Recalls: Tesla Model Y
Overview
OverviewRecalls are issued for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Manufacturers or importers seek to inform the original buyer if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. However, manufacturers or importers may not have the contact details of subsequent owners. Please note that the recalls below are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Tesla Model Y
2019-20 Tesla Model Y: brake caliper bolts not sufficiently tightened
In August 2021, recall campaign SB-21-33-002 was issued for 2019-20 Tesla Model Y vehicles. In these vehicles, the brake caliper bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened. This could reduce braking performance and, in turn, the risk of a collision and injury to both vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-001653.
2018-20 Tesla Model Y: front seatbelts may properly secured
In August 2021, recall campaign SB-21-20-001 was issued for 2018-20 Tesla Model Y vehicles. In these vehicles, the front row seatbelt bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened. In the event of a collision, the stabelt may not operate as intended if it was not secured correctly – this could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-001654.
2022 Tesla Model Y: tail lamps may not illuminate
In November 2022, recall campaign SB-22-00-016 was issued for 2022 Tesla Model Y vehicles. Due to a softwar error, the tail lamps on one or both sides may not illuminate as intended. If this occurred uring dark conditions, the following vehicles may have reduced visibility and may not be able to identify the vehicle. However, brake lamps, reverse lamps and turn signals were not affected by this condition and would continue to operate as intended. Nonetheless, if following traffic was unable to identify the vehicle, it could increase the risk of a collision and injury to both vehicle occupants and other road users. This recall was addressed by updating the vehicle’s software, which did not require the customer to schedule a service appointment. If the vehicle was running software version 2022.40.100 or 2022.40.1 or later, the vehicle was not subject to this issue. Owners could confirm their vehicle’s software version by tapping ‘Controls’, then ‘Software’ on the touchscreen. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005571.
2022-23 Tesla Model Y: notchy steering wheel in cold temperatures
In January 2024, recall campaign SB-24-32-001 was issued for 2022-23 Tesla Model Y vehicles. Due to a software issue, the steering wheel may feel notchy when operating the vehicle in cold temperatures. There was no safety hazard and the defect would not otherwise affect the performance of the vehicle. However, the vehicle may not be compliant with Australian Design Rule (ADR) 90/00 – Steering System 2018. Owners of affected vehicles were advised to contact Tesla to make an appointment to have the vehicle software version inspected and updated to version 2023.38 or later, or update their vehicle software using the touchscreen. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005875.
2022-24 Tesla Model Y: driver may not be warned of unlatched bonnet
In August 2024, recall campaign SB-24-00-012 was issued for 2022-24 Tesla Model Y vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it was opened and may therefore fail to warn the driver of an “open bonnet”. If the vehicle was driven with an unlatched bonnet, it could open abruptly and obstruct the driver’s view – this would increase the risk of a collision and injury to both vehicle occupants and other road users. To fix, an over-the-air software update (OTA) was to be installed on all affected vehicles. If the vehicle was running on software version 2024.20.3 or later, the vehicle was not subject to this issue. Owners could confirm their vehicle’s software version by tapping ‘Controls’, then ‘Software’ on the touchscreen. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006042.
2022–2023 Tesla Model Y: electronic power assist steering may not operate as intended
In March 2025, recall campaign SB-25-00-004 was issued for 2022–2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles. Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system may not operate as intended. This could result in a loss of power steering assistance, such that greater steering effort would be required from the driver to steer the vehicle. This condition increased the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. To fix, the vehicle’s software was to be updated – this did not require a service appointment since the software would be deployed over-the-air (OTA) to all affected vehicles. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006300.
2025 Tesla Model Y: automatic protection system for driver side window
In August 2025, recall campaign SB-25-00-007 was issued for 2025 Tesla Model Y vehicles. Due to a software issue, the driver side window’s automatic protection system may not operate as intended. This could result in the window closing with excessive force on any obstruction, such as a body part, posing a risk of injury. To fix, an over-the-air (OTA) software update was to be installed on all vehicles, such that a service appointment was not required. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006419.
Problems and faults: Tesla Model Y
Overview
OverviewThis section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2022-26 Tesla Model Y: “Tesla Vision” and “Phantom Braking”
All Tesla Model Y vehicles sold in Australia from 2022 to 2026, the “Tesla Vision” system relied on cameras rather than radar sensors. These vehicles were prone to “Phantom Braking”, i.e. the brakes being automatically applied while Autopilot or Adaptive Cruise Control were engaged, despite there being no obstacle in the vehicle’s path. This often occurred under bridges, near large shadows, or when passing oncoming trucks on two-lane roads.
This occurred because the camera system would occasionally misinterpret shadows, reflections, or environmental changes as a stationary object or a collision risk. Without a secondary radar sensor to cross-reference the data, the software defaulted to a safety-first braking response.
There is no hardware solution for this problem, but keeping the vehicle’s software updated is recommended since Tesla continuously refines the vision algorithms. Owners also find that recalibrating the cameras via the service menu and regularly cleaning the windscreen area in front of the cameras can reduce the frequency of occurrences.
2022-25 Tesla Model Y: rear hatch water ingress and retention
For 2022-25 Tesla Model Y vehicles, rain or a car wash can cause water to enter the rear trunk area, soaking the side carpets. Alternatively, water may become trapped inside the hatch assembly itself, creating a “waterfall” effect whereby water that spills into the trunk when the lid is opened.
This problem was typically caused by insufficient seam sealing around the liftgate assembly or faulty gaskets behind the rear tail-light housings. In some cases, the rubber “bump stops” on the hatch were misadjusted, preventing the main seal from making full contact.
For 2020-23 model year Tesla Model Y vehicles, Tesla issued a service bulletin (SB-23-10-003) for this problem. To fix, the liftgate assembly was to be resealed with RTV sealant and, if necessary, the tail-light gaskets were to be replaced. Owners were advised to check for dampness in the lower trunk wells after rain to catch the issue before mould developed.
2022-24 Tesla Model Y: stiff suspension and poor ride quality
For all Tesla Model Y vehicles produced from 2022 to late 2024, owners often complain about the stiff suspension and poor ride quality. The issue is particularly pronounced on vehicles fitted with 20- and 21-inch wheels. On uneven surfaces, the car can feel unsettled and transmit significant vibrations into the cabin.
This was caused by the original suspension tune of the Tesla Model Y, which had very high spring rates and stiff compression damping to manage the vehicle’s heavy battery weight, while maintaining “sporty” handling. This, however, resulted in a lack of compliance on rougher surfaces.
In late 2024, Tesla updated the factory dampers to a “Comfort” specification. For owners of older models, the most effective fix is to fit aftermarket comfort-focused coilovers or frequency-selective dampers (such as those from MCA Suspension or Koni). Reducing tyre pressure slightly (within safe limits) or switching to 19-inch wheels with a larger sidewall also helps mitigate the stiff suspension.
2022-26 Tesla Model Y: interior rattles and trim “creaks”
For Tesla Model Y vehicles, owners have reported various “clicking,” “buzzing,” or “rattling” noises from the dashboard, front door panels, and the rear hatch area. This occurs because the interior extensively uses plastic clips and tension-fit panels. If a clip is slightly out of alignment or a wire harness is not properly secured behind the trim, it will vibrate against the hard plastic surfaces. Tesla may be able to resolve these noises by applying felt tape or foam insulation to the affected contact points. For DIY fixes, owners frequently use trim removal tools to identify loose clips or harness connectors and secure them with automotive-grade cloth tape.
Tesla Model Y: paint prone to stone chips, swirl marks and “orange peel” textures
For Tesla Model Y models, particularly those in “Solid Black”, owners have reported that the paint is prone to stone chips, swirl marks, and “orange peel” textures. Owners also frequently find “dry” paint or thin coverage inside the door jams and under the hood.
These reports have been attributed to Tesla’s water-based paint system and a relatively thin clear coat (to meet environmental regulations and production speed targets). This makes the exterior surface more vulnerable to debris on Australian highways.
There is no factory fix for this problem. Some owners have a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on particularly at-risk areas (like the front bumper and bonnet) or a ceramic coating to add a sacrificial layer of hardness.
