The Tesla Model Y has taken the electric vehicle world by storm. This new EV was released in 2020 and has quickly become one of the top-selling vehicles in its class. Although the Model Y is popular, Consumer Reports ranks it ninth out of fourteen models for reliability among SUVs from 2022. What causes this electric SUV to rank so low?

Does the Tesla Model Y Reliability score relate to its recalls?

Since this compact Tesla electric SUV arrived in the market, its been the subject of 18 different recalls. The 2022 model year alone has nine recalls to its name. These recalls impact various model years, and all have been addressed by Tesla.

Why is the reliability rating so low, with no reported problems for the Model Y?

RepairPal doesn’t show any reported problems for the Tesla Model Y. Shouldn’t this put this electric SUV ahead of the rest? It could, except that RepairPal collects data for problems that cost owners to fix. So far, most Tesla Model Y SUVs are still under warranty, which means RepairPal doesn’t have any data for this electric SUV yet.

Is this Tesla SUV the subject of too many recalls?

You might think that 18 recalls sound like too many for any vehicle, but you’ve got to consider some factors.

First, new vehicles, especially those from Tesla, are tech-heavy, and many of the recalls issued aren’t for anything more serious than a simple programming error. Several Model Y recalls listed by Cars.com are addressed simply by issuing an over-the-air update.

Second, the Model Y was a brand-new SUV in 2020. Most new vehicles experience recalls early in their lifecycle. These recalls often address unforeseen issues during the design and development process.

Where does U.S. News rank the 2023 Tesla Model Y?

U.S. News & World Report ranks the latest version of the Model Y seventh out of ten models among luxury electric SUVs. This places this compact Tesla in the bottom half of the rankings but above its stablemate, the Tesla Model X, which hit the bottom of this list. From first to last, the complete ranking of 2023 luxury electric SUVs is:

• BMW iX
• Genesis GV60
• Cadillac Lyriq
• Volvo XC40 Recharge
• Mercedes-Benz EQB
• Audi e-tron
• Tesla Model Y
• Jaguar I-Pace
• Volvo C40 Recharge
• Tesla Model X

Is the Tesla Model Y a good electric SUV?

The Model Y provides up to 330 miles of driving range, an impressive sprint time to reach 60 mph, and handling that rivals some small sedans. These qualities make it a good luxury electric SUV to drive. This small SUV also delivers advanced safety tech, excellent crash test scores, and access to the Tesla Supercharging network.

On the other hand, the cabin of the Model Y could be better, the ride can feel stiff, and understanding the reliance on touchscreen controls can present a steep learning curve for some drivers.

Despite having no reported problems, the Tesla Model Y isn’t hitting top marks for reliability. Could this change in the future? Possibly.

Next, check out various infotainment controls offered in modern vehicles, or learn more about the 2023 Tesla Model Y in the video below: