Table 1 shows one common power train related problems of the 2026 Tesla Model Y.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Train problems |
On [xxx] I pick up my new Tesla y. On [xxx], while traveling at highway speeds on [xxx] with autopilot "fsd" engaged, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden vehicle shutdown and start giving multiple alerts without warning. The vehicle displayed multiple critical alerts: "vehicle shutdown", "pull over safely", "stability control disabled. " upon the failure, autopilot fsd disengaged, and the power steering immediately became extremely heavy ("hard"), making the vehicle difficult to steer. The car lost all propulsion. I had to manually maneuver the heavy, unpowered vehicle through active highway traffic to reach the shoulder, which created an immediate and severe safety risk. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla service center in fort lauderdale with only 130 miles on the odometer. Technicians confirmed a "major motor failure" of the rear drive unit requiring a full replacement. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Date of incident: December 8, 2025 mileage at failure: approx. 580 miles vehicle status: at Tesla service center since December 9, 2025 (no repairs started; status shows “preparing”) failure summary while driving 40–45 mph on a busy three-lane road in California, approaching a signalized intersection, the vehicle suddenly displayed multiple red warnings, a “reduced speed” alert, and numerous fault messages. Within 3–5 seconds, propulsion was completely lost. Incident details using residual momentum, I steered across two lanes into a nearby retail parking lot. The vehicle stopped at an angle, partially obstructing traffic. Towing delay & safety risk the vehicle remained stranded for ~4 hours. A flatbed tow arrived ~2 hours later but could not load the vehicle due to inoperative tow mode. A second dolly-equipped tow truck was required, adding ~90 minutes. During this time, the vehicle continued to block traffic and posed a safety hazard. Component/system failure complete propulsion loss and failure of major electrical/control systems, including doors, frunk, trunk, tow mode, and non-responsive key card and phone key. Vehicle remains inoperable. Safety hazard sudden shutdown in a center lane near a major intersection left almost no opportunity to maneuver safely. Extended roadside immobilization and inoperative tow mode further increased risk. Warning prior to failure none, except 3–5 seconds of simultaneous red warnings and fault messages. Problem status ongoing and unresolved. Tesla has not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle and continues to delay the estimated repair date. Inspections vehicle is under evaluation at Tesla service center. No repairs, police, or insurance inspections have been conducted.
My 2026 Tesla Model Y with under 3,000 miles experienced a sudden and total loss of power steering while driving. The car became extremely difficult to control. Tesla towed it to their service center, where they claimed it was a software-related issue that could not be replicated. The service center released the car back to me but refused to provide written assurance that the vehicle is safe to drive, stating only that it is “cleared for release. ” I’m concerned this issue could reoccur, creating a risk of loss of control and injury. The lack of transparency and refusal to confirm the vehicle’s safety in writing raises serious safety concerns about potential defects in the steering or software systems.
I am genuinely concerned about the risk of my 2026 Tesla y catching fire and/or being trapped inside the vehicle leading to death. In the past 30 days, have seen several accidents in Tesla products leading to fires with people trapped inside ultimately perishing. This includes the north miami crash on 10/01/2025. No one in my family will travel inside this 2026 Tesla y due to the fires. They have begged me to stop driving. I purchased this vehicle based on the published safety records including by Tesla. My wife just started cancer treatment and the intention purchasing was for a safe vehicle. Due to my very real concerns, I cannot risk my children being orphaned.
Our new Model Y with only 302 miles lost driving power, reported a high voltage problem, and shutdown in the middle of the street. Within an hour Tesla towed it to the repair center. The next day we picked up a loaner. Throughout the ordeal the Tesla staff have been very friendly. They only needed two days to make the repair. Here is what the technician wrote in the Tesla app. With the vehicle on site found it unresponsive and unable to drive. Towed the vehicle in and pulled vehicle data. Found numerous alerts for contactor power supply being undervoltage. Performed and exhaustive inspection of the right main harness. Found the contactor power supply wire to have a short to ground in the harness. Continued inspection and found the harness to have rubbed through the harness at the right rear c pillar area. Removed the wires and rerouted to prevent damage. Rewrapped the harness and added foam to prevent the issues from returning. Performed a test drive and verified the vehicle is back to working order with no alerts or issues.
My 2026 Model Y won't stop on the road when I released the gas paddle and even I felt it speeded up a little bit at 35 miles. It put me, my [xxx] daughter and other's safety at risk. I hit on the brake and feel need to hit harder abnormally to slow the car not even mention to stop the car. It took me long way to stop the car. At once I stopped the car, it tried to speed up and I hit the paddle again. Right after, then it tried to rocking back and forth and vibrated finally stopped. I tried serval time to repeat the issue it still exits. And I called Tesla customer service. They haven't look at it yet. But I in the service mode here is the some components are malfunctioned. 1. Rgenerative braking backfill, braking pedal torque is unavailable. 2. Traction control setting is unavailable. 3. Di_brake torque is invalid. Di is drive interface. 4. Hold stopping mode is unavailable. There is no any warning showed in the console before and after the issue happened. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).