Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Tesla Model Y
The 2021 Tesla Model Y displays a broad range of issues based on 23 recalls and over 1,000 complaints. Common areas of concern include its forward collision avoidance system and service brakes. While it's a sophisticated vehicle, prospective buyers should be aware of software-related recalls affecting safety systems. Overall, evidence suggests careful inspection is needed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Tesla Model Y has 23 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,096 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 8 NHTSA-tested trims.
Newest 20 recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V507000 Low Beam Headlights May Be Too Bright/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V283000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V935000 TPMS Light May Not Remain Illuminated/FMVSS 138 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V554000 Software May Fail to Detect Unlatched Hood NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V376000 Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V153000 Muted Pedestrian Warning Sound/FMVSS 141 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V051000 Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V838000 Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V085000 Full Self-Driving Software May Cause Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V844000 Taillight May Fail to Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V702000 Power Windows May Pinch/FMVSS 118 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V317000 Fisheye and Narrow Camera Views Swapped NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V235000 Pedestrian Warning Sound May Be Obscured/FMVSS 141 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V063000 Pedestrian Warning Sound May Be Obscured/FMVSS 141 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V050000 Windshield May Not Defrost Properly/FMVSS 103 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V045000 Seat Belt Chime May Not Activate/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V037000 Vehicle May Fail to Stop at Stop Sign NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V912000 Suspension Knuckles May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V846000 Unexpected Activation of Automatic Emergency Brake NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V835000 Front Suspension Lateral Link May Separate NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 583 complaints
- Service Brakes 177 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 162 complaints
- Electrical System 153 complaints
- Unknown or Other 141 complaints
- Steering 97 complaints
Of the 1,096 complaints on file, 90 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 1,096 complaints, owners report 26 injuries and 4 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Overly bright headlights
How to check: Verify headlight brightness and compliance.
Delayed rearview camera image
How to check: Check camera display speed during reversing.
Service brakes malfunction
How to check: Inspect brakes for consistent performance.
Suspension knuckles may fracture
How to check: Inspect suspension joints for fractures.
Adaptive steering issues
How to check: Test steering response and functionality.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual sounds or alerts.
Red flag: Persistent sounds or alerts.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Gauge panel for error messages.
Red flag: Error messages displayed.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check brake response and steering control.
Red flag: Delayed braking or poor steering response.
- 04
Lane departure
What to check: Observe lane-keeping assist activation.
Red flag: Lane assist fails to activate.
- 05
Reverse
What to check: Check camera image clarity and speed.
Red flag: Delayed or unclear camera image.
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor forward collision alert system.
Red flag: False collision warnings.
- 07
Final parking
What to check: Inspect headlights and tail lights operation.
Red flag: Lights not functioning properly.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has any recall work been completed?
- How often is the software updated?
- Any issues with forward collision alerts?
- Is the title clean and clear?
- Have there been any suspension repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Maintenance records
- Recall completion documentation
- Title and registration papers
- Software update logs
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Tesla Model Y at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 Tesla Model Y? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.