general problems of the 2026 Tesla Model Y - part 2

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.

I would like to formally report several incidents I have experienced with my newly purchased Tesla Model Y. I acquired the vehicle on [xxx], collected it from washington d. C. , and drove it back to houston between September 20 and 21. Prior to my return journey, I conducted a test drive. During this drive, at dusk, I engaged full self-driving (fsd) mode. The vehicle stopped appropriately at a traffic light; however, once the light turned green, it moved forward but veered into the yellow safety buffer zone located between the lanes of opposing traffic. I intervened by manually steering the car back into the correct lane. A similar occurrence happened in washington d. C. While attempting a left turn under a highway overpass—the vehicle again crossed into the yellow lines. These incidents suggest that the fsd system did not reliably detect the yellow lane markers. On the weekend of [xxx], during my drive to houston, I primarily used fsd. While navigating a road construction zone, the system failed to recognize large safety cones (yellow columns) and nearly collided with them. Fortunately, I was attentive and promptly took control, braked, and changed lanes to avoid an accident. This demonstrated the fsd’s inability to identify these safety markers. On Tuesday, [xxx], I drove the vehicle to work and returned home using fsd. As I exited the highway onto a ramp merging with frontage lanes, I observed that fsd did not reduce speed appropriately and nearly made contact with vehicles on the frontage road. This indicates that the system was unable to interpret the ramp as a short section intended for deceleration and safe merging. On [xxx], while returning home in the evening after work, I used fsd due to light traffic. The vehicle navigated turns and stops satisfactorily and paused roadside before my house. When I resumed manual control to park, the vehicle suddenly became unresponsive, accelerated onto my front yard, struck the flower bed stones, information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5.

Full self driving safety-critical issue (running a red light) and could have resulted in a collision. [xxx], ~[xxx] mdt. VIN: [xxx] , Model Y, fsd software version 13. 2. 9 [xxx] , in the left turn lane (heading west on [xxx] , intending to turn south onto [xxx] ). Fsd incorrectly proceeded through a red light at the se intersection of [xxx] and [xxx] (northbound side) when the light at the sw intersection (southbound side) turned green, crossing the northbound lanes and completing a left turn onto southbound [xxx] . Clear weather, light traffic, no oncoming traffic on northbound [xxx] . Fsd misread the traffic light signals, likely confusing the green light at the sw intersection (southbound [xxx] ) with the red light at the se intersection (northbound [xxx] ). Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Since I purchased my 2026 Tesla Model Y rwd, the vehicle has had a persistent mechanical noise and vibration issue coming from the front suspension and brake area. This issue has been ongoing since the first weeks of ownership and has not been repaired or properly diagnosed after multiple service visits. Details -component/system failed: front suspension/brake assembly (unknown exact component; may involve control arms, bushings, or brake rotors). -availability for inspection: yes, the vehicle and recorded videos are available for inspection upon request. -safety risk: the vehicle produces loud clunking or popping noises when driving between 10–20 mph or when turning and braking. It feels unstable and unsafe at times, especially on wet roads. This raises concern about potential front-end component failure while driving. -reproduction and confirmation: the issue has been reproduced and confirmed multiple times by Tesla service in vancouver, wa and portland, or. Tesla’s internal system shows that the issue was escalated for “in-car investigation by engineering,” but no permanent repair was completed. -inspection history: Tesla technicians and engineers have inspected the vehicle several times. I also recorded multiple videos with cameras mounted inside the fender to document the sound and provide visual proof of the problem. -warning lamps or messages: no warning lights appear. The issue is purely mechanical but noticeable during low-speed operation. The first symptoms appeared within the first month of delivery. -manufacturer contact: Tesla service centers in vancouver and portland are aware of the issue and have escalated it, but no resolution has been provided. This problem has continued for months despite repeated service visits. The vehicle was identified as needing further “factory-level investigation,” but I was told the local service centers cannot fix it. I believe the issue may be a manufacturing or design defect affecting suspension safety. My life is risk.

Description of incident: while operating the vehicle with fsd engaged, the system was traveling at the posted speed limit of 25 mph. Without warning, it suddenly made a sharp left turn onto the sidewalk and accelerated during the maneuver. A pole on the left side struck the vehicle, damaging the driver-side mirror, scratching and denting the body, and leaving the left rear door unable to open properly. This was the third time fsd had been used since purchasing the car less than 24 hours prior. The system did not allow manual override of the wheel at the time of the incident. After the impact, once the vehicle returned to the road, it came to a stop and fsd disengaged on its own. Notes: no pedestrians or other vehicles were in the immediate area, preventing further harm. No system warnings or alerts were issued before or during the incident. The incident is attributed to a malfunction of the fsd system.

Incident details: location: southbound on state route 79, town of hector, schuyler county, new york vehicle type: Tesla (model unspecified) automation status: reported to be in automated (autopilot) mode date/time: [insert date/time here if known] accident report number: 5ns107krc37v narrative: while traveling south on sr-79, the vehicle approached a downhill, slight left-hand bend that leads to a stop sign. Before reaching the stop sign, the Tesla reportedly turned left without stopping and drove up an approximately 10-foot embankment, resulting in undercarriage damage. The driver manually took control and was able to redirect the vehicle before it impacted a nearby house. At this time, it is unknown whether the driver’s claim that the vehicle was in autopilot mode is truthful. The incident has been documented under the above report number.

I was in a parking lot and activated autopilot while the car was next to a stationary pillar near a parking space. Immediately after activation, the vehicle failed to detect the pillar and drove directly into it. The impact happened so quickly that there was no practical opportunity for human intervention to avoid the collision. There may or may not have been a warning, but even if a warning was displayed, it occurred too late to allow the driver to react before the impact. The system did not provide effective parking collision warning or apply automatic emergency braking. This incident caused damage to the driver-side door and mirror. My safety and the safety of others were at risk because the system failed to prevent a collision with a fixed obstacle. No inspection has yet been performed by Tesla service.

I was using fsd the whole time without any issues. As I approached an intersection, I wanted to go straight, but the fsd intended to make a right turn, so I switched to manual mode. After driving halfway through the intersection, I switched back to fsd, and the car suddenly made a sharp right turn, crashing directly into the traffic light.

During normal driving, the driver’s seat shifts/moves during turns. This is distracting and raises concerns about the seat’s ability to hold position in the event of a collision. I brought the vehicle to Tesla service to address this problem. However, the service center dismissed the concern without properly diagnosing it. Specifically, Tesla did not perform a test drive to replicate the issue. My wife reviewed the trip/route history for the vehicle after the service visit and confirmed that no test drive occurred. Despite failing to properly inspect or repair the car, Tesla has now marked the issue as “resolved” in their records and has warned me that I will be charged $225 for the next visit if I continue to pursue the matter. This effectively penalizes me for their failure to perform a proper diagnostic in the first place. In summary: •the seat continues to move while driving. •Tesla did not test-drive the car to replicate the issue. •the problem was dismissed without resolution. •I have now been told I will be charged $225 if I bring the car in again. This combination of (1) an unresolved safety defect, (2) failure to properly diagnose, and (3) a threat to charge me for follow-up raises serious concerns. I request NHTSA investigate and ensure Tesla properly addresses this seat defect without penalizing owners.

On August 8, 2025, while driving on the highway, the 2026 Model Y suddenly lost power and became unable to accelerate, creating an immediate safety hazard. The accelerator pedal was completely unresponsive even when fully pressed. The vehicle rapidly slowed from approximately 65 mph to around 44 mph and then to 22 mph while in the left lane of a two-lane highway, with a truck on the right and multiple vehicles behind. This unexpected power loss made it extremely difficult to change lanes or maintain a safe speed with surrounding traffic, placing myself and others at serious risk of collision. Prior to the incident, warning messages appeared on the dashboard stating “powertrain requires service” and “speed limited to 74 mph. ” a service appointment had already been scheduled through the manufacturer’s app, but the earliest available date was several days later. The issue was reported to Tesla customer support, and the vehicle was towed to the Tesla palo alto service center for inspection. The first repair (August 9–13, 2025) involved replacing the electric oil pump. However, the identical malfunction recurred immediately after pickup, and I returned the vehicle the same day. The service representative initially claimed the issue could be resolved by “resetting the message,” but I expressed that I felt unsafe driving the vehicle with the same unresolved defect. The vehicle was retained for further diagnosis. The second repair (August 13–28, 2025) replaced the rear drive inverter. Tesla issued nearly identical invoices for both repairs, causing confusion about what work was actually performed. Despite repeated requests, Tesla has not provided full diagnostic reports or documentation verifying the vehicle’s safety. This malfunction appears to involve a critical failure of the powertrain or propulsion system. The condition has been documented, and the vehicle remains available for further inspection upon request.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the fan-driven cabin temperature sensor located behind the small service panel beneath the center touchscreen produces a persistent tonal hum/buzz. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the tonal noise is prominent in Tesla’s otherwise quiet cabin, especially at rest and at low speeds. It is distracting and draws attention toward the center dash area while driving, which can reduce situational awareness and contribute to fatigue on longer trips. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? confirmed by Tesla service as abnormal; replacement performed, but issue still persists. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? inspected by Tesla service on Aug 5 were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no warning lamps/messages. Symptom is an audible tonal hum/buzz from the panel below the screen with hvac off. In a closed garage with hvac off and the vehicle otherwise quiet, there is a steady tonal hum/buzz localized to the small service panel beneath the center screen.

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!.