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2020 Tesla Model S problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Tesla Model S has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 80owner complaints
- 16crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 20%fail the UK MOT
80 complaints, against an average of 225 for the other 14 Tesla Model S model years.
Every Tesla Model S model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Tesla Model S?
The components named most often in the 80 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Tesla Model S owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 80 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2020 Tesla Model S brake suddenly for no reason?8 owners · 10%
- Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2020 Tesla Model S?7 owners · 8.8%
- Why does my 2020 Tesla Model S stall, lose power or shut off while driving?5 owners · 6.3%
- What causes clunking or suspension noise in the 2020 Tesla Model S?3 owners · 3.8%
- Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2020 Tesla Model S?3 owners · 3.8%
Has the 2020 Tesla Model S been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model S as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2020 Tesla Model S recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAMisalignment of the hood latch may prevent latching of the secondary latch
Risk: Misalignment of the hood latch may prevent latching of the secondary latch.
Fix: Inspect the secondary hood latch on affected vehicles. If the hood is not properly retained by the secondary latch the latch mechanism will be reassembled and repositioned to assure proper alignment.
EU Safety GateOn some Model S vehicles, the latch assembly of the front hood may be aligned too far rearward.While this alignment does not impact latching of the primary latch with the hood striker, it may prevent latching of the secondary latch. If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood may open without warning and obstruct the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. If the primary latch is inadvertently released, the driver will receive an alert on the user interface.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 20/01/2022
How often does the 2020 Tesla Model S fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Tesla Model S owners report?
12 of the 80 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The latest tesla update has caused significant increased number of "phantom breaking" episodes when using just cruise control on state highways. I had at least 10 episodes on my last 100 mile drive (not using autopilot, just cruise control). Worst events caused rapid breaking from highway speed of 65 mph down to 40-45 mph with warning messages and audible alarms. Non of the events needed breaking. The worst two events were on straight sections of road with no oncoming traffic or other potential obstruction. I do not feel safe using cruise control on the freeway.
2020 Tesla Model S: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Tesla Model S reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Tesla Model S; the most common categories were forward collision avoidance (23, 28.8%), suspension (14, 17.5%), steering (10, 12.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 16 complaints mention a crash, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model S?
Across 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are forward collision avoidance (28.8% of complaints), suspension (17.5% of complaints), steering (12.5% of complaints), vehicle speed control (10% of complaints), electrical system (8.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model S. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Tesla Model S brake suddenly for no reason?
8 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model S (10%) describe sudden, unexpected automatic braking ("phantom braking"). One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11452533, February 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2020 Tesla Model S?
7 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model S (8.8%) describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11545828, September 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Tesla Model S stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
5 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model S (6.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11545828, September 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes clunking or suspension noise in the 2020 Tesla Model S?
3 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model S (3.8%) describe suspension clunks, worn parts or air suspension failures. One owner wrote: "Here is a 2020 model s tesla in the junkyard https://www.iaai.com/vehicledetails/37268222?rownumber=4 it has done just 1000 miles since being factory gated. it has not been in a crash ( but that is only because the owner got lucky)." (NHTSA complaint 11352034, August 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2020 Tesla Model S?
3 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model S (3.8%) describe tire wear, blowouts or tire pressure warnings. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11636364, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Model S
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only.