Body Problems of Tesla Model Y - part 1

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

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My Tesla Model Y rear passenger window on the right side exploded, and glasses were shattered on February 14, 2025. I was driving on [xxx] and near the exit of [xxx] at approximately 11:40am. ?I was driving at approximately 65 mph. I heard an explosion sound at the back. The noise was very loud and sudden, and I was startled and distressed by the sound, and my eardrum was in pain due by the loud sound and the rush of the wind to inside my vehicle. I took my car to a Tesla svc center at santa clara . Tesla service center made me paid for the repair for $339. 06. I am very concerned about the safety issue, fortunately there was no passenger at the back, otherwise the passenger could be severely injured. The weather was cloudy and the traffic was light. I found an article on the internet - there were another similar incident about the rear right window explosion. There were no vehicles adjacent to my car while I was driving. I would like to express my concern regarding the potential safety implication of this incident. I urge your organization, investigate whether this issue is isolated or a part of broad pattern that may affect other vehicles. This left me a dark shadow while my driving now. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Rear lift gate misaligned and having issue closing the trunk after 2 years of owning. Im concern since I have to push down on the trunk to latch, that it may unlatch while driving and lift gate will open. If the trunk doesnt latch, vehicle will not shift to drive. I took the vehicle to a Tesla service center where they told me that my left hinge of the liftgate needs to be replace and to take it to a body shop. How can a metal hinge be a problem on a 2 years vehicle. I believe that the material are poorly made if this happens in just 2 year old vehicle, I wonder if this vehicle can hold for another 3.

My steering is making loud noises and so is the suspension. It’s so loud it’s embarrassing to drive. The steering wheel also came apart because it wasn’t glued down properly and had air bubbles. I see recalls for cars but not my specific VIN. Tesla says no wheel replacement for me and cost of replacing link assembly parts and bolts would cost me 2000$.

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­•unknown parts or system malfunctions; yes, an inspection can be issued •the car is parked very close to the house and continuously producing poisonous and harmful gas, battery liquid and glasses splattered more than 20ft away. •no, before the incident there was no issue observed. •no, but from the fire department report the cause of the fire was "failure of equipment". •no, there was no warnings from the app, or signs of malfunctions. The car functions normally.

The arm felt on the driver side while I’m driving. Also, there is issue with the camera and the screen electrical problem.

Subject: urgent safety concern and request for immediate resolution – cracked sunroof on Tesla Model Y 2024 to whom it may concern, my name is [xxx] , a united states citizen and resident of florida. I am writing to formally express my deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding a significant safety issue with my Tesla Model Y 2024, which I purchased directly through Tesla’s official website. To date, my vehicle has never been involved in any accident and has been consistently stored in a secure garage, ensuring that it remains free from external damage. Issue description: recently, I discovered that the glassroof of my Tesla Model Y has developed noticeable cracks. This issue is perplexing and unacceptable, especially considering the vehicle has not been subjected to any conditions that could cause such damage. The sudden appearance of these cracks suggests a potential manufacturing defect or poor assembly quality, both of which are serious concerns for vehicle safety and integrity. Previous communication: upon discovering the issue, I promptly contacted Tesla service to report the problem and seek assistance. Unfortunately, my claim was denied without a satisfactory explanation or resolution. This denial not only exacerbates my frustration but also raises significant concerns about the quality control and customer support standards upheld by Tesla. Safety concerns: a cracked roof compromises the structural integrity of the vehicle and poses substantial safety risks to me and my passengers. Glassroof malfunctions can lead to unexpected failures, potentially resulting in accidents or injury. Additionally, the aesthetic damage detracts from the overall value and appeal of the vehicle. Request for immediate action: given the severity of this issue, I respectfully request the following: immediate investigation: a thorough investigation into the cause of the glassroof cracks, including a detailed assessment of potential manufacturing defects or assembly information redacted pursuant to the freedom of inform.

All of the car's cameras have gone dead since November 2024. The car has been collecting water in the truck area and inside panel of the car by the door frame.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the "actually Smart summon" failed. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the "actually Smart summon" function did not detect the post next to my vehicle as it was exiting the parking space. It immediately turn right into the post instead of pulling straight out first. I had very little reaction time. If there had been a person in the position of the post, this could have caused physical harm. My vehicle sustained damage to the front passenger door, its side mirror, and to the ppf material over these components. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I don't know has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? when opening the feature on the app, it states: "warning: monitor vehicle's surroundings for people, animals, or unpredictable movement. ".

I purchased a 2024 Tesla Model Y and received delivery of my Tesla vehicle on [xxx], at 4 pm est. Upon receiving the vehicle, I noticed manufacturing defects on the tail lights, which I reported to Tesla support immediately and scheduled an appointment on September 29. Unfortunately, no appointments were available at that time, and my service date was postponed to October 28, 2024. On [xxx], while traveling at low speeds, the rear passenger tire of my vehicle unexpectedly exploded. They are the factory-installed continental tires 255/45/19. The car had to be towed to Tesla in coral gables, where they installed a temporary tire and quoted me $517. 35 for replacement—despite the vehicle being less than a month old. Since delivery, I’ve also observed that my tail lights have accumulated water, indicating a potential safety hazard and manufacturing defect. I have contacted Tesla support on multiple occasions, but they have not provided clear guidance on whether a loaner vehicle will be provided while these issues are addressed. The lack of timely and effective support for these escalating defects has been extremely frustrating and concerning. Primary concerns: safety hazards related to the tire explosion and water accumulation in the tail lights. Delays in service appointment scheduling. Lack of clarity and support from Tesla regarding service procedures, such as whether a loaner vehicle will be provided. Given these issues, I am requesting assistance from the NHTSA in addressing the quality and safety of this vehicle, as these defects and delays are affecting my ability to operate it safely and reliably. Thank you for your attention to this matter. [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving highway speed several miles from home on the highway. Suddenly and spontaneously the hood came up on the car and smashed through the windshield. There were no other cars in that lane, which allowed me to pull over on the right shoulder. However, if there was any other cars and I hadn’t been in the right lane, it would’ve caused a major accident as there was no way for the driver to see and the car is not aerodynamic enough to move at high speeds at that point. After the car was pulled over, and I was able to get out without glass getting everywhere. It was no noticed that the car still thought the front hood was engaged and was allowing me to hit the open button as it was closed. The car also never recorded the event, even though the windshield was smashed with the dash cam that is built into the car that is meant to auto detect incidents. The car never even gave a warning that the hood had any issues. I checked out the front hood and noticed the latch that is supposed to be attached to the hood was still attached to the lock, but not attached to the hood. There was no thread in the holes on the hood meaning that the bolts must’ve had to unscrew as opposed to snap. I only saw one bolt left in the car and even that bolt came out later. Once the car was towed to the Tesla dealership, the Tesla dealership would not help us and did not say that they could fix it. We took a video of hitting the unlock button for the hood, and which the lock can be seen being given up by the locking mechanism and thrown onto the floor. Only at this point did the car even have any safety warning that the hood might be open. The car forces you to acknowledge that the hood is even open at all in order to drive. I tried it on another Tesla and only latched it down partially and even then it still says it’s open. I do believe that my car had a faulty part and a faulty system for safety as no notification was ever offered to me.

My Tesla frunk has opened twice without warning or command on, [xxx] and [xxx]. This is after the 2024. 20. 3 update that was supposed to fix it. Jason from roadside assistance had me do a soft reboot and hopes it won't open in the future. Thankfully both incidents occurred in the parking lot. Conclusion is that Tesla did not fix the issue and there will be severe accidents in the near future. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Tesla met with an head on collision with another Toyota. Tesla’s airbags didn’t deploy and I had my 6 year old in car as well. The other car which was 2007 Toyota, its airbag still worked.

Since I purchased the car 4 months ago my car has been going into the service center non stop for every issue you can imagine. Tesla spins and blames all issues and ignores me. Corporate says they can’t do anything and then ignore. Service center providing inaccurate or not providing service invoices. Deny my buyback requests. Repairs are failed and new damage occurs at every service appointment. New issues arise with the car every time I drive it. I rarely drive it as it’s not safe. Tesla continually cancels service appointments or does not have parts in stock. Issues: -safety restaurant system fault -electric motor issues: loud high pitched whistle/whine when driving. -car loosing power while driving -seat moving while driving -window clicking -water dripping out of dash vents. -misalignments: frunk, trunk, trim -paint drips, bubbles, cracks, peeling -battery range issues -battery coolant fan issues -defects interior plastic surfaces -seat defects -hole left in front of car between dash and windshield with damages windshield. New dash uneven over airbag. -plastic trim falling off.

Car was summoned and turned a sharp right directly hitting the car parked next to it while pulling out. The location was the parking lot of [xxx] on [xxx] . I have a full video of this which shows the car pulling forward then taking a sharp right impacting the vehicle parked next to it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: my drivere side door fails to open every time. The cold weather feature in the Tesla app claims to pop open the door so you can grab the door to fully open only to get stuck closed. This also happens when attempting to exit the Tesla. The passenger side drivers door also does not open every time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? has been in for service many times. Concern does not replicate except at time of pickup of vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes failure to open door. Also if you are in full self driving and come to a emergency stop: the vehicle is suppost to open the door and put the vehicle in park. The vehicle only puts it into park and have to press the button multiple times to open the door. It gets stuck.

My Tesla (dark gray) was t-boned by a 2015 Hyundai (white) while it was passing the intersection on green light. The Hyundai hit my car when it tried to turn right on red light. My car was running at around 25 mph at that moment. About one second before the accident, my car's front collision warning went off, but everything was too late; the Hyundai's left front bumper hit my car. The crash did not cause any serious damage on the white Hyundai; as you can see in the photo, it barely got any dents, except its left front headlight cap was broken. The incident created small dents on my car's right fender panel and front right door. However, even though my car's front right wheel was not directly hit, it fell off during the accident. If my car was running at a high speed, it would have rolled over and caused serious injuries.

On 5/23/2024 I gradually noticed a clunking noise associated with driving, more noticeable the faster I went (max 20-30mph). Concerned for a flat tire, I check the tire pressure in my car and it was normal in all 4 tires, no obvious flat tire externally. I continued to drive as normal. The following day on 5/24/2024, I was on the highway when all of a sudden I felt a huge change in the smoothness while driving. I shortly thereafter got a notification (albeit small alert on the screen) to pull over immediately, by the time I was partially able to reach the shoulder, my care was practically scraping on metal. 911 had to shut down the i95 ramp as I couldn't make it entirely in the shoulder. Until they arrived, I could have experienced a major accident on a very busy highway. After examining the car, it was clear the previous clunking noise was due to a missing screw of the wheel arch liner, which had caused it to be hitting the tire. This subsequently resulted in the complete destruction and blow-out of my tire. Replaced by Tesla and charged for the entire service cost. Now, 7/24/2024 another safety defect in the exterior fittings of my car. I noticed that the underbody panel of my car has been partially detached and has been hanging down. There have been no accidents or unsafe road conditions that would have caused this to have occurred. I believe another screw has come off of the fittings. This too could have resulted in a major accident. There is no obvious trauma or events in which these two product damages have occurred. Both in which gave little to no warnings and could have resulted in serious damage, injury or death.

On Sunday may 12, I was driving to work, there was a moment where I felt the steering wheel was very stiff to the point where it felt weird and hard to control. I felt the two front wheels a bit odd, but then it went back to normal. I paid no attention to it after. As I was driving on highway 820 west, my car started to automatically move to the left and I tried steering my wheel to get back in lane, but the steering wheel got so stiff that even using all my might I could not steer it. Eventually the car slammed against the cement wall three times as it spins. At the end, the police came on site and saw that the two front wheels were pulled inward. I believe it was a software/technology malfunction.

I just got t-boned in my 2022 Model Y performance. I got out of the vehicle which wasn't in terrible condition, in fact the left side of the vehicle was still perfect and the doors worked fine. I had my dog with me and everyone was okay, but I opened my door and the back passenger door to grab a jacket and check on my dog. I shut the doors to make sure he didn't run out and was a bit out of it because of the accident impact so I took a moment to compose myself. . All of the car's lights flickered and then the electric cut off leaving the doors completely locked and inoperable even though they had just been used moments before and were not damaged in the accident. I had to climb in through a shattered glass window to get my dog as all the doors wouldn't open from the outside and I was unable to access the glove box, nor pry it open because the electricity was out and the impact caused that door to make the side panel to unlock the glove box manually accessible. If the car did catch fire or an occupant were bleeding out: anyone inside, unconscious, would be unable to use the manually release and would be burned alive while people pull on doors that won't open that were undamaged in the accident and working 60 seconds before. From what I have read the only solution would be to jump the car using the 12v battery in the frunk of which the tow company and emergency responders were not familiar with.

While driving on highway at around 60,65 miles speed, I saw a warning that fronk is open. I dont think I pressed open fronk while driving and not sure even its possible while driving. Fronk wasnt open when I started the drive for sure else would have noticed the warning. Warning actually started after driving for 5,6 miles. I was on highway and took me some time to find a safe place to get on the shoulder and when I checked fronk was actually open. Im not sure how much an issue it was or if Tesla fronk can get loose and fly or hit the windscreen and cause visiblity issue or accident involving other vehilces but this was something which was a big concern for a moment while driving at high speed.

The hood latch failed and caused the fronk to open and smash the windshield. This happened while the car was on a trailer being transported. The front hood had opened multiple times while in garage over the last few months and unfortunately it decided to open while on the trailer. The hood flew open and smashed the windshield and caused $6k worth of damages and Tesla will not pay for the fix even though there is an active recall for hood latch on my Tesla extremely scary and dangerous that this can happen on a brand new 2023 car.

While driving on the freeway the autopilot kept turning on, I would immediately turn the autopilot off. The autopilot came on and turned my steering wheel to the left into the highway barrier, thus causing me to take a corrective action. The weather on the freeway way wet and traffic was moderate. The monitor displayed autopilot, which I turned off many during my trip as I am not comfortable with autopilot . I have an insurance claim as there was extensive damage to my car.

Water leak passenger floor.

Sudden unintended acceleration on my new Tesla y- occurred while backing slowly out of the garage. Suddenly, there was a lurch forward that hit the side of the garage. Repair to Tesla @ $8,000 and repair to garage @ $300. Tesla told me that their ivestigation did not disclose any mechanical issues but the manager refused to send me that evaluation. Fortunately, no injuries.

The Tesla y 2023 was in the garage. My wife backed the car carefully out of the home garage that she has done many many times without any problem. It is not clear what exactly happened, but over the time of a few seconds, the car jerked or lurched forward. There was moderate damage to the siding of the garage as well as the side passenger panel. My wife quickly pressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle but the damage to the garage and car was already done.