How many engine-related complaints does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have?

NHTSA lists 175 Engine-area complaints for the 2021 Model Y, which is 16% of that year's 1,076 total complaints.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Tesla Model Y engine or acceleration issue?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this Engine-area problem on the 2021 Model Y.

What do owners describe happening with acceleration on the 2021 Model Y?

Owners report the vehicle suddenly and unintentionally accelerating, often while parking, with 20 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries recorded among the complaints.

At what mileage do these acceleration problems usually occur?

The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 740 miles.

How does the 2021 Model Y compare to other model years for this issue?

Engine-area complaints made up 16% of total complaints in 2021, close to 17% in 2022 and 16% in 2023, and higher than the 11-14% seen in 2020, 2024, and 2025.

2021 Tesla Model Y Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 175 Engine-area complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model Y, 16% of that year's 1,076 total complaints. Owners most often described unintended or sudden acceleration while parking or at low speed, with 20 crashes and 7 injuries reported. No related recall is listed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 175; 16% of 1,076
Crashes reported: 20
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 7
Median mileage: 740 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden, unintended acceleration while slowly parking or maneuvering in tight spaces such as parking lots or driveways.
Several describe the vehicle lurching or surging forward from a complete stop without pressing the accelerator.
Multiple complaints say braking failed to stop the unwanted acceleration, resulting in collisions with objects, buildings, or other vehicles.
Some incidents occurred after switching from park to drive with only light pedal pressure, followed by rapid uncontrolled acceleration.
A few owners report the vehicle accelerating while stationary in a line of traffic or a drive-through, with no driver input.

When 2021 Tesla Model Y engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 27, 2020, latest Sep 24, 2026.

175 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2020 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2022 Q1 (47).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model Y

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Model Y model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20190 (0%)
202038 (14%)
2021175 (16%)
2022149 (17%)
2023183 (16%)
202443 (13%)
202511 (11%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine-related complaints does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have?: NHTSA lists 175 Engine-area complaints for the 2021 Model Y, which is 16% of that year's 1,076 total complaints.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Tesla Model Y engine or acceleration issue?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this Engine-area problem on the 2021 Model Y.
What do owners describe happening with acceleration on the 2021 Model Y?: Owners report the vehicle suddenly and unintentionally accelerating, often while parking, with 20 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries recorded among the complaints.
At what mileage do these acceleration problems usually occur?: The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 740 miles.
How does the 2021 Model Y compare to other model years for this issue?: Engine-area complaints made up 16% of total complaints in 2021, close to 17% in 2022 and 16% in 2023, and higher than the 11-14% seen in 2020, 2024, and 2025.