Worst 2020 Tesla Model S Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
Suspension Failures
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2020 Tesla Model S.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 14 | 1 | — | 30,000 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 13 | 2 | — | 2,283 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 11 | 1 | — | 100 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 2 | — | 9,249 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 3 | — | 5,232 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | 1 | — | 9,262 mi | |
| Brakes | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | 1 | — | 1,250 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 5 | 1 | — | 3,745 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
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Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Tesla Model S. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2020 Tesla Model S
11 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~6,129,297 vehicles.
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."
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."
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."
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.
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. 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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
+ 1 more recalls
Other Tesla Model S Years
2020 Tesla Model S — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2020 Tesla Model S reliable?
What are common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model S?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Tesla Model S?
How safe is the 2020 Tesla Model S?
Does the 2020 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2020 Tesla Model S?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Tesla Model S reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2020 Tesla Model S
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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