On some Model Y vehicles, water may ingress into the front fascia camera via the channels on the front fascia harness. This may corrode the camera connector or submerge the camera lens, which results in camera alerts and possible loss of the front fascia camera feed. Inspect the vehicle for symptoms related to the condition. If symptoms are present, replace the front fascia harness and the front fascia camera.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 Tesla Model Y electrical problems
critical 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
2fires
1fatality
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
A pattern of electrical and computer failures has emerged in 2025 Model Y complaints, with the AP4 computer being the critical failure point. Owners report the AP4 fails either suddenly or after software updates, wiping out all cameras, GPS, cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, and parking assist. One owner waited 2.5 months across three rescheduled service appointments for a replacement part; another was told parts wouldn't arrive until January 24, 2025, with no loaner provided. A new vehicle with under 1,000 miles is unusable.
Separately, a comprehensive brake and traction control failure occurred before a collision; the vehicle's safety systems were offline when needed most. An Autopilot malfunction allowed a vehicle to run a red light; another crashed into a pole while in Autopilot mode and caught fire, killing the driver. A windshield seal failure following Tesla service caused water intrusion that shorted the electrical system and created fire risk. A hood latch failed at highway speed, shattering the windshield. One owner detected unfamiliar key fob activity and had the charger port open itself repeatedly. The horn stops working during rain—a federally mandated safety feature lost in wet conditions. Two battery fires are reported. Tesla service centers have denied loaner vehicles and stated some failures are "normal operation."
Failure modes owners describe
AP4 Computer Failure
Complete shutdown of the AP4 computer module, which controls all Autopilot cameras, driver-assist systems, and navigation. Owners report the failure occurred after software updates or without warning on brand-new vehicles. In one case the computer shorted out around December 1, 2024; in others the unit simply ceased functioning. Service delays are significant—owners waited weeks to months for replacement parts.
When: December 1, 2024 for one owner; within first week to 2.5 months of delivery for others; some occurred after software updates
Symptoms owners cite: All cameras and camera functions stop working, including backup camera; GPS/navigation system inoperable or locked at single location; Cruise control and adaptive cruise control unavailable; Forward collision warning non-functional; Lane departure warning disabled; Lane keeping assistance disabled; Blind spot warning disabled; Automatic emergency braking unavailable; Parking collision warning disabled; Full Self-Driving and Auto Park features non-functional; Automatic high beams and wipers disabled; Touchscreen fails to auto-brighten/dim; Auto-dimming mirrors malfunction; System unable to install safety updates; Increased battery drain from failed update attempts
Repairs/costs cited: AP4 computer replacement required; parts unavailable or on backorder for extended periods (weeks to months). One owner waited over 2.5 months with rescheduled appointments on Dec 13, Dec 27, and Jan 14. Another waited from Dec 24 appointment rescheduled to Jan 24, then further delayed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service inspected vehicles but claimed no issues in some cases or identified as major computer issue in others; did not acknowledge as public safety concern per one owner
Touchscreen and Software System Failure
Touchscreen repeatedly goes black, disabling access to vehicle controls and emergency functions. Requires full hard reboot to restore. Failures occur multiple times and intermittently.
When: Two incidents within two days prior to July 27, 2025 in one vehicle; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen goes completely black; Loss of access to critical driving and emergency controls; Requires full hard reboot to restore functionality
Repairs/costs cited: Hard reboot via vehicle systems required for restoration; Tesla service inspection did not identify underlying cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service center inspection; issue not resolved
Brake and Traction Control System Failure
Safety-critical braking and traction systems disabled during normal operation. Traction control warning displayed followed by automatic vehicle hold/brake hold disabled warning. Failures occurred before a collision and prevented the vehicle from warning or braking to avoid impact.
When: During normal highway driving prior to collision event
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control disabled warning; Automatic vehicle hold/brake hold disabled; Automatic emergency braking failed to activate; Forward collision warning not functioning; Vehicle did not warn or slow down before collision
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service center declined to provide towing or loaner vehicle during 30-day investigation
Camera and Perception System Failure
All camera systems stop functioning, eliminating Autopilot perception, backup camera, and visibility aids. Backup window also becomes unusable with severely darkened/discolored rear glass. Multiple owners report all cameras non-functional simultaneously.
When: Occurred without warning in multiple cases; one owner reported on January 13, 2026
Symptoms owners cite: All cameras stop working; Backup camera non-functional; Forward collision warning unavailable due to no camera input; Autopilot cannot function; Navigation cannot function; Rear window darkened/discolored, impairing rear visibility; Loss of critical safety perception systems
Restraint System and Airbag Failure
Safety restraint systems fail, preventing airbag deployment during a collision event. Both front left and front right restraint systems report faults. Airbags did not deploy despite collision conditions that suggested deployment should occur. System remained offline after the collision.
When: During collision event; failures persisted afterward
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic emergency braking unavailable; Safety restraint system faults on front left and front right; Airbags failed to deploy during collision; Persistent airbag and seatbelt system error icons; Restraint system goes offline
Frunk (Front Hood) Unlatching and Windshield Damage
Front trunk latch system failed, causing the hood to open unexpectedly at highway speed. Hood flipped backward over windshield and shattered it, creating total loss of forward visibility and serious crash risk. Vehicle had approximately 30,000 miles and was less than one year old. A bolt was found completely out of place after the incident. No prior warnings or alerts indicated improper latching despite the vehicle failing to detect the unlatch condition.
When: At highway speed; vehicle had approximately 30,000 miles; less than one year old
Symptoms owners cite: Front hood opened unexpectedly at highway speed; Hood flipped backward over windshield; Windshield shattered; Total loss of forward visibility at highway speed; No prior warning or alert of improper latching; Bolt found out of place; Latch detection system failed to warn of unlatched hood
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Prior recall related to hood latch detection issues noted by owner
Water Intrusion from Windshield Seal Failure
Following a windshield replacement performed by Tesla service, catastrophic water intrusion occurred during rainfall. Water dripped directly through windshield seal into cabin, soaking dashboard electronics, floorboards, and brake pedal area while vehicle was being driven with three children in rear seat. This water intrusion triggered an active electrical short circuit and autonomous hazard light activation.
When: During rainfall after windshield replacement; occurred within 3 weeks of the replacement service
Symptoms owners cite: Water dripping through windshield seal during rainfall; Water intrusion into cabin and soaking dashboard; Water entering from brake pedal area; Active electrical short circuit triggered by water intrusion; Hazard lights flashing autonomously; Electrical system severely compromised; Vehicle grounded and undrivable; Electrical fire risk
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle requires towing; windshield seal replacement or resealing needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service acknowledged vehicle must be towed; issue officially documented in their app
Horn Failure in Wet Weather
Horn becomes muted or non-functional during rain and wet conditions, despite functioning normally in dry weather. Tesla service center stated the horn works normally when water dries out, implying this is normal operation. Owner reports this is a common problem among Model Y owners and a serious safety defect since the horn is a federally mandated safety feature, particularly critical during reduced-visibility rain conditions.
When: During rain and wet weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Horn becomes muted or inaudible during rain; Horn functions normally in dry/sunny conditions; Loss of critical safety feature during low-visibility rain driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service technician stated horn works normally when water dries out, implying this is acceptable; no fix offered
Unauthorized Key Fob Activity and Potential Security Breach
Owner detected unfamiliar key fob activity on July 27, 2025 and on at least two prior occasions. Charger port opened by itself multiple times. Vehicle locked while owner was inside on one occasion. Owner raises concerns about potential unauthorized vehicle access, theft risk, or malicious interference. Tesla service inspection reported no issues despite owner's concerns about incomplete inspection.
When: July 27, 2025 and at least two prior occasions
Symptoms owners cite: Unfamiliar key fob activity detected; Charger port opened by itself multiple times; Vehicle locked while owner inside; Potential unauthorized access to vehicle systems
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service inspection reported no issues; owner suspects inspection was not fully conducted as requested
Battery Fire Event
Two separate fire incidents reported. First: smoke came from vents while battery was at 2%; driver exited and flames visible within 2 minutes from center dash area, developing rapidly. Second: vehicle crashed into traffic light pole while in Autopilot mode, caught fire at the crash site, origin traced to lithium battery in front engine compartment. Second incident resulted in driver fatality.
When: First incident: while battery at 2% charge; Second incident: during Autopilot operation at unknown speed
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from vents (first incident); Rapid fire development from center dash area (first incident); Fire originating from lithium battery in front engine compartment (second incident); Vehicle destruction; Driver unable to exit vehicle (second incident)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fire department investigation involved; police report filed (second incident); manufacturer not notified (second incident)
Autopilot Malfunction and Loss of Vehicle Control
Two distinct Autopilot failures reported. First: vehicle proceeded through red light during self-driving feature while stopped and waiting to make left turn, causing cross traffic to aggressively brake. Second: vehicle lost control entirely while Autopilot engaged, crashed into traffic light pole at unknown speed and ignited. Owner unable to exit vehicle in second incident; fatality reported.
When: At red light waiting to turn (first incident); at unknown speed (second incident); second incident resulted in vehicle catching fire
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle ignored red light and proceeded through intersection (first incident); Loss of vehicle control while in Autopilot mode (second incident); Vehicle unable to be controlled by driver and crashed (second incident)
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Automatic Emergency braking stopped working. Parking assist stopped working. Back window is dismal. You can't see anything behind through the window. All cameras stopped working and it poses a safety hazard.
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. I had this issue start right around December 7, 2024. I scheduled the soonest appointment available for December 24, 2024 however Tesla contacted me and moved my appointment because they stated that the part was unavailable at this time and should be delivered by January 24, 2025. Not offering…
On or around December 1 2024, the **AP4 computer** in my 2025 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**: 1. **Cruise Control** (adaptive or otherwise) 2. **Forward Collision Warning** 3. **Lane Departure Warning** 4. **Lane Keeping Assistance** 5.…
Had electrical trouble with your 2025 Tesla Model Y?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2025 Tesla Model Y?
It's a serious issue. 14 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/Tesla/Model Y.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.