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Visibility & wipers

Tesla Model Y Visibility problems by year

26 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Tesla Model Y's visibility & wipers. Windshields, wipers, defrosters, mirrors, backup cameras and glare.

Visibility complaints by model year

YearVisibility complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20260001
20258100
20220001
20210001
202018201

Visibility recalls

Latest Model Y visibility complaints

2025 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipersDriver assistanceCrash

I am reporting a safety incident involving my 2025 Tesla Model Y and Full Self-Driving. While driving with Full Self-Driving engaged... latest update, the vehicle steered into an express-lane barrier/bar structure. The impact caused severe windshield damage and apparent body damage near the passenger-side A-pillar / windshield frame / roof rail area. The windshield is heavily cracked across the driver's side and center area, and the vehicle is not safe to drive. I was able to get home safely and filed an insurance...

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claim. I preserved TeslaCam footage and photos of the damage. The in-vehicle Tesla playback shows Full Self-Driving engaged during the incident. I also copied the TeslaCam files from the vehicle's USB drive. The exported video file does not appear to show the same Full Self-Driving overlay that appears in the in-vehicle playback. I am reporting this as a potential safety issue involving Tesla Full Self-Driving steering behavior and impact with a fixed roadway/express-lane structure. No injuries occurred, but the vehicle sustained significant windshield damage and possible body/frame-area damage.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiper · Lane departureNHTSA 11741689
2025 Tesla Model YElectrical systemBrakesVisibility & wipers

Following a "secondary" botched windshield replacement within 3 weeks performed by the Tesla Service Center in Carle Place, NY, my Tesla Model Y experienced a catastrophic structural water intrusion during rainfall. A great amounts of water dripping directly through the windshield seal into the cabin, soaking the dashboard electronics, floorboards, and much more water coming in from the brake pedal area while driving on LIE. While I was driving the vehicle with my three children in the back seat, this water...

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intrusion triggered an active electrical short circuit. The vehicle's hazard lights began flashing autonomously, and the electrical system became severely compromised, creating an immediate and life-threatening safety hazard on the road. The vehicle is currently grounded, completely undrivable, and poses a continued electrical fire risk. Tesla Service has been notified in writing and has officially acknowledged via their app that the vehicle must be towed. This gross negligence in structural sealing has directly compromised the vehicle's electrical control modules, severely endangering the lives of the occupants."

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11724866
2020 Tesla Model YElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

Observed intermittent center display/infotainment computer (MCU) crashes/reboots where the center display becomes blank and then restarts. In recorded events, when reverse was selected during an MCU reboot interval, the rearview camera image did not display until the reboot completed. Recorded rear camera unavailability during reverse was approximately 10-17 seconds. MCU crash/reboot behavior was observed to be repeatable, including predictable occurrence while the vehicle was in the built-in Service Mode. After a...

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factory reset, repeated/double boot behavior was also observed. Additional observations: - With the turn signal activated, light leakage was observed in the side repeater camera image (glare/bloom present in the camera view). - With each windshield wiper sweep, the forward camera image was observed to briefly flicker to a purple/green distorted state and then return to normal. - During driving, the on-screen message "Auto Lane Change unavailable" was observed. A separate rear camera symptom has also been observed: intermittent freezing/stale frames (image appears not to update). This rear camera freeze behavior has not yet been captured on video. These conditions have been documented by video/screenshots and reported to the manufacturer/service center for inspection/diagnosis. No crash or injury occurred. The vehicle is currently located at the manufacturer's service center and is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11714932
2025 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipers

We are currently experiencing single-digit temperatures here in Pittsburgh. I placed my vehicle in "defrost" mode, and while it did clear the windshield, it also caused the glass to crack. I contacted Tesla and brought the vehicle in for an assessment, at which point I was informed the damage would not be covered. My car has only 14,000 miles and will be one year old next month. It is essentially brand new and has been meticulously maintained. There were no prior flaws or damage to the windshield. Despite this,...

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Tesla refused coverage for what is a known issue: windshield cracking caused by defrost mode in extreme cold temperatures. This issue is widely documented online. Customer service confirmed that Tesla does not cover glass damage, even when it cracks spontaneously as a result of using defrost mode as intended. The quoted repair cost is $1,500. This experience reflects a lack of accountability and failure to stand behind the product.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11713702
2025 Tesla Model YBody, doors & structureVisibility & wipers

Date: December 28, 2025 Time: Approximately 3:25 PM Vehicle: 2026 Tesla Model Y Incident Location: Southbound on the I-35N feeder road, just north of Highway 114. Safe Harbor Location: Burger King (15925 N Hwy 114, Northlake, TX) Statement of Facts: I was driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y southbound on the I-35N feeder road at approximately 3:25 PM today. I was traveling at a steady speed of 55 MPH. Without any warning chime or dashboard notification, the front hood (frunk) suddenly and violently flew open. The hood...

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slammed into the windshield, shattering the glass across my entire field of vision and completely obstructing the road ahead. I was forced to perform an emergency "blind" stop on the feeder road. Once the vehicle was under control, I drove at approximately 10 MPH with zero forward visibility to reach a safe location off the main road. I pulled into the Burger King parking lot located at the intersection of I-35 and Highway 114 to inspect the damage and call for assistance. Key Safety Failures: • Software Failure: At no point before the hood flew open did the vehicle alert me that the frunk was unlatched. • Mechanical Failure: The latching mechanism failed to hold at standard highway speeds, creating a life-threatening visibility hazard. • Structural Damage: The windshield is fully shattered, and the hood and hinges are visibly warped from the force of the impact. Conclusion: This incident was a catastrophic safety failure. Given Tesla's history of recalls for this exact issue (NHTSA Recall 24V-554), it is clear that this 2026 model either suffers from the same defect or the previous "software fix" is insufficient to protect drivers.

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11707389
2020 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipers

Was driving in rain, had windshield wipers on, suddenly windshield wipers stopped working; could not see through windshield because of the rain; almost had collision before being able to move to the side of the road to safety. Cost $255 to have windshield wipers repaired.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11672036
2020 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipers

I have a Tesla Model Y and a Model 3. Both of them 2020 year purchased. The miles on Model Y is 96K and 43K respectively. In Feb 2025, my Model Y windshield had cracked and I had made a Tesla Insurance claim and paid the 500$ deductible and got it replaced. Now, in May 1st week, the same Model Y's windshield is cracked. When I take to Tesla service center, they say that its because of an external impact and so, they can't consider a warranty claim and I have to make another payment for this. That's the first thing....

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Now, with my Model 3, there is a crack developing on the rear windshield. I understand from Tesla that it has to be replaced too. I had a chat with Safelite auto glass company technician and he said that Tesla's glasses are too thin to accmmodate sensors and thats why this is happening repeatedly.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11659331
2020 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipers

Component or System Failure: The HVAC system, specifically the compressor and supermanifold, failed on my 2020 Tesla Model Y. Tesla retained the replaced components during service, so they are not available for inspection. Safety Risk: This failure caused a loss of cabin heating and prevented proper windshield/window defrosting during cold weather, severely impairing visibility and creating unsafe driving conditions. Critically, this system also regulates battery heating. Without it, battery performance in cold...

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temperatures can be compromised, reducing driving range, impairing charging capability, and risking vehicle operability in freezing conditions. Problem Confirmation: Tesla service technicians diagnosed and confirmed failure of the compressor and supermanifold. Full replacement was required to restore proper HVAC and battery heating functions. Inspections Conducted: The vehicle was inspected by Tesla service both before and after the failure. Prior to my ownership, the vehicle had been brought in by a family member (prior owner) for HVAC performance concerns. HVAC issues reappeared around 28,000 miles, but I was unable to immediately schedule repairs due to the Tesla Service Center being approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away and personal scheduling constraints. The vehicle was finally repaired on April 24, 2025, at 38,511 miles. Warning Indicators: Before the failure, HVAC symptoms included inconsistent heating, occasional HVAC warnings, and degraded cold weather performance. Additional Context: I was required to pay $2,992.89 for the repair out of pocket, as the vehicle was just outside of warranty. Due to this failure, I drove for an extended time without reliable cabin heat, defrosting, or proper battery heating in winter conditions, exposing me to serious safety risks. Tesla has acknowledged HVAC component contamination issues in official service bulletins, suggesting a known systemic problem.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11657285
2025 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipers

Vehicle Component: Exterior Mirrors Make: Tesla Model: Model Y Model Year(s): 2022, 2023, 2024 (and ongoing) Problem Description: Since the 2022 model year, the Tesla Model Y has exhibited a recurring issue with excessive vibration in the driver side exterior mirror at highway speeds. The vibration becomes noticeable around 50 mph and increases in severity with speed, making it difficult to clearly see vehicles in the adjacent lane. This issue persists even after mirror replacements or realignments, indicating a...

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possible design or manufacturing defect affecting multiple vehicles. The vibration affects driver visibility and could pose a significant safety risk, particularly during lane changes or merging maneuvers. Numerous Model Y owners have reported similar complaints in forums and online communities, suggesting this may be a widespread issue. Tesla service centers have been unable to provide a consistent or effective fix for the problem. Safety Concern: The impaired visibility caused by the vibrating mirror compromises driver awareness and increases the likelihood of collisions. This defect should be investigated for potential recall or corrective action.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11655993
2025 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipers

The model Y has a software feature which integrates with MyQ Garage Door opener which opens the garage door whenever the car is nearby. This feature also has a selectable option to fold mirrors automatically. It is noticed that the mirrors fold even when the vehicle is in motion or not in park. This is especially dangerous when backing out into the garage. I almost had 2 near misses when the mirrors which I was using to reverse the car suddenly folded in the middle of the maneuver. Ideally the mirror should only fold if the car is in park or at least not traveling in reverse

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11638216
2025 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipers

I defrosted my windows prior to entering the car. As I got into the vehicle I noticed it was extremely hot in the car. Turned off the defroster. I backed up out of my driveway. Drove passing two houses, my windshield started to crack towards the middle of my windshield. There were no cracks or impact prior to defrosting.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · VisibilityNHTSA 11636724
2025 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipersDriver assistance

Vehicle Information: • Make: Tesla • Model: Model Y • Year: 2025 Description of the Problem: After a software update pushed by Tesla, the AP4 computer in my 2024 Tesla Model Y shorted out, causing a complete failure of all systems controlled by this computer. The following safety-critical and driver-assist features have become non-functional: Cruise Control (adaptive or otherwise) Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Blind Spot Warning Parking...

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Collision Warning Full Self-Driving and Auto Park features Cameras required for Autopilot functionality Additionally, because the GPS system has failed, the vehicle's Navigation system is inoperable. This impacts Tesla's unique route planning feature that sets up Supercharger stops during long journeys. Without a functioning navigation system, I cannot properly plan my travel or locate charging stations, which severely affects the usability of the vehicle. Safety Concerns: The failure of these systems, especially safety features like forward collision warning, lane keeping assistance, and blind spot monitoring, puts both the driver and others on the road at risk. Losing access to safety-critical functions after an update is unacceptable and poses a serious danger to vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic. Incident Details: • The issue occurred immediately following a software update. • Tesla pushed the update remotely without providing any warning or indication of potential risks. • The failure appears to be related to a hardware short in the AP4 computer, directly caused or exacerbated by the update. Desired Outcome: • A thorough investigation into Tesla's software update process and its effect on vehicle hardware and safety systems. • A resolution that prevents similar failures in other vehicles and ensures system updates do not compromise vehicle safety or critical functionality.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiper · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11634287
2020 Tesla Model YVisibility & wipers

Tesla has automatic windshield wipers that are supposed to engage at various wiper speeds when rain is detected. The system does not activate soon enough or at an appropriate speed. Example: In rain situations on a highway when passing a large truck, the amount of spray on the windshield will completely occlude visibility at critical moments. Also if driving through a neighborhood in a drizzle, when kids are walking to school, the wipers do not adjust properly occluding visibility at critical moment's. ...

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Potential solution : In both cases above the Tesla cameras detect the truck and the pedestrians, this data should be used to increase wiper activation and frequency. Tesla also collects user input data from drivers and perhaps collecting data when drivers activate their wipers compared to what the cameras are seeing will help adjust the wiper activation algorithm.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11607888
2020 Tesla Model YElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlVisibility & wipersCrash

During phone calls, the system would start making sparking noises and stall the calls. While navigation was input parts of the screen would disappear. While backing up, the rear cameras would freeze and stall. The rear camera freezing had caused us to get into an accident, and caused us to have 4 near misses. When I was trying to download the latest software release, the software download froze and never downloaded. I started to drive to the Tesla dealership and as I was doing so, the screen picture of my...

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vehicle disappeared along with the gear shift indicator, the surrounding cameras failed. Then when I put on my turn signal, the sound disappeared. Then eventually the indicator disappeared. The entire screen froze with no information, and then went black while I was driving to the Tesla dealership. The system was black and finally did a reboot after 4 minutes, all while I had no display of my speed. I took it into the dealership, and the checkin girl was concerned about the safety and gave me a loaner. The technician was not really concerned and said it was not able to replicate the issue and said there was no safety issue as you can still drive the car. This is not correct as you do not have the speed indication when your screen freezes or goes black. I sent them pictures as the screen kept doing one thing after the other in a matter on one drive from my home to the dealership in 15 minutes. This is similar to the other recalls that Tesla had to make on the model S and the Model X and some model Y's. This should have been taken care of under the current recalls for the infotainment system that the other models years were facing as it is giving the same issues on my model.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11527838

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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