2020 Tesla Model S

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

11 recalls · 13 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

1. I
   2021-08-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-06-08 Autopilot & First Responder Scenes
2. R
   2021-10-25Forward collision avoidance21V846000 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.

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3. I
   2021-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2023-05-26 Tesla Passenger Play
4. R
   2022-01-27Electrical system, steering22V037000 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.

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5. I
   2022-02-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-06-29 Unexpected Brake Activation
6. R
   2022-02-18Latches/locks/linkages21V00B000 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.

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7. R
   2022-04-12Electrical system, forward collision avoidance22V063000 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.

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8. R
   2022-06-06Electrical system, forward collision avoidance22V235000 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.

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9. I
   2022-06-08Engineering analysisClosed 2024-04-25 Autopilot System Driver Controls
10. R
    2022-12-31Steering22V818000 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.

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11. I
    2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
12. I
    2023-04-07Defect petitionClosed 2026-03-18 Defect Petition Interlock Request
13. R
    2023-04-15Steering23V085000 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.

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14. I
    2023-06-29Defect petitionOpen Sudden Unintended Acceleration
15. R
    2023-12-12Electrical system23V838000 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.

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16. R
    2024-02-21Electrical system24V051000 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.

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17. I
    2024-04-25Recall queryOpen Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
18. R
    2024-04-27Electrical system, forward collision avoidance24V153000 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.

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19. R
    2024-07-26Seat belts24V376000 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.

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20. I
    2024-10-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-03-18 FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
21. I
    2025-01-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-04-03 Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
22. I
    2025-08-20Audit queryOpen Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
23. I
    2025-10-07Preliminary evaluationOpen Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
24. I
    2026-03-18Engineering analysisOpen FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

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 forward collision avoidance, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Tesla Model S have?

11 recalls on file for this model year.