Body problems of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Forward storage compartment (frunk) is in violation of fmvss 401. There is no emergency release, neither manual or automatic, installed on this vehicle. Previous year models of this vehicle have an illuminated release button that complies with this regulation. Enclosed in images is an example of previous year models versus what is found in my vehicle.

Upon delivery of the vehicle the passenger door would not open from the outside. Multiple vehicle settings were reviewed, and a repair was scheduled to fix the issue.

Timeline of events: day 1 – delivery March 13, 2026 • drove about 10 miles after delivery. • the driver-side window suddenly rolled fully down by itself while I was driving. • returned immediately to the Tesla service center. They said they cleaned the window and recalibrated it. Later the same day • drove another ~10 miles. • the window dropped fully again while driving. • returned to the service center a second time. • I was told a mechanical part would be replaced, but never provided documentation. Day 2 – today, March 14, 2026 • left home to go to the store. • within about 5 minutes of driving, the window dropped fully again and would not close at all. • the wind noise was extremely loud and the vehicle was very difficult to operate safely. I contacted the service center and was told they cannot provide proof of the part replacement from yesterday. When I called another Tesla service location, the earliest appointment available to even investigate the issue is March 31, 2026, despite the fact that the vehicle is essentially undrivable.

I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my 2026 Tesla Model Y awd. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly when the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The issue is most noticeable when entering or exiting uneven surfaces such as sloped driveways or parking lot entrances where the suspension is under load. During these conditions, the front suspension produces distinct mechanical popping or knocking sounds that appear to originate from the front wheel or suspension area. The noise does not occur while driving straight. It becomes significantly more noticeable when turning left or right at low speeds and worsens as the steering approaches full lock. In addition to the noise, a noticeable mechanical jolt or feedback can be felt through the steering wheel when the popping or knocking occurs. This issue began suddenly without any warning signs. One moment the vehicle was operating normally, and the next the popping and knocking noises began. Since that time the issue has continued consistently during turning maneuvers. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision and has been driven under normal conditions. Numerous other 2026 Tesla Model Y owners have reported similar front suspension symptoms, suggesting this may represent a broader pattern of potential suspension or steering component issues. Because the noise and feedback occur through the steering system while the suspension is under load, this raises concern that a suspension or steering component may be shifting, binding, or prematurely wearing. This condition raises safety concerns because abnormal movement or failure of steering or suspension components could affect vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. I request that this issue be investigated for a possible defect trend affecting Tesla Model Y vehicles.

The forward trunk also known as the frunk does not have the legally required interior release. I have children. I train them how to use a trunk emergency release. This car does not have one for the forward trunk. This is a serious safety hazard.

The front trunk (frunk) on my 2026 Tesla Model Y juniper lacks both internal lighting and an emergency safety release mechanism. This design flaw creates an unnecessary and severe safety risk, as a small adult or child could easily become trapped in the frunk with no way to signal for help or escape. In low-light conditions—such as at night or in a garage without adequate illumination—the absence of a light would exacerbate disorientation and panic for anyone trapped. Without an internal release latch or glow-in-the-dark handle (standard in many vehicle trunks to prevent entrapment deaths), this could lead to a life-threatening suffocation or injury situation, especially if the frunk is accidentally closed on a person during loading/unloading. I discovered this issue while inspecting the frunk during routine cleaning and noticed that my four-year-old sat very comfortably inside the frunk listening to music while I cleaned the car. No incident has occurred yet, but the potential for harm is clear and warrants immediate investigation, as it violates basic entrapment-prevention standards observed in rear trunks and other vehicles. This defect compromises occupant safety and should be addressed through a recall or a retrofit that includes an illuminated emergency release. Please investigate similar complaints for this Model Year.

New 2026 Model Ys made after October 2025 no longer have an emergency release/opener for the front trunk. Easily large enough for a child to lay in and be trapped.

Incident date: December 11, 2025 vehicle: 2026 Tesla Model Y location: dfw airport, irving, TX system: full self-driving (autopilot / fsd) description: on December 11, 2025, my 2026 Tesla Model Y was operating under full self-driving while exiting an airport when the vehicle struck a gate arm, causing property damage and windshield/body damage. No injuries occurred, but the collision happened while the fsd system was actively controlling the vehicle. Following the collision, I requested the vehicle operational and fsd engagement data from Tesla for the incident timeframe. Tesla provided a csv dataset; however, the fsd engagement and autonomy decision-layer data were almost entirely missing, despite the vehicle being in motion and presumably under fsd control. On follow-up requests, Tesla stated they are unable to provide additional autonomy data and that “Tesla does not collect all your vehicle data,” despite marketing the system as full self-driving and collecting extensive telemetry. This raises a safety concern because: 1. A collision occurred during fsd operation. 2. Tesla is not providing complete autonomy data for safety assessment. 3. There appears to be no transparency into fsd decision-making, object detection, or control authority at the time of impact. 4. Owners, insurers, and potentially regulators cannot review how fsd behaved during a safety-related event. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA is aware that: (1) a collision occurred under fsd control, and (2) Tesla refused complete operational autonomy logs for evaluation.

Tesla removed the lighted emergency frunk (front trunk) release button and its wiring from this vehicle and other similar newer builds. The elimination of this key safety feature is a clear violation of the u. S. Federal motor vehicle safety standard fmvss 401 for interior trunk release; requiring all new passenger cars with trunk compartments (rear and front) to have a way for someone trapped inside to escape. There is currently no method to open a latched front trunk cover from inside this new vehicle.

I am reporting a significant safety defect on my 2026 Tesla Model Y (delivered in October 2025). The vehicle is missing the lighted interior emergency release button inside the front trunk (frunk). Upon inspection, not only is the button missing (replaced by a blank plastic panel), but the necessary wiring harness to support a release mechanism is also absent. This appears to be a deliberate design change that violates fmvss no. 401, which requires an interior release mechanism to prevent entrapment. A child or small adult could potentially be trapped in this compartment with no way to exit from the inside, creating a life-threatening entrapment risk.

The interior of the front trunk (frunk) does not have an emergency release button or the hardware to support it. In the event that a child or person is inside the front trunk with the hood closed, that person cannot escape the enclosed area without having an outside person finding a key or tool to open the front trunk. Also, there is no light in the front trunk so it is completely dark when closed. This feature (emergency release button) previously came standard in this make and model prior to October 2025.

Description of the problem: the front trunk (“frunk”) of my 2026 Tesla Model Y juniper is missing the interior emergency release button and light. This component, which was present in earlier Model Y versions, allows a person trapped inside the frunk to open it from the inside. In my vehicle, there is no visible button, glow-in-the-dark handle, or wiring harness for this feature. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the malfunction involves the frunk emergency release mechanism (illumination and release button assembly). The component appears to have been omitted during manufacturing. The frunk and all relevant panels are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? without an interior release, a person—especially a child—could become trapped in the front trunk with no way to exit, posing a risk of suffocation or heat-related injury. The frunk is large enough for a small child to enter and can be closed from outside the vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. The issue was confirmed by Tesla service, which stated the vehicle was “built as designed” without the interior emergency release. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? yes. The vehicle was inspected by a Tesla service center representative. No other inspections have been performed. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no. There were no warning lights or error messages. The absence of the emergency release was discovered immediately after delivery. Assessment: the removal of this safety mechanism may violate the intent of fmvss 401and presents a potential safety hazard.

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.

What happened?while driving at 20 mph on [xxx] sunny without any prior “hood ajar” warning, the hood suddenly popped open and smashed the windshield. The vehicle became undrivable. Safety risk?obstructed forward visibility; near-miss crash. When/where?[xxx], sunnyvale, CA 94086, California vehicle info?2025 Tesla Model Y evidence?teslacam (front cam) [xxx] (skip to 0:25 in the video. ) [xxx] (skip to 0:33 in the video. ) [xxx] (skip to 0:01 in the video. ) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Passenger left rear passenger door, right driver side door, right passenger door, trunk door would not open. . Rebooted car still did not open. Open car door intrenally front right. . Closed would not open. Same with all other doors mentioned, Tesla app show vehicle was unlocked when it was not.

After I purchased this car I noticed that the steering wheel and whole car including the seats vibrate. They tried tire pressure, alignment and balancing nothing. It still vibrates so much it’s affecting the nerves in my hands and body and make me numb. They say the car is safe and refuse to diagnose or fix it unless I pay. Car is a month old it’s still under warranty!.

On June 6, 2025, at 5:30 pm mst, I was scheduled to take delivery of a Tesla Model Y at Tesla’s aurora, CO delivery center. Upon inspection, I found visible rear paint damage. Tesla staff verbally acknowledged the defect but refused to provide any written documentation of the issue or the repair plan. I declined delivery due to the defect and the lack of formal repair documentation. I was then told by Tesla staff that if I refused a second delivery — even if the issue remained — I would forfeit my $250 deposit. This was framed as non-refundable and used to pressure acceptance. I also attempted to trade in my leased vehicle (financed by santander consumer USA). Tesla and santander gave me conflicting information about the lease structure, trade-in value, and ownership responsibilities. No formal documentation was offered to clarify. I contacted Tesla’s lease return department, requested written confirmation of the defect, and later filed complaints with the bbb and the colorado attorney general. I am seeking cfpb support to investigate Tesla’s and santander’s leasing practices, use of deposit threats, and lack of transparency in trade-in and vehicle condition handling.

The hood paint thickness looks too thin and painting quality so bad. As soon as it got the stone chip, it makes the body metal part exposed to the air. This defect has hazard of corrosion the hood metal and it makes that metal get brittle. When the driver get the accident after corrosion, it makes passenger in death or severe danger.