According to the 2026 German TÜV Report (based on 9.5 million inspections), the Tesla Model Y was ranked as the least reliable vehicle in its age group, with a 17.3% serious defect rate.
Here is the list of 5 labels for Model Y Suspension & Braking Defects identified by German inspectors:
Axle Suspension Wear,
Cause: The high curb weight of the battery pack puts excessive stress on the suspension components, leading to premature failure of the control arms and joints.
2 Solution: Replacing factory suspension arms with reinforced aftermarket versions (like Meyle HD) which use solid rubber bushings and improved water-sealing.
3
Brake Disc Corrosion,
Cause: Due to heavy reliance on regenerative braking, the physical friction brakes are rarely used, causing the discs to oxidize and fail safety inspections for "poor braking surface."
4 Solution: Regularly performing "Brake Burnishing" (repeated hard stops from speed) to scrub off surface rust. German inspectors recommend frequent mechanical brake use in wet climates.
Control Arm Bushing Failure,
Cause: A design flaw allows rainwater to drain directly onto the ball joints, causing the grease to wash out and the rubber to crack, leading to loud creaking or clunking.
Solution: Installation of updated Tesla service parts that feature a revised one-piece protective boot to keep moisture out.
Lighting Alignment Defects,
Cause: Frequent issues with the adaptive LED headlamps being misaligned from the factory or shifting over time, a major point of failure in strict German safety checks.
5 Solution: Headlight re-calibration through the vehicle's "Service Mode" or physical adjustment of the leveling sensors by a technician.
Under-Torqued Halfshaft Nuts,
Cause: Insufficient torque on the rear axle nuts during assembly causes a clicking or popping noise when the vehicle changes direction (acceleration to deceleration).
6 Solution: Cleaning the axle splines and re-torquing the halfshaft nuts to a higher specification (often involving the installation of a new washer).
Labels List Only
Axle Suspension Wear,
Brake Disc Corrosion,
Control Arm Bushing Failure,
Lighting Alignment Defects,
Under-Torqued Halfshaft Nuts,
Would you like me to find the specific "Brake Burnishing" instructions recommended by Tesla to prevent this corrosion?
