2021 Tesla Model Y Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#4 most-complained of 7 Model Y years
The 2021 Tesla Model Y has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 4th worst out of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 1,076 complaints, 23 recalls, and 87 crashes, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras the top problem area at 55% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 1,076
- Recalls
- 23
- Crashes / fires
- 87 / 6
- Injuries / deaths
- 25 / 4
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 125
- 131 city / 117 hwy
Top 2021 Tesla Model Y problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while parking at low speed, with the vehicle jumping curbs or hitting other vehicles.
- Some describe the front wheel or suspension separating from the vehicle at very low mileage, in one case around 210 miles.
- Autopilot and adaptive cruise control reportedly failed to detect stationary objects or made sudden unexpected turns, leading to crashes.
- Owners describe brakes feeling unresponsive during low-speed parking maneuvers, causing the car to jump curbs and strike poles.
- One owner reported a fire while driving under 60 MPH, with the driver door handle failing to release and trapping the occupant inside.
- A steering knuckle and front suspension were reported to have snapped, contributing to a rollover crash.
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 to other Model Y years, 2021 carries a Caution verdict with a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 4th worst of 7 years tracked. It sits between the better 2020 and 2025 model years and the worse-ranked 2022 and 2023 years.
- What are the biggest problems with the 2021 Tesla Model Y?
- NHTSA data shows Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues make up 55% of complaints, followed by Brakes at 17% and Engine complaints at 16%. Median mileage at failure for the top problem area is 4,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 23 recalls tied to the 2021 model year, covering areas such as Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, and Seat Belts. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does 2021 compare to other Model Y years?
- The 2021 Model Y's Complaint Index of 50 is worse than 2020 (17, Best) and 2025 (33, Good) but better than 2022 (100, Avoid) and 2023 (83, Avoid).
- How many crashes and fires were reported for the 2021 Model Y?
- NHTSA lists 87 crashes, 6 fires, 25 injuries, and 4 deaths associated with 2021 Model Y complaints.