← 20222021 model year2020 β†’
⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: May 2026How we calculate this
Good Record

2021 Tesla Model Y: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2021 Tesla Model Y? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. No significant NHTSA complaints found for this model year.

β€”
Complaints
β€”
Crashes
β€”
Fires
β€”
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
21
Recalls

2021 Tesla Model Y Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2021 Tesla Model Y. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).

131
MPGe City
115–140 range
117
MPGe Hwy
106–119 range
125
MPGe Combined
111–129 range
326
Miles Range
Electricity
πŸ’°Saves $9,000 vs. avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Tesla Model Y has 0 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 21 recall campaigns on record. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.

2021 Tesla Model Y β€” key reliability facts
Make
Tesla
Model
Model Y
Model year
2021
NHTSA owner complaints
0
Crash-related complaints
0
Safety recall campaigns
21
Reliability signal
Good Record
EPA MPGe combined
125
EPA MPGe city / highway
131 / 117
Fuel type
Electricity
Electric range (miles)
326

Should You Buy a Used 2021 Tesla Model Y?

The 2021 Tesla Model Y looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Tesla Model Y

Inspection Focus

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2021 Tesla Model Y, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

All 2021 Tesla Model Y Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model Y. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model Y. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 0 most recent complaints

No complaints match β€œβ€. Try a different keyword.

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Tesla Model Y.

2021 Tesla Model Y Recalls

21 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Tesla Model Y. 21 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

22V03700027/01/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

21V91200021/11/2021
SUSPENSION

21V83500025/10/2021
SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS

22V045000Jan 2, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

21V38800025/05/2021
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

21V38900025/05/2021
SEAT BELTS

21V38700025/05/2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

21V84600029/10/2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

22V050000Feb 2, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

22V063000Apr 2, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

22V235000Dec 4, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

22V317000Sep 5, 2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

22V70200019/09/2022
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

22V84400015/11/2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

23V08500015/02/2023
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

23V838000Dec 12, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

24V05100030/01/2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

24V15300027/02/2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

24V37600028/05/2024
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

24V55400024/07/2024
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

24V93500017/12/2024
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Compare Tesla Model Y Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2021 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

20262025202420232022202120202019

2021 Tesla Model Y Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y reliable?β–Ύ

Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 0 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 21 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Tesla Model Y looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model Y?β–Ύ

No significant patterns found in the NHTSA complaint database for this model year.

At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Tesla Model Y?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2021 Tesla Model Y?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Tesla Model Y, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 0 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 21 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Tesla Model Y. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE. 21 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2021 Tesla Model Y?β–Ύ

The 2021 Tesla Model Y looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Tesla Model Y reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2021 Tesla Model Y based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.