2023 Tesla Model Y Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
83/100
#2 most-complained of 7 Model Y years
The 2023 Tesla Model Y ranks 2nd worst among 7 model years, with a Complaint Index of 83 and 1,163 NHTSA complaints, 152 crashes, and 17 recalls. Collision Avoidance & Cameras problems dominate, at 505 complaints and a median failure mileage of 3,975.
- Complaints
- 1,163
- Recalls
- 17
- Crashes / fires
- 152 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 87 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 122
- 127 city / 116 hwy
Top 2023 Tesla Model Y problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras505 (43%)
- Steering212 (18%)
- Engine183 (16%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires162 (14%)
- Other155 (13%)
- Brakes154 (13%)
- Electrical System138 (12%)
- Lane Departure80 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers62 (5%)
- Structure & Body47 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle crashing into stopped or slowing traffic because automatic emergency braking failed to activate.
- Some describe autopilot steering the car into oncoming traffic or into objects without any warning.
- Several owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking or stopped with the brake pedal depressed, leading to collisions.
- One owner reported a crash during autopilot use that led to a battery fire and explosion with injuries.
- Owners note a lack of collision warning chimes even when the system should have detected a hazard.
2023 Tesla Model Y recalls
17 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 25V092000Feb 14, 2025Steering376,241 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Steering:electric power assist system
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, 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 March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.
2023 Tesla Model Y fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 127 MPG
- Highway
- 116 MPG
- Combined
- 122 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.
2023 compared with other Model Y years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Tesla Model Y reliable?
- Among the 7 Model Y years with data, 2023 ranks 2nd worst, with a Complaint Index of 83 and an 'Avoid' verdict relative to other Model Y years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras leads, accounting for 505 complaints, 43% of the total, and 69 crashes, with a median failure mileage of 3,975.
- Does the 2023 Tesla Model Y have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 2023 Model Y, covering areas including electrical systems, steering, collision avoidance cameras, and seat belts, none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2023 Model Y compare to other years?
- The 2020 Model Y is rated 'Best' with a Complaint Index of 17, while 2022 is also rated 'Avoid' with an index of 100; 2023's index of 83 places it second worst of the 7 years tracked.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
- EPA rates the 2023 Model Y at 122 MPG combined (127 city, 116 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $600.