2021 Tesla Model y problems
The Tesla Model Y is a battery electric mid-size crossover SUV produced by Tesla, Inc. since 2020. The vehicle was presented in March 2019 as the company's fifth production model since its inception after the Roadster, Model S, Model X and Model 3.
After its 2019 introduction, the Model Y started production at the Fremont Factory in California, US in January 2020. Production at Giga Shanghai, China was added in December 2020, and at Giga Texas, US since late 2021. Deliveries from Giga Berlin, Germany started in March 2022.
The Model Y is based on the Model 3 sedan, with around 76 percent of parts being shared between the two. While most Model Y are configured with two-row seating, in the US the Model Y offers optional third-row seats for a seven-passenger seating capacity.
In 2023, Tesla delivered 1.2 million Model Ys, making it the world's best-selling vehicle that year, surpassing Toyota Corolla and becoming the first electric vehicle to claim that title. With at least 2.16 million units delivered since its start of production up to December 2023, the Model Y is also the most popular electric vehicle of all time.
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Common 2021 Tesla Model y problems
The 2021 Tesla Model Y, while a remarkable achievement in many ways, has been reported to have several common issues based on complaints from its owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems:
- Water in Frunk: After washing the vehicle, some owners have reported finding a significant amount of water in the front trunk (frunk). This is not only inconvenient but also a concern for those who might store electronics or other items in the frunk.
- Recessed Design of Tow Hitch: The recessed design of the tow hitch can lead to scratches on the lower diffuser of the rear bumper, which can be a problem for those who plan to use the tow hitch frequently.
- Sagging Ceiling Liner: Some owners have reported that the ceiling liner where the panoramic roof meets the liner is sagging significantly, especially on the rear passenger side. This not only looks unsightly but also gives the impression of a poorly constructed vehicle.
- Sagging Steering Wheel Leather: The steering wheel leather has also been reported to sag, which is not only an aesthetic issue but also a concern for those who are particular about the feel and quality of their vehicle's interior.
- Reduced Range Over Time: Some owners have reported that the estimated range of their Model Y decreases significantly over time. For instance, one owner reported that the estimated range was only 190 miles when the battery was charged to 90%, despite the advertised range being 244 miles.
- Autopilot Misalignment: Some owners have reported that the vehicle drives about an inch away from the driver's side line when autopilot is activated, leaving a much bigger gap on the passenger side. This can be a concern for those who rely on autopilot for safe and comfortable driving.
- Interior Quality Issues: Some owners have reported that the interior of the Model Y, especially the seats, feels like it belongs to a car that is over 15 years old, not a 3-year-old vehicle. This includes issues like squeaking on the chair and leather sagging.
These issues, while not affecting all Model Y owners, are significant enough to be a concern for potential buyers. It is recommended that prospective buyers thoroughly research these issues and consider them when making their purchasing decision.
Has Tesla fixed Model Y issues?
Tesla has really upped its game when it comes to reliability, as the Tesla Model Y proves. Only 12% of respondents reported a fault with their car, and the only areas of concern were the bodywork, non-motor electrics and infotainment. All cars were fixed for free and 80% were back on the road within a day.
Is the Tesla Model Y reliable vehicle?
In comparison, the Tesla Model Y achieved an overall score of 79 out of 100, with a "Quality & Reliability" rating of 73 out of 100, an impressive "Driving Experience" rating of 88 out of 100, and a solid "Resale" rating of 81 out of 100, in 2022, which was the best-rated year for the vehicle.
Why is Tesla Model Y so cheap in China?
Tesla adjusts the prices of its locally built vehicles regularly based on production costs, Grace Tao, Tesla's head of communications and government affairs in China, said on the microblogging site Weibo last January. Since January 2020, Tesla China cut prices on its Chinese-made models six times.
How long will a Tesla Model Y last for?
So, how long do Tesla Model Ys last? You can expect your Model Y to live 300,000-500,000 miles if you take excellent care of the vehicle. This detailing means inside and out - the exterior design of the Model Y is problematic for many owners. The sooner you act with your car, the more life it will provide.
2021 Tesla Model y complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Tesla Model y.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2021 Tesla Model y recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 20 recalls for different components of the 2021 Tesla Model y.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2021 Tesla Model y car reviews
Positive 2021 Tesla Model y car reviews
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Hey there! I'm a huge fan of performance cars, and I recently came across Motorweek, who are known for their objective evaluations. According to their test on Nov 9, 2020, the Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor (which is what I have) can go from 0-60mph in just 4.8 seconds! However, with the acceleration boost option for $2000, Motorweek was able to achieve an impressive 0-60mph in just 4.2 seconds. The quarter-mile time was 12.5 seconds at 114mph, and the braking distance from 0-60mph was only 95ft! For those of you who aren't familiar with average car performance, this puts the Model 3 in the top 10% of gas cars. Motorweek also rated the handling as outstanding, which is enhanced by the batteries providing a super low center of gravity. It's like having a 2002 Porsche 911 performance for half the price! But that's not all, the Model 3 also has tons of automation and safety features, and even without the full autopilot, the base automation maintains cruise following distance and driving within the lanes. It's also incredibly comfortable and uncannily quiet, with a 326mi rated range. To extend battery life, I only charge it routinely to 289mi, and I even bought extra roof solar capacity (6000W) for my home, so during the 6000 miles and 10 months of ownership, there has been no cost to power it. I use a 240V/50A adapter plug with the provided cable and get a 30mph charging rate. The fit and finish are fine, and the driver's layout was a dramatic change with all information on the screen. The Model 3 also has a huge cargo capacity, perhaps even more than my BMW X5! It's simply a dream to drive, and in old drag racer's terms, an incredible SLEEPER. Those wanting to play get left in the dust (no exhaust...hehe). I know some people might think I'm a tree hugger, but I just appreciate performance and value. My decision to buy was after reading a long article from a fleet car rental dealer who runs all Teslas. He tested his cars at 150,000 miles and found all batteries had over 90% capacity remaining, with no tuneups or oil changes required. He even had several cars approaching 450,000 miles with only tire and brake changes, which is amazing! Since I'm a hard driver, I've found that the battery range is about 15% optimistic in my case. Thanks for reading!And hey, I noticed that the driver's side mirror needs a little adjustment to allow for full range of motion. Since this is wifey's car, I decided not to buy the acceleration boost option. I've gotta say, this is the only car I've ever had that's bumped my head against the headrest so many times! Plus, it can be a bit rough on the grocery bags in the back...haha.
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I've had my Model Y for just over a month and I must say, I'm a convert! The range is excellent and the comfort is outstanding. The quality is on par with other mid-level premium cars and the acceleration is simply mind-boggling. I absolutely love the seats, visibility, comfort, and utility. While I'm not a huge fan of the front end, the rest of the car looks great. Overall, I must say that this is the best car I've ever had, even if it is a bit expensive.
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I've owned a lot of different makes of vehicles, but I have to say that the technology and drive experience in the Model Y is second to none. The seats are hands down the most comfortable I've ever sat in. While I've only been getting about 280 miles of range in my normal driving, I've found that superchargers are plentiful and reliable.
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This car is truly amazing! It performs excellently in terms of both economy and safety. I've only had it for a week, but I'm already discovering more and more things to love about the way it drives. The car feels so solid and attached to the road, and even the non-performance version has impressive acceleration that puts a smile on my face every time I leave a stop light. As a 7-seat family SUV, it accelerates just as fast as the 12 MPG BMW 840i M-Sport. The sound system is the best I've ever experienced in a car, with solid bass and an immersive sensation from the multitude of speakers. The build quality is exceptional, with no panel gaps or paint issues, and the interior is perfect with not a single rattle to be heard. The order and delivery process was a refreshing experience, without any pushy dealers trying to sell me useless add-ons like undercoating, credit life insurance, or extended warranty. Plus, with no oil changes or brake jobs for a long time, and no more waiting in line to pump gas every week, this car is a dream come true. I can't wait to take a road trip and really put the Navigate on Autopilot feature to the test!
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We absolutely love our Model Y Performance! The handling and performance are excellent, making every trip exhilarating. The front seats are very comfortable and have copious adjustments. In the 27,000 miles we have owned our Tesla, we have not had to return to the dealer for any problems. People frequently stop us to chat about our Model Y, which is always a fun experience. While the factory fit and finish may not match most other vehicles, we still highly recommend it. There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to adjusting most car functions on a computer screen, but it's a new experience that we find exciting. Driving on mostly flat interstates in the Midwest gives us a comfortable, realistic range of 225 miles, which is far short of the claimed 303 miles. However, we have found that driving around town, hilly or slow-speed driving may give us as much as 30 miles per 10% of battery energy. When reaching the risky limit of about 250 miles, it's best to be at the charging station. Note that due to regeneration of battery charging on deceleration, driving in stop and go traffic gives better mileage than highway driving. Our Model Y Performance came with 'summer tires', which means it's not recommended to drive in ice or snow and/or temperatures much below freezing. We suggest parking it until Spring or changing to all-season tires. Installing mud flaps and applying the accessory plastic protectors on the front curve of the rear fenders is recommended. We also paid to have a plastic wrap professionally installed over the entire front bumper to protect it from bugs and other road debris. As far as recharging is concerned, we just plug the car into a 115v 12amp wall or outside outlet using the factory mobile connector. We highly recommend the Model Y Performance to anyone looking for an exciting and comfortable driving experience!This connector was included with the car when I purchased it, but now it is a $200.00 option. However, charging the battery from a regular outlet is a slow process. To charge the battery faster, you can use a home 240 volt outlet, such as the one used for your electric clothes dryer. If you live in an apartment or do not have a garage, there are other options available. Another common concern is finding recharging stations when you are away from home. We frequently drive our Tesla on interstate highways and there are many Tesla-installed 'Superchargers' available nationwide. However, they are not as common as gas stations, so it is important to remain vigilant about your remaining charge. It is not necessary to maintain your electric vehicle battery at or near full charge, just as it is not necessary to keep the fuel tank in your gasoline car full. If you experience a breakdown, such as running out of battery or getting a flat tire (without a spare), you can contact Tesla Road Assistance for rescue via the car's computer or your mobile phone. This service is available for the four years of factory warranty. If you are not experienced with a high-performance vehicle, it may be prudent to reduce the power from 'sport' to 'chill' on the control menu until you have mastered the vehicle. Inexperience with this fast vehicle can lead to a bad outcome.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Tesla Model y problems:
What issues have you encountered since you got a Tesla Model Y ...
Sep 7, 2022 ... Rear passenger side suspension was squeaky in 1st month. Needed some parts and was fixed promptly. Driver side image in the mirror vibrates when ...
2021 Tesla Model Y review: Nearly great, critically flawed - CNET
Nov 26, 2021 ... The big issue is false positives, a problem that has become known as "phantom braking" among Tesla owners. Basically, the car often gets ...
2023 Y owners, how is your Tesla? Has it given you any issues at all ...
Aug 20, 2023 ... Had a 2021 loaner. ... I've had more issues with my new Y than I ever had with my 2018 model 3. ... Tesla Model Y Tesla Electric vehicle Tesla ...
What are some of the reasons people dislike Tesla's Model Y? What ...
Oct 26, 2023 ... I bought a Tesla Y in Oct 2021, took delivery in June 2022, and have put 36k miles on it in a year and half. I do mostly freeway driving.
I see so many model Y owners having issues. Would you buy again ...
Feb 8, 2021 ... I do agree that Tesla has fit&finish issues ... My Model Y had some minor clear coat scratches at delivery, but Tesla ... Love my 2021 Y from Nov ...
Other years of Tesla Model y
Are you having problems with your 2021 Tesla Model y?
Eloy Breitenberg 2025-11-15
I hope you're doing well! While everything is running smoothly, please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance with customer support, service, or roadside assistance. I do want to mention that emergency roadside assistance towing may take up to 3 hours, and mobile service may take at least a day. Additionally, it's worth noting that some shops are refusing to do tire replacements due to the risk of voiding the warranty, which can be a bit frustrating. Lastly, I wanted to share that my vehicle pickup experience wasn't the best, as it took over 2 hours. Overall, I think Tesla is an innovative company, but I wouldn't necessarily classify their vehicles as luxury cars.
Enid Hayes 2025-11-01
This car is truly unique! I absolutely love the acceleration, lower center of mass, and regenerative braking. The technology is also impressive and makes me feel like I'm driving a car from the future. However, there are a few downsides to consider. Firstly, I was unable to test drive the car before accepting delivery, which resulted in multiple wheel and steering issues right from the start. This is something that could be improved upon by buying from a dealer instead. Secondly, the Tesla service center experience was quite unpleasant. There was no customer service, and I had to Uber back and forth. Additionally, there were no updates on the car status, and the service advisor did not respond through the app or phone. Despite three trips to the service center, I still have steering issues and wheel vibrations at highway speeds. Thirdly, parking this car can be difficult due to the lack of parking assist features such as 360-degree cameras. It's hard to see the perimeter from the driver's seat. Lastly, the lack of blind spot monitoring coupled with poor visibility from the car is also a big minus. However, the Tesla display is not always accurate in showing the cars around your vehicle.
Jamir Schaefer 2025-10-23
That’s what it is… Unfortunately, as a car, it has not been designed correctly. The body is not rigid enough, which causes a harsh and noisy ride. Additionally, there are misaligned panels and gaps, and the glass roof can be a heater in the summer. The rear seats are also prone to rattling, and unfortunately, there seems to be no possibility for repairs. It's disappointing to hear that you've been to service 7 times with no solution, and it's understandable that you're frustrated with the service attitude. However, it's great to hear that the tech is good 95% of the time, and that the range and charging are good.
Clifton Schuppe 2025-08-20
I've been living in Texas for the past 6 months and I'm a proud owner of a 2021 Model Y. I've been using FSD and I must say, it's quite different from what I'm used to. However, I've had some concerns about using it locally. I've noticed that it tends to accelerate without reducing speed in sharp braking cornering, which can be a bit scary. But, if you're a fan of roller coasters, you might enjoy it! I would recommend getting life insurance just in case. Turning left and right can feel a bit sluggish, but it picks up speed suddenly and handles well. The brake can be a bit sudden and bright, which can be alarming if there's a car behind you. I've had a close call before, so I tend not to use it in those situations. I've also noticed that the mileage is different from what's indicated and it's quite short. The Model Y Long is marked over 300 miles, but the actual usable distance on the highway without regenerative restart is less than 250 miles. To conserve battery life at the low and high capacity limits, the usable range is actually around 150 miles. This can be inconvenient for long distance travel as it needs to be charged frequently. Overall, I've had some mixed experiences with FSD and the mileage, but I still enjoy driving my Model Y.
Grant Kozey 2025-07-09
I purchased a MY performance model in August 2021, but unfortunately it was gone by December 20th. While I loved the performance - no pun intended - there were just too many challenges. As someone who enjoys driving and going places in my car, the Tesla hamstrung me too much. I found myself constantly having to stop and charge, which was a hassle. It didn't help that I didn't have a home charger due to my older electric (100amp service), which made things even more difficult. Additionally, the 21 inch wheels made for a rough ride and the car had a 'tinny' feel, like it was cheaply made. The reliance on the screen for everything also made it less user-friendly. In my opinion, it would have been a good 'second' car, but it's not quite there yet for me. Of course, your mileage may vary. All in all, I'm not against Teslas, but they still have some room for improvement.