The Tesla Model Y Years To Avoid
Tesla Model Y by Alexander Migl - CC-BY-SA-4.0
When you talk about electric vehicles, most people think of Tesla. True enough, before Tesla, electric cars were seen mainly as slow and impractical, with so-so range. Tesla changed this perception with the Roadster, which was a high-performance electric sports car. This demonstrated that electric cars could be both fun and practical.
With its success as one of the trailblazers of the EV movement, Tesla has been putting out new models for different market segments. One of the younger vehicles in Tesla’s portfolio is the Model Y – an all-electric SUV with optional third-row seating. Not to be confused with the older Model X, the Model Y was released with the 2020 iteration and featured a more accessible price point.
If you’re in the market for a used Model Y, your options may be limited. But don’t worry; CoPilot is here to assist you in getting the best value for your money. Today, we’ll guide you through the Tesla Model Y years to avoid and the ones worth your investment. Let’s get started.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE TESLA MODEL Y
Read on to learn more about the most reliable Tesla Model Y year, the least reliable selections, common issues with the car, and other valuable information you should have under your belt.
Which Tesla Model Y Years To Avoid?
Despite its popularity, the reliability of the Tesla Model Y has been a subject of some debate. For instance, this compact electric SUV has received many complaints (likely due to its popularity) and was the subject of numerous recalls. Below are the worst Tesla Model Y years to avoid:
- 2020 Tesla Model Y
- 2021 Tesla Model Y
2020 Tesla Model Y
It’s relatively common for the first production year of any vehicle to experience more problems as the manufacturer works out the kinks in production. The Model Y is no exception. However, as far as reliability, the 2020 Model Y is far from the most unreliable. In fact, if you can find a unit for a reasonable price, you could probably get away with this model since it has one of the fewest numbers of complaints.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2020 Model Y scored a low reliability score of 2.0 out of 5.0.
FEEL SECURE IN THE CAR YOU CHOOSE
You don’t want to buy a car - you want to get the best deal on the car you’re looking for. The CoPilot app will notify you if there’s a similar vehicle in your area at a better price, so you’re always certain you got the best deal available.
Adaptive Cruise Control Issue
With that said, the 2020 Model Y had some glaring issues that made it harder for us to recommend. One of the most reported problems of this Model Y is the wonky adaptive cruise control feature. Reported issues typically include unexpected braking or the system failing to recognize certain types of obstacles, but these weren’t universally experienced problems and didn’t represent the norm. One user claimed that the Tesla would randomly disengage from cruise control which can be a huge safety issue. Another driver shared his experience of how the Tesla braked so hard that the wheels locked up while driving at 60 mph.
Nevertheless, there were no widespread issues with the 2020 Tesla Model Y’s adaptive cruise control system that would be considered a consistent problem for all vehicles of this model and year.
Build Quality Issues
On the other hand, Tesla did come under fire due to the Model Y’s build quality issues. Some of the most reported build quality problems were inconsistent panel gaps, uneven paint application, loose fittings, and poorly aligned interior elements. However, the issue that received the most mainstream attention was the notorious detaching steering wheel issue.
Earlier this year, a Twitter user Prerak (@preneh24), posted photos and details of a “terrifying” experience where the Model Y’s steering wheel reportedly detached while driving. This incident was at least the second time it happened with a Model Y SUV. In both cases, the detaching steering wheel happened in low mileage units, so they’re essentially brand-new. As a result, the NHTSA was compelled to investigate the issue.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
While the detaching steering wheel issue is scary for safety reasons, they could have been isolated incidents or manufacturing defects. Although Elon Musk promised cars without steering wheels, we doubt this is what people had in mind.
2021 Tesla Model Y
The 2021 model is easily one of the worst Tesla Model Y years to avoid. CarProblemZoo has logged 1,125 problems for the 2021 Model Y, making it the most complained model year of the electrified SUV. Unfortunately, the 2021 Model Y struggled with the same issues as the debut model.
As per Consumer Reports, the 2021 Tesla Model Y received a reliability verdict score of 2.0 out of 5.0 but with a perfect owner satisfaction score of 5.0 out of 5.0. Meanwhile, the NHTSA collected a whopping 700+ complaints from frustrated drivers.
Forward Collision Avoidance Problems
The Forward Collision Avoidance system, part of Tesla’s suite of Autopilot driver-assist features, is designed to warn the driver and, if necessary, apply the brakes if it detects that the vehicle will likely hit an object in its path. In particular, the SUV received plenty of complaints about the system’s Automatic Emergency Braking feature, where drivers complained about “phantom braking.”
THE BEST SEDANS WITH HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE
There are plenty of vehicles on the market that let you tower over obstacles without losing the convenience of a compact car. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of our favorite new sedans with high ground clearance.
Phantom braking refers to instances where a vehicle with automatic emergency braking or adaptive cruise control systems slows down or stops abruptly, even without an obstacle or object in front of it. For instance, the system may misinterpret shadows, bridges, overhead signs, or changes in road surfaces as road obstacles. In the case of the Model Y, the phantom brakes were attributed to faulty sensors and software glitches.
Which Tesla Model Y Years To Buy?
If you don’t mind buying a newer model, the 2022 Tesla Model Y is your best bet regarding reliability. Tesla has been known to improve its vehicles over time continuously, and it shows with the 2022 iteration of the Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y offered one of the highest ranges among electric vehicles, making it a good option if you’re concerned about being able to travel long distances between charges. With a Long Range model, you’re looking at 330 miles of range which is nothing short of fantastic. In addition, the Model Y has performed well in various safety tests and comes with a range of safety features, including Tesla’s suite of driver-assistance features known as Autopilot.
Overall, the 2022 Model Y isn’t the most reliable SUV in the segment. But compared to the rest of the lineup, the 2022 Model Y offers better long-term reliability and dependability.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
