2020 Tesla Model Y

▲ Better than typical
2020 Tesla Model Y
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Tesla Model Y Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2020 highlighted. 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 271 complaints 2020 2021: 1032 complaints 2021 2022: 824 complaints 2022 2023: 1087 complaints 2023 2024: 292 complaints 2024 2025: 87 complaints 2025 2026: 273 complaints 2026
2020: 271 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20190
2020271
20211032
2022824
20231087
2024292
202587
2026273

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 25%

25% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 69 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 16%

16% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 44 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The incident happened on October 23, 2023 at 3:02 PM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240102

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13%

13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 35 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes — 35 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

OCTOBER 8 2020, 5:00PM. HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I-5 NORTH AT ANAHEIM, CA NEAR HARBOR BLVD/BALL RD EXIT. I HAD JUST CHANGED LANES TO THE RIGHT IN PREPARATION TO TAKE THE EXIT. DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC, MY SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20201009

SUSPENSION 11%

11% of complaints: suspension — 29 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20200923 — exterior lighting

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles equipped with a global rear lamp and tow package configuration. A software error prevents the illumination of trailer brake lights.

Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and has released the firmware update over-the-air (OTA) to vehicles as of September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-20-00-002.

Campaign 20V609000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210115 — suspension

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles. The bolts connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may have not been properly tightened, allowing the upper control arm to detach from the steering knuckle.

Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Campaign 20V709000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210723 — seat belts

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021.

Campaign 21V389000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210723 — seat belts

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors may not be properly attached.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021.

Campaign 21V388000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210723 — service brakes, hydraulic

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021.

Campaign 21V387000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210813 — PE (closed 20220608)

Autopilot & First Responder Scenes

R 20211025 — forward collision avoidance

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

R 20211220 — suspension

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Campaign 21V835000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211221 — PE (closed 20230526)

Tesla Passenger Play

R 20220118 — suspension

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the knuckles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-004.

Campaign 21V912000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220328 — steering

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

R 20220401 — electrical system, visibility

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.

Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.

Campaign 22V050000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220401 — electrical system, seat belts

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt.

Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

Campaign 22V045000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220412 — electrical system, forward collision avoidance

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

R 20220606 — electrical system, forward collision avoidance

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

I 20220608 — EA (closed 20240425)

Autopilot System Driver Controls

R 20230114 — exterior lighting

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.

Campaign 22V844000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

R 20230331 — visibility

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.

Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Campaign 22V702000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20230407 — DP (closed 20260318)

Defect Petition Interlock Request

R 20230415 — steering

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

I 20230629 — DP (open)

Sudden Unintended Acceleration

R 20240210 — electrical system

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

R 20240221 — electrical system

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

I 20240425 — RQ (open)

Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness

R 20240427 — electrical system, forward collision avoidance

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

R 20240726 — seat belts

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

R 20240922 — electrical system, latches/locks/linkages

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

Campaign 24V554000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20241017 — PE (closed 20260318)

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

I 20250106 — PE (closed 20260403)

Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.

R 20250215 — tires

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.

Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

Campaign 24V935000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20250820 — AQ (open)

Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements

I 20251007 — PE (open)

Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged

I 20260318 — EA (open)

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

R Date not on file — back over prevention

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

Campaign 26V283000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2020 Tesla Model Y — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (69 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (44 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (35 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 26V283000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V609000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V709000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V389000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V388000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V387000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V846000 (forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V835000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V912000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V037000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V050000 (electrical system, visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V045000 (electrical system, seat belts) 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 22V844000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V702000 (visibility) 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.
  • Verify recall 24V554000 (electrical system, latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V935000 (tires) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2025 ▲ 2026 ▲ 2024

WORST YEARS

■ 2023 ■ 2021 ■ 2022

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2020 Tesla Model Y reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Tesla Model Y is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model Y?

The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Tesla Model Y have?

23 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.