Tesla Model Y: best & worst years

No Tesla Model Y model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2024. Below is every year (2020–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Tesla Model Y year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 7 Residual software and electrical glitches, occasional touchscreen/infotainment freezes or reboots, connectivity dropouts and minor warning-light faults; the most-reported area on the otherwise much-improved 2024 cars.; Forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false activations ('phantom braking') are still reported but markedly reduced versus 2021-2023, and are usually addressed by over-the-air software updates. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 6 Loss of power-steering assist, a 2023 recall covers a fault that can cut electric steering assist, most noticeably over bumps at low speed; steering complaints spiked that year, so confirm the recall remedy was performed.; Phantom braking, the camera-only Tesla Vision forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking system falsely activates with no hazard present; the single most-reported complaint across these years, mitigated but not eliminated by software updates.; Brake-system complaints, worn or corroded brake discs and inconsistent braking feel are reported; rear discs in particular can corrode on cars that lean heavily on regenerative braking. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 Loss of power-steering assist, a 2023 recall covers a fault that can cut electric steering assist, most noticeably over bumps at low speed; steering complaints spiked that year, so confirm the recall remedy was performed.; Phantom braking, the camera-only Tesla Vision forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking system falsely activates with no hazard present; the single most-reported complaint across these years, mitigated but not eliminated by software updates.; Brake-system complaints, worn or corroded brake discs and inconsistent braking feel are reported; rear discs in particular can corrode on cars that lean heavily on regenerative braking. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 5 Front-suspension recalls, fasteners on the front suspension lateral link can loosen and, separately, a suspension knuckle can fracture and let a link separate; both are covered by recall, so verify the work was completed.; Phantom braking emerges, forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false activations became common after radar was dropped for camera-only Tesla Vision in mid-2021; frequently improved through over-the-air updates.; Heat-pump loss of cabin heat, a software fault could let an expansion valve stick open and trap refrigerant, cutting cabin heat and defrost in cold weather; fixed by an over-the-air recall update. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 Front-suspension recalls, fasteners on the front suspension lateral link can loosen and, separately, a suspension knuckle can fracture and let a link separate; both are covered by recall, so verify the work was completed.; Phantom braking emerges, forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false activations became common after radar was dropped for camera-only Tesla Vision in mid-2021; frequently improved through over-the-air updates.; Heat-pump loss of cabin heat, a software fault could let an expansion valve stick open and trap refrigerant, cutting cabin heat and defrost in cold weather; fixed by an over-the-air recall update. Full report ↗

Tesla Model Y problems by year

2024 Tesla Model Y Recommended

Best of the pre-refresh Model Y years: fewest complaints, fewest recalls and a settled platform. Class-leading range and running costs with a strong safety record; residual software glitches and a firm ride are the main caveats. A solid used buy.

  • Residual software and electrical glitches, occasional touchscreen/infotainment freezes or reboots, connectivity dropouts and minor warning-light faults; the most-reported area on the otherwise much-improved 2024 cars.
  • Forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false activations ('phantom braking') are still reported but markedly reduced versus 2021-2023, and are usually addressed by over-the-air software updates.

2023 Tesla Model Y Caution

More mature Model Y. A power-steering-assist recall and lingering phantom-braking complaints are the headline issues, both addressable. Excellent efficiency, safety and resale; the cheapest miles in the class once recall work is confirmed.

  • Loss of power-steering assist, a 2023 recall covers a fault that can cut electric steering assist, most noticeably over bumps at low speed; steering complaints spiked that year, so confirm the recall remedy was performed.
  • Phantom braking, the camera-only Tesla Vision forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking system falsely activates with no hazard present; the single most-reported complaint across these years, mitigated but not eliminated by software updates.
  • Brake-system complaints, worn or corroded brake discs and inconsistent braking feel are reported; rear discs in particular can corrode on cars that lean heavily on regenerative braking.

2022 Tesla Model Y Caution

Mid-cycle Model Y. Phantom braking and the removal of ultrasonic parking sensors remain the main gripes, while factory build quality steadied. Strong range, safety and running costs; treat the driver-assist quirks and firm ride as known trade-offs.

  • Loss of power-steering assist, a 2023 recall covers a fault that can cut electric steering assist, most noticeably over bumps at low speed; steering complaints spiked that year, so confirm the recall remedy was performed.
  • Phantom braking, the camera-only Tesla Vision forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking system falsely activates with no hazard present; the single most-reported complaint across these years, mitigated but not eliminated by software updates.
  • Brake-system complaints, worn or corroded brake discs and inconsistent braking feel are reported; rear discs in particular can corrode on cars that lean heavily on regenerative braking.

2021 Tesla Model Y Caution

Highest-complaint Model Y year. Phantom braking climbed after the mid-2021 switch to camera-only Tesla Vision, and suspension and heat-pump recalls apply. Mechanically dependable and improvable over the air, but inspect carefully and verify recall work.

  • Front-suspension recalls, fasteners on the front suspension lateral link can loosen and, separately, a suspension knuckle can fracture and let a link separate; both are covered by recall, so verify the work was completed.
  • Phantom braking emerges, forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false activations became common after radar was dropped for camera-only Tesla Vision in mid-2021; frequently improved through over-the-air updates.
  • Heat-pump loss of cabin heat, a software fault could let an expansion valve stick open and trap refrigerant, cutting cabin heat and defrost in cold weather; fixed by an over-the-air recall update.

2020 Tesla Model Y Caution

First-model-year Model Y. Class-leading range, instant performance and low running costs, but launch build quality, front-suspension recalls and early phantom-braking complaints make a careful inspection essential before buying.

  • Front-suspension recalls, fasteners on the front suspension lateral link can loosen and, separately, a suspension knuckle can fracture and let a link separate; both are covered by recall, so verify the work was completed.
  • Phantom braking emerges, forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false activations became common after radar was dropped for camera-only Tesla Vision in mid-2021; frequently improved through over-the-air updates.
  • Heat-pump loss of cabin heat, a software fault could let an expansion valve stick open and trap refrigerant, cutting cabin heat and defrost in cold weather; fixed by an over-the-air recall update.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Tesla models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.