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The best new SUV on the market is outselling models like the Toyota RAV4. It’s an American-made SUV that happens to be fully electric. This groundbreaking electric vehicle is selling like hotcakes with no sign of slowing down. Only one thing could stop the Tesla Model Y’s historic sales run.

Reliability could hurt Tesla Model Y sales

A gray 2023 Tesla Model Y small electric SUV is parked near water.
2023 Tesla Model Y | Tesla

If the Tesla Model Y does have a kryptonite or an Achilles heel, it’s reliability. Thus far, the small electric SUV nameplate hasn’t had any large-scale catastrophic mechanical issues, but some horror stories have circled the web.

One of the most disturbing of all reported Model Y issues is a steering wheel incident. A Twitter user reported that the steering wheel of their brand-new Tesla SUV came off while driving. A Model 3 driver experienced a similar incident.

This steering wheel issue is by no means a cause for a major recall because the frequency has been so low. Still, the problem makes consumers consider the reliability boogieman lurking silently in the corner as the electric vehicle and clean energy company’s stock price balloons.

The Tesla Model Y is having a well-documented moment of success. That being said, with success comes great scrutiny. If the small electric SUV were to experience major reliability issues anytime soon, its sales momentum could die out, causing it to fall behind other EVs and the Toyota RAV4. So far, it has been pretty smooth sailing for the EV in 2023, especially with reintroducing the base model for the United States. Still, one severe reliability issue could topple the nameplate, despite its 2023 gains.

Why is the 2023 Tesla Model Y so popular?

A red 2023 Tesla Model Y small electric SUV is driving on the road.
2023 Tesla Model Y | Tesla

The Tesla Model Y is so popular because of its unique driving and ownership experience. Its fastest configuration goes from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. The Long Range model can travel for 330 miles.

Tesla’s small electric SUV is luxurious, practical, and finally affordable, thanks to the availability of the base model. It’s also eligible for the revised federal electric vehicle tax incentive following the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Surprisingly, the luxurious EV starts at $47,740. Although the price is closer to $39,990 after buyers receive the federal electric vehicle tax credit of $7,500. Furthermore, the 2023 Model Y base model goes from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.0 seconds and has 269 miles of driving range.

The Model Y is quick, sporty, and practical, making it the perfect first electric vehicle for thousands of drivers. Could the Tesla Model Y be the future of transportation in America?

Tesla has more than one ace

A white 2023 Tesla Model Y small electric SUV is driving on a bridge.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y | Tesla

Tesla’s small electric SUV may be its best-selling model, but it’s far from its only popular model. The Tesla Model 3 electric sedan is also outselling many of its competitors. The Model X and Model S are making impacts in their respective segments as well.

Aside from its vehicles, the brand’s charging network is also succeeding. Several automakers, including Ford and General Motors, have announced that they will be partnering with Tesla to provide charging services to their drivers via the superior Tesla Supercharger Network. Even if the Tesla Model Y does happen to fall from grace, the brand still has plenty going for it.

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