Tesla has seen its share of ups and downs with car owners. While some offerings are hailed as fantastic machines, others have been met with heavy criticism. It doesn't help that the company's owner is prone to some public statements that don't go over well. The Model Y is the company's latest attempt to conquer the crossover market. This being Tesla, it can't be just a regular crossover but one boasting terrific speeds and some amazing high-tech.
So far, the Model Y is going well with buyers, aided by its affordable price. Yet there are problems with the SUV. Some are the usual issues of any new car, but a few are more troublesome. Amazingly, there are production problems that should have been handled in the factory and cause trouble on the road. While the Model Y has some terrific features, it has just as many problems that hurt its standing as the groundbreaking crossover Tesla was hoping for.
10 Issue: Water Leaks
The last thing someone owning a Tesla should worry about is interior leaks. Yet reports grew in 2020 of several models where water would suddenly be flooding in, either in a storm or just a car wash. One owner even reported the entire glass roof loosening and coming off right after purchase.
While relatively easy to fix, the fact they happen in the first place is terrible. With all the money Tesla has, having a car that can't even be washed right is terrible.
9 Feature: Built Around The Driver
Some might quibble that the lack of adjustment for the driver's seat is a flaw. Others will say it's good the Model Y is built around the driver and how important that area is. It helps that the engine is great, the Performance model getting 384 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque.
Even the Long Range model can hit zero to 60 in less than five seconds. The handling is firm and the center of gravity aids in the car managing a good ride any driver can adapt to.
8 Issue: Back Seats And Belts Not Attached
The announcement that some Model Ys are sent without lumbar support does bother consumers. While it seems minor, being able to adjust the passenger seat is good. This is tied into another problem: some models don't have their back seats and belts properly attached.
Having a seatbelt that doesn't work right is bad in any car, let alone an SUV. While it seems these have mostly been corrected, they combine with panels misaligned to be a warning sign to any consumers.
7 Feature: Great Cameras Everywhere
While there are concerns over Tesla dropping radar (more on that in a minute), the Model Y does make up for it with its cameras. It's one thing to have a rear camera to note what is immediately behind a car backing up. The Model Y boasts interior cameras that can help with any problems with kids on a car ride.
They can also be useful in an accident, both for roadside assistance and discovering what happened. There is talk linking them to a "birds-eye" view, but the camera abilities give the Model Y a good edge even without being a pure 360 view. True, there's concern on privacy issues, yet the benefits are better for drivers.
6 Issue: No Radar
This is a more recent issue but still concerning. Tesla loves to brag about their cars so advanced, including radar to see any dangers from a long distance. Which is why the announcement it's being dropped from the Model Y is baffling. They claim their autosteer works and the camera means the radar is not as needed.
But with so many advances around, for Tesla to drop a great component is very confusing. The lack of radar may be a sign of a larger issue around Model Y's safety to put some consumers off.
5 Feature: Impressive Cargo Area
The key to an SUV is always the cargo space. The Model Y stands ahead of several electric SUV offerings in its great ability to carry passengers and cargo with ease. With the seat area, it covers almost 70 feet. That's plenty of room for packing anything from a bicycle to lots of boxes for a drive.
Even with the seats up, there's good room, with two separate trunks able to carry items. The space is well handled for almost any job and makes the Model Y one of the best Teslas to use for some hauling.
4 Issue: Missing Suspension Nuts
This is a major problem. While it sounds like it's being corrected, it's possible some models of the Y may have their front suspension lower ball joint nuts missing. This isn't some minor bit as these can cause serious engine problems from affecting the battery charge to causing the entire engine to shut down without warning.
The whole front suspension could completely collapse during a drive to cause an accident. Anyone buying a Model Y should have this checked out before a serious drive.
3 Feature: Industry-leading Infotainment System
Whatever else about Tesla, they always do their best to provide some great tech for their cars. The infotainment system doesn't just play movies or music but scores of car functions with easy button touches.
Better is the Over-The-Air system means you don't need to take it to the shop for any software updates but have them happen automatically in your garage. There's a top-notch sound system, and the dual-motor allows all-wheel drive, even able to go into reverse with ease. While there are issues, the Model Y is as top-notch as any Tesla offering.
2 Issue: The Paint/Trim
Usually, paint and trims aren't too much of a hassle, especially with a Tesla. But the Model Y does have its difficulties. It seems the wide gaps and misaligned panels are adding to problems getting the paint to stay on right.
It's all too common they chip and peel faster than expected and often marks and swirls from sanders left behind. Given the money going into this, the need for a fast paint job shortly after buying doesn't give the Model Y a good look.
1 Feature: Great Driving Range
There's still a wariness of pure electric cars given the range times. An SUV is meant for some longer hauls, which means its range has to be tops. Thankfully, it is. Tesla claims the driving range for the 2020 model is 291 miles off a full charge. While most tests didn't live up to that (closer to 265 miles), it's still pretty impressive.
The 2021 model improves it to closer to 300 and plenty of warning before it goes out. As charging stations can still be few and far between in some areas, this will be a good benefit as the Model Y can handle a long road before it gives out.
Sources: insideevs.com, motor1.com, autowise.com, caranddriver.com