2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Tesla Model Y has 11 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835) ($0-$0 repair), Heat Pump / Octovalve Failure in Cold Weather (Loss of Cabin Heat and Defrost) ($0-$5,000 repair), Model S / Model X First-Row Seat Belt Anchor Inspection Recall (23V-488) ($0-$0 repair), Autopilot/TACC Phantom Braking on Highway (NHTSA PE22-002, 416k Model 3/Y) ($0-$0 repair) and Electronic Door Handles Inoperative on Low 12V Voltage — Occupants Trapped (NHTSA Investigation PE25-010) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $400 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Model Y vehicles. The weld attaching the seat recliner mechanism to the front seat backs may fail.
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."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Tesla Model Y has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835), Heat Pump / Octovalve Failure in Cold Weather (Loss of Cabin Heat and Defrost), Model S / Model X First-Row Seat Belt Anchor Inspection Recall (23V-488). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Tesla Model Y has 11 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835) and Heat Pump / Octovalve Failure in Cold Weather (Loss of Cabin Heat and Defrost) and Model S / Model X First-Row Seat Belt Anchor Inspection Recall (23V-488) and Autopilot/TACC Phantom Braking on Highway (NHTSA PE22-002, 416k Model 3/Y) and Electronic Door Handles Inoperative on Low 12V Voltage — Occupants Trapped (NHTSA Investigation PE25-010). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Tesla Model Y issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
On 2020-2021 Model Y built March 2020-June 2021, the two fasteners connecting the front lower control arm (lateral link) to the subframe were not torqued to spec at the factory. The bolts can back out over time, allowing the lateral link to separate from the subframe and causing… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
On 2021-2022 Model Y, the heat pump's Electronic Expansion Valve (EXV) in the Octovalve supermanifold can stick open if controller communication is interrupted, causing total loss of cabin heat and defrost in sub-freezing temperatures (especially -10C/14F or colder). In severe ca… Repairs typically run $0-$5,000. Severity: high.
NHTSA recall 23V-488 covers approximately 15,869 Tesla Model S (2021-2023) and Model X (2021-2023) vehicles for first-row seat belts that may not have been properly reconnected to their pretensioner anchors after a prior repair. If the anchor connection is below spec, the seat be… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
After Tesla moved to Vision-Only Autopilot in May 2021, 2021-2022 Model Y (and Model 3) owners reported hundreds of cases of the car suddenly applying brakes for no visible reason at highway speed while Autopilot or TACC is engaged. NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
NHTSA opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25010 on September 15, 2025, covering an estimated 174,290 2021 Model Y vehicles after at least 9 to 16 reports that the exterior electronic door handles became inoperative when the car's low-voltage (12V) system dropped to insufficient volta… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
Leaving Sentry Mode and/or Cabin Overheat Protection enabled on 2020-2024 Model Y causes 7-14% HV pack drain per day plus accelerated 12V battery cycling, because the car keeps the HV system live, cameras recording, and the Autopilot computer processing video continuously. Owners… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.
Early-production (2020-2021) Model Y reports of the panoramic rear glass cracking, sometimes spontaneously, sometimes from minor flex. Owners reported cracks appearing during cold-weather closing of the trunk. Tesla covered most under warranty but did not recall. Issue largely re… Repairs typically run $0-$1,900. Severity: medium.
2020-2023 Model Y crossovers built at Fremont and Giga Austin can leak water into the rear trunk and subtrunk through gaps around the liftgate lamp studs and connector, and through inadequate liftgate sealing. Owners report standing water in the spare-tire well, soaked carpet, an… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.
2020-2024 Model Y (especially Performance trim, which sits ~10mm lower) is delivered with aggressive, non-adjustable rear negative camber that causes severe inner-edge wear on the rear tires. The factory rear camber cannot be changed via standard alignment — only toe is adjustabl… Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: medium.
Multiple Model Y owners report the windshield spontaneously cracking while using cabin preconditioning or the defrost function in cold weather. Owners describe a consistent crack pattern that appears as the heating system warms the cold glass, suggesting thermal stress on the win… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Software release 2024.38.3 introduced a defect on 2020-2025 Model Y (and 2017-2025 Model 3, 2024 Cybertruck) vehicles in which the tire pressure monitoring system warning telltale would reset when the vehicle was powered down or went to sleep between drives. As a result, the low-… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
