Model year guide

2026 Tesla Model Y

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2026 Tesla Model Y is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2026 Tesla Model Y — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2026 Tesla Model Y at a glance

Safety recalls8
Owner complaints265
Combined105–138 MPGe

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2026 Tesla Model Y recalls 8

Suspension:critical Fasteners NHTSA Campaign #26V558000 · manufacturer #SB-26-31-004 · 31/08/2026

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. One or more front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly tightened, allowing the lateral link to loosen or separate from the sub-frame.

Fix: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the fasteners and check wheel the alignment, free of charge. In addition, Tesla Service will replace any related parts that may have been damaged as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 30, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla custo…

Structure:body:bumpers NHTSA Campaign #26V445000 · manufacturer #SB-26-00-004 · 07/07/2026

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y and 2024 Model 3 vehicles. The vehicles were originally built for a foreign market and do not have knee air bags, may not be equipped with certain interior safety countermeasures, and may not have been tested for bumper impact resistance procedures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers, 208,…

Fix: Tesla will repurchase noncompliant vehicles currently registered in the United States, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 5, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or [email protected]. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-2…

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #26V315000 · manufacturer #SB-26-19-002 · 18/05/2026

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."

Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-19-002.

Electrical System:propulsion System:fuses, Relays, Contacts, And Shunts NHTSA Campaign #25V690000 · manufacturer #SB-25-16-005 · 10/10/2025

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.

Fix: Tesla Service will replace the battery pack contactors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-16-005.

Electrical System:wiring NHTSA Campaign #25V658000 · manufacturer #SB-25-17-011 · 01/10/2025

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The reverse lights may fail to illuminate while the vehicle is in reverse, due to a defect in the wiring. 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."

Fix: Tesla Service will replace the reverse lights and reverse facia harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-17-011.

Electrical System:horn NHTSA Campaign #25V490000 · manufacturer #SB-25-17-009 · 28/07/2025

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The ring terminal of the horn ground wire may be improperly secured, allowing the circuit to open and preventing the horn from sounding.

Fix: Tesla service will replace the steering wheel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed September 23, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-17-009.

Seats:critical Fasteners NHTSA Campaign #25V410000 · manufacturer #SB-25-13-003 · 18/06/2025

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.

Fix: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-13-003.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages NHTSA Campaign #25V359000 · manufacturer #SB-25-17-006 · 29/05/2025

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

Fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2026 Tesla Model Y common problems

Owners have filed 265 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Lane Departure
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2026 Tesla Model Y efficiency & running costs

Combined105–138 MPGe
City135 MPGe
Highway118 MPGe
Est. annual energy cost$600
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic (A1)
Electric range294–357 mi
Charge time (240V)12.2 hours
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,000 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2026 Tesla Model Y costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Energy (5 yrs)$3,000
Energy only$3,000
Per mile$0.04

How this is estimated: energy is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2026 Tesla Model Y vehicles on record

Other Tesla Model Y model years

2026 Tesla Model Y — frequently asked questions

Does the 2026 Tesla Model Y have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2026 Tesla Model Y. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2026 Tesla Model Y?

Owners have filed 265 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, forward collision avoidance, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2026 Tesla Model Y get?

The 2026 Tesla Model Y has U.S. EPA estimates of 105–138 MPGe combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.