Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Tesla Model Y is known for (2018–2025), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Listen for clunks from the front over bumps and braking, and torch the front lower links for missing bolts or bent arms.
Why it matters: A link that detaches can cause sudden loss of steering control and leaves the car undrivable. Fixing worn links early is far cheaper than a failure that damages the subframe.
Typical repair: NZ$500–NZ$4,000 in New Zealand · A$520–A$4,120 in Australia
What to look for: Turn the wheel lock to lock parked and moving, feel for heavy or notchy spots, and check for steering assist alerts.
Why it matters: Steering that suddenly needs much more effort is a crash risk, especially at low speed in traffic. A new steering rack is an expensive repair once the car is out of warranty.
Typical repair: NZ$2,500–NZ$6,000 in New Zealand · A$2,580–A$6,180 in Australia
What to look for: Set full heat and windscreen demist on the drive and check warm air arrives within a few minutes with no climate alerts.
Why it matters: A windscreen that will not demist on a cold morning is a visibility risk, and a failed heat pump compressor and system flush is a costly repair.
Typical repair: NZ$1,500–NZ$6,000 in New Zealand · A$1,550–A$6,180 in Australia
What to look for: Compare the range shown at a known charge level with the new figure, and check alerts and service history for battery faults.
Why it matters: A failed pack out of warranty is the most expensive repair on the car, often more than the car is worth on older or high-km examples. Even in warranty, a car with repeated battery faults can be off the road for weeks.
What to look for: Check both grip areas and the inner rim of the steering wheel for bubbles, wrinkles or bare patches.
Why it matters: A peeling wheel is the first thing a buyer's hands touch, and Tesla does not warranty it once it has happened, so it is either a four-figure wheel replacement or a re-trim job.
What to look for: Push down hard on each front corner and drive slowly over a bump at full lock, listening for a rusty-hinge creak.
Why it matters: It is mainly an annoying noise, but it means the joints are corroding and new arms (usually as a pair, plus an alignment) will be needed sooner or later.
Typical repair: NZ$600–NZ$1,600 in New Zealand · A$620–A$1,650 in Australia
Got a question about a Tesla Model Y? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.