Problems · by component

2023 Tesla Model Y electrical system problems

126 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2023 Tesla Model Y cite electrical system, 11% of all 1,194 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
126
11% of all complaints
Crashes
24
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
22
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the Full Self-Driving software was downloaded and caused the computer to become inoperable. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V002000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. Additionally, the contact associated the failure with SB-25-00-001. The dealer was contacted. The contact requested a complete diagnostic log from the dealer. However, the dealer had not provided the full log or accompanying pictures due to proprietary terms and conditions. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026Electrical system, Back over preventionODI 11774018
“I am reporting a serious safety-related malfunction involving my 2023 Tesla Model Y, which has approximately 55,000 miles. The incident involved multiple vehicle systems, including the front drive motor, propulsion system, traction control, stability control, steering assistance, and braking-related functions. Prior to the incident, I noticed a water-sloshing sound coming from underneath the vehicle, possibly near the rocker panels, following heavy rainfall. After driving for approximately five minutes and parking, I received multiple warning messages indicating that traction control, stability control, and automatic emergency braking were unavailable. Approximately two hours later, I returned to the vehicle, and the warnings had temporarily disappeared. However, about halfway through my next drive, multiple warnings suddenly reappeared, and the vehicle’s driving and braking behavior changed significantly. The regenerative braking stopped functioning, causing the vehicle to continue rolling when I released the accelerator instead of slowing down as expected. When I applied the brake pedal, I experienced unusual vibrations, increased braking effort, and abnormal…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11773222
“After purchase, the vehicle’s camera system behaved intermittently and unreliably. Camera views would malfunction or fail to display properly on the vehicle screen. This affects visibility while reversing and parking and may affect camera-based driver-assistance features. I am concerned because the vehicle was later identified by Tesla as salvage, and I do not know whether prior damage or repairs contributed to the camera/electrical malfunction. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. Audi Lafayette currently has the vehicle and is transporting it to a Tesla Service Center in New Orleans for a safety inspection. The vehicle is therefore available for inspection through Audi Lafayette and Tesla. Video evidence of the intermittent camera malfunction is available upon request but could not be uploaded with this submission.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, Visibility/wiperODI 11771973
“This is my 13th complaint regarding this car. When I drive out of internet connection, the car switches to "navigating offline" and is pretty inaccurate, even if the destination showed while I had connectivity. Tesla makes you pay for "premium connectivity" to get apps that you may already have a subscription or phone access to. I do not have premium connectivity and was under the assumption that I would not be stranded if I drove out of internet range. But it has happened to me before, especially in the mountains. Since the car has to be towed if it gets a flat, and TESLA "always" knows where my car is, I consider it a safety concern (especially as a single woman) to be out of contact. I drove to Big Bend National Park on 9.27.26 and returned on 10.4.26 and had several instances of "navigating offline"”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11770373
“Subject: Urgent Safety Defect: Post-Disengagement Touchscreen Prompt Causes Acute Driver Distraction Feature Involved: Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Post-Takeover Feedback Modal Safety Concern: When a driver manually disengages FSD (Supervised), it is almost always because the vehicle entered a complex, unexpected, or hazardous scenario that demanded immediate human intervention. At the exact second the driver assumes physical control of the vehicle—when 100% of driver visual attention and cognitive bandwidth must be on the roadway—the center display flashes a persistent multi-choice survey requesting feedback on why the disengagement occurred. The Hazard: Visual Diversion During Critical Moments: Presenting bright, interactive UI cards requiring glance time and manual touch interaction immediately after a takeover directly contradicts basic human-factors engineering and crash avoidance principles. Cognitive Overload: Instead of stabilizing the vehicle in manual control, the driver's attention is competed for by an on-screen prompt asking for data categorization. UI Contradiction: While the cabin camera actively penalizes drivers for split-second glances away…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2026Electrical system, Lane departureODI 11770337
“The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was determined that the front lateral link assembly and full body suspension needed to be replaced. While a USB cord was connected to the USB port, the USB cord overheated and almost burned out due to a battery surcharge, and the air was leaking into the front passenger’s side door. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to turn as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk door latch was rusted and the front windshield wipers activated independently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,149.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 23, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11766380

Showing 6 of 126 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

3 recalls on this component

Electrical system: instrument cluster

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

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 fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Electrical systemReported Jan 30, 2024NHTSA 24V051000

Electrical system: autonomous

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

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 of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Electrical systemReported Dec 12, 2023NHTSA 23V838000

Electrical system: traction battery

Free remedy

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.

Electrical systemReported Jun 19, 2023NHTSA 23V434000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.