Top fixes

Top Tesla Model Y fixes every owner should know

Cheap, practical fixes for the Tesla Model Y faults you actually meet, with rough costs and what a garage will charge.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 34,519 recorded MOT tests, 14.2% failed.

Tesla Model Y
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

Tesla Model Y owners should be aware of common faults such as battery management issues, door seal leaks, touchscreen glitches, brake noise, and uneven tyre wear. Many of these can be fixed through DIY methods, saving on garage labour costs, which typically range from £75 to £150 per hour.

Battery Management Issues

Some Tesla Model Y vehicles experience battery management faults, leading to reduced range or charging problems. The fix often involves a software update, which can be done at home via the Tesla app. If the issue persists, a replacement battery management system may be needed, costing around £1,000 for parts and £200-£300 for garage labour.

Door Seal Leaks

Water leaks can occur at the door seals, especially in earlier models. Replacing the seals is a straightforward DIY job, costing about £50 for parts. If you prefer a garage, expect to pay roughly £100-£150 for labour. This fix is generally permanent if the seals are correctly installed.

Touchscreen Glitches

The touchscreen may freeze or become unresponsive. A simple reboot often resolves this issue. If problems continue, replacing the touchscreen can cost around £800 for parts and £100-£200 for labour at a garage. This is a more permanent fix but can be avoided with regular software updates.

Brake Noise

Some owners report squeaking or grinding noises from the brakes. This can often be fixed by replacing brake pads, which cost about £70 for parts. Garage labour can add another £100-£200. If the noise is due to dust or dirt, a quick clean may suffice as a temporary solution.

Tyre Wear

Uneven tyre wear is common, particularly if the car is not aligned correctly. Regular rotation and alignment checks can be DIY tasks, costing around £20-£30 for parts. A garage may charge £50-£100 for alignment services. This can prevent further wear and extend tyre life, making it a worthwhile investment.

Tesla Model Y recall record

7 recalls have been issued for the Tesla Model Y, between 2021 and 2025.

  1. Loss of Reverse Light Recall

    R/2025/422

    Issued 16 October 2025

    On affected vehicles one or both reverse lamps may fail to switch on when the driver selects reverse gear due to a loss of continuity in the rear lamp circuit.

    Remedy:Inspect rear lamp housing and wiring harness and repair or replace the defective components as necessary.

    Affects cars built Mar 2025 to Apr 2025

  2. Update Vehicle Firmware to Remedy Anti Pinch Feature of Right Front Window

    R/2025/350

    Issued 24 September 2025

    On affected vehicles a firmware feature that allowed for high-speed sampling of the right front window motor encoder was not enabled bringing vehicles out of compliance with the relevant regulations for Auto-reversing Requirements.

    Remedy:Install modified software via an Over the Air (OTA) update.

    Affects cars built Mar 2025 to Jul 2025

  3. Loss of Rearview Camera Display Recall

    R/2025/049

    Issued 28 March 2025

    On a small percentage of affected vehicles upon vehicle power up the car computer board may experience a short resulting in the loss of rear view camera functionality .

    Remedy:Over the air software update or Car Computer replacement if necessary.

    Affects cars built Apr 2024 to Dec 2024

  4. Update Vehicle Software To Rectify EPAS Functionality

    R/2025/104

    Issued 14 March 2025

    On affected vehicles operating with a software release prior to 2023.38.4 an overvoltage breakdown in the steering rack may overstress motor drive components on the printed circuit board. If the overstress condition occurs while the vehicle is driving steering assistance will not be affected and a visual alert will illuminate. Once the vehicle speed comes to a standstill a loss of steering assistance may occur and loss of steering assistance will persist when the vehicle is driven again. Manual steering without steering assistance remains available to the driver.

    Remedy:Install modified software via an Over the Air (OTA) wireless update.

    Affects cars built Jan 2022 to Aug 2023

3 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Tesla Model Y MOT record

From 34,519 recorded MOT tests, 14.2% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20245005.0%33,498 mi
20231,8857.4%49,819 mi
202232,13414.7%32,907 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements34.7%
  2. A tyre seriously damaged26.9%
  3. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn17.6%
  4. A tyre cords visible or damaged17.2%
  5. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured3.6%

Figures cover every Tesla Model Y tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Tesla Model Y official figures

Median across 10 variants on sale, electricity.

Electric range
368.5 miles
Manufacturer WLTP figure

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common faults in the Tesla Model Y?

Common faults include battery management issues, door seal leaks, touchscreen glitches, brake noise, and tyre wear.

Can I fix these issues myself?

Many issues are DIY-friendly, but some may require professional help.

Is there a temporary fix for these faults?

Some fixes may only be temporary solutions; it's best to address the root cause.

Sources