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Tesla · Compact SUV · 2025–2025 Custom Search

Tesla Model Y Juniper

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Tesla Model Y Juniper is available with one engine variant at 299 hp.

Long Range AWD · Electric· 450 PS
2025 2025

Shares 76% of parts with Model 3 Long Range including the dual motor drivetrain. Taller, heavier body means more suspension stress. Upper control arm ball joint creaking is the #1 complaint from 40-60k miles. Heat pump on 2020-2022 had cold-weather failures (recall). Battery degradation tracks Model 3 Long Range almost identically.

  • !! 12V battery failure (2020-2021) from 100,000 km

    Affects 2020-2021 lead-acid 12V equipped cars. Same failure as Model 3. Li-ion 12V from late 2021.

    Symptoms: Car completely dead
    120–450 $
    Ad 12V battery Tesla Model Y
  • !! Rear drive unit inverter failure from 130,000 km

    Early Model Y production showed rear drive unit failures requiring complete replacement. Reports of failures under 10,000 miles. Covered under 8-year warranty. Out-of-warranty: $6,000-10,000.

    Symptoms: Sudden loss of rear power, error messages, reduced performance mode
    6,000–10,000 $
    Ad rear drive unit Tesla Model Yrear inverter Tesla Model Y
  • !! Drive unit bearing whine from 160,000 km

    Same drive unit as Model 3 LR. Higher vehicle weight adds bearing load. Whine typically 80-100k miles.

    Symptoms: Whining or milling from motors
    400–10,000 $
    Ad drive unit bearing Tesla Model Y

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Steering vibration at highway speed — early production

Multiple Juniper owners report vibration 75-84 mph. Tesla's regional manager reportedly said it's 'within spec.' Clicking sounds returning steering to center traced to missing insulation on early units.

Symptoms: Steering wheel vibration at highway speed, clicking when returning wheel to center
Ad steering column Tesla Model Y Juniper
 Low
Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the Tesla Model Y Juniper (2025–2025) — 8 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Body, Electronics.

What to watch out for with the Tesla Model Y? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Tesla Model Y Juniper have? +
The Tesla Model Y Juniper has 8 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Tesla Model Y Juniper? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: ModelY-LR (Long Range AWD), ModelY-SR (Standard Range RWD). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the ModelY-LR (Long Range AWD).
Which Tesla Model Y Juniper engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Tesla Model Y Juniper — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Juniper fixes the core issue: the stiff under-damped ride replaced by comfort. Double glazing all around, rear passengers no longer feel every manhole cover. 331 kW to sixty in 4.0 seconds. The rear screen is new, the touch-only philosophy unchanged. Check early production — highway vibrations reported by some owners.
Is the Tesla Model Y Juniper worth buying used? +
The Tesla Model Y Juniper requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Tesla Model Y Juniper? +
The Tesla Model Y Juniper is available with engine variants from 299 to 450 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee