Best Tesla Model Y Years to Buy
No single Tesla Model Y year separates clearly from the pack in federal data yet — the year-by-year record below shows the full spread, with 2021, 2022 and 2023 the only years to actively avoid.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall campaigns · Data as of October 2026 · How we rate model years
Buy these years
Every Tesla Model Y year, ranked by federal record
| Model year | NHTSA complaints | Recalls | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 87 | 3 | OK |
| 2024 | 293 | 5 | OK |
| 2023 | 1,089 | 16 | AVOID |
| 2022 | 825 | 19 | AVOID |
| 2021 | 1,035 | 22 | AVOID |
| 2020 | 271 | 23 | OK |
| 2019 | 0 | 3 | OK |
Counts are raw federal filings, not adjusted for sales volume; verdicts are severity-weighted rates per year on the road, compared within the model’s own history.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best year for the Tesla Model Y?
Federal data doesn't crown a single Tesla Model Y year yet; recent years generally carry the cleanest records. See the year-by-year table for the full picture.
Which Tesla Model Y years should I avoid?
2021, 2022 and 2023 — they carry the model's highest severity-weighted complaint rates, led by brakes issues. The full breakdown is on our Tesla Model Y years-to-avoid page.
Is a used Tesla Model Y a good buy?
Year-dependent. Across 3,600 NHTSA owner complaints on record, the spread between the cleanest and worst Tesla Model Y years is significant — pick from the best-year list, confirm the specific car's history by VIN, and negotiate from what buyers actually paid rather than asking prices.
How do I buy the best Tesla Model Y year for the right price?
Two steps: verify the exact car (free VIN decode, then the recall/complaint record for that VIN), and negotiate the out-the-door price in writing. CarWhere's AI car-buying agent does the second part for you — it contacts dealers about the exact Tesla Model Y you pick, requests written itemized out-the-door quotes, and negotiates them down while you approve every message ($34.99/month, includes Pro pricing data).