety agency to investigate this high-voltage overcurrent/inverter failure pattern and Tesla's practice of altering safe INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Body, Electrical · TX

On July 10, 2026, my 2024 Tesla Model Y (approx. 22,440 miles) lost all power (main/12V battery) while parked next to a Supercharger stall on Level 3 of the Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino parking garage, Maricopa, AZ. Ambient temperature was approximately 110F. My dog and cat were inside the vehicle. With the vehicle powered off, the key card, Tesla app, and interior door releases did not function, leaving no way to open the doors from outside or inside. Unable to find or access a working manual door release in time, we broke the rear quarter glass and damaged a door to physically extract the pets before they suffered heat-related harm. Maricopa Police Department and Ak-Chin Fire Department responded to the scene. This represents a serious safety defect: a loss of vehicle power should not eliminate all means of entry/egress, particularly when children or pets could be trapped in extreme heat. The vehicle, damaged door, and glass are available for inspection. Photos of the incident are available.

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 Apr 19, 2026 · Electrical, Seat belts · TX

I am reporting multiple safety-related failures with my Tesla Model Y, purchased December 18, 2025. Within four months of ownership, the vehicle has experienced escalating issues: On April 19, 2026, while driving approximately 70 mph on a freeway in heavy rain, the vehicle suddenly lost power and decelerated to approximately 20 mph. Multiple safety systems became unavailable simultaneously, including automatic emergency braking, traction control, stability control, and vehicle hold. I was able to pull to the side of the road, but the vehicle would not restart and required towing. This created a dangerous situation and significantly compromised my ability to safely control the vehicle. On April 9, 2026, a rear seatbelt unlatched under braking while in use. This is a serious safety concern, as the passenger was not properly restrained and had to brace themselves. On February 10, 2026, the vehicle experienced repeated software failures causing lockouts. In one incident, I was locked out while my [XXX] child was inside the vehicle. On January 2, 2026, the vehicle required service for a cracked window shortly after delivery. The vehicle has been taken in for service multiple times, and although repairs were performed, new and increasingly serious failures have continued to occur. I am concerned about the safety of operating this vehicle, particularly due to the loss of power at highway speed and failure of safety systems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)