Last updated: 2026-03-04

53
MixedReliability score: 53 out of 100, rated Mixed
2023 Tesla Model Y

2023 Tesla Model Y Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2023 Tesla Model Y scores 53/100 ("Mixed"). With 15 recalls and 997 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

2023 is year 4 of the First generation.

Recalls

15

Complaints

997

Complaint Rate

25.8

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$832

Major Repair Risk

N/A

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
55/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
40/100 (Mixed)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
50/100 (Mixed)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
75/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (206)STEERING (171)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (130)

15 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2023 is year 4 of the First generation.

  • Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • A refresh arrives in 2025.
  • 1st generation Model Y (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

First generation

2020redesign
2021
2022
2023selected
2024
2025refresh

Should You Buy the 2023 Tesla Model Y?

The 2023 Tesla Model Y scores 53/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2023 is year 4 of the First generation.

With 997 owner complaints and 15 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in forward collision avoidance (206) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on forward collision avoidance (206) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2024 Tesla Model Y, which scored 10 points higher. See also the 2022 Tesla Model Y for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • 5-star NHTSA crash rating
  • Well-established generation

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE issues reported (206 complaints)
  • 1 fatality report in owner complaints
  • 3 fire incidents reported in owner complaints

Compare 2023 Tesla Model Y With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 15 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (206)
  • STEERING (171)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (130)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (88)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (73)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (64)
  • SUSPENSION (52)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (43)
  • AIR BAGS (25)
  • SEAT BELTS (25)
  • POWER TRAIN (19)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (17)
  • STRUCTURE (17)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (17)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (15)
  • WHEELS (9)
  • TIRES (7)
  • SEATS (7)
  • ENGINE (4)
  • Chest Clip (3)
  • Carry Handle (2)
  • VISIBILITY (2)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

15

recalls on record

The 2023 Tesla Model Y has 15 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

25.8

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 12.7

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

128

Fires

3

Injuries

63

Deaths

1

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 Tesla Model Y Recall Details

15 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Tesla Model Y. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V0920002025-02-14

STEERING

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, 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 March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.

25V0020002025-01-07

BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.

24V9350002024-12-17

TIRES

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."

Consequence

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.

Showing 10 of 15 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

2023 Tesla Model Y NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 7.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Reminder System (Not Available)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Driver In-board Far-side Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Tesla Model Y Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$832

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2023 Tesla Model Y Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated Cost
Engine Oil Light Diagnosis$122 – $179
Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection$122 – $179
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection$183 – $269
Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing$122 – $179
Engine Oil Light Diagnosis$122 – $179
Vibration Diagnosis$122 – $179
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection$183 – $269
Noise Diagnosis$122 – $179
Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis$122 – $179
AC Diagnosis$122 – $179

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

When Buying a Used 2023 Tesla Model Y

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect front suspension components for loose or missing bolts
  • Test autopilot and cruise control for phantom braking
  • Check infotainment screen for responsiveness and functionality
  • Verify that all safety features, including emergency braking, are operational
  • Inspect tires for uneven wear due to potential camber issues
  • Test drive at highway speeds to check for steering vibrations or noises
  • Ensure all software updates are installed and functioning correctly

Check Any 2023 Tesla Model Y's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 Model Y in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Tesla Model Y with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2023 Tesla Model Y Common Problems by Component

997 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

206
171
130
170
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (206)STEERING (171)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (130)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (88)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (73)SERVICE BRAKES (64)SUSPENSION (52)VISIBILITY/WIPER (43)Other (170)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

206 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2023 Tesla Model Y frequently experiences issues with forward collision avoidance systems, notably phantom braking and unexpected vehicle behavior when driver-assistance features are enabled. Complaints often mention sudden, hard braking without clear obstacles and erratic steering responses, which can lead to rear-end collisions or loss of control, with some incidents resulting in crashes and injuries. These issues are reported across various driving conditions, including clear weather and different road types, and can occur both with and without cruise control engaged. Additionally, owners describe problems with camera and sensor functionality, which may exacerbate these safety concerns. Patterns suggest these issues can arise relatively early in the vehicle's life, with some reports indicating problems starting at around 65,000 miles, and they pose significant safety risks, including documented crashes and injuries.

206 complaints total12 crashes4 injuries

STEERING

171 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2023 Tesla Model Y's steering, particularly involving the front suspension's lateral link bolts loosening or detaching. Complaints often mention a loss of steering control, sometimes accompanied by metallic noises or a sudden "BANG" sound. These failures typically occur around 20,000 to 54,000 miles, with some incidents resulting in crashes and injuries. Multiple owners describe the steering becoming unresponsive, leading to collisions or near-misses, especially at highway speeds. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety risks, as the issues can lead to sudden loss of vehicle control.

171 complaints total24 crashes16 injuries

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

130 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the vehicle speed control system of the 2023 Tesla Model Y, particularly involving unexpected braking events known as "phantom braking." These incidents often occur when using cruise control or autopilot features, where the vehicle abruptly slows down or brakes without apparent cause, even in clear conditions. Complaints frequently mention scenarios such as driving on highways or encountering oncoming traffic, leading to potential rear-end collision risks. Some reports include incidents of unintended acceleration, with a few resulting in crashes and injuries. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, and multiple owners express concerns over the safety implications, particularly the risk of loss of control or accidents due to sudden speed changes.

130 complaints total17 crashes4 injuries
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (88 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

88 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Tesla Model Y, primarily related to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system and connectivity. Complaints frequently mention unintended acceleration, failure of emergency braking, and path selection errors while using FSD, with some incidents leading to crashes. Connectivity issues, such as problems accessing Supercharging and software updates, are also noted. Additionally, there are reports of mechanical noises and battery charging failures. Safety implications include crashes and a reported injury, with some incidents occurring shortly after software updates. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, often without warning signs, and may impact vehicle reliability and safety features.

88 complaints total11 crashes1 injury
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (73 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

73 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2023 Tesla Model Y frequently experiences sudden power loss and electrical system failures, often without warning. These issues typically manifest as a complete shutdown of the vehicle, blank or unresponsive screens, and loss of essential functions such as speedometer and gear selection. Complaints often occur at various mileage points, with some incidents leading to crashes and injuries due to loss of control. Additionally, some owners describe problems with overheating components and unexpected vehicle behavior following software updates. These patterns suggest potential safety risks, including crashes and fires, which prospective buyers should consider.

73 complaints total19 crashes2 fires11 injuries
SERVICE BRAKES (64 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

64 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Tesla Model Y frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly sudden and unexpected braking while using cruise control or autopilot. Complaints often describe the vehicle decelerating without apparent cause, sometimes leading to near-misses or actual collisions. Several reports involve crashes where the braking system failed to respond adequately, even when manually applied, and some incidents resulted in injuries. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase. Buyers should be aware of potential safety implications, including loss of control and failure of collision-avoidance features, as evidenced by multiple crash reports.

64 complaints total11 crashes4 injuries
SUSPENSION (52 complaints)

SUSPENSION

52 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report recurring issues with the suspension system of the 2023 Tesla Model Y, particularly involving the detachment or loosening of bolts in the front lower control arm and lateral link assemblies. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as loud clunking or grinding noises, unstable steering, and noticeable misalignment, often occurring when driving over bumps or making turns. Many incidents occur at various mileage ranges, with some as early as 33,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as several complaints describe the loss of steering control, with one incident involving a crash. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers to consider, especially regarding the structural integrity of the suspension system.

52 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (25 complaints)

AIR BAGS

25 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the airbag systems in the 2023 Tesla Model Y, with a significant number of complaints involving airbag non-deployment during crashes. Typical symptoms include persistent error messages related to the safety restraint system, such as "front right safety restraint system fault" and "front passenger safety restraint system fault," which some owners describe as recurring despite multiple service attempts. Several reports indicate airbag failures occur during collisions, sometimes resulting in injuries, with failure mileage ranging from as low as 7,000 miles to higher mileages like 45,000 miles. Complaints also highlight potential safety risks, with incidents of airbags failing to deploy in high-impact collisions and associated injuries, underscoring the importance of thorough inspection for prospective buyers.

25 complaints total15 crashes11 injuries
POWER TRAIN (19 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Tesla Model Y frequently report issues with the power train, including sudden loss of power and unexpected acceleration. Complaints often describe phantom acceleration incidents leading to crashes, as well as abrupt deceleration on highways, which can result in hazardous conditions. These issues often occur at low mileages, sometimes as early as 12 miles, and are linked to failures in the drive units or inverters. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, one fire, and two injuries. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly the potential for sudden loss of control and the need for frequent service interventions.

19 complaints total4 crashes1 fire2 injuries
STRUCTURE (17 complaints)

STRUCTURE

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several structural issues with the 2023 Tesla Model Y, with a notable number of complaints about the rear liftgate unexpectedly closing. This issue has resulted in injuries, as the liftgate closes with force and lacks a functioning safety mechanism to detect obstructions. Complaints frequently mention problems with the vehicle's glass components, including fragile roof glass that cracks easily and rear passenger windows that shatter unexpectedly. Additionally, some owners experience water leaks through the liftgate and other areas, with issues appearing as early as 10 miles on the odometer. Safety implications are significant, with three incidents involving crashes and four reported injuries related to these structural failures.

17 complaints total3 crashes4 injuries

When Do 2023 Tesla Model Y Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

20,000–54,000 milesSuspension failures
59,000–65,000 milesElectrical system failures

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).

See full Tesla Model Y years-to-avoid analysis →

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.

avg 55
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Tesla Model Y reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
202046/100Mixed
202146/100Mixed
202250/100Mixed
202353/100Mixed
202463/100Good
202570/100Good

Tesla Model Y Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202570/100+7Good269
202463/100+10Good5254
2023(selected)53/100+3Mixed15997
202250/100+4Mixed18783
202146/1000Mixed21991
202046/100Mixed22264

2023 Tesla Model Y Common Questions

2 questions from 2023 Tesla Model Y owners.

wipers are not working

Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them?

2018 Tesla model 3 Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them? Comes with blue connector but not the 2 antenna connectors in the RH mirror and the 1 antennas connector in the LH mirror. Wanting to use these antennas on new mirror. Are they easy to switch to new mirrors that do not come with the antennas?

VisitorAug 7, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Tesla Model Y reliable?
The 2023 Tesla Model Y has a "Mixed" reliability rating (53/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 15 recalls and 997 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Tesla Model Y include: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (206 complaints), STEERING (171 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (130 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (88 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (73 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model Y have?
The 2023 Tesla Model Y has 15 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2023 Tesla Model Y expensive to maintain?
The 2023 Tesla Model Y may have above-average maintenance costs. Its reliability score of 53/100 and 997 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue