Model year 2021 · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2021 Tesla Model Y: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings

EPA rates the 2021 Tesla Model Y at 111–129 MPGe combined with 244–326 miles of EPA-rated range across 3 versions. NHTSA lists 23 safety recalls and 1,093 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Safety recalls

23

EPA combined MPGe

111–129

NHTSA overall rating

5/5

Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT

Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Tesla dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.

2021 Tesla Model Y recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 23 safety recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model Y, newest first.

Exterior lighting: Headlights

NHTSA 26V507000 Reported Aug 4, 2026
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-17-003)
Units affected
20,349 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 26V283000 Reported May 4, 2026
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-26-00-001)
Units affected
218,868 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Tires: Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA 24V935000 Reported Dec 17, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-018)
Units affected
696,281 (estimate)
Problem
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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 24V554000 Reported Jul 24, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-012)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Latches/locks/linkages: Hood: Latch
Units affected
1,849,638 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Risk
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Front: Warning light/devices

NHTSA 24V376000 Reported May 28, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-008)
Units affected
125,233 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 24V153000 Reported Feb 27, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-006)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert
Units affected
6,557 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA 24V051000 Reported Jan 30, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-003)
Units affected
2,193,869 (estimate)
Problem
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."
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.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Adas: Driver monitoring: Software

NHTSA 23V838000 Reported Dec 12, 2023
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-23-00-008)
Units affected
2,031,220 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Steering: Automated/adaptive steering

NHTSA 23V085000 Reported Feb 15, 2023
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-23-00-001)
Units affected
362,758 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Exterior lighting: Tail lights

NHTSA 22V844000 Reported Nov 15, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-016)
Units affected
321,628 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Risk
A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Visibility: Power window devices and controls

NHTSA 22V702000 Reported Sep 19, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-013)
Units affected
1,096,762 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk
A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking and 2 more components

NHTSA 22V317000 Reported May 9, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-17-007)
Components
Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking; Electrical system: Adas: Driver monitoring: Camera/sensor; Lane departure: Lane keep: Automatic steering
Units affected
7 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y vehicles. The fisheye and narrow camera cable terminals were incorrectly installed in the cable harness connector, resulting in swapped camera views.
Risk
Swapped camera views can prevent the vehicle's cameras from detecting crossing objects and high-curvature lane lines, impairing the Autosteer and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) performance, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will correct the swapped terminals and recalibrate the cameras, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-17-007.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V235000 Reported Apr 12, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-003)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert
Units affected
594,894 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V063000 Reported Feb 4, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-003)
Components
Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert; Electrical system: Software
Units affected
578,607 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V050000 Reported Feb 2, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-18-002)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Visibility: Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: Air handler/chamber, ducts, and valves
Units affected
26,681 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Risk
Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Front and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V045000 Reported Feb 1, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-002)
Components
Seat belts: Front; Electrical system: Software
Units affected
817,143 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Steering: Automated/adaptive steering

NHTSA 22V037000 Reported Jan 27, 2022
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-001)
Units affected
53,822 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Suspension

NHTSA 21V912000 Reported Nov 21, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-31-004)
Units affected
826 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
Risk
Suspension links that separate can reduce vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and replace the knuckles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-004.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Forward collision avoidance: Software and 3 more components

NHTSA 21V846000 Reported Oct 29, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-00-004)
Components
Forward collision avoidance: Software; Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking; Forward collision avoidance: Warnings; Forward collision avoidance: Sensing system: Camera
Units affected
11,728 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Risk
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Suspension: Critical fasteners and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V835000 Reported Oct 25, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-31-003)
Components
Suspension: Critical fasteners; Suspension: Front
Units affected
2,791 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Risk
A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes, hydraulic: Critical fasteners and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V387000 Reported May 25, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-33-002)
Components
Service brakes, hydraulic: Critical fasteners; Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components: Disc: Caliper
Units affected
5,974 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Risk
Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Critical fasteners and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V388000 Reported May 25, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-20-002)
Components
Seat belts: Critical fasteners; Seat belts: Rear/other: Retractor
Units affected
2,166 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors may not be properly attached.
Risk
Improperly attached fasteners may prevent the seat belt retention system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and replace both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-002.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V389000 Reported May 25, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-20-001)
Components
Seat belts; Seat belts: Critical fasteners
Units affected
5,530 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
Risk
An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.

2021 Tesla Model Y fuel economy by version

EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination; electric figures are in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.

2021 Tesla Model Y EPA fuel economy
VersionEngineTransmissionDriveFuelCity/Hwy/CombElectric rangeFuel cost/yrCO2 g/mi
Model Y Long Range AWDElectric (69 and 201 kW AC 3-Phase)Single-speedAll-Wheel DriveElectricity131/117/125 MPGe326 mi
27 kWh/100 mi
$6000
Model Y Performance AWDElectric (133 and 179 kW AC 3-Phase)Single-speedAll-Wheel DriveElectricity115/106/111 MPGe303 mi
30.5 kWh/100 mi
$7000
Model Y Standard Range RWDElectric (209 kW AC 3-Phase)Single-speedRear-Wheel DriveElectricity140/119/129 MPGe244 mi
26 kWh/100 mi
$6000

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.

EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.

2021 Tesla Model Y crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

2021 Tesla Model Y NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicleOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover riskForward collision warning
2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat SUV AWD Early Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars7.9%Standard
2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat SUV AWD Later Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars7.9%No
2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat SUV RWD Early Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars7.9%Standard
2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat SUV RWD Later Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars7.9%No
2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat SUV AWD Early Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars7.9%Standard
2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat SUV AWD Later Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars7.9%No
2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat SUV RWD Early Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars7.9%Standard
2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat SUV RWD Later Release5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars7.9%No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.

Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.

2021 Tesla Model Y owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,093 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Tesla Model Y, most recently on Oct 23, 2026. 89 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 26 injured people and 4 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.

Most-cited components in 2021 Tesla Model Y complaints
Component named in complaintsMentions
Forward collision avoidance: Adaptive cruise control410
Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking331
Service brakes177
Vehicle speed control160
Unknown or other140
Electrical system129
Forward collision avoidance: Warnings108
Steering95
Suspension78
Lane departure: Assist52

Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.

Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

Other Tesla Model Y model years

Tesla Model Y by model year
YearCombinedRecallsComplaintsOverall rating
2027 Model Y114 MPGe——5/5
2026 Model Y105–138 MPGe84235/5
2025 Model Y104–125 MPGe31085/5
2024 Model Y105–120 MPGe53285/5
2023 Model Y111–123 MPGe171,1905/5
2022 Model Y111–129 MPGe208745/5
2020 Model Y111–121 MPGe242835/5

All Tesla Model Y years compared · Decode a VIN

Other 2021 Tesla models

Sources

  • Recalls: NHTSA recall flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010), dated Oct 27, 2026, plus a live check of api.nhtsa.gov in your browser.
  • Complaints: NHTSA consumer complaint flat files (COMPLAINTS_RECEIVED), counts only — we do not republish complaint text.
  • Crash tests: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API.
  • Fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov vehicles file (U.S. DOE and EPA), dated Sep 29, 2026.
  • NHTSA, EPA and DOE do not endorse OpenVIN. Vehicle names identify vehicles only; OpenVIN is not affiliated with Tesla.