Model year
2020 Tesla Model S
NHTSA lists 11 recalls and 80 complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model S (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (14), SUSPENSION (14), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14). NHTSA lists 13 investigations, including 5 investigations with no close date in the file. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 97–117 MPGe combined and 28.9–34.7 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $650–$800, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2012 61 complaints
- 2013 461 complaints
- 2014 366 complaints
- 2015 668 complaints
- 2016 649 complaints
- 2017 428 complaints
- 2018 170 complaints
- 2019 44 complaints
- 2020 80 complaints
- 2021 179 complaints
- 2022 139 complaints
- 2023 114 complaints
- 2024 38 complaints
- 2025 6 complaints
- 2026 7 complaints
Recalls
24V376000 · May 28, 2024
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
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…
24V153000 · Feb 27, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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…
24V051000 · Jan 30, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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…
23V838000 · Dec 12, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE
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…
23V085000 · Feb 15, 2023
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
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…
22V818000 · Nov 1, 2022
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
22V235000 · Apr 12, 2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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)…
22V063000 · Feb 4, 2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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)…
22V037000 · Jan 27, 2022
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
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…
21V00B000 · Dec 21, 2021
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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…
1 more recalls are in the NHTSA file for this name and are not listed here. Campaign numbers above link to NHTSA.
Complaints
80 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 16, fire flag on 0, injury field 8, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE21020 | Autopilot & First Responder Scenes · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS | Aug 13, 2021 | Jun 8, 2022 |
| PE21023 | Tesla Passenger Play · EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:120/240 VAC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:RECEPTACLE | Dec 21, 2021 | May 26, 2023 |
| PE22002 | Unexpected Brake Activation · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL:SOFTWARE:SIGNAGE/SIGNAL RECOGNITION; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:… | Feb 16, 2022 | Jun 29, 2026 |
| EA22002 | Autopilot System Driver Controls · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Jun 8, 2022 | Apr 25, 2024 |
| DP22005 | Pedestrian alert sounds · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM | Jan 27, 2023 | Aug 7, 2023 |
| DP23001 | Defect Petition Interlock Request · UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Apr 7, 2023 | Mar 18, 2026 |
7 more actions are in the file and are not listed in this table.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (All Variants) 5 HB AWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | 5 · possibility 0.057 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S Long Range · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 115 | 107 | 111 | 30.3 | 373 | $700 |
| Model S Performance (19in Wheels) · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 104 | 104 | 104 | 32.4 | 348 | $750 |
| Model S Performance (21in Wheels) · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 98 | 96 | 97 | 34.7 | 326 | $800 |
| Model S Standard Range · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 113 | 105 | 109 | 30.8 | 287 | $700 |
| Model S Long Range Plus · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 121 | 112 | 117 | 28.9 | 402 | $650 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2020 Tesla Model S at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.