2020 TESLA MODEL S

11 recalls, 123 complaints - 36 TSBs

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Defect Description

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 requirem... Read more

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.

125,233 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

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 Sta... Read more

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.

6,557 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Defect Description

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 vehicle... Read more

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.

2,193,869 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

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... Read more

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.

2,031,220 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Defect Description

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 s... Read more

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. 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.

362,758 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Defect Description

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.

40,168 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

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 veh... Read more

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 se... Read more

594,894 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

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 veh... Read more

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 1-877-798-3... Read more

578,607 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Defect Description

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 c... Read more

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.

53,822 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Defect Description

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 Sy... Read more

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.

130,441 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Defect Description

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.

11,728 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

123 total complaints 17 crashes 8 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	14
POWER TRAIN	13
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	12
SUSPENSION	10
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL	10
STEERING	9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	7
ENGINE	7
SERVICE BRAKES	5

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The engine overheating and the low coolant warning light illuminated. In addition, the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Factory paint is delaminating and peeling in large sheets without collision damage. This appears consistent with known Toyota paint defects affecting similar vehicles.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

While driving on the interstate over 2 hours from home the car put itself into neutral and almost caused us to get into a collision. While accelerating after a construction zone, the lights on the dash of the vehicle lit up with transmission, emissions, electronic parking brake, and more codes. The ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Genesis G80. The contact stated that after fueling the vehicle with gasoline, there was a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the contact stated that the check engine warning light became illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken t... Read more

Incident date: Nov 9, 2025

My 2022 Ford E-Transit has experienced repeated electrical, propulsion, and powertrain failures that cause the vehicle to become completely inoperable. On September 8, the van displayed multiple critical alerts including powertrain malfunction, brake system failure, vacuum pump failure, and full ele... Read more

Incident date: Nov 9, 2025

Incident date: Aug 13, 2021

Our motor has been consuming a lot of oil, we were told that Hyundai knows about the issue and that there is nothing they can do. We got sold a poor excuse of a warranty in which they never told us that the warranty would not cover oil consumption, but we have the “best” warranty they had. Our c... Read more

Incident date: Sep 18, 2025

Transmission shuddering and vibration

Incident date: Sep 18, 2025

Two instances: 1) While reversing out of a parking spot, several warning lights flashed at once, including Power Steering System disabled, Service Hybrid Engine System, and two others - lost power steering. I parked and restarted the car and it drove normally. 2) While in park, the car started but... Read more

Incident date: Sep 18, 2025

Incident date: Jun 3, 2025

I own a Jeep Cherokee 2018 ( [XXX] ) it has less then 60k miles on it. The dashboard recently - 4WD System unavailable" lit up and remains lit. I took to non dealer for diagnosis- stated it is a known issue in Jeep Cherokee, transfer case internal failure. I verified online there is a recall for fau... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2022

I purchased a 2024 Ionic 5 on January 29th on a day without rain/snow. The first time it rained I found out that there was no rear wiper. I assumed there to be one as its a SUV with a slanted back window, not straight up and down. When it rains or snows the water/snow just sits on the back window... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2025

Rear backup camera and distance sensors stopped working. The issue is intermittent This issue could have resulted in an accident or injury/fatality due to no image sensor information No dealer involvement at this time No outside inspections at this time No prior warnings or messages were given b... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2025

Ford recall 14M02 for transmission control module (TCM) does not cover parts and labor required to fix additional equipment problems created by a faulty TCM such as the clutch. My 2016 Ford Focus only has 58,000 miles on it. The TCM is being repaired a 2nd time but Ford will not repair the subsequ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 24, 2025

The steering cable is connected to the transmission hub, and the fitting that connects the two has a gasket that wears away and falls out. This is a recall with vehicles that are made from one of the two plants that assemble fusions, however my vehicle is not covered under the recall even though it... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2025

I am reporting a safety defect in my 2024 Acura ZDX, which poses a serious risk. The vehicle, purchased on 11/15/2023, has been in the shop for 35 days and has only 1,300 miles. It experienced recurring electrical failures, including blown fuses, door chimes, and ambient light and window malfunction... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2024

The car experienced a sudden loss of boost power and, at the same time, and MUCH more concerning and dangerous, a total loss of brake power assist. The brakes were firm (hard), but had ZERO power assist, and I could barely stop the car at idle in my driveway, much less on a highway or open road. I t... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2024

My 2019 Toyota Camry SE experienced a transmission failure due to slipping gears. The issue became apparent when the car started hesitating during acceleration, with noticeable jerking and a lack of smooth shifting between gears. Despite routine maintenance, the transmission’s performance progress... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2024

Incident date: Oct 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacture... Read more

Incident date: Oct 7, 2024

The truck is not safe to drive

Incident date: Jun 12, 2024

I was traveling on autopilot in left lane with autopilot engaged on 06/13/2024 on HW 101 at around 9:40am my car all of the sudden slammed on brakes and dropped speed from around 65mph to 30mph before I was able to react and recover speed. Reached out to Tesla on their app about this and they are s... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagno... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2020

When driving the car will false brake or alert to brake when nothing is directly in front of the car. Many instances the car will catch a car in the lane beside it and brake because it thinks the car is in front of it and will begin alerts and braking the car while driving on the interstate. Interna... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2020

Incident date: Dec 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasona... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2023

Had a flat tire. Tire could not be removed. The tin caps on the lug nuts have swelled. The lug nut wrench that Ford provided would not fit over the lug nuts. The AAA service that came out to help, also could not remove the lug nuts. I don't know how I will be able to get the car inspected. I also do... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2023

This concerns the International 6.4 Liter Diesel engine used in 2008-2010 Ford Super Duty Trucks. It is common knowledge in the industry that these are "bad" engines however there has been no recall as of date. In my situation, while under warranty, and carrying a load (5,000 lbs), the vehicle when ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2024

In unexpected and unknown circumstances (false sensor detections?), the automated doors and trunk will suddenly reverse direction when opening and rapidly close instead of pausing. This can cause injury with no ability to get out of the way in proper time. I’ve experience cases where the trunk ... Read more

2 injured

Incident date: Nov 24, 2023

I got into my car with my wife and turned on my car an heard a loud boom followed by static in the tweeter speakers. It was startling, distracting and dangerous.

Incident date: Oct 21, 2023

Failed cylinder head (misfire p0304). Need to have engine rebuilt or replaced. Also had oil cooler failure, losing coolant and oil. 71k miles, just over the 60k power train warranty. Need dealer to help fix but they are booked for next 3 months. Car initially cut out on the road in traffic aft... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2023

Rear differential failure. This car is my daily driver, and is in circumstances misused. Driving home from work with no warning the differential housing cracked and failed. A failure like this could potentially put myself, other occupants and other drivers on the road a risk by unexpectedly failing ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2023

I purchased a Ford certified 2019 Ford Explorer recently. It is my 20th Ford. I could barely hear the horn and thought there was a problem with one of the horns. I researched it and found that the 2019 model year only came with one horn. The horn is at the front of the hood and when I checked th... Read more

Incident date: Sep 18, 2023

rear view mirror detached

Incident date: Sep 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz M1CA126. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V482000 (Tires) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The... Read more

Incident date: Sep 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75-80 MPH, the contact rear-ended another vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. The impact caused soreness in her chest and lower back; however, medical attention was not received. A police report was... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and accelerating to merge onto the highway, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and was able to restart the vehicle on... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2023

We have sent this in for recall repairs and Dodge either did not have the parts or said it would be weeks before they got the parts and we, as a company have had three dodge ram 5500's in the last week that have broken all the wheel studs off, snapped a single stud, or the the lug nuts have gotten l... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle jerked significantly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred on the second attempt to reverse. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the re... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2023

The transmission in my 2018 Honda Odyssey clunks and shutters and jerks forward when accelerating and jerks slow down when decelerating. Stop and go traffic I either can barely accelerate or rapidly accelerate after upshidting and almost hit the car in front of me. The transmission shudders and clun... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2023

2022 BMW X5 Adaptive Cruise Control (a very expensive option) will not reliably stop or accelerate your BMW. It is dangerous and unsafe and should be eliminated until it will brake safely. I have a video that I was unable to upload. This system if left to stop your vehicle will crash a occupants int... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2023

The frame is shot on my 07 Toyota tundra the frame rails has several big holes in the frame as well all the crossmembers are rusted and I’m still currently paying on the truck I still owe $14,000 on it and I can’t afford to get it fixed so will you please please please help me out with this situ... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2023

*The rear sub-frame assembly nearly rusted through. Steering and Handling noticebly effected with rear of vehicle feeling soft and sluggish in turns. *The vehicle is available for inspection and was brought to my attention when the mechanic was beginning rear brake maintenance. *The mechanic is a li... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2023

Automatic emergency braking occurs without cause at high speeds on flat divided Hwy. Happened on multiple trips 5 or more times in a 3 hour drive on 3 different highways in NM. Tesla service has addressed the issue twice. said everything is working properly. Happens when Cruse control + auto steerin... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2023

Incident date: Jun 3, 2022

This car is experiencing the same issues of the engine shut off malfunction from the 2022 Corolla Cross model. I just got this car and it’s been happening where while i’m stopped at a intersection, the malfunction happens, tells me that something is wrong with the steering fluid, i have to put t... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2022

Incident date: Feb 26, 2022

While driving as I increased speed it seems that the trans would slip. Also several times it actually lost power for a second before regaining composure. But today all this occurred and when I came to a traffic light , suddenly the car shutdown. I was able to turn it back on again, but I believe th... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2023

Power Steering failed on 4-lane highway. Is available for inspection. I was able to slow down and hard-steer to shoulder of road with cars whizzing by. Problem has not been confirmed by dealer or service center because it just happened a few hours ago. All shops are closed. No, the problem has n... Read more

Showing 50 of 123 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2020 TESLA MODEL S

36 manufacturer communications from 19 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	9
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	6
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	6
010000 STEERING	3
280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION	3
100000 POWER TRAIN	2
353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE	2
353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT	2

353620 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner?s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software ver

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

350000 EQUIPMENT