2020–2026 · Last reviewed 6/9/2026 · evcostpermile.com
Tesla Model Y Buyer Checklist
The world's best-selling EV. Excellent range and Supercharger access. Build quality variability and HW3 vs HW4 differences dominate the issue list.
Paperwork
- VIN on dashboard matches title, window sticker, and finance contract
- Window sticker (Monroney) included and matches the build you ordered
- Confirm tax credit eligibility paperwork (IRS Form 15400 / time-of-sale report)
- Owner's manual, key fobs (usually 2), and any included charging cable present
- Warranty booklet shows correct in-service date and original-owner status
Exterior
- Walk around in good daylight before signing — note panel gaps front, rear, hood, frunk, doors
- Paint inspection: no swirl marks, orange peel beyond factory, or buffing burn-through
- All glass clear of cracks, chips, or pitting; windshield not previously replaced
- Tires match build sheet, manufacture date within ~6 months (DOT code on sidewall), even tread
- Wheels free of curb rash; center caps and lug covers all present
- Underbody check for transport damage and that the battery skid plate is undamaged
- All exterior lights, turn signals, and reverse lights work
Interior
- Seats free of stains, tears, scuffs; all seat motors and heaters/coolers function
- Headliner, pillars, and trim properly seated with no visible gaps
- All buttons, switches, window controls, sunroof/moonroof operate smoothly
- Cabin smells clean — no chemical, smoke, or musty odor
- Floor mats present and correct part numbers
- Cargo cover, parcel shelf, or tonneau included as ordered
Tech / Software
- Infotainment boots without errors; no warning lights on cluster
- Latest over-the-air software version installed before delivery
- Cameras (front, rear, surround) clear and aligned; parking sensors active
- Bluetooth pairs, CarPlay/Android Auto connects, USB ports power
- Driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keep) verified on a short test drive
- Account / app paired correctly to YOUR profile, not a dealer demo account
Charging
- Battery state of charge at delivery (note %) and indicated full-charge range
- Charge port door opens, closes, and locks; LED indicators function
- Test AC (Level 2) charge on-site if possible — connector seats, current ramps up
- Mobile / portable charger and adapters included as ordered
- Confirm CCS / NACS / Tesla port and any included adapter
Tesla-specific
- Confirm HW4 (AI4) computer, not HW3, if buying new — check via Service Menu
- Inspect trunk and frunk weatherstripping — common source of water intrusion on early builds
- Glass roof seals checked for whistle / leak; tap the headliner for trapped water
- Door alignment: doors close without slamming; chrome trim flush
- App pairs to your Tesla account, not a transport / dealer profile
- Refresh / Juniper trim cars: verify rear touchscreen and ambient lighting
Known Issues
Curated from NHTSA, manufacturer TSBs, and owner-forum patterns.
- Watch
Front upper control arm / wear on early Model Y
Some 2020–2022 owners report premature wear of upper control-arm bushings leading to a clunk over bumps. Replaceable under warranty; aftermarket arms exist.
- Major
Heat pump 'stuck valve' in cold weather (2021–2022)
A frozen Octovalve could disable cabin heat and battery preconditioning in deep cold. Addressed by a software update and a recall; verify completion.
Source: NHTSA 22V-037 ↗ - Watch
Rear glass roof or backlight detachment
Isolated reports of trim or glass adhesive failure on early builds. Inspect headliner seam and trunk gasket.
- Watch
Phantom braking on Autopilot
Vision-only stack has produced sudden, unwarranted braking events on some highway scenarios. Improved over software releases.
Active NHTSA Recalls
Live from the NHTSA Recalls API, refreshed nightly. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
No active NHTSA recalls in our database for this model. We refresh nightly from nhtsa.gov. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.