general problems of the 2026 Tesla Model Y - part 2

The rear door releases contain no easily accessible mechanical back up for releasing the door. In an emergency during a loss of power rear passengers would either have to know how to access the hidden door releases cable or would be trapped.

On December 21, at approximately 9:17 pm, my Tesla was operating with full self-driving (supervised) engaged while reversing out of a parking space at 4 cook cir, medford, MA, USA. During the maneuver, the fsd system failed to detect a low-positioned barrier and collided with it, impacting the rear right quarter panel near the rear right wheel. The damage was caused by the actions of the fsd system while under active control. The vehicle remained drivable; however, the incident represents a failure of the full self-driving system to ensure safe operation during a low-speed maneuver. I believe this incident resulted from a defect or malfunction in the fsd software and request a formal safety investigation. On December 21, at approximately 9:17 pm, my Tesla was operating with full self-driving (supervised) engaged while reversing out of a parking space at 4 cook cir, medford, MA, USA. During the maneuver, the fsd system failed to detect a low-positioned barrier and collided with it, impacting the rear right quarter panel near the rear right wheel. The damage was caused by the actions of the fsd system while under active control. The vehicle remained drivable; however, the incident represents a failure of the full self-driving system to ensure safe operation during a low-speed maneuver. I believe this incident resulted from a defect or malfunction in the fsd software and request a formal safety investigation. Photographs of the vehicle damage and the incident location are attached.

No emergency release inside frunk.

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.

The defect involves the front suspension and/or steering system of a new 2026 Tesla Model Y long range awd. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Symptoms—persistent front-end clunking/thunking (primarily driver-side), steering instability, and vibration—began immediately upon delivery in late 2025, with Tesla notified same afternoon as delivery. The vibration now begins around 60 mph and intensifies with speed. Steering feel is excessively vague on-center (requiring constant correction to maintain lane position) yet overly twitchy and sensitive to inputs, creating inconsistent and unpredictable handling. The condition has progressively worsened and now renders the vehicle unsafe at highway speeds due to risk of loss of control. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms have appeared prior to or since onset. Tesla service centers have had multiple opportunities to evaluate the vehicle under warranty. The problem has not been confirmed objectively by Tesla; during at least one evaluation, a technician drove only at speeds below complaint threshold (despite requests to test at the speeds where symptoms occur), stated he did not feel the issue, and performed no further diagnosis. Multiple appointments were canceled or rescheduled by Tesla (including one after I arrived). The vehicle was repeatedly returned without documented objective testing or repair addressing the complaint. During one visit, the Tesla app indicated an active “visual quality check” while the vehicle remained parked outside and not being worked on for an extended period (documented). To rule out tires, I installed a brand-new set; the vibration worsened afterward. Safety risk: unresolved steering/suspension instability increases the risk of loss of vehicle control at highway speeds, endangering occupants and other road users. Odometer at onset: 15 miles current odometer: 3596 miles.

Per federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 401 an emergency release in any enclosed trunk compartment large enough to hold a person (generally defined as having a volume of at least 1. 2 cubic meters or similar dimensions that could pose an entrapment risk). My 2026 Tesla Model Y does not have an emergency release in the front trunk (frunk) area and it appears Tesla Model Y’s manufactured after on and or after September 2025 no longer have this included. I assume this is because Tesla came out with the standard Model Y which has a smaller frunk and are using that labeling to get away without putting the button in the premium Model Y’s which have a larger frunk and are required by federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 401 to have an emergency release button.

While operating under active full self-driving (supervised) mode the Tesla abruptly and without any driver input shifted from drive into neutral while accelerating through a curved highway on-ramp at highway speeds. This uncommanded gear change caused an immediate and total loss of motive power, resulting in the vehicle colliding with the guardrail before I was able to manually re-engage drive. If I had not reacted promptly and calmly all passengers could have been killed with a collision at high speeds. The earliest available appointment for inspection at a Tesla service center has been scheduled for December 23. There were no warnings at all.

I [xxx] ) was driving my Tesla Model Y (2026) with full-self-driving engaged while leaving the parking lot of the flower mound community activity center (1200 gerault rd. , flower mound, TX, 75028). After exiting the parking area and entering the roadway, the car came to a stop between two lanes and unexpectedly began reversing, even though there was another vehicle behind me. The system failed to detect the car behind, and a collision occurred before I could even understand what was happening. I have all the video recordings of the incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The front trunk on my Model Y is missing emergency release button. There is not way of to exit if kids get trapped in it.

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.

In my 2026 Tesla Model Y long range, there is no emergency release in the frunk (front trunk). I do believe there is a law that requires this. What if the unthinkable happens and someone gets stuck inside of it? I have seen others post about not having it as well, so it is definitely not limited to a small number of vehicles. I do not even see the harness for the emergency release inside of the panel. This is a huge safety issue.

The front trunk (frunk) has no emergency release. The older models have one but the one I picked up recently was “removed”. If it were to close with someone inside, there is no way to get out.

The frunk doesn’t contain an emergency release button. I believe this is required by law per fmvss 401.

There is no release button in the front trunk. 7 year old got inside and was unable to get out until someone got to the control on the car.

The front compartment “frunk” of the vehicle has no safety feature or emergency release latch. This is seriously concerning in case a child or kid gets inside and the trunk is closed for some reason, there would be no way for the person inside to get out by themselves. I contacted Tesla about this two weeks ago and they scheduled a visit which they, a technician later called on 11/12/25 to inform me they didn’t believe there was any requirement for the vehicle to have an emergency release feature inside the front trunk. The service tech canceled my appointment request for a fix.

Missing frunk emergency release. This compartment is definitely large enough for a child to fit and be trapped in. Federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 401 mandates an interior release mechanism for enclosed trunks to prevent entrapment.

Description of problem: the 2026 Tesla Model Y does not include an interior emergency release button inside the front trunk (commonly referred to as the “frunk”). Under federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 401 (49 c. F. R. § 571. 401), all passenger vehicles with a front- or rear-opening trunk compartment are required to have an interior emergency trunk release mechanism that allows a person to exit if accidentally trapped. Safety risk: this missing feature presents a significant entrapment hazard, especially for children or smaller individuals who may become enclosed in the frunk either accidentally or during cleaning or maintenance. There is no way to open the frunk from the inside, which could result in suffocation, heat exposure, or death. The lack of an emergency release mechanism makes it impossible for an occupant to self-rescue if trapped. The vehicle and frunk assembly are available for inspection upon request. Problem confirmation: this issue has been reproduced and confirmed directly by observation—no emergency release mechanism or glow-in-the-dark handle is present inside the frunk. As of now, Tesla has not confirmed the problem and the company is aware of this omission as stated in their owners manual inspections conducted: the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or any independent service center regarding this specific issue warning lamps/messages: there were no warning lamps, alerts, or messages indicating the absence of the emergency release system. The issue was discovered during routine use and inspection of the front trunk area other Tesla vehicles, including earlier Model Y and model 3 units, are equipped with an illuminated emergency release handle in the rear trunk. However, the 2026 Model Y frunk lacks any such release mechanism, suggesting a potential design change or oversight that could warrant a federal safety recall. Attached will be pictures of the cars manufactured before and after 9/2025.

There isn’t an emergency release in the front trunk of my Tesla.

My car does not have a front trunk emergency release button.

There is no safety frunk release to open the hood from inside if a child is trapped inside.

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.

I currently have a 2026 Tesla Model Y and was unfortunately involved in a collision due to what appears to be a full self-driving (fsd) software failure. I had engaged fsd mode while driving my child to his doctor’s appointment. The navigation directed me through narrow residential streets. While traveling on a narrwow residential street, I encountered a garbage truck stopped in the middle of the road, blocking traffic. My vehicle came to a stop behind the truck (with fsd engaged and my full attention on the road). The fsd system then began to “lurk” forward, seemingly assessing whether it could pass the truck through a very tight space on the left side. At first, I was uncertain whether there was enough clearance, but I decided to trust the fsd’s judgment, as it relies on multiple exterior cameras for precise distance evaluation—far more accurate than what I could estimate from inside the vehicle. However, as the vehicle attempted to proceed, I immediately heard and felt a long scrape along the right side of my car. It became clear that the fsd system had miscalculated the available space, and the gap was too narrow for my vehicle to pass safely. As a result, the right side of my car sustained significant damage, including both wheel caps/rims, both doors, the side panel, and the rear bumper. The impact occurred against the metal fender of the garbage truck. I am deeply concerned that this incident—caused by a software error—may occur again and to others, resulting in more serious outcomes. I am attaching photos of the vehicle, the accident scene, and the repair estimate.

My Model Y does not have an emergency release button in the frunk of my car. In the united states, federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 401 mandates an interior release mechanism for enclosed trunks to prevent entrapment.

The horn on the car does not work at high speeds. I believe they replaced the horn with a small speaker, at speeds with wind, it is unusable. Needs a better speaker or an actual horn.

I took delivery of this vehicle on [xxx]. Unknown to me Tesla changed the frunk design of my Model Y premium juniper. It has no light or emergency open button as seen on all juniper models made up until the one I received. My understanding is if a three year old can fit in the trunk/frunk space it must have a light and a way to open it from the inside in an emergency situation. Please recall for a fix. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

While driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y on October 24, 2025, the autopilot system disengaged twice on regular city roads, causing the car to suddenly stop in traffic. A new “attention control” feature silently required small steering inputs without any sound alert, which distracted me from the road. The lack of audible warning and sudden disengagement created a serious safety risk for me and surrounding drivers.

Missing required interior emergency release button in frunk per fmvss 401.

Took delivery of a Tesla Model Y 2026 juniper (not stated VIN #) in September 2025. This vehicle includes the mandated illumintated emergency release button in the front trunk ("frunk"). Then took delivery of a Tesla Model Y 2026 juniper (VIN [xxx] ) in October 2025. This vehicle does not include any illuminated emergency release button in the front trunk ("frunk"). I visited the Tesla service center the day after I took delivery of the second vehicle, and spoke to the service technician, and then the general manager for that location. Both were unaware that Tesla removed the illuminated emergency release button in the Tesla Model Y 2026 juniper. We opened several other Tesla Model Y 2026 juniper frunks, and none of the new ones in the lot had the button. However, we found one demo car that was from an older batch that had the button. I made a service appointment for this issue (and other issues I was having with the vehicle) and left. The general manager then did some research and when I called back a couple days later he said that in Tesla's system, he was allowed to re-order a replacement frunk panel with the illuminated emergency release button for my first Model Y 2026 (delivered in Sep. 2025). But for my second Model Y 2026 (delivered a few days earlier in oct. 2025), he could only order the frunk panel without the illuminated emergency release button. In the meantime, I removed the frunk panels from both of my vehicles to see if there were any differences in the wiring. And sure enough, in my first Model Y (Sep. 2025) there were wires and a connector coming off the power harness to the powered frunk latch, that connected to the illuminated emergency release button. In my second Model Y (oct. 2025) these wires & connector is missing (since there isn't any illuminated emergency release button to connect to). This tells me that this removal was an intentional design change by Tesla, which may violate 49 cfr § 571. 401 and fmvss 401. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act.

Reporting fsd incident on 10/08/25 approx around 8. 15 pm I was going on I-90 towards western mass / u mass amherst using fsd on 10/08/25 on I-90 road work was ongoing and it was 2 lanes. All the vehicles started going in the right lane as left lane had cones . Left lanes cones were tapering on its way ahead. My Tesla fsd chose the left lane which I would not choose as I saw at the distance cones were tapering to form a single lane . Tesla fsd drove in left lane and as it noticed cones tapering into single lane fsd acutely cut into the right lane in front of the of the truck at a very very narrow margin . Once the right lane , fsd asked me to take control of the car. From there till u mass amherst I could not use fsd . This was scary experience. I wanted to report using voice command but I got busy . Please you must have recording of the event. No body was hurt no vehicle damage just wanted to make aware about fsd.

Tesla has removed the end users ability to control the speed of the vehicle in the latest version 14. N of full self driving (fsd). They are deciding for us what the proper speed is with little to no regard for the posted speed limits (which the car frequently has incorrect). They has gone so far as to say, input from occupants in the car are no longer needed or desired with regard to speed. They feel the car should travel the same speed as other traffic, even if that is 20 mph over the posted speed limit. I urge you to revoke their license to use this software on the roads in the united states, until such time as they reintroduce the ability of the driver to control the speed of the car. I am a big fan of fsd, and I use it almost exclusively, and I believe it has the potential to be safer than many of the people driving today, but speed kills, therefore I insist on having the ability to limit the speed of any car I’m responsible for driving. One has to wonder where the adults are at Tesla, where they suddenly believe input from the responsible party in the car is no longer desired or even allowed. Having worked many years in and around emergency medicine… this is just completely misguided, and given they are doubling down on this, you guys are going to have to explain it to them. :(.

Using fsd, my Tesla was at a stoplight (first car) in a dedicated left turn lane with a red left-turn arrow. After cross traffic went by, the Tesla began to proceed through the intersection even though the red arrow was still on. I slammed on the brakes. Watching the dashcam video later, I counted it was about 10 seconds after the Tesla began to run the red light before the light actually changed to a green arrow.

Vehicle information: 2026 Tesla Model Y mileage: ~2,700 miles purchased: July 2025 complaint description: I purchased a brand new 2026 Tesla Model Y in July 2025. At only 6 miles, the car already had an antenna issue that required a week in service. Now, at just 2,700 miles, the air conditioning has completely failed — no airflow at all. This failure occurred suddenly and without warning. The Tesla tampa service center offered no immediate assistance, only an appointment in 4 days, with no loaner or alternative support. This situation creates a serious safety hazard, especially in florida where summer temperatures routinely exceed 95°f. Driving or sitting in a vehicle without functional air conditioning in such heat places both the driver and passengers at risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, or heat stroke, particularly for children. It is unacceptable for a brand-new vehicle at this price point to experience such a critical failure so early. The lack of timely support from Tesla’s service department further compounds the danger. Safety concern: loss of air conditioning in high-heat environments like florida represents a direct safety risk to occupants and should be investigated as a potential defect. Desired outcome: I request that NHTSA investigate whether similar failures are occurring in other Tesla Model Y vehicles and determine if this is a wider defect that warrants corrective action or a recall.

The car gives a false alert that the front frunk is open. Drivers seat slides back and car slows to 15 mph.

I took delivery of a 2026 Tesla Model Y on sept. 20, 2025. It came with a 30 day trial of fsd. I tried it out for less than a week, and decided that I don't have a death wish. The ifrst failure was when it stoppped for a red light, and there was a not right turn on red sign. The car patiently waited for a little while and then suddenly started to begin turning on the red light - like it ran out of patience. I slammed the brake which triggered an insurance ding (telsa rate is increased) for hitting the brake. The the next day the car was poised to turn left. There were 2 lanes of opposition traffic and 1 lane for my direction. Luckily traffic was low, because it turned into the lane for incoming traffic and I was able to steer the car into the right lane, in between some traffic cones. After that event, which really shook me up, I stopped using it, even though it had been nice to have the car do the driving. Incidents like that are just too scary and dangerous. And it is an insult that Tesla penalizes me for driving safely - like hitting my brake as a caution, if I see a person who might bolt out in front of me - or does. Braking is discouraged. Also , dot penalized when I pulled down my sun visor when I turned into blinding sunlight. The car alarms blasted and the screen filled with 'caution' triangles. When I started with the fsd, I had to find controls because it sped 40 in a 30 zone and followed too closely to the car in front of me. I'm a senior and I use a lot of caution driving, in anticipation of other drivers doing bad things. It seemed like fsd encouraged agresive driving. I don't think the Tesla fsd is ready for prime time yet.