Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model S
How the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model S compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model S: The Model Y has 7,070 complaints over 7 years (1,010/year), while the Model S has 4,016 over 10 years (402/year). The Y has 100 recalls and 787 crash-related complaints; the S has 106 recalls and 530 crash-related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model Y or Tesla Model S more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that has been on the road for 7 years, accumulating 7,070 NHTSA complaints—an average of about 1,010 per year. That's a high complaint rate, and the pattern shows many owners report driver-assistance features like forward collision avoidance and speed control behaving unpredictably. With 100 recalls and 787 crash-related complaints, living with a Model Y means staying on top of software updates and being alert for sudden system disengagements.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is a full-size electric sedan with 10 years of data and 4,016 complaints, averaging about 402 per year—less than half the Model Y's annual rate. However, it has 106 recalls and a broader mix of problems, including electrical failures, suspension noises, and steering issues. Owners report everything from cars refusing to restart to suspension popping sounds, suggesting that while complaints are fewer per year, they can be more varied and sometimes mechanical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model Y | Tesla Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,070 | 4,016 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 100 Better | 106 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 787 | 530 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1010.0 | 401.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 629 | 248 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 220 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Tesla Model Y
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3,524
- 02SERVICE BRAKES1,063
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1,034
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER967
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM961
Owners report that critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while driving, creating an immediate crash hazard. Some also complain that Tesla removed the ability to set a maximum speed in Full Self-Driving mode, which they say makes the car harder to control.
Complaints describe brake-related failures during accidents, including one owner who reported multiple critical system failures in rainy conditions that led to injuries. These reports suggest that brake performance may be compromised when other electronic systems malfunction.
Owners report uncommanded acceleration, such as a Model Y suddenly reversing at high speed into a bollard in a parking lot. Others say the car frequently drives 15–20 mph over the speed limit in self-driving mode with no way for the driver to cap the speed.
Electrical complaints include issues with the gear selection lever and other electronic controls, which can leave drivers confused about how to maneuver the vehicle. These problems matter because they can affect basic operation and safety.
“SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: Multiple critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while the vehicle is in operation, creating an immediate crash hazard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION: For approximately one month, my vehicle has experienced intermittent, un…”
“I am filing a safety complaint regarding Tesla's removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in FSD (Supervised), a change that has alarmed a significant number of Tesla owners and safety-conscious drivers. Previous software allowed drivers to set a precise ma…”
Tesla Model S
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM974
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER967
- 03SUSPENSION916
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE552
- 05STEERING450
Owners report the car suddenly stops operating and won't restart, even with the emergency restart bar, leaving them stranded. Another complaint describes a parked Model S that independently entered Race mode and surged from 0 to 60 instantly while charging.
Front suspension makes popping and creaking sounds when driving and turning, which owners worry indicates something is loose. Tesla has reportedly dismissed these as normal body flex, but the noises suggest potential safety issues.
In Autopark mode, the car has continued past the parking space and crashed into poles, and in Full Self-Driving mode it has failed to brake in time on curved highway transitions. These failures show the system may not reliably detect obstacles.
Steering-related complaints include issues with the steering wheel or handle bar, which can affect control. While fewer in number, they are serious because steering problems directly impact vehicle handling.
“On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] I was driving down a small back alley/street in Baltimore when my Tesla Model S Plaid sedan stopped operating. It would not restart, including with the emergency restart bar. Since I was unable to restart it, I left it there wh…”
“The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was connected to the charging port and independently went into Race mode. The contact stated that the charge increased from 0 to 60 instantly. The vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Tesla Model Y — 100 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to com…
The risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
The risk: Missing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104,…
The risk: The inability to clean the windshield reduces the driver’s visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this r…
Tesla Model S — 106 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windsh…
The risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first c…
The risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Te…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope…
The risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there ma…
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Buyer analysis
Tesla Model Y or Tesla Model S: which should you buy?
The Tesla Model S has far fewer complaints per year (about 402) than the Model Y (about 1,010), meaning owners of the S report problems less frequently. However, the Model S has slightly more recalls (106 vs. 100) and its issues often involve mechanical systems like suspension and steering, while the Model Y's complaints are heavily concentrated in software-driven driver-assistance features. In practice, the S may feel more solid mechanically but still needs careful checks, while the Y demands vigilance for electronic glitches.
Key differences
- The Model Y averages about 1,010 complaints per year, while the Model S averages about 402—so the S has fewer reported problems annually.
- Model Y complaints are dominated by forward collision avoidance (3,524) and speed control (1,034), often involving sudden system disengagements or uncommanded acceleration.
- Model S complaints are more varied, with electrical system (974) and suspension (916) issues like cars failing to restart or suspension popping noises.
- Both have similar recall counts (100 for Y, 106 for S), but the S has been on the road longer (10 years vs. 7), so its recalls are spread over more time.
- Check for any history of forward collision avoidance or speed control malfunctions—test drive at various speeds and in parking scenarios to see if systems disengage unexpectedly.
- Inspect the brakes and ensure they respond consistently, especially in wet conditions, as some owners reported brake failures during accidents.
- Listen for popping or creaking noises from the front suspension when turning or driving over bumps, which could indicate loose components.
- Test the electrical system thoroughly: ensure the car starts reliably, the gear selector works smoothly, and there are no unexpected mode changes or acceleration surges.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA complaint and recall history for the specific VIN you're considering.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway driving, parking maneuvers, and activating driver-assistance features to check for disengagements or erratic behavior.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the brakes, suspension, and steering components for wear or unusual noises.
- Verify that all software updates have been installed and ask about any pending recalls.
- Check the tire pressure monitoring system and windshield wiper linkages, as these are among the recall subjects for the Model Y.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Tesla Model Y | Tesla Model S |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 | 101 | 6 |
| 2024 | 356 | 38 |
| 2023 | 1363 | 118 |
| 2022 | 1730 | 138 |
| 2021 | 3240 | 179 |
| 2020 | 280 | 80 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Tesla Model Y or Tesla Model S in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model Y total complaints
- 7,070
- Tesla Model S total complaints
- 4,016
- Tesla Model Y total recalls
- 100
- Tesla Model S total recalls
- 106
- Tesla Model Y avg complaints/year
- 1010.0
- Tesla Model S avg complaints/year
- 401.6
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model Y top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Tesla Model S top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM