Tesla Model Y Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

The persistent intervention-reason prompt (the black box that appears immediately after disengaging FSD and stays until answered) creates a safety-critical distraction exactly when the driver must regain full attention and control. It forces eyes off the road or interaction with the screen during the handover moment, increasing crash risk. It cannot be dismissed without input and has no timeout or “X” button. Request NHTSA investigate this as a potential defect in the driver-assistance system.

After the newest software update, the Tesla Model Y FSD now shows a pop-up menu every time you disengage full self-driving. The pop up menu is black, so it contrasts with the white screen and causes a visual distraction. Additionally, the pop up menu requires you to make a selection in order to make it disappear - there’s no way to swipe it away (which would still be problematic while driving). Because it’s mandatory, and it is located on top of the volume controls for music/podcasts/etc, you are unable to pause auditory stimulation such as music/podcasts. This happens at the exact moment you need to focus most: when a traffic situation is so dicey, disabling FSD is required to ensure safe driving. This is an absolute safety concern. I tried to disable the feature through Tesla’s support services, but that option is not available. This is a serious safety concern, and it’s frankly egregious that Tesla is allowed to do this. The pop-up menu does not benefit drivers in any way - it’s clearly there for Tesla to collect data to improve their FSD product. They need to find a way to collect that data without impacting the safety of the driver and other vehicles on the road. Furthermore, it’s not even good quality data collection - the variables they provide in the pop-up menu are vague and do not come with definitions. Their quality system needs tighter review.

MY FINGER WAS AMPUTATED BY THE DOOR.

The radiator for the car gets fully clogged with debris very easily. There is no screen mesh to protect the radiator from all the debris. The radiator then becomes clogged with debris in the fins and stops cooling correctly. This is not a serviceable item that an owner could accomplish. This should not have to be brought to the Tesla repair centers and be charged for a design flaw that will cause the car to overheat. There needs to be a simple small holed mesh placed in the front grill that owners can simply wipe off with their hands. Tesla states this is a maintenance item, but for how much it cost, most owners are not taking their cars in. Most owners dont even know about the problem. Also, most owners are not getting down on their hands and knees to look at the radiator or to even think about checking it. Large leafs easily get stuck and block most of the radiator.

Incident Summary: On April 1, 2026, while operating a 2025 Tesla Model Y at highway speeds (approx. 65-70 MPH), the front hood (frunk) spontaneously unlatched, flipped upward, and struck the windshield. The impact completely shattered the windshield, obstructed 100% of forward visibility, and caused structural damage to the hood and hinges. I was able to safely navigate to the shoulder by relying on side-view mirrors and lane-keep assist, but the incident constituted an immediate and life-threatening safety hazard. Failure of Safety Redundancies: Lack of Digital Warning: At no point prior to or during the drive did the vehicle’s software provide an "unlatched," "open," or "warning" notification on the primary display or via audible alert. The vehicle’s sensors failed to detect a compromised latch state. Secondary Latch Failure: The mechanical secondary safety catch, designed to prevent the hood from fully opening if the primary latch fails, did not engage or hold. The hood bypassed all mechanical and digital failsafes. Spontaneous Activation: The vehicle had not been manually accessed in the frunk area immediately prior to this trip, suggesting either a mechanical fatigue of the latch assembly or a software-commanded release error. Year/Make/Model: 2025 Tesla Model Y License Plate: [XXX] Previous Recalls: This failure appears identical in nature to NHTSA Recall 24V-554, which affected 2021-2024 models. It appears the remedy or part quality issues addressed in that recall may persist in the 2025 model year production. Safety Consequences: The sudden loss of visibility at high speeds on a congested highway created an extreme risk of a high-speed collision, multi-vehicle pileup, and potential fatality. The force of the hood striking the glass sent shards into the cabin. I am requesting an immediate investigation into the 2025 Model Y hood latch assemblies and sensor logic to determine if a new or expanded recall is necessary to prevent loss of life. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 maximum speed via the steering wheel scroll wheel while FSD (Supervised) was active. Tesla replaced this with fixed "Speed Profiles" (Sloth, Chill, Standard, Hurry, Mad Max), none of which allow a driver to set a specific speed. Each profile operates at a programmed range relative to the posted speed limit. Even the slowest profile (Sloth) has been observed exceeding the speed limit. The system also frequently misreads posted limits entirely. This is a serious safety regression. In winter conditions, a cautious driver may need to travel well below the speed limit due to snow or black ice. Previously, they could reduce FSD's max speed precisely. That is no longer possible, the system determines speed, and the driver cannot override it downward while FSD remains engaged. This concern is not isolated to just me. Online forums and Tesla owner communities have seen widespread discussion and frustration over this change, with many drivers expressing that it has made them feel unsafe and less in control of their own vehicle. Removing precise speed control from a supervised autonomous system directly contradicts Tesla's stated position that the driver remains responsible for safe operation. This is an ongoing issue and not limited to a single date for the "Tell us the approximate date this incident occurred." I request NHTSA: 1. Investigate Tesla's removal of driver-adjustable maximum speed in FSD (Supervised); 2. Evaluate compliance with FMVSS and driver control guidelines for automated driving features; 3. Require Tesla to restore precise, driver-controlled maximum speed settings.

Following a "secondary" botched windshield replacement within 3 weeks performed by the Tesla Service Center in Carle Place, NY, my Tesla Model Y experienced a catastrophic structural water intrusion during rainfall. A great amounts of water dripping directly through the windshield seal into the cabin, soaking the dashboard electronics, floorboards, and much more water coming in from the brake pedal area while driving on LIE. While I was driving the vehicle with my three children in the back seat, this water intrusion triggered an active electrical short circuit. The vehicle's hazard lights began flashing autonomously, and the electrical system became severely compromised, creating an immediate and life-threatening safety hazard on the road. The vehicle is currently grounded, completely undrivable, and poses a continued electrical fire risk. Tesla Service has been notified in writing and has officially acknowledged via their app that the vehicle must be towed. This gross negligence in structural sealing has directly compromised the vehicle's electrical control modules, severely endangering the lives of the occupants."