What is the 2020-2022 Tesla Model Y Heat Pump / Octovalve Failure in Cold Weather (Loss of Cabin Heat and Defrost)?

On 2021-2022 Model Y, the heat pump's Electronic Expansion Valve (EXV) in the Octovalve supermanifold can stick open if controller communication is interrupted, causing total loss of cabin heat and defrost in sub-freezing temperatures (especially -10C/14F or colder). In severe ca… Repairs typically run $0-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2023 Tesla Model Y Model S / Model X First-Row Seat Belt Anchor Inspection Recall (23V-488)?

NHTSA recall 23V-488 covers approximately 15,869 Tesla Model S (2021-2023) and Model X (2021-2023) vehicles for first-row seat belts that may not have been properly reconnected to their pretensioner anchors after a prior repair. If the anchor connection is below spec, the seat be… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y Autopilot/TACC Phantom Braking on Highway (NHTSA PE22-002, 416k Model 3/Y)?

After Tesla moved to Vision-Only Autopilot in May 2021, 2021-2022 Model Y (and Model 3) owners reported hundreds of cases of the car suddenly applying brakes for no visible reason at highway speed while Autopilot or TACC is engaged. NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection Excessive Battery Drain (12V and HV)?

Leaving Sentry Mode and/or Cabin Overheat Protection enabled on 2020-2024 Model Y causes 7-14% HV pack drain per day plus accelerated 12V battery cycling, because the car keeps the HV system live, cameras recording, and the Autopilot computer processing video continuously. Owners… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2022 Tesla Model Y Early Model Y Rear Glass Cracking / Shattering?

Early-production (2020-2021) Model Y reports of the panoramic rear glass cracking, sometimes spontaneously, sometimes from minor flex. Owners reported cracks appearing during cold-weather closing of the trunk. Tesla covered most under warranty but did not recall. Issue largely re… Repairs typically run $0-$1,900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2023 Tesla Model Y Liftgate Water Ingress Into Trunk and Subtrunk (Service Bulletin SB-23-10-003)?

2020-2023 Model Y crossovers built at Fremont and Giga Austin can leak water into the rear trunk and subtrunk through gaps around the liftgate lamp studs and connector, and through inadequate liftgate sealing. Owners report standing water in the spare-tire well, soaked carpet, an… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y Premature Rear Tire Wear From Aggressive Negative Camber?

2020-2024 Model Y (especially Performance trim, which sits ~10mm lower) is delivered with aggressive, non-adjustable rear negative camber that causes severe inner-edge wear on the rear tires. The factory rear camber cannot be changed via standard alignment — only toe is adjustabl… Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2024 Tesla Model Y Windshield Cracking During Cabin Preconditioning / Defrost in Cold Weather?

Multiple Model Y owners report the windshield spontaneously cracking while using cabin preconditioning or the defrost function in cold weather. Owners describe a consistent crack pattern that appears as the heating system warms the cold glass, suggesting thermal stress on the win… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 Tesla Model Y TPMS Warning Light Resets Between Drives, Failing to Warn of Low Tire Pressure (Recall 24V935)?

Software release 2024.38.3 introduced a defect on 2020-2025 Model Y (and 2017-2025 Model 3, 2024 Cybertruck) vehicles in which the tire pressure monitoring system warning telltale would reset when the vehicle was powered down or went to sleep between drives. As a result, the low-… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: low.

Tesla · Known Issues

2021 Tesla Model Y Problems: 11 Known Issues

2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Tesla Model Y has 11 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835) ($0-$0 repair), Heat Pump / Octovalve Failure in Cold Weather (Loss of Cabin Heat and Defrost) ($0-$5,000 repair), Model S / Model X First-Row Seat Belt Anchor Inspection Recall (23V-488) ($0-$0 repair), Autopilot/TACC Phantom Braking on Highway (NHTSA PE22-002, 416k Model 3/Y) ($0-$0 repair) and Electronic Door Handles Inoperative on Low 12V Voltage — Occupants Trapped (NHTSA Investigation PE25-010) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $400 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Tesla Model Y problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Tesla Model Y has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835), Heat Pump / Octovalve Failure in Cold Weather (Loss of Cabin Heat and Defrost), Model S / Model X First-Row Seat Belt Anchor Inspection Recall (23V-488). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Tesla Model Y reliable?

The 2021 Tesla Model Y has 11 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835) and Heat Pump / Octovalve Failure in Cold Weather (Loss of Cabin Heat and Defrost) and Model S / Model X First-Row Seat Belt Anchor Inspection Recall (23V-488) and Autopilot/TACC Phantom Braking on Highway (NHTSA PE22-002, 416k Model 3/Y) and Electronic Door Handles Inoperative on Low 12V Voltage — Occupants Trapped (NHTSA Investigation PE25-010). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Tesla Model Y problems?

Repair costs for known Tesla Model Y issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2020-2021 Tesla Model Y Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835)?

On 2020-2021 Model Y built March 2020-June 2021, the two fasteners connecting the front lower control arm (lateral link) to the subframe were not torqued to spec at the factory. The bolts can back out over time, allowing the lateral link to separate from the subframe and causing… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

All 11 Known Issues

Other Tesla Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Tesla Model Y problems?

Is the Tesla Model Y reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Tesla Model Y problems?

What is the 2020-2021 Tesla Model Y Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835)?

2021-2023 Tesla Model Y: Model S / Model X First-Row Seat Belt Anchor Inspection Recall (23V-488)#

2021-2022 Tesla Model Y: Autopilot/TACC Phantom Braking on Highway (NHTSA PE22-002, 416k Model 3/Y)#

2021 Tesla Model Y: Electronic Door Handles Inoperative on Low 12V Voltage — Occupants Trapped (NHTSA Investigation PE25-010)#

2020-2025 Tesla Model Y: TPMS Warning Light Resets Between Drives, Failing to Warn of Low Tire Pressure (Recall 24V935)#

2020-2021 Tesla Model Y: Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolts Loose - Separation Risk (Recall 21V-835)#

2020-2024 Tesla Model Y: Premature Rear Tire Wear From Aggressive Negative Camber#

2020-2022 Tesla Model Y: Heat Pump / Octovalve Failure in Cold Weather (Loss of Cabin Heat and Defrost)#

2020-2022 Tesla Model Y: Early Model Y Rear Glass Cracking / Shattering#

2020-2023 Tesla Model Y: Liftgate Water Ingress Into Trunk and Subtrunk (Service Bulletin SB-23-10-003)#

2020-2024 Tesla Model Y: Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection Excessive Battery Drain (12V and HV)#

2021-2024 Tesla Model Y: Windshield Cracking During Cabin Preconditioning / Defrost in Cold Weather#