2020 TESLA Model S

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

11RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data3InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2020 Tesla Model S presents an intriguing reliability picture marred by multiple recalls centering on critical systems such as steering and collision avoidance. Given the severity of these issues, particularly relating to electrical components, it is essential for both current owners and prospective buyers to remain vigilant about software updates and maintenance checks.

Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The array of recalls affecting the 2020 Tesla Model S, particularly those involving its electrical system and advanced driver-assistance features, raises significant concerns about overall vehicle safety. The potential for failures in forward-collision avoidance technology could lead to grave consequences in real-world driving scenarios. Furthermore, with modern expectations for reliability and safety being at an all-time high within the luxury electric vehicle segment, these defects stand out especially sharply against Tesla's ambitious image as a pioneer in automotive technology.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

When examining the year-over-year safety trends of the Tesla Model S, the presence of eleven recalls in just one model year is alarming. This suggests a worrisome pattern that may position it worse than expected within its luxury category. This model must navigate the dual challenge of upholding Tesla's reputation while mitigating risks associated with evolving technological integrations.

Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

0/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-88
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 TESLA Model S

Model Year2020
MakeTESLA
ModelModel S
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr22
RECALLRecall Issued
Dec22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Dec23
RECALLRecall Issued
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No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 TESLA Model S. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCESTEERINGSEAT BELTS

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical System

Issue: Potential faults in collision avoidance and steering systems due to software errors.

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Ensure all available software updates are applied immediately and monitor system notifications closely.

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Thoroughly review service records for any past electrical system issues or software update history before purchasing.

Campaigns:21V12321V45621V789
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your TESLA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (11)

Campaign: 22V037000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

Consequence

Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 21V00B000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."

Consequence

If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 21V846000

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

Consequence

Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 22V063000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Consequence

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 22V235000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Consequence

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 22V818000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 23V085000

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.Β  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

Consequence

FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.Β  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.Β  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.Β  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 23V838000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Consequence

In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 24V051000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 24V153000

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Consequence

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Campaign: 24V376000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Summary

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 Model S.

INV-2020-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Model S performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 19,913
INV-2020-1001🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Model S performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 19,568
INV-2020-1002🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Model S performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 27,478

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most concerning recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model S?

The most significant recalls include issues with the electrical system affecting autonomous driving capabilities and steering functionality. Notably, a faulty camera system may trigger false forward-collision warnings which could compromise safety during operation. It's vital for owners to stay updated on these recalls and ensure corrective actions are taken promptly.

How does mileage impact reliability for a Tesla Model S?

For the 2020 Tesla Model S, early mileage between 0-20k is crucial as defects tend to surface during this initial usage period. This timeframe is typically when new owners acclimate to their vehicles' advanced features. Therefore, vigilance regarding potential software glitches or hardware malfunctions is paramount during these early miles.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official TESLA records to ensure no 11 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in TESLA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every TESLA recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Model S iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a TESLA specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.