Is the Tesla Model Y Reliable?

2020–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.

The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other hybrids — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.

31/100
Poor

Reliability Score

59
Total Recalls
4000
Owner Complaints
578
Reported Injuries
307
Reported Deaths
Recall intensity (what drives the score)
7.8 recalls/yr vs. hybrid median 2.2/yr
Safety record (separate score)
High7 open investigations · 307 deaths, 578 injuries on record

Own a Tesla Model Y? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Open NHTSA Investigation

OPEN · EAEngineering Analysis+6 more openopened Mar 2026

fsd collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions

Component: electrical system:adas

⚠ Historically, 50% of EA investigations became recalls.

An open investigation is NHTSA reviewing a potential defect — the earliest warning a recall may be coming. It is not a defect finding. See all vehicles under investigation →

Tesla Model Y Reliability by Year

Model YearRecallsComplaintsInjuriesDeathsReliability ScoreRating
2026436823—
32
Poor
2025212625—
41
Poor
2024335438—
31
Poor
20237107963—
16
Poor
202212859374304
16
Poor
202115951273
16
Poor
20201626328—
34
Poor

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the Model Y Compares to Similar Vehicles

Tesla Model Y31/100
Hybrid Category Average65/100

The Model Y scores 34 points below the average hybrid. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.

Known Tesla Model Y Reliability Issues

The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
642
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
526
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
349
SERVICE BRAKES
292
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
292
STEERING
250

Based on 4000 owner complaints across recent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tesla Model Y reliable?+

The Tesla Model Y scores 31/100 on our reliability index — rated "Poor." Across 7 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 59 recall campaigns and 4000 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.

What year Model Y is most reliable?+

Among the years analyzed, the 2025 Model Y achieved the highest reliability score of 41/100 with 2 recalls and 126 complaints.

How many miles does a Model Y last?+

With consistent maintenance, most Tesla Model Y owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Model Y will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.

More Tesla Model Y Research

Check a Specific Tesla Model Y VIN

Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.

Run a Free VIN Report →