Last updated: 2026-03-04
Tesla Model Y Reliability by Year
The Tesla Model Y averages 55/100 across 6 model years, rated mixed.
Tesla Model Y Reliability Overview
The Tesla Model Y, covering model years 2020 to 2025, shows a mixed reliability profile with an average score of 59/100, indicating fluctuating performance over the years. Early models, particularly 2020 and 2021, report frequent issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, leading to high complaint rates of 66 and 61.4 per 10,000 sold, respectively. Improvements are noted in later years, with the 2025 model achieving a score of 98/100 and significantly reduced complaint rates, suggesting increased reliability and fewer reported issues with electrical systems and safety features.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2025–2023).
Best & Worst Tesla Model Y Years
Best Tesla Model Y Years to Buy
The best Tesla Model Y year is 2025 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (63/100) and 2023 (53/100).
Tesla Model Y Years to Avoid
The worst Tesla Model Y year is 2021 with a score of 46/100, primarily due to forward collision avoidance (313) issues. Also avoid 2020 (46/100).
2021
21 recalls · 991 complaints
2020
22 recalls · 264 complaints
Tesla Model Y Reliability Score Trend
Tesla Model Y reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 62/100 compared to 47/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 53/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 70/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2025 Tesla Model Y
2 recalls · 69 complaints
The 2025 Tesla Model Y has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 69 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Tesla Model-Y. Severity signals include 18 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (12), Forward Collision Avoidance (10), Unknown Or Other (9).
2024 Tesla Model Y
5 recalls · 254 complaints
The 2024 Tesla Model Y has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 254 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Tesla Model-Y. Severity signals include 48 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (47), Forward Collision Avoidance (42), Unknown Or Other (26).
2023 Tesla Model Y
15 recalls · 997 complaints
The 2023 Tesla Model Y has mixed reliability. There are 15 recalls and 997 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model-Y. Severity signals include 128 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (206), Steering (171), Vehicle Speed Control (130).
2022 Tesla Model Y
18 recalls · 783 complaints
The 2022 Tesla Model Y has mixed reliability. There are 18 recalls and 783 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Tesla Model-Y. Severity signals include 71 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (251), Vehicle Speed Control (118), Electrical System (84).
2021 Tesla Model Y
21 recalls · 991 complaints
The 2021 Tesla Model Y has mixed reliability. There are 21 recalls and 991 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Tesla Model-Y. Severity signals include 84 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (313), Vehicle Speed Control (135), Electrical System (99).
2020 Tesla Model Y
22 recalls · 264 complaints
The 2020 Tesla Model Y has mixed reliability. There are 22 recalls and 264 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Tesla Model-Y. Severity signals include 46 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (53), Unknown Or Other (36), Vehicle Speed Control (27).
Tesla Model Y Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
2/5
Tesla Model Y Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Tesla Models
Compare all Tesla models by reliability
Compare Tesla Model Y With Similar SUVs
The Tesla Model Y competes with other compact suvs such as Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Kia EV6 reliability
5 years tracked · 351 complaints
Ford Mustang Mach-E reliability
4 years tracked · 147 complaints
Hyundai Ioniq 5 reliability
5 years tracked · 955 complaints
BMW X3 reliability
8 years tracked · 434 complaints
Volkswagen Tiguan reliability
9 years tracked · 968 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Tesla Model Y reliable?
- The Tesla Model Y has mixed reliability with an average score of 55/100. Buyers should research specific model years carefully and consider an extended warranty.
- What is the best year for the Tesla Model Y?
- The best year for the Tesla Model Y is 2025 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. It has 2 recalls and 69 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Tesla Model Y analysis →
- What are the Tesla Model Y years to avoid?
- The Tesla Model Y years to avoid include 2021 (46/100), 2020 (46/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Tesla Model Y?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Tesla Model Y. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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