2020 Tesla Model S
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 61 |
| 2013 | 459 |
| 2014 | 364 |
| 2015 | 665 |
| 2016 | 639 |
| 2017 | 420 |
| 2018 | 168 |
| 2019 | 43 |
| 2020 | 80 |
| 2021 | 175 |
| 2022 | 135 |
| 2023 | 108 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: suspension — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE MY OWN EYES! HERE IS A 2020 MODEL S IN THE JUNKYARD AAAAAND...THE BACK WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/36693460?ROWNUMBER=11 NOT IN A COLLISION. THE BACK SUSPENSION HAS SIMPLY FALLEN TO BITS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200706
18% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH14% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH13% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle lost stability and started to slide sideways and left the roadway.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240123
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK MY TESLA MODEL S IN A CHARGING SLOT IN THE TESLA KETTLEMAN CITY SUPERCHARGE STATION. AFTER LOCATING A VACANT SLOT TO MY RIGHT, I MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO THE SLOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200826
SAFETY TIMELINE
Autopilot & First Responder Scenes
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.
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.
Campaign 21V846000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla Passenger Play
Unexpected Brake Activation
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.
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.
Campaign 21V00B000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
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.
Campaign 22V037000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
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.
Campaign 22V063000 — check if this car was fixed
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.
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.
Campaign 22V235000 — check if this car was fixed
Autopilot System Driver Controls
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.
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.
Campaign 22V818000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Defect Petition Interlock Request
Tesla, Inc.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Campaign 23V085000 — check if this car was fixed
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
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.
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.
Campaign 23V838000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 24V051000 — check if this car was fixed
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
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.
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.
Campaign 24V153000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 24V376000 — check if this car was fixed
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Tesla Model S — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V846000 (forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V00B000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V037000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V063000 (electrical system, forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V235000 (electrical system, forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V818000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V085000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V838000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V051000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V153000 (electrical system, forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V376000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Tesla Model S reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Tesla Model S is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model S?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Tesla Model S have?
11 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.