TESLA MODEL Y (2020) recall — Exterior Lighting
Tesla is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles with a tow package that may not illuminate trailer brake lights during braking, increasing crash risk. Owners receive a free over-the-air software update.
Use caution until it’s fixed
Trailer brake lights that fail to illuminate during braking increase the risk of a crash.
Contact the company & request your remedy
What happened, in plain English
Tesla is recalling 2020 Model Y vehicles with a tow package that may fail to illuminate trailer brake lights when braking. This could increase crash risk if a trailer is being towed. The fix is a free over-the-air software update. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/80060-tesla-model-y-2020-recall-trailer-brake-lights-not-illuminating.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/80060-tesla-model-y-2020-recall-trailer-brake-lights-not-illuminating · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #20V609000
Cite this page
“Tesla Model Y (2020) Recall: Trailer brake lights not illuminating during braking.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80060-tesla-model-y-2020-recall-trailer-brake-lights-not-illuminating. Based on NHTSA recall #20V609000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V609000).
Why it’s dangerous
A software error prevents trailer brake lights from turning on when braking. This means trailer lights may not work during braking, which could cause crashes if a trailer is being towed.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2020 Tesla Model Y vehicles with a tow package are affected. Those towing trailers are at higher risk.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your 2020 Tesla Model Y has a tow package. The recall applies to vehicles with a global rear lamp and tow package configuration.
- Brand
Tesla- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Check for Software Update
Tesla has already sent a free over-the-air software update to affected vehicles as of September 23, 2020.
Contact Tesla Customer Service
Owners can call Tesla at 1-877-798-3752 to confirm eligibility and get additional details.
What NHTSA says to do
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.
Questions people ask
Do I need to do anything if I don't have a trailer?
The recall applies to vehicles with a tow package, regardless of trailer use. However, if you don't tow trailers, the risk is minimal.
Is the software update automatic?
Yes, Tesla automatically sent the update to affected vehicles over-the-air as of September 23, 2020.
How do I know if my Model Y is affected?
Your 2020 Model Y is affected if it has a global rear lamp and tow package configuration.
Contact Tesla
We’ve drafted a message you can send Tesla to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 20V609000 — Tesla Tesla Hello, I own a Tesla that is covered by recall 20V609000 from Tesla. The official recall notice states: 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. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #20V609000 (September 30, 2020)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 4, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.