2021 Tesla Model Y Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Tesla Model Y has a complaint index of 67, ranks 3rd worst out of 7 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. It logs 1,076 complaints, 23 recall campaigns, and 87 crashes, led by Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #3 of 7 Model Y years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,076
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 23
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 87
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 25
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 125
- 131 city / 117 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 25 / 4
Top 2021 Tesla Model Y problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras594 (55%)
- Brakes181 (17%)
- Engine175 (16%)
- Electrical System154 (14%)
- Other140 (13%)
- Steering93 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires87 (8%)
- Lane Departure74 (7%)
- Structure & Body59 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers48 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles have suddenly accelerated or lurched forward while parking at low speed, sometimes jumping curbs or hitting other cars.
- Front wheels have detached or suspension components have snapped, in one case linked to a rollover with reported injuries.
- Adaptive cruise control on Autopilot has failed to detect stationary objects ahead, resulting in front-end collisions.
- Autopilot has made sudden unexpected turns, causing the vehicle to lose control briefly.
- Owners report brake unresponsiveness while attempting to park, with the car jumping curbs and striking fixed objects.
- A vehicle caught fire while driving under 60 mph, and the driver's door handle reportedly failed to release the occupant.
2021 Tesla Model Y recalls
23 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V507000Aug 4, 2026Electrical System20,349 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
- NHTSA 26V283000May 4, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras218,868 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention:software
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
- NHTSA 24V935000Dec 17, 2024Suspension, Wheels & Tires696,281 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
2021 Tesla Model Y fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 131 MPG
- Highway
- 117 MPG
- Combined
- 125 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Model Y years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y reliable?
- Compared with other Model Y years, 2021 ranks 3rd worst of 7 years tracked, with a complaint index of 67 and a Caution verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Model Y?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues make up 55% of complaints (594 of 1,076), with a median failure mileage of 4,000 miles and 36 crashes linked to this area.
- Does the 2021 Model Y have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the 2021 Model Y, covering areas like Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, and Suspension, Wheels & Tires. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does 2021 compare to other Model Y years?
- 2021 (complaint index 67) is worse than 2020 (17, Best) and 2025 (33, Good), but better than 2022 (100, Avoid) and 2023 (83, Avoid).
- Are there fire or injury reports for the 2021 Model Y?
- NHTSA data lists 6 fires, 25 injuries, and 4 deaths associated with 2021 Model Y complaints.