Thinking about buying a used Tesla Model Y (2020–2025) in New Zealand? We've documented 16 known faults for this model spanning electrical, cooling, body & rust, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
16
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,400
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Tesla Model Y faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
Model Y shares the same 12V auxiliary battery architecture as Model 3. The small lead-acid (or early lithium variant) battery powers all low-voltage control circuits including the HV contactors. Battery failure leaves the car completely inert — the HV pack is isolated and inaccessible. Failure typically occurs between 3–5 years of age and is accelerated by the car's frequent self-waking events (Sentry Mode, app polling, software updates) which cycle the 12V battery hundreds of times more than a conventional car battery. Early replacement is strongly recommended as preventive maintenance on any used Model Y.
Symptoms to notice
Vehicle completely dead with no response to key card, phone, or door touch
App shows car as offline or unreachable
Unable to unlock, charge, or start the vehicle
Touchscreen flickering or randomly rebooting before full failure
Repeated 12V low battery notifications via Tesla app
What to check
Locate and inspect the 12V battery date code in the frunk. Request any Tesla app notification history for low-12V alerts. Check service records for prior battery replacement. Confirm whether Sentry Mode is permanently enabled — this is the single biggest 12V battery drain factor and should be noted for any used purchase.
Where to look: Frunk — 12V auxiliary battery, driver-side compartment
Ask the seller
“Has the 12V battery been replaced, and what is the current battery age?”
“Is Sentry Mode kept permanently active?”
“Has the car ever been fully unresponsive or required external jump-starting?”
02Traction battery degradation — reality check and how to verify
MinorRareElectrical $15,000–$30,000 to fix
Model Y packs (LFP in RWD, NMC in Long Range/Performance) show the same durable pattern as Model 3: a 5-10% capacity dip early, then a long plateau; outright failure is rare and warranted for 8 years/160,000 km to 70% capacity. A nervous buyer's best defence is measurement: a state-of-health check or a full-charge range comparison takes minutes and removes the guesswork. Out-of-warranty full pack replacement is the worst case, but module-level and contactor repairs by NZ EV specialists are increasingly available at a fraction of that.
Symptoms to notice
100% indicated range well below original rated figure
Sudden step drops in range
Battery alerts on screen
Slower than normal DC fast charging
What to check
Charge to 100% (RWD/LFP) or 90% (Long Range) and compare indicated range against the original figure for that variant. Ask for a service-mode or third-party SoH report. Verify remaining battery warranty from first registration and the odometer.
Where to look: Traction battery under the floor; capacity via charge screen or SoH test
Ask the seller
“What does it show at 100% charge?”
“Can we run a battery state-of-health check before purchase?”
“How was it charged day to day?”
“How much of the 8-year battery warranty is left?”
CoolingMajor
Body & RustMajor
CoolingMajor
CoolingMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
BrakesMajor
SuspensionMajor
CoolingMajor
SuspensionMinor
ElectricalMinor
Body & RustMinor
Body & RustCosmetic
InteriorCosmetic
14 more documented faults on the Tesla Model Y
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 16 documented faults for the Tesla Model Y, the recurring problem areas are electrical, cooling, and body & rust. A Tesla Model Y with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Tesla Model Y?
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We've catalogued 16 known faults for the Tesla Model Y, covering electrical, cooling, and body & rust. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Tesla Model Y?
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Most single repairs on the Tesla Model Y fall between $400–$1,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 16 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Tesla Model Y?
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Yes. A Tesla Model Y inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.