Use cautionVehicle recall · NHTSA · Published February 2, 2022
Tesla Model Y (2020) Recall: Software Update Needed for Defrosting Issues
Tesla is recalling 2020 Model Y vehicles with a software error that may reduce defrosting performance, risking driver visibility and crashes. Owners will receive a free over-the-air software update.
“Tesla Model Y (2020) Recall: Software Update Needed for Defrosting Issues.” GovInfoNow, updated August 18, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80063-tesla-model-y-2020-recall-software-update-needed-for-defrosting. Based on NHTSA recall #22V050000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V050000).
NHTSA announced on Feb. 2, 2022, that Tesla is recalling certain Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles due to decreased defrosting performance. The agency said the defect increases the risk of a crash. Tesla will provide a free over-the-air software update.
How to tell if you have it
Tesla Model 3, 2021-2022
Tesla Model S, 2021-2022
Tesla Model X, 2021-2022
Tesla Model Y, 2020-2022
What to do
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.
The hazard
A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator. This results in decreased defrosting performance, which may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Context
GovInfoNow's records show Tesla has issued 71 other recalls since March 29, 2018. Recent similar product recalls include a Ford Explorer defrost system failure (March 31, 2026), a Ford Mustang wiper failure (June 30, 2026), and a Kia EV6 battery fire risk (Feb. 7, 2026). NHTSA has received 669 complaints for the 2021 Model 3 and 767 for the 2022 Model 3, with latest reports in October 2026.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your Tesla Model Y was manufactured between 2020 and 2022. The recall covers vehicles that received a notification letter mailed April 1, 2022.
Brand
Tesla
Category
Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy
What to do — step by step
Check for Notification Letter
Tesla mailed notification letters to affected owners on April 1, 2022.
Install Software Update
Tesla will provide a free over-the-air software update to fix the defrosting issue.
Official remedy
What NHTSA says to do
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.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
Owners were mailed letters 58 days after NHTSA received the defect report.
1NHTSA received the defect report
2Owner letters mailed
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Take action
Contact Tesla
We’ve drafted a message you can send Tesla to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 22V050000 — Tesla Model Y (2020) Recall: Software Update Needed for Defrosting Issues
Hello,
I own a Tesla Model Y (2020) Recall: Software Update Needed for Defrosting Issues that is covered by recall 22V050000 from Tesla.
The official recall notice states: 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.
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.
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.
Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on August 18, 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.