Body Problems of Tesla Model Y - part 1

The paint on my Tesla Model Y is peeling and delaminating along both sides of the rear trunk/hatch seam, adjacent to the rear glass. The issue appears in the same location on both sides in a symmetrical pattern. There has been no accident, impact, or external damage to these areas. The peeling began gradually and has continued to worsen over time. The symmetry and location suggest this is not normal wear or environmental damage, but a potential defect in paint adhesion or manufacturing at the trunk seam. This condition exposes underlying material and may lead to further deterioration, including corrosion over time. I am reporting this as a potential manufacturing defect affecting durability of the vehicle exterior.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

Incident summary: on April 1, 2026, while operating a 2025 Tesla Model Y at highway speeds (approx. 65-70 mph), the front hood (frunk) spontaneously unlatched, flipped upward, and struck the windshield. The impact completely shattered the windshield, obstructed 100% of forward visibility, and caused structural damage to the hood and hinges. I was able to safely navigate to the shoulder by relying on side-view mirrors and lane-keep assist, but the incident constituted an immediate and life-threatening safety hazard. Failure of safety redundancies: lack of digital warning: at no point prior to or during the drive did the vehicle’s software provide an "unlatched," "open," or "warning" notification on the primary display or via audible alert. The vehicle’s sensors failed to detect a compromised latch state. Secondary latch failure: the mechanical secondary safety catch, designed to prevent the hood from fully opening if the primary latch fails, did not engage or hold. The hood bypassed all mechanical and digital failsafes. Spontaneous activation: the vehicle had not been manually accessed in the frunk area immediately prior to this trip, suggesting either a mechanical fatigue of the latch assembly or a software-commanded release error. Year/make/model: 2025 Tesla Model Y license plate: [xxx] previous recalls: this failure appears identical in nature to NHTSA recall 24v-554, which affected 2021-2024 models. It appears the remedy or part quality issues addressed in that recall may persist in the 2025 Model Year production. Safety consequences: the sudden loss of visibility at high speeds on a congested highway created an extreme risk of a high-speed collision, multi-vehicle pileup, and potential fatality. The force of the hood striking the glass sent shards into the cabin. I am requesting an immediate investigation into the 2025 Model Y hood latch assemblies and sensor logic to determine if a new or expanded recall is necessary to prevent loss of life. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (f.

See all problems of the 2025 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.

Tesla Model Y performance with 47,000 miles. Driver's side, rear passanger door would not open. No accident or damage to the car or car door. Door could not be opened from the inside nor the outside with the handle. Issue: the emergency door release in the pocket of the door failed to release and open the door.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

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.

Date: December 28, 2025 time: approximately 3:25 pm vehicle: 2026 Tesla Model Y incident location: southbound on the I-35n feeder road, just north of highway 114. Safe harbor location: burger king (15925 n hwy 114, northlake, TX) statement of facts: I was driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y southbound on the I-35n feeder road at approximately 3:25 pm today. I was traveling at a steady speed of 55 mph. Without any warning chime or dashboard notification, the front hood (frunk) suddenly and violently flew open. The hood slammed into the windshield, shattering the glass across my entire field of vision and completely obstructing the road ahead. I was forced to perform an emergency "blind" stop on the feeder road. Once the vehicle was under control, I drove at approximately 10 mph with zero forward visibility to reach a safe location off the main road. I pulled into the burger king parking lot located at the intersection of I-35 and highway 114 to inspect the damage and call for assistance. Key safety failures: • software failure: at no point before the hood flew open did the vehicle alert me that the frunk was unlatched. • mechanical failure: the latching mechanism failed to hold at standard highway speeds, creating a life-threatening visibility hazard. • structural damage: the windshield is fully shattered, and the hood and hinges are visibly warped from the force of the impact. Conclusion: this incident was a catastrophic safety failure. Given Tesla's history of recalls for this exact issue (NHTSA recall 24v-554), it is clear that this 2026 model either suffers from the same defect or the previous "software fix" is insufficient to protect drivers.

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.

Frunk (hood) has been randomly opening at times when the car is parked. Today it opened after being parked at my office parking lot for 3 hours. I am concerned that this can occur while driving, especially on the highway, potentially causing a deadly accident.

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 writing to formally report a serious malfunction involving my Tesla vehicle. On my 2024 Tesla Model Y. I experienced an unexpected accelerator malfunction that caused the vehicle to surge forward uncontrollably. The incident occurred at approximately as I attempted to dive in slowly, the accelerator suddenly malfunctioned and my car creeped in slowly and rapidly increased power without my intention. Despite immediate attempts to brake and regain control, the vehicle continued to accelerate and subsequently collided with a gate, resulting in significant front-end damage. I firmly believe this was due to a mechanical or electronic failure in the vehicle’s accelerator or related control systems. The malfunction posed a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in injuries, and this has affected me mentally. I am requesting a full investigation into this malfunction, including an inspection of the vehicle’s electronic logs, sensors, and accelerator system to determine the cause of this unintended acceleration. I would appreciate your prompt response and guidance on the next steps to resolve this matter, including vehicle inspection, repair, and coverage options.

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

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).

Both b-pillar camera housings on my 2023 Tesla Model Y performance become extremely hot even when the vehicle is parked in a closed garage and not in use. On the morning of the incident, the garage temperature was approximately 78°f. The car had been parked overnight for over 12 hours, plugged in, and charging to 80%. While the vehicle was preconditioning, no defrost features were active. Despite this, both pillar surfaces measured 156°f with an infrared thermometer—hot enough to cause skin burns within seconds according to standard burn-threshold data for human skin (~155°f). Both sides heating to this temperature simultaneously suggests an electrical or control malfunction keeping the pillar camera assemblies energized. These components sit near the seatbelt anchor and side-curtain airbag area, raising concern of fire, electrical, or occupant-safety risk if the condition persists. Continuous heating while parked could also degrade wiring insulation or camera electronics used by the vehicle’s driver-assistance systems. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. The issue has not yet been inspected or confirmed by Tesla, but a service appointment request was submitted immediately after the event. Tesla repeatedly rescheduled the appointment, delaying it by more than six weeks despite the described safety concern. No diagnostic alerts, warning messages, or notifications appeared in the vehicle or Tesla app. This abnormal heating has occurred more than once under similar conditions and does not appear to be caused by ambient temperature or sunlight exposure.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

This incident appears to relate to NHTSA ongoing investigation at Tesla's low voltage battery system failure causing door handle malfunction. (September 26, 2025) 2021 Model Y front and rear doors (all four) was locked down with a seven years old child inside the car at home garage driveway. Mom unable to open up doors from exterior. A few hours later, left driver door was able to open but other passengers door remained locked down. (October 2, 2025) sent Model Y to Tesla service center and identified low voltage battery and vehicle controller failure. Tesla technician replaced those electrical components with service fee charged.

The mechanical door release cable for the rear doors is not accessible without a screwdriver. This safety door release mechanism should be accessible without tools in case of emergency.

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

Summary of complaint: my 2023 Tesla Model Y has had two roof glass failures in three months (two glass roof replacements). Both times, the glass cracked from small road debris while driving under normal city conditions. Safety concern the roof glass appears unusually fragile and prone to cracking, raising concerns about whether it meets industry standards for impact resistance and occupant safety. The rapid failure rate (two roof glass panels in three months) suggests a potential design or materials defect rather than isolated incidents of road damage. If roof glass panels cannot withstand normal road debris, this presents a safety risk for drivers and passengers, as well as for other motorists if large shards detach while driving. The roof glass seems unusually fragile. Two failures in such a short time suggest a design or material defect. If the glass cannot withstand normal road debris, it may not meet durability or safety standards. There is also risk to occupants and other drivers if roof glass fails while in motion. Request: please investigate whether the 2023 Tesla Model Y roof glass meets required safety standards, and whether this issue is affecting other owners.

Finding random screws coming off the vehicle in various compartments. Two screws found laying in glove compartment that came off the assembly holding the inside of the glove box. A hex screw found in rear passenger arm rests storage compartment, after further look up, this screw became lose and fell off the arm rests storage compartment assembly.

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!.

I initially brought my car in for a weird clicking noise. This noise went away after the car was towed to the service center. During service at Tesla service center in la on August 04, 2025, technicians identified structural deformation of the left-hand rear subframe toe link mounting side wall. This deformation prevents proper alignment of the suspension bolt and makes a 4-wheel alignment impossible. Tesla refused warranty coverage, claiming “impact damage,” citing only cosmetic wheel rim scrape as evidence. However: 1. Torque paint marks remain intact, proving the bolt has not shifted since factory assembly. 2. No collateral suspension damage (control arms, bushings, underbody) was found, which would normally occur if an impact strong enough to bend a subframe ear had happened. 3. This failure mode is nearly identical to Tesla’s prior recall (21v-835 / 23v-235) on the front suspension lateral link bolts, which involved subframe mounting holes deforming and preventing proper alignment. Safety concern: the subframe is a critical structural component of the suspension system. Deformation at the toe link mounting point risks the following issues: improper suspension geometry, loss of wheel alignment, reduced vehicle stability and tire wear, and potential sudden loss of control in emergency maneuvers. Tesla has declined to repair this under warranty, leaving the defect unresolved. I believe this represents a potential systemic defect in the rear subframe design, similar to the previously acknowledged front subframe defect.

On [xxx], after placing my young child in my Tesla and closing the door, the 12v battery failed suddenly and the vehicle became inaccessible. I was unable to unlock or enter the car. I did not receive any warning or alert that the 12v battery was about to fail. The vehicle was in my garage, and the window automatically cracked, which allowed me to monitor my child while I sought help. I called Tesla roadside assistance at 8:59 am. During the call, the representative reassured me that help was being dispatched and at times described the service provider as “on the way” (timing details such as “within ~45 minutes” and the length of the initial call are my best estimates). After continued waiting with my child confined inside the vehicle, I contacted emergency services due to the safety risk. I called 911 at 10:03 am. I later had the 12v battery replaced at my own expense. This incident involved a sudden electrical failure without warning that resulted in a child being trapped inside a disabled vehicle, and I am also concerned about the accuracy and effectiveness of roadside assistance dispatch communications during the incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I saw that the us national highway traffic safety administration is investigating the Tesla Model Y (2021 and over) due to the electronic door handles becoming inoperative. I am happy and relieved to see this is being looked into since this recently happened to my vehicle a couple of months ago. The rear passenger side door unlocked initially for me to put by [xxx] old into the car seat but when I went to open the driver's side door, the handles would not open. I tried all other door handles and all were locked. Luckily, I had not shut the door next to my child's car seat yet, otherwise it would've locked my child inside the vehicle. I opened a ticket with Tesla and they sent a technician out. He said the low voltage battery needed to be replaced and when this happens all electric door handles will be unresponsive and locked. However, the vehicle never showed any warning or notification leading up to this. He said when the 12v battery fails, the only way to unlock the unresponsive doors is to use the manual release inside the car or jump the 12v battery under the frunk (assuming you have the right jumping cables outside of the car). The Tesla technician said it is a flaw in the Model Y design and he said I would've had to break a window to get my child out if they are not old enough to locate and release the manual door release inside the vehicle. This poses a huge safety risk to parents with young children. I really hope Tesla implements another emergency way to release the doors from outside the vehicle to avoid young children from being locked inside. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

On or about may 23 or 24, 2025, while using fsd to park the vehicle, I engaged reverse mode. The vehicle was fully under fsd control during this maneuver. Unexpectedly, the car reversed into a fixed pole, impacting the rear of the vehicle and causing a noticeable dent. The system did detect the collision and stopped upon impact, but failed to avoid it entirely. This incident occurred despite my hands being on the wheel and full attention as a supervising driver, in accordance with Tesla's guidelines for fsd use. I believe this represents a malfunction in the fsd system's object detection or path planning during reverse parking.

On April 18th, 2025, I dropped off my 2022 Tesla Model Y at Tesla collision center (paramus, NJ) after a minor accident. I later revoked consent for any repairs via email. Despite this, Tesla performed major body and paint work without my permission. No signed work order exists. The repairs were unauthorized and proceeded without my knowledge or approval until this day. These changes now risk altering my VIN history and vehicle safety records. I’m concerned this constitutes falsified documentation and could affect resale value, title accuracy, and liability in future accidents. I was never shown a repair summary or given the chance to approve or decline service. Even after I sent a formal cease-and-desist letter on June 6, 2025, Tesla towed my rental vehicle on June 4 (without warning), which I had been using through Tesla insurance. My personal belongings were inside. The timing suggests retaliation for revoking consent and demanding documentation. There were no mechanical failures or warning lights before this, but my concern is that Tesla falsified records & carried out structural work under my VIN without my legal consent. That poses serious risk to my safety and consumer transparency. The work was done by Tesla’s own collision center. The vehicle is available for inspection. I request NHTSA to review Tesla’s repair authorization practices and investigate whether unauthorized repairs, falsified VIN records, or retaliation have occurred in my case and others. This incident reflects broader safety concerns around Tesla’s internal repair authorization system, which may allow collision centers to proceed without documented customer consent. If vehicle repairs are being logged under owner records without approval, this poses risk to accident liability, insurance disputes, and NHTSA transparency. I request a formal investigation into Tesla’s repair authorization practices and how they affect vehicle safety, ownership rights, and regulatory compliance. Thank you.

On three separate occaisions the back left door panel has slipped from its position and caused the door to not be able to open either from the inside or outside. It requires repair each time. This is extremely dangerous for the back seat passengers as they are not able to exit the car and it can't be forced open and requires a technician. I have asked Tesla to fix it, but it appears to be a design flaw and it is a known flaw. There are no warning lights. The vehicle has been looked at each time and each technician has said that the clips pop out and they do a car each week or so.