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
12 recalls · 782 complaints
353 reported injuries
300 reported deaths
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 3024
8 recalls · 911 complaints
44 reported injuries
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 1023
15 recalls · 849 complaints
24 reported injuries
3 reported deaths
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 957
Best Tesla Model Y Years to Buy
1 recall · 95 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 128
3 recalls · 178 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 209
16 recalls · 242 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 340
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 | 3 | 178 | 11 | — | 209 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 95 | 15 | — | 128 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 4 | 297 | 37 | — | 383 | Good |
| 2023 | 8 | 911 | 44 | — | 1023 | Good |
| 2022 | 12 | 782 | 353 | 300 | 3024 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 15 | 849 | 24 | 3 | 957 | Good |
| 2020 | 16 | 242 | 25 | — | 340 | 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 128 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 12 recalls, 782 owner complaints, and 300 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 3024 — 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 128. It has only 1 recall 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.
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