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 · 859 complaints
374 reported injuries
304 reported deaths
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 3163
7 recalls · 1079 complaints
63 reported injuries
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 1226
15 recalls · 951 complaints
27 reported injuries
3 reported deaths
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 1065
Best Tesla Model Y Years to Buy
2 recalls · 126 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 182
16 recalls · 263 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 367
4 recalls · 368 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 426
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 | 4 | 368 | 23 | — | 426 | Good |
| 2025 | 2 | 126 | 25 | — | 182 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 3 | 354 | 38 | — | 439 | Good |
| 2023 | 7 | 1079 | 63 | — | 1226 | Caution |
| 2022 | 12 | 859 | 374 | 304 | 3163 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 15 | 951 | 27 | 3 | 1065 | Good |
| 2020 | 16 | 263 | 28 | — | 367 | 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 182 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, 859 owner complaints, and 304 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 3163 — 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 182. It has only 2 recalls and 126 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Model Y has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2020, 2026 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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