2021 Tesla Model Y Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,093 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,668miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the body and structure of the 2021 Tesla Model Y, 3% of the 1,093 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,668 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Parking my car when I pressed the brake and ready to engage park , car accelerated in high speed and drove to island and trying to control the wheel while my foot still on break to avoid hitting other cars on the parking lot , hit some curbs which cause the tire on the front passenger side came off completely with axle attached . This cause the car to stop and deployed air bag and caught on fire , that's when I immediately got out the car. The car mileage is 524 when it happened. Minor burn on my left arm from the fire and sore shoulder less than 24 hours.”
NHTSA complaint #11407155, filed 2021-04, 524 miles“My steering is making loud noises and so is the suspension. It’s so loud it’s embarrassing to drive. The steering wheel also came apart because it wasn’t glued down properly and had air bubbles. I see recalls for cars but not my specific vin. Tesla says no wheel replacement for me and cost of replacing link assembly parts and bolts would cost me 2000$”
NHTSA complaint #11646740, filed 2025-03“Frunk (Hood) has been randomly opening at times when the car is parked. Today it opened after being parked at my office parking lot for 3 hours. I am concerned that this can occur while driving, especially on the highway, potentially causing a deadly accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11703701, filed 2025-12“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“Unspecific event. I hope this report, without my having an incident myself is looked into enough to apply a standard across all manufacturers to make sure the public aren’t so unknowingly put at risk. All because of an ill thought through design. My vehicle has no easy access to exit rear seats if there is any kind of electrical failure. My rear passengers will not be able to exit the vehicle. Manual override of electronic door controls are hidden beneath door panels and trims. …”
NHTSA complaint #11465857, filed 2022-05Related service bulletins
- 11009771Oct 25, 2024On certain Model Y vehicles, the LH and/or RH rear primary body seals might cause wind noise in the cabin.
- 11001923Apr 16, 2024Certain Standard Range Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that received the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) HV Battery Retrofit did not receive the 2nd row floor reinforcement plate…
- 10253651Mar 12, 2024Certain Model Y vehicles that received a tow hitch retrofit in Service may require a replacement LH Body Controller Module.
- 10247838Nov 22, 2023On some Model Y vehicles, water may have leaked inside the rear trunk area through the liftgate assembly.
- 10243082Aug 2, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10240953Jun 16, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10240946Jun 8, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10235970Apr 27, 2023On some Model Y vehicles, water may have leaked inside the rear trunk area through the liftgate assembly.
- 10235967Apr 17, 2023On some Model Y vehicles, water may have leaked inside the rear trunk area through the liftgate assembly.
- 10235963Apr 5, 2023On some Model Y vehicles, water may have leaked inside the rear trunk area through the liftgate assembly.
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model Y
582 complaintsBrakes
181 complaintsVehicle speed control
162 complaintsElectrical system
152 complaintsOther or unknown
143 complaintsSteering
95 complaintsSuspension
80 complaintsLane departure
77 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
52 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSeat belts
27 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
26 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model Y
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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