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Tesla Model Y – owner reports

Tesla Model Y Screen Problems: What Owners Report

111 of the 3,700 owner complaints NHTSA has for 2008–2024 Model Y models describe center screen or display failures. Here is which years and systems show up most, what owners say, what to check first, and when a mobile mechanic can fix it where the car sits.

111 owner reports2021 most reports (42)8 related recalls

NHTSA data pulled September 2026.

If the screen goes black while driving

On many EVs the center screen shows speed, gear and controls. If it fails, pull over when it is safe and follow the manual's reboot steps – defrost and camera views may not work until it comes back.

By model year

Which Model Y years report it most

Reports peak with the 2021 model year (42). A year with more cars on the road usually has more reports, so use this to know what to ask, not to rank years.

20080
20090
20100
20110
20120
20130
20140
20150
20160
20170
20180
20190
202011
202142
202216
202323
202419
Systems involved

What else these reports mention

Owners filing these complaints most often also named the driver-assist systems and electrical system – usually where a mechanic starts looking.

System namedReportsMobile mechanic?
Driver-assist systems50Dealer or recall
Electrical system45Often in the driveway
Wipers, windows and mirrors16Often in the driveway
Throttle and cruise control12Diagnose first
Exterior lights4Usually on the spot
Transmission and drivetrain4Usually a shop
In owners' words

What Model Y owners describe

“This is dangerous and inconvenient as the infotainment system will not pair with your phone because it does not detect a driver.”

Owner report to NHTSA, 2020 Tesla Model Y (ODI 11741791)

“Confirmation & warning lamps: the ui_a020 warning message is actively displayed on the vehicle's touchscreen.”

Owner report to NHTSA, 2021 Tesla Model Y (ODI 11758811)
Recalls

Related Tesla Model Y recalls

8 of the 35 recalls for these years mention a related system or symptom. Check your VIN – if one is open, the fix is free at a dealer.

ReportedCampaignModel yearsSystemWhat can happen
2026-0526V2830002020–2023Driver-assist systemsA delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2025-0125V0020002023–2024Driver-assist systemsA rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
2024-0124V0510002019–2024Electrical systemWarning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
2024-0124V0350002023Driver-assist systemsA rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
2023-0723V4890002023Driver-assist systemsSafety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.
2022-0522V3170002021Driver-assist systemsSwapped camera views can prevent the vehicle's cameras from detecting crossing objects and high-curvature lane lines, impairing the Autosteer and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) performance, and increasing the risk…
2022-0522V2960002022Driver-assist systemsA lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021-1021V8460002020–2021Driver-assist systemsUnexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall repairs are free – at a dealer

Safety recall repairs are done free by the brand's dealers. A mobile mechanic cannot do recall work. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls on your exact car. "Park it" means NHTSA and the maker say not to drive the vehicle until it is fixed.

Before you call

What to check first

  1. Try the reboot procedure in the owner's manual.
  2. Note whether it happens in heat, cold or after a software update.
  3. Check for open recalls and software updates on the VIN.
  4. Check the 12-volt battery – low voltage can cause random resets.

Full guide: Electric cars: what a mobile mechanic can and can't do

Mobile repair

Can a mobile mechanic fix it?

Usually a service center. Screens and the computers behind them are dealer parts and often a software issue. A mobile mechanic can test the 12-volt battery, since low voltage can cause resets.

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FAQ

Tesla Model Y screen problems: questions

What causes screen problems on a Tesla Model Y?

In 111 owner complaints to NHTSA that describe it, the systems named most often are the driver-assist systems, electrical system, wipers, windows and mirrors. Only a mechanic who tests your car can say which applies to yours.

Is there a Tesla Model Y recall for this problem?

8 recalls for these model years mention a related system. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls – open recall repairs are free at a dealer.

Can a mobile mechanic fix it?

Usually a service center. Screens and the computers behind them are dealer parts and often a software issue. A mobile mechanic can test the 12-volt battery, since low voltage can cause resets.

How much does it cost to fix?

It depends on the cause, and much of this work is priced by the brand's service center. Ask for a written estimate before any work starts, and check the VIN for open recalls – those repairs are free.

Sources

Where this data comes from

  1. NHTSA – vehicle safety complaints (public complaint database)
  2. NHTSA – recalls lookup by VIN
  3. NHTSA – Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing (vPIC)

Complaint and recall records for Tesla Model Y model years in range, retrieved September 2026. Owner quotes are short excerpts from public NHTSA complaint records, lightly cased for reading.