2020 Tesla Model S problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 80 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Tesla Model S, filed between 2020-06-30 and 2026-05-11. The most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (23, 29%), suspension (14, 18%) and steering (10, 13%). Owners reported 16 crashes and 8 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2020 Tesla Model S complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 23 | 29% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 14 | 18% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 14 | 18% | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| Steering | 10 | 13% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 10% | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 9% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Power train | 6 | 8% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 4 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Forward collision avoidance: 23 complaints
- 23 complaints of 80 (29%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 5 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2020 Tesla Model S; the latest, campaign 24V153000, says: “A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.”
Suspension: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 80 (18%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- 3 of them also name the steering; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Tesla Model S covers this system.
Steering: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 80 (13%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 3 of them also name the suspension; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2020 Tesla Model S; the latest, campaign 23V085000, says: “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…”
Vehicle speed control: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 80 (10%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 3 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 3 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Tesla Model S covers this system.
Electrical system: 7 complaints
- 7 complaints of 80 (9%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 2 of them also name the seat belts; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- 5 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2020 Tesla Model S; the latest, campaign 24V051000, says: “An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.”
Power train: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 80 (8%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- Owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Tesla Model S covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MODEL S, MODEL S (ALL VARIANTS), model year 2020. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2020 Tesla Model S recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model S?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2020 Tesla Model S's most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (23 of 80 complaints), suspension (14 of 80 complaints) and steering (10 of 80 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2020 Tesla Model S have?
NHTSA has 80 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Tesla Model S, including 16 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Tesla Model S's problems?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model S; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.