Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model X
How the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model X 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 X: The Model Y has 7,070 complaints over 7 years (about 1,010 per year), while the Model X has 3,128 over 10 years (about 313 per year). The Y's issues often involve driver-assist software, while the X's involve suspension and steering hardware. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model Y or Tesla Model X 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 about seven years. In that time, NHTSA has logged 7,070 owner complaints, averaging roughly 1,010 per year, with 100 recalls. The complaint pattern is dominated by forward collision avoidance, service brakes, and vehicle speed control, often tied to driver-assist software behaving unpredictably. For a used buyer, this means the car's advanced features are also its most frequent source of owner frustration.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is a larger electric SUV with a longer 10-year history. It has 3,128 complaints, about 313 per year, and 111 recalls. Owners most often report suspension, electrical system, and steering problems, including tire blowouts and touchscreen control issues. While the annual complaint rate is lower than the Model Y's, the X's issues tend to involve physical hardware and can be costly.
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 X |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,070 | 3,128 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 100 Better | 111 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 787 | 383 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1010.0 | 312.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 629 | 417 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 220 Better | 260 |
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 a sudden crash hazard. Complaints also mention that software changes removed the driver's ability to set a maximum speed in Full Self-Driving mode, which some find alarming.
Some owners describe brake-related failures occurring during accidents, often in wet conditions, and note that multiple safety systems fail at once. This matters because braking is fundamental, and unexpected loss of assist can be dangerous.
Complaints include uncommanded high-speed reverse acceleration in parking lots and Full Self-Driving exceeding speed limits by 15-20 mph without a way for the driver to cap it. For a buyer, this suggests the speed control software may not always behave predictably.
Owners report various electrical glitches, though specific details are less clear from the sample. Electrical issues can affect many vehicle functions and may be intermittent, making them hard to diagnose.
“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 X
- 01SUSPENSION719
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM699
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER684
- 04STEERING439
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE396
Owners report tire blowouts on the freeway with no impact or warning, and some link these to faulty tire pressure monitoring systems. This is a serious safety concern because a sudden blowout at speed can cause loss of control.
Complaints include infotainment delays, such as slow responses to commands, and issues after liquid spills near the center console. These glitches can be distracting and may affect other electronic features.
Owners describe simultaneous failures of ABS, stability control, traction control, steering assist, and automatic emergency braking, with dashboard warnings. They also report Full Self-Driving not following navigation directions, which could lead to unexpected maneuvers.
While not the top component, some owners report issues with forward collision avoidance, though specific patterns are less detailed in the sample. This system is meant to prevent crashes, so any malfunction is a concern.
“The tire blow up on the freeway while driving with no impact, collision or any warning or any external factors, it’s very well documented all over the internet that Model X Tesla have serious Tire problems associated with faulty tire pressure system TPMS and…”
“Incident Description: I was driving on the highway using Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) / FSD Supervised at approximately 65+ mph. Traffic conditions were moderate, and weather and visibility conditions were clear. While FSD was actively engaged, my phone bega…”
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 X — 111 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 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
The risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Buyer analysis
Tesla Model Y or Tesla Model X: which should you buy?
The Tesla Model X has far fewer complaints per year (about 313) than the Model Y (about 1,010), despite being on the road longer. In practice, this means a used Model X owner may encounter fewer reported problems annually, but the X's issues often involve costly hardware like suspension and steering, while the Y's are more software-centric.
Key differences
- The Model Y averages about 1,010 complaints per year, while the Model X averages about 313 per year, meaning the X has fewer reported issues annually.
- Model Y complaints center on forward collision avoidance, service brakes, and vehicle speed control, often tied to driver-assist software.
- Model X complaints more often involve suspension (including tire blowouts) and steering failures, which are physical hardware issues.
- Both have over 100 recalls, but the Model X has 111 recalls over 10 years versus 100 for the Model Y over 7 years.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and Full Self-Driving features extensively; watch for random disengagements or inability to set a maximum speed.
- Check for any signs of brake issues, especially in wet conditions, and ensure all safety systems activate without warnings.
- Inspect tires and suspension components for uneven wear or damage; ask about any history of tire blowouts or TPMS problems.
- Test all steering and stability control functions, and look for dashboard warnings related to ABS, traction control, or steering assist.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds, parking maneuvers, and use of driver-assist features.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the suspension, brakes, and electrical systems, especially on the Model X.
- Check for software updates and verify that all safety systems are functioning as intended.
- Ask the seller for any records of repairs related to the top complaint areas for each model.
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 X |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 7 |
| 2025 | 101 | 15 |
| 2024 | 356 | 26 |
| 2023 | 1363 | 199 |
| 2022 | 1730 | 127 |
| 2021 | 3240 | 123 |
| 2020 | 280 | 381 |
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 X in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model Y total complaints
- 7,070
- Tesla Model X total complaints
- 3,128
- Tesla Model Y total recalls
- 100
- Tesla Model X total recalls
- 111
- Tesla Model Y avg complaints/year
- 1010.0
- Tesla Model X avg complaints/year
- 312.8
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model Y top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Tesla Model X top complaint area
- SUSPENSION