2021 Tesla Model Y Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,095 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2021 Tesla Model Y, 1% of the 1,095 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear passenger door was stuck in the closed position and would not open. We brought this to Tesla to fix 5 separate times. My kids sit in the back seat and were not able to get out of the car. We were very worried about their safety because if there was an accident or emergency and they had to get out, they would be stuck inside the car. Each time we brought it to Tesla for repair they fixed it, only to have the problem occur again weeks to months later. This is a HUGE safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11691938, filed 2025-10“Vehicle shut down and individual was locked in the car. Unable to release the doors. Incident occurred on June 23rd with a temp of 95 degrees and higher heat index. Individual was Stuck in the car in a parking garage with no one around to hear screams for help. Called home for assistance to come to the parking garage to help free them. Informed by online article about the Model Y 2021 model having other incidents of the same. We thought it was just a freak occurrence of our vehicle until reading about the probe. …”
NHTSA complaint #11687747, filed 2025-09“1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The 12V battery failed unexpectedly, causing a complete shutdown of the vehicle. The car became fully inoperable—doors, windows, touchscreen, and manual override systems were unresponsive. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My young child was inside the car at the time of the failure. Due to the system lockout, I was unable to open the doors or remove them from the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11662001, filed 2025-05“On July 5, 2025, I entered my vehicle parked in my home garage and the door latched shut. Upon putting my foot on the brake. Center screen was blank (did not power on). I attempted to press the unlock button on the door and there was no sound from the motor to open the door. The door was still locked from the inside of the vehicle and I was locked inside. I waited around 5 minutes (after attempting to call my wife to try to let me out of car and tried the open the drivers door again by pressing the exit button. The door unlatched by normally the window rolls down partially to exit. …”
NHTSA complaint #11688401, filed 2025-09“On August 20th, 2025 at 2:50pm, my eight-month-old infant was trapped inside my Tesla Model Y for approximately 30 minutes due to a critical systems failure. The vehicle experienced an error with the 12V battery that rendered the doors, windows, and trunk completely inoperable, preventing any means of access or escape. My infant was flushed, diaphoretic, and crying while stuck in his car seat with an indoor temperature exceeding 104 degrees fahrenheit. Despite all attempts to override the system, the car remained locked, and the battery dead, and emergency services had to be contacted. …”
NHTSA complaint #11689915, filed 2025-09Related recalls
- 24V554000Jul 24, 2024Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model Y 2020–2024, Model S 2021–2024, Model 3 2021–2024 +1 more
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model Y
583 complaintsBrakes
181 complaintsVehicle speed control
162 complaintsElectrical system
152 complaintsOther or unknown
144 complaintsSteering
96 complaintsSuspension
80 complaintsLane departure
79 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
53 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSeat belts
27 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model Y
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology