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NHTSA complaints, Jan 1 to Aug 24, 2026 Updated Aug 24

Tesla complaints are up 38% this year

1,231 complaints across 5 Tesla models filed with NHTSA in 2026 so far, against 889 in the same window last year. The Tesla Model Y files the most, with 606.

2026 YTD
1,231
across 5 models
Same window 2025
889
Jan 1 to Aug 24
Year over year
+38%
market overall +2%
Most complained
Tesla Model Y
606 of 1,231, 49%

Every Tesla model, ranked by 2026 complaints

Model20262025ChangeTop area
Tesla Model Y 606 307 +97% Suspension
Tesla Model 3 326 308 +6% Suspension
Tesla Model S 108 108 0% Electrical system
Tesla Model X 100 114 -12% Steering
Tesla Cybertruck 91 52 +75% Electrical system

Models with a link have a full page with trend, model-year breakdown and FAQ. The rest had too few complaints for a page but still appear in the checker search.

How to read this

Raw totals track how many of each Tesla are on the road as much as they track quality, so the best-sellers sit at the top by volume alone. The change column is the better signal: sales are roughly stable year to year, so a sharp rise means the per-vehicle complaint rate genuinely moved. Top area is NHTSA's own component category most often cited, which is where to focus a pre-purchase inspection. Look up any car in the Car Complaint Checker, or read the 2026 study for the market-wide picture.

Frequently asked questions

Which Tesla model has the most complaints in 2026?

The Tesla Model Y, with 606 NHTSA complaints filed between Jan 1 and Aug 24, 2026. Its most-cited problem area is suspension. Raw counts track how many are on the road, so the best-selling model usually tops this list.

Are Tesla complaints rising?

Across all Tesla models, complaints went from 889 to 1,231 year over year (+38%), against a market that rose about 2%. The fastest riser is the Tesla Model Y at +97%.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database, complaints received 2026-01-01..2026-08-24, compared with 2025-01-01..2025-08-24 (same window). Counted once per complaint ID, vehicles only. Aggregated data is available under CC BY 4.0 with a link to GarageCalc.