2020 Tesla Model S

Routine

Owners filed 80 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the automatic emergency braking. It has been recalled 11 times.

One of the better Tesla Model S years: fewer complaints than most, without an unusual share of serious ones. Which Tesla Model S years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
2,500 milesMedian miles at failure

25 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2020 Tesla Model S problems

15 of the 80 complaints (19%) are about the automatic emergency braking.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other12
601
Suspension12
100
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control · automatic emergency braking9
100
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration7
304
Steering7
201
Structure › Body · body and frame5
100
Service Brakes · brakes4
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · automatic emergency braking4
000
Electrical System4
101
Wheels3
000

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices24V376000
Filed May 28, 2024125,233 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert24V153000
Filed Feb 27, 20246,557 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel24V051000
Filed Jan 30, 20242,193,869 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software23V838000
Filed Dec 12, 20232,031,220 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering23V085000
Filed Feb 15, 2023362,758 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System22V818000
Filed Nov 1, 202240,168 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert22V235000
Filed Apr 12, 2022594,894 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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 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.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert22V063000
Filed Feb 4, 2022578,607 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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 1-877-798-3752. 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.

Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering22V037000
Filed Jan 27, 202253,822 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch21V00B000
Filed Dec 21, 2021130,441 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera21V846000
Filed Oct 29, 202111,728 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed May 11, 2026FL

The vehicle has been taken to Tesla multiple times due to ongoing controllability and safety concerns. The Autopilot system will occasionally brake unexpectedly at green lights or when another vehicle is passing on the right side. The vehicle has also experienced repeated drivetrain issues, including the half shafts failing at least four times within a short period. During acceleration, the vehicle can be difficult to control at times, and the wheels exhibit noticeable vibration. Despite replacing two full sets of tires within two years and completing multiple balancing and service attempts, the issue has not been resolved. These ongoing problems have contributed to premature tire wear and reduced stability, particularly in wet or rainy driving conditions. The vehicle has been serviced by Tesla at least 10 times, and each visit has resulted in replacement of half shafts or other drivetrain components. At one point, Tesla indicated that the drive module was “off center,” though no clear explanation was provided. These issues have been present since the vehicle was purchased in May 2024. In several instances, the vehicle was returned after service without the problem being resolved, requiring additional return visits. More recently, Tesla has suggested the issue may be related to tires and wheels. However, this contradicts earlier assurances that those components were not the root cause. All tires and two wheels have already been replaced, yet the same issues continue to occur.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 4, 2025KY

The rear doors have emergency release cables in case the power is cut during a collision. These cables are hidden, not glowing, and have a small square pull on the end that is difficult to find and pull. I had great difficulty in testing the function to ensure the emergency cable pulls worked. They need to have a glowing T-handle on the end to facilitate location and movement, and the emergency cable location should be marked and visible in the car, just like the emergency hood and truck release are.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 29, 2025CA

Rear emergency release cable does not open the trunk. The latch mechanism failed with a trunk full of groceries, I pushed down the rear setts to access the trunk compartment and crawled back and popped open the emergency release cable and it did not function. I have a service for the car scheduled for Dec 2nd to repair/replace the latch mechanism.

Wheels
Filed Nov 1, 2025LA

Wheels: From the original purchase of the vehicle, I had a small air leak from the right rear tire. I addressed this with Tesla and they said nothing was wrong. I lived with it adding pressure from time to time. When it was time to replace the tires because the originals were only good for 20,000 miles at most. Upon replacing the tires, it was discovered that the right rear rim was cracked which explained why it was leaking all this time. Not long after the tire replacement, I experienced another leak on the right front. I brought it back in to check for a leak in the tire and again discovered it was cracked also, but had 2 cracks in this one 😡. I discussed this with the tire shop and he stated he sees this very often with the Model S. He seems to believe the car is too heavy for the particular turbine wheels selected for the car. These wheels are a factory purchase upgrade. I called Tesla to address my concerns for feedback. They denied ever hearing of this issue as common. I did the research and lo and behold this defect is very common and people are very unhappy regarding this issue and the fact Tesla is blatantly being dishonest about it. For the foundation and a major component that binds a vehicle to the road should be taken seriously. In my opinion, a vehicle that has the potential for the wheels to crack and maybe just come apart is critical. And that depends on the actual speed of travel. This could be very bad.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Sep 23, 2025KY

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. During the Summon operation: 1.The vehicle failed to correctly detect and avoid a fixed obstacle (the cart return stand where shopping carts are housed). 2.Instead of stopping or rerouting safely, the car collided with the structure, causing visible damage to the front of the vehicle. 3.While there was no damage to public property or injury to people, the incident demonstrated a serious safety risk, since pedestrians or nearby vehicles could have been struck had they been present. 4.The Smart Summon system did not provide sufficient warning or correction during this event, despite being marketed as capable of safely maneuvering in such environments. This failure shows that the Smart Summon feature did not perform as intended and behaved in an unsafe manner in a real-world public parking environment.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Sep 16, 2025IN

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side door failed to open from the inside as intended. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact rolled down the driver’s side window and attempted to unlock the door from the outside; however, the failure persisted. The contact was trapped inside the vehicle. The contact climbed over to the passenger’s seat and exited the passenger’s side door without issue. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the door handle had an electrical issue, and an undisclosed part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train
Filed Apr 2, 202532,807 milesWA

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to vibrate in the shutter shaft unit. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with front CV axle failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. On a separate occasion, the vehicle started to shudder, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure however, the contact stated the vehicle had been repaired three times, for the CV axle failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,807.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Feb 10, 2025FL

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. No issues with summons for over 4 years $2200 damage to adjacent vehicle but Tesla no damage left front wheel caused damage on start.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jan 30, 202575,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 35 MPH, the front hood latch unexpectedly opened, causing the hood to rise up. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact immediately stopped and parked on the side of the road, and the contact closed the trunk and continued driving. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Wheels
Filed Jan 16, 2025LA

I have only about 40,000 miles on the car. But I've had to change the tires twice because the tires wear out quickly, lose air, or go flat. With my second set of tires, I am now told that the tires are so worn that I may need another set of tires. I was told by the last tire shop that the car is too heavy for the tires and that it needs some type of special tires. None of this was disclosed when I purchased the vehicle. I've noticed on the Internet that many people complain of this same problem. I also had the tire pressure stem go out on one of the tires and had to get Tesla to send a replacement, for which I was charged.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Dec 20, 2024CA

Since the installation of software version 2024.27.25, which includes FSD version 12.5.4, on Sept 26, 2024, any driving which occurs on FSD results in emergency braking events for Green Lights, unprotected/unsignaled crosswalks without pedestrians present, Parallel Parked Cars not encroaching on the lane of travel, vehicles traveling the same direction and similar speed (+/- 5mph), not encroaching on my lane. These frequently reoccurring events were not remedied by any of the subsequent updates received: v2024.32.10 (FSD v12.5.4.1) on Oct 8, 2024 v2024.33.5 (FSD v12.5.4.2) on Nov 2, 2024 2024.44.25.2 (FSD v12.5.4.2) on Dec 10, 2024 While not all events occurred with surrounding traffic, those that did posed a hazard to not just occupants of my vehicle, but those in and around other vehicles, including pedestrians. Most other drivers do not expect and are unprepared for a vehicle to apply panic-level emergency braking and come to full stop at green lights, before unprotected crosswalks with no pedestrians present, or along well-traveled streets without significant errant other drivers. No warning lights, chimes, or other indications ever appeared on any of the displays or instrument clusters within the vehicle during any of the events. The FSD traffic display did not indicate or highlight any features of the surrounding area that were causing it to slow or stop. The problem has been regularly experienced by many other drivers, as evidenced by the large number of similar report

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 7, 2024KY

In all assisted driving modes except Full Self Driving (FSD), the car properly displays the speed Limit it has determined either by Map data or visual confirmation. In FSD, apparently only on pre-2021+ Model S cars, the determined speed limit is not displayed. In my town we have a US60 route. The car sees these signs and determines the speed limit is 60, even though it is only 35. The driver notices a rapid acceleration and may observe the set FSD speed has changed to 60. There is no Speed Limit displayed in this mode. Very dangerous to go this fast on a 35 MPH road. When not using FSD, the car does show this error in the speed limit as being 60, even though the car determined speed limit itself is in error.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Jun 13, 2024NV

While attempting to park car ,the car accelerated on it own despite me hitting the brakes causing the car to hit a wall.

Suspension
Filed May 13, 2024TX

After getting new tires installed at Walmart I heard a loud knocking noise when turning the steering wheel. The Walmart tech thought that it was because the tires were too big/wide. Tesla said they probably forgot to put the car in Jack Mode and the air suspension fully deflated. Once the sir suspension return to normal the knocking noise is still there, although not as loud and not as frequent. Both the Walmart technician and Tesla technician confirmed the noise. Tesla said my front fore and aft links (aka Control Arms) are worn and in need of replacement. I read that this is a common issue and that Tesla has done a lot of repairs both in and out of warranty (Some goodwill repairs). [XXX] technician talks as if the parts are wear items. I asked why they don't have them in the service manual and I wasn't given a good answer. The technician said that the bushings and ball bearings are wear items and that the fore and aft links get replaced along with them. I was given an estimate of $2,330.69 for the repair. Attached is the invoice. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Forward Collision Avoidance
Filed Mar 13, 2024100 milesCA

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds between 40-50 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions at the same road location. Also, the contact indicated that the vehicle had erroneously attempted to switch lanes and at one time attempted to switch lanes into oncoming traffic. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 23, 202429,996 milesMD

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. The contact stated that the vehicle left the roadway, slid down a ditch on the passenger side, and crashed into a telephone pole on the passenger side front door. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated, also she said that the road conditions were dry pavement. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated she was transported to a shock trauma unit by ambulance. The contact stated that she had broken her pelvis and had to have surgery to reconstruct the right side of the pelvis and replace the right hip joint. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,996.

Suspension
Filed Jan 16, 2024FL

I am writing to emphasize and provide details regarding the critical safety issue affecting both Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X. My personal experience highlights the severity of this problem which included a tire blow out at highway speeds on a tire that had only approx 10k miles on it. This specific wear pattern is a direct result of improper camber alignment, an issue that Tesla has continuously refused to rectify. This problem is not isolated to my vehicle alone. Many Tesla Model X and Model S owners have reported similar experiences, indicating a widespread and systemic issue. The accelerated inner wall tire wear poses significant safety risks, as it can lead to unexpected and dangerous tire failures on the road, which is exactly what happened to me. Despite the clear evidence and numerous complaints from Tesla owners, Tesla has consistently declined to address this issue adequately. It appears that the company’s reluctance is rooted in the fact that proper repair or recall to fix the camber alignment is too costly. However, this cost-cutting measure is putting drivers and passengers at risk. Given the severe outcomes that this design flaw causes, I urge immediate investigation into this. It is essential to investigate these recurring problems with both the Tesla Model X and Model S models. The safety of Tesla drivers, passengers, and the general public is at stake, and a thorough investigation could compel Tesla to take the necessary corrective actions.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Jan 13, 2024AZ

Setting: Adaptive cruise control, 70 MPH, no nearby traffic, no nearby bridges or overpasses, no visible obstructions, straight highway, daytime, clear skies. Incidents (multiple): Unexpected, inexplicable braking. During one of the incidents, there was a splotch of some sort on the road (perhaps spilled paint). During all other incidents, there was nothing obvious which could explain a misperceived need to brake.

Steering
Filed Nov 28, 2023AL

Front linkages and half shafts have failed for the second time on the vehicle. They were replaced in Feb of 2022 and now (Nov. 2023) need the replacement again after normal driving conditions. Tesla service center adviser (Briarcliff Road in Atlanta) admitted that these parts fail frequently at this rate and need multiple replacements. If the parts fail, steering would be lost, potentially leading to loss of control of the vehicle. Tesla has published a service bulletin on the issue but charges a very high rate for the service. One service adviser claimed that the VIN of the vehicle does not meet the service bulletin [XXX] , though the service bulletin clearly states that all cars produced between 2014-2020 meet the criteria. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 30, 2023TX

Passenger side door open on it on while vehicle is on and driven. With faulty door control modules.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 29, 2023MD

The front hood flipped open while driving at about 40 miles an hour without any warning, totally obstructing the vision of the driver who happen to be my wife, causing her to pull over suddenly fortunately no one was hurt during the accident. The front hood, however, has been creased and damaged. This could have caused a very serious accident had she been driving at high speed on the highway. The Tesla seems to lack a double latching hood mechanism found in most other cars which would prevent this from occurring. This needs to be sorted out permanently.

Steering
Filed Sep 21, 2023AZ

Error message popped on my screen steering might require extra force and shortly after that I lost power steering, cruise control, automatic emergency, braking, forward collision warning land departure etc. Contacted Tesla service to acquire about recalls since I remember reading about it.

Steering
Filed Sep 7, 2023CA

This is a follow up to my previous complaint about corroded ground connections causing loss of power steering on Tesla Model Y. Having done more research it is certain that this problem affects all Tesla models. Here is a thread on the Tesla Motors Forum. [XXX] "Mar 28, 2023 #1 About 2 weeks ago, while reversing in my driveway, during a hard turn left, I lost power steering and received the service alerts "steering assist reduced" and "park assist unavailable." Took the vehicle to Tesla who diagnosed a $4200 steering rack. Declined the repair and paid only the required $200 diagnostic fee. Did some research online, and discovered the power steering motor ground was corroded, and upon my attempt at removal, it detached from the frame. I taped out a new, relocated, hole and resecured the ground with bolt and washers, I now have power steering again. I am a little upset that not only did Tesla mis-diagnose the problem, I paid them $200 for the bad diagnosis" Other owners chime in to say that the same thing happened to them. These owners are doing DIY repairs that will only fix the problem temporarily. This is an easily fixable problem. The ground connection for all safety critical items should be via a solid copper cable direct to the 12 Volt battery negative terminal and NOT via the car bodywork which has a mix of aluminum and steel that creates galvanic corrosion. Smearing grease on these parts is not a solution. Glitches on the 12 Volt system can also cause random intermitten

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 2023NM

From Aug 23 to 28, 2023, we traveled in our 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus vehicle from Santa Fe, NM to San Diego, CA and back, for a total distance of approximate 2100 miles. We drove primarily interstates (I-25, I-10, I-8, I-5) where speed limits ranged from 55 to 75. We experienced numerous instances of what is known to Tesla owners as sudden, severe "phantom braking" [hereinafter PB] while the cruise control was activated (not AutoPilot, nor FSD, just cruise control). In ALL instances, no cars or other objects were visible within 1 mile ahead of our vehicle, and in ALL instances, these "phantom braking" incidents happened on absolutely flat, straight, smooth road surfaces, at all times of day, morning, noon, and night. This car has had PB problems since the day was purchased; in fact on that day, there were at least two sudden PB incidents while I drove home in the new car! At numerous times since, I've reported these problems to Tesla Service---to no avail. The problem is widely known among Tesla owners, and to my knowledge no owner has been able to get Tesla to do anything. On this most recent long-distance trip, our PB incidents happened typically at the posted speed limit of 75mph in all-clear situations---nobody else anywhere remotely nearby. The car would be operating smoothly when all of a sudden the brakes would engage and the vehicle would rapidly decelerate, throwing forward anything not fastened down inside the car. Because of the history of this problem, I

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Aug 13, 2023ID

Driving on freeway speed 80mph with no other cars around the car slammed on brakes while on cruise control. It was able to accelerate and the next time I put the cruise control on a few minutes later it slammed on brakes again. Car clean no warning that it was trying to avoid an unseen object. Drove rest of the way without cruise control on and no problems.

Power Train
Filed May 16, 2023CA

In June of 2020 I reported a "wobble" noise coming from the front of the vehicle under normal acceleration. I took it to a Tesla repair shop, where the tech confirmed that they were aware of the issue, but Tesla was working on a fix for it and they would contact me when a solution was available. The issue was repaired in Sept of 2021, which happened without me initiating it as I had taken my vehicle in for another maintenance issue and re-reported the noise, and they replaced the "half-shaft"s on the front of the vehicle. Now, about 19 months later, the sound has returned and the repair has failed. I contacted Tesla and they advised that I am now out of warranty and thus will have to bear the entirety of the cost associated with the repair.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 21, 2023CO

CAR REPEATEDLY APPLIED THE BRAKES HARD AND SUDDENLY WHILE TRAVELING AT 75MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE IN DRIVER ASSIST MODE AS WELL AS IN CRUISE CONTROL ONLY. IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN DRIVING WITHOUT ANY ASSISTED DRIVING MODES ACTIVATED. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES NEAR US NOR ANY OBJECTS IN THE ROAD OR ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CONSTRUED AS A REASON TO EMERGENCY BRAKE

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 9, 2023CA

My car (Tesla 2020 Model S) was broadsided ("t-boned") at about 35 to 40 MPH. The other car hit mine in middle, between front and rear doors, passenger side (after it ran a red light on a city street). Five airbags deployed in my Tesla ... two on driver's side (ok), and three on the passenger side. Since there was no one in the car other than the driver, and the car was aware of that (according to indicator light at start of trip), the passenger side bags should **NOT** have deployed. (Deployed, IIRC: front passenger side, front passenger headrest (?), and rear passenger side.) Result: driver lost almost all hearing, instantly. Needlessly. Accident date: June 2, 2022. Report date: Mar 9, 2023. Driver is on hearing aids for life, providing partial hearing (at best).

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 9, 2023CA

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. The car manual briefly describes how to open them (pulling up the carpet, finding a secret cable, and pulling it). EVEN WITH THE MANUAL IN HAND, I was unable to find the cable or open the doors (I was trying this from the junkyard, a month after the accident). If I had passengers in back at the time of the accident, their safety would be greatly endangered ... particularly if conditions (e.g., fire, traffic) required egress from the car! This car should never be allowed on the market, or on the road, with the incredibly dangerous safety flaw! (Rear doors could not be opened from outside, since there was no power to pop the handle up, either.) 2. Trunk cannot be opened without power. Imagine: I have fire-fighting equipment in the trunk ... and there's a fire. How can I open the trunk to get it? 3. Glove box cannot be opened without power. Imagine: I have medicine, and/or important papers, and/or a legal (locked) firearm with ammo in the glove box. Being unable to get such things out can result in serious problems! 4. I'm not sure, but I think the frunk ("front trunk") also cannot be opened without power. 2020 Tesla Model S (and, IIRC, Model X)

Suspension
Filed Feb 26, 2023TX

Front axel vibrations and noises. Tesla unable to fix.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Feb 10, 2023NM

While driving today on I-25 northbound at approximately 9:50 am from Albuquerque to Santa Fe we had the cruise control set at 85 mph. There were no vehicles or obstacles in front of our 2020 Model S when the automatic braking suddenly engaged bringing the vehicle to a sudden stop. Multiple vehicles behind us had to make emergency maneuvers to avoid hitting our stopped vehicle. The vehicle was set on cruise control, NOT full self driving. This type of life threatening malfunction is not acceptable in a $100,000 vehicle. The car was serviced 1 week prior to this incident at the Tesla service center in Pojaque NM. There were no warning lights, messages, or other notifications prior to the phantom braking incident. We plan to sell the vehicle as we no longer feel safe driving it.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Dec 18, 2022CA

While driving my daughter to school at approximately 8 AM I turned onto the merge lane of southbound Interstate Highway 280 at the junction with Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale. At that time of the morning the sun was low in the sky. After I turned into the merge lane and started accelerating to merge onto the highway the car was pointed directly towards the sun. While accelerating and at about 60 MPH the car braked hard without warning and a message that corrective action had been taken was displayed together with an audible warning. There was no vehicle in front of my car for some hundreds of feet. The vehicle following my car was able to slow in time to avoid a collision but came very close to the rear of my vehicle. While there was no collision, the driver of that vehicle sounded his horn for an extended period of time and gestured at me. Sudden braking at highway speeds on a clear stretch of road clearly puts vehicles behind the rapidly slowing vehicle at risk of a collision. My vehicle has has not been inspected by Tesla or anyone else since this occurred. There were no indications of any problem before or since this incident. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested.

Electrical SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 7, 2022MD

The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with a safety feature that allowed the front driver's seat to move back when the vehicle was in park (P). The contact stated while at a complete stop and picking up her son, she opened and closed the driver's side door to allow the front passenger's side door to open while the vehicle was in drive (D) and the brake pedal was depressed. However, the front driver's seat moved back, causing her foot to release the brake pedal and the vehicle moved forward. The contact stated that she panicked and extended her foot to reach the brake pedal; however, she depressed the accelerator pedal unintendedly. The vehicle accelerated, crashed into a fence, and crashed into an unoccupied vehicle that was parked inside the fence. The air bags deployed. The contact sustained a concussion, pain on the right side of her body, high blood pressure, trauma, loss of memory, dizziness, and bruises on her thighs. The contact had been seeking medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer of the failure but had not been able to reach the manufacturer. The failure mileage was unknown.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Nov 14, 202230,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 52 MPH. During the failure a second vehicle nearly crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The contact indicated that no warning lights were displayed. The failure occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.

Suspension
Filed Nov 9, 2022TX

Please note this is 2nd time in one year my axles being replaced due to vibrations and popping noise. They are also changing this to customer even know they installed wrong design axles previously. This should be still under drive train warranty which is 8 yers and u limited mileage

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Oct 20, 2022NM

I was on the interstate with my cruise control set at 75 mph. Traffic was normal when all of a sudden the brakes were applied and my speed quickly decelerated by at least 20 mph. I immediately physically applied the brakes to disengage the cruise control and immediately speed up again so that I would not get rear ended by the car behind me. This event happened 5 more times through my road trip while I was using the autopilot AND cruise control.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Oct 16, 2022CO

While using adaptive cruise control on the highway. During the day. I experienced multiple instances of unnecessary braking. Once when another car was close behind me. I think the car was overreacting to passing cars or shadows or dips in the road. It did not seem to happen while driving at night. At times it happened about every fifteen minutes. At other times it would be about once an hour. Sometimes the car would recover and accelerate again quickly and at other times I had to step on the accelerator pedal

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise ControlCrash
Filed Aug 22, 2022OH

The tesla full self driving was on and it turned my car into the guardrail in the middle of the highway all by itself for no reason at 70mph. It looked like a truck was turning into my lane and instead of stopping the car swerved into the grass and I hit the guard rail. The car was totaled. I have a video of the incident. This is one of the videos: https://www.veed.io/view/8e44fe01-a7ab-457c-90ee-4f7089bfe33c Full self driving was on the whole time. When I tried to take over it was too late to stop it and the brakes did not work or stop. The airbag did not go off. There had to be an error with the full self driving that decided I should go into the guardrail.

Electrical System › Adas › Autonomous/Self Driving
Filed Aug 3, 202214,500 milesCA

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH in the left lane on the highway, a vehicle approached on the right side of the roadway and the Forward Collision Avoidance: Emergency Automatic Braking feature activated and slowed the vehicle to 20 MPH. The contact disengaged the semi-autonomous auto pilot and brought the vehicle back up to highway speeds. The contact was not aware of any warning light being illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,500. The consumer stated this is the fourth time the car has slammed the brakes on by itself.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 31, 2022TX

The rear trunk would not open and stayed locked. Pressing the rear trunk button, using the app and even trying to open the trunk using the dashboard screen would not open the trunk. Lastly, even when I tried to pull/push on the emergency latch from within the vehicle (inside of it) the trunk would still not detach and open. If a child was stuck in the trunk and tried to hit the emergency latch button (that pulls on a mechanical cable) the trunk would still not open. This is a big safety issue that Tesla knows about. Several Tesla vehicles have suffered from the same fate. Tesla confirmed it has to do with a lock actuator. Tesla came out to replace the actuator. However if one of my younger kids were to get stuck in the trunk and despite pushing or pulling on the emergency latch, ... the trunk would not have opened for them.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 22, 2022MI

While driving at night if someone doesnt turn off there high beams the car will randomly slam on the breaks as if its going to hit something. Low beans dont effect it but high beams do while your driving past another car.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Jul 20, 2022MI

While driving with adaptive cruise control or auto pilot the car will apply the breaks for flashing yellow lights. Random times there is nothing around and it will just tap the breaks lunging you forward then contrinues as normal.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Apr 26, 202220,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 50 MPH, the front trunk hood opened without being activated. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. After the front trunk hood had opened, the panel light informed the driver that the front trunk hood was in the raised position. The contact's son was able to safely pull over close the front trunk hood. The front trunk hood was damage where it was attached to the latches and brackets. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the damage and failure was not due to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V00B000 (Latches, Locks, Linkages). The latch position had been adjusted and repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 27, 2022CA

I have experienced 5 occasions where the Tesla Model S software and instrument panel has shut down and rebooted while driving. This also happened while waiting at an intersection. The vehicle would not operate properly. Traffic was blocked. All human sense of control is lost. This is a repeating occurrence. Twice I have reported to Tesla and Twice they said that they cannot and will not resolve it.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 13, 2022MI

Tesla allows to schedule this recall repair by contacting their service option on App. No phone number to call them. Only option I have is to drive 3 hours to their service station. They have mobile units but it does not give this option to choose. I requested it without any response. As a consumer, I should have option to have this repaired by mobile unit.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Mar 10, 2022TX

The vehicle still exhibits random forward collision alerts. I can be multiple car lengths away from the car in front traveling at no more than 40 mph, and it will still trigger. Tesla is using these to determine a safety score, which it then uses to determine monthly auto insurance rates. There is no way to request review of a potentially false forward collision alert. Worse, on the freeway, the autopilot still randomly emergency brakes. This is a well known reported issue for all Tesla vehicles. Over-the-air updates have not fixed this issue. Lastly, the passenger side mirror keeps getting stuck in rear view mode (faces down) when shifted to drive gear. I've brought this up with the service center, and they claim nothing to fix. This has been ongoing since I purchased the vehicle. I have had near misses when attempting to shift to the right and cannot see vehicles on the right lane.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 24, 2022AZ

While driving with Autopilot engaged the car applied the brakes suddenly and severely without warning. This has occurred on multiple occasions at freeway speeds and at surface street speeds. There was no apparant reason to apply the brakes and no warning.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Feb 18, 2022100 milesCA

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Feb 17, 2022FL

The Tesla when driving at 35 mph on AIA at or near the speed limit frequently has quick sudden phantom braking and acceleration. I have analyzed and believe I know the reason. There are many driveways. When cars enter or exit, these phantom braking events occur. Most often when another vehicle ( in front of the Tesla )enters a driveway and is moving away from its lane, even if its tail light is in the bike lane (which is a painted narrow lane on the right side of the road) the Tesla will suddenly brake (flashes simultaneously a red dashboard image for following too close and then accelerate). At the instant of the following too close warning the lane in front is totally clear. It happens so fast that if cars behind are not being attentive they close too close to my vehicle and then set off a warning on my dash. Similarly if on a multilane road and an accelerating car cuts in front of me too close, the cruise control sees the object without considering its acceleration, and suddenly brakes and then as the car in front accelerates to create more distance , the Tesla accelerates suddenly as well. Further, the tesla system invokes more rapid changes in speed - both deceleration and acceleration - than a good human driver would invoke as humans register the acceleration of the vehicle in front of them. In fact humans would curse the other car more often than brake. One other comment: Tesla has an outstanding feedback system between vehicle and headquarters and their system has bee

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Feb 17, 2022FL

The car when the autopilot is on sometimes will Phantom Brake out of nowhere at high speeds in the highway. almost creating a coalition with the cars in the back.

Complaints 1-50 of 80, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20268010Routine
20256200Routine
202438600Routine
20231151300Routine
20221402000Routine
20211792421Fatalities reported
2020 — this page801100Routine
2019441000Routine
20181701130Routine
2017431940High concern
201665010128Fatalities reported
20156699124Fatalities reported
20143679913Fatalities reported
201346111195Fatalities reported
201261811Fatalities reported

Compare every Model S year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 28, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.