Every 2020 Tesla Model S recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Seat Belts · NHTSA 24V376000
May 28, 2024Seat Belts:Front:Warning Light/DevicesOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 24V376000 →Forward Collision Avoidance · NHTSA 24V153000
Feb 27, 2024Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings:External/Pedestrian AlertOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 24V153000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 24V051000
Jan 30, 2024Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 24V051000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 23V838000
Dec 12, 2023Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving:SoftwareOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 23V838000 →Steering · NHTSA 23V085000
Feb 15, 2023Steering:Automated/Adaptive SteeringOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 23V085000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 22V235000
Dec 4, 2022Electrical System:SoftwareOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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 service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Full recall details for 22V235000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 22V063000
Apr 2, 2022Electrical System:SoftwareOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Full recall details for 22V063000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 22V037000
Jan 27, 2022Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving:SoftwareOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 22V037000 →Steering · NHTSA 22V818000
Jan 11, 2022Steering:Electric Power Assist SystemOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 22V818000 →Latches/Locks/Linkages · NHTSA 21V00B000
Dec 21, 2021Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 21V00B000 →Forward Collision Avoidance · NHTSA 21V846000
Oct 29, 2021Forward Collision Avoidance: Sensing System: CameraOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 21V846000 →
2020 Tesla Model S complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Tesla Model S, reporting 16 crashes, 8 injuries. Tesla has issued at least 64 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Forward Collision Avoidance31
- Suspension14
- Unknown Or Other14
- Steering10
- Vehicle Speed Control8
- Electrical System7
Service bulletins by component
- Unknown Or Other (40)
- Equipment (11)
- Electrical System (7)
- Back Over Prevention (3)
- Power Train (3)
- Steering (3)
Read Tesla Model S owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2020 Tesla Model S
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in 12 investigations. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
EA26002Opened Mar 18, 2026Open
- Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
PE25012Opened Oct 7, 2025Open
- Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
AQ25002Opened Aug 20, 2025Open
- Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
RQ24009Opened Apr 25, 2024Open
- Sudden Unintended Acceleration
DP23002Opened Jun 29, 2023Open
- Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
PE24033Opened Jan 6, 2025Closed Apr 3, 2026
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
PE24031Opened Oct 17, 2024Closed Mar 18, 2026
- Defect Petition Interlock Request
DP23001Opened Apr 7, 2023Closed Mar 18, 2026
- Pedestrian alert sounds
DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023
- Autopilot System Driver Controls
EA22002Opened Jun 8, 2022Closed Apr 25, 2024
- Unexpected Brake Activation
PE22002Opened Feb 16, 2022Closed Jun 29, 2026
- Tesla Passenger Play
PE21023Opened Dec 21, 2021Closed May 26, 2023
What people reported
Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Tesla Model S. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Crash
“On 09/18 , I was using the Smart Summon feature of my Tesla Model S in the parking lot of Costco, Greenwood (Indianapolis, IN). The intent was to have the vehicle autonomously navigate from its parked spot toward my location, as designed and advertised by Tesla.”
2020 TESLA MODEL SSep 23, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11689122
Crash
“Vehicle was tested for concern about self driving after test drive with tech told ok 3 days later Summoned car and immediately turned into adjacent vehicle all captured on video in 1-2 seconds.”
2020 TESLA MODEL SFeb 10, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11641683
Crash
“While attempting to park car ,the car accelerated on it own despite me hitting the brakes causing the car to hit a wall.”
2020 TESLA MODEL SJun 13, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11594303
Injury reportedCrash
“The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle lost stability and started to slide sideways and left the roadway.”
2020 TESLA MODEL SJan 23, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11567180
Injury reportedCrash
“Car: Tesla Model S (and, I think, Model X). Year: 2020 (and, I think, prior and later) After a battery power loss (as can...and did...happen in an accident), many doors/compartments CAN NOT BE OPENED. Four safety problems: 1. Rear passenger doors: can not be opened without power.”
2020 TESLA MODEL SMar 9, 2023
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11511098
Check your Model S by VIN
Not every 2020 Tesla Model S is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Tesla dealer.
Run a free VIN recall check →