Tesla Model Y Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Tesla Model Y model year (2020–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Tesla Model Y Years to Avoid
8 recalls · 789 complaints
355 reported injuries
300 reported deaths
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 3023
7 recalls · 934 complaints
45 reported injuries
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 1045
12 recalls · 859 complaints
24 reported injuries
3 reported deaths
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 958
Best Tesla Model Y Years to Buy
0 recalls · 95 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 125
2 recalls · 189 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 217
11 recalls · 248 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 331
Found the right year? Verify that specific Model Y with a free VIN report.
Tesla Model Y — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 189 | 11 | — | 217 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 95 | 15 | — | 125 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 2 | 297 | 37 | — | 377 | Good |
| 2023 | 7 | 934 | 45 | — | 1045 | Good |
| 2022 | 8 | 789 | 355 | 300 | 3023 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 12 | 859 | 24 | 3 | 958 | Good |
| 2020 | 11 | 248 | 25 | — | 331 | Good |
All 7 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Tesla Model Y Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2025Recent Model Y models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2025 stands out with just 125 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Model Y should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2022 Tesla Model Y if possible. It has 8 recalls, 789 owner complaints, and 300 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 3023 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Model Y to buy?+
The 2025 Tesla Model Y is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 125. It has only 0 recalls and 95 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Model Y has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2026, 2020 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Tesla Model Y Research
Check a Specific Tesla Model Y VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →