Tesla Model Y "Juniper" aka JUNK - A year later
This is my 5th Tesla to date. I’ve owned 3 Model 3’s, and this is my 2nd Model Y. I have to say, this has been the worst Tesla I’ve ever had.
Since taking ownership of my 2026 Model Y “Juniper” in May 2025, the issues have been nonstop. The steering wheel shroud continues to make a clicking noise, and after two service visits Tesla keeps telling me they “can’t hear it.” Both front seats had to be replaced after THREE visits to the service center, and it honestly took demanding new seats before anything was done.
The front struts make so much noise over even slight bumps that it feels like I’m driving a 1990 Chevy Metro. Now the front brakes have started making a grinding noise too.
What really frustrates me is that it feels like Tesla rushed the first batch of Junipers together using leftover legacy Model Y parts just to get them out the door. Only months later, Tesla is already making major changes to the Model Y, larger screen, rumored FSD 4.5 hardware, black headliner, and other updates. As an early adopter, it feels pretty crappy watching the car get revised almost immediately after purchase while dealing with all these issues.
What makes it worse is that I also own a 2024 Model 3 “Highland,” and it has honestly been one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. Tesla has made some small changes to Highland since launch, but nowhere near the amount of changes the Juniper has already seen in such a short time.
I’m not a blue check account, so this probably won’t go anywhere, but I at least wanted to air my grievances about this car. At this point, I would not buy another Model Y, and I honestly wouldn’t recommend one to anyone else either.
Rant over.