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ProblemsByVin Index / 2020-TESLA-MODEL-Y / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2020 Tesla Model Y owner complaints

271 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 2 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

other 9 complaints shown

12/28/2021 ODI #11445332.0

Backup camera intermittently fails to activate/engage when the vehicle is in reverse.

12/27/2023 ODI #11562115.0

This pertains to the new NHTSA recall 23V-838 that forces Tesla to issue an OTA update changing the use of autosteer and attention notifications. Prior to the new update, I would use autopilot to assist me while I change the climate controls or radio station. After the update, this would instantly notify me that I was not “paying attention” which I am. Eventually it would disable my ability to use auto steer. Large all screen in put makes it difficult for me to adjust basic amenities in the car such as climate controls and radio. Since the new update, I felt that my in ability to use autosteer to assist me has made this operation significantly less safe. Not being able to safely make inputs to the car infotainment has made it riskier. Being all screen, there is no tactile feedba

12/27/2020 ODI #11385146.0

I realized that model y 2020 doesn't not have pedestrian warnings speakers even though my car built is from 2020 (between june-august). I took this delivery of model y in early first week of september. I am wondering NHTSA mandate this law in september of 2019. Since my car do not have even produced in 2020. I am really concerned about pedestrian popping out from no where. There were some times I almost near miss pedestrians. This mandatory feature could have helped.

12/26/2025 ODI #11707184.0

Car was on complete auto pilot on mayland highway 270 and car suddenly took exit with any command and notification. Car was very close , few feet away from the guardrail at 55 mile per hour. This could have been a life threatening event with such decisions made by car. I saved all the dash cam videos of such two occurrence. I no longer have any trust in auto pilot software after too many mishaps with recent updates.

12/25/2023 ODI #11561744.0

ChatGPT Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Tesla Autopilot Changes (Campaign #23V-838) Dear NHTSA, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent required changes to Tesla's autopilot system under Campaign #23V-838. While I understand the importance of updates for safety, it appears that these modifications have had an adverse impact on the vehicle's safety and increased the potential dangers of driving. I urge the NHTSA to thoroughly investigate and address these issues to ensure the continued safety of Tesla vehicles on the road. Your prompt attention to this matter is crucial for the well-being of Tesla drivers and the public at large.

12/23/2022 ODI #11498713.0

The contact stated as he was driving behind a what he assumed was a 2020 Tesla Model Y when the vehicle suddenly stopped and turned to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle was traveling at approximately 40 MPH as it was approaching a toll plaza. The contact was unaware if the rear brake light had been illuminated on the Tesla. The contact stated that he almost t-boned the vehicle as it stopped and blocked the tow gate. The contact stated that he witnessed the vehicle stopping inadvertently several times. The contact was concerned as he read an article about Tesla vehicles suddenly stopping. The contact did not have the year or VIN of the vehicle.

12/22/2022 ODI #11498589.0

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control feature activated, the vehicle abruptly decelerated without warning. The contact stated that the dealer was made aware of the failure however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 700.

12/09/2020 4,000 mi ODI #11378667.0

My car is a 2020 model y, delivered on june 27, 2020. This fall, I've had an issue crop up that looks like it's been addressed in the past (at least for models s, x and 3 before march 31, 2019). The problem is that on several occasions (specifically on 11/26/20) while driving on city streets and with humid and cool weather (here in iowa) I've had a report on my display indicating that the b pillar camera is obscured. This, of course, would disable auto drive (including auto lane change) but I'm also concerned that this blind spot may mean that lane change protection during traffic aware cruise control (I.e. *not* auto drive) will not work, or not be very effective, either. The only formal reference I can locate for this problem is service bulletin sb-20-12-002 but the remedy proposed th

12/08/2020 1,400 mi Crash ODI #11378492.0

My 2020 model y lunged forward while sitting at a red light behind a pickup truck. I did not touch the accelerator ans the brake would not stop the car. I impacted the pickup truck and damaged the left center of the car front sliding under the pickup bumper. It was as though the car took over on it own. There was no reason for me to have my foot on the accelerator and I was stopped 6 feet back from the pickup in front of me. I am now afraid something is wrong with the car causing this to happen and it should be evaluated by Tesla. I reported this to Tesla and was told I would hear something back in 3-5 weeks. The damage can be fixed to the car but I am now fearful of driving it.

lighting 2 complaints shown

9 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $250 · see lighting cluster analysis →
12/31/2021 ODI #11445730.0

Turn signal causes excessive glare effect on the side repeater cameras during nighttime use. Driver is unable to view blind spot camera feed properly when engaging in a lane change.

12/21/2022 ODI #11498456.0

This occurs driving on Highway 50 between Placerville, CA and Meyers, CA a predominantly 2 lane winding mountain highway bounded by many cliffs and rocks. The only way to properly engage the high beam lights is to activate the automatic high beam system. The lights inappropriately switch to low beams leaving me on a curvy road with insufficient light to see the curves. In some cases I need to hold the high beam flash control which does not allow me to keep both hands on the steering while while navigating that road. The vehicle needs a typical manual high beam control as I think the automatic system does not work safely when the cameras receive light bouncing off the rocks and snow. Virtually all cars have a manual control for this important light. This makes for a very dangerous dri

cruise control 2 complaints shown

27 total in this category · severe · avg repair $600 · see cruise control cluster analysis →
12/30/2024 ODI #11633239.0

On drives longer than 40 miles, camera faults cause cruise control systems to degrade in function and then when the faults are cleared, full functionality resumes without driver alerts. Side repeater camera feeds and rear camera feeds inconsistently load, or take an extended time period to load (10+ seconds). Tesla has confirmed that the autopilot computer (HW3) likely needs to be replaced, but this error/messaging is not directly accessible to the customer. The inconsistent failure behavior of the vehicle could easily lead less technical owners/drivers to incorrectly interpret how the car is behaving. The only message you receive while driving could be that 'cruise control is not available', and 'automatic emergency braking unavailable' with a message that the features may be restored la

12/22/2022 ODI #11498494.0

Phantom braking during a drive on highway. Out of no where, the car breaks even when there is no one stopping in front of you. This resulted in car behind panicking and almost rear ending.

steering 2 complaints shown

26 total in this category · severe · avg repair $700 · see steering cluster analysis →
12/27/2023 ODI #11561985.0

This year I was charged $650 to replace both upper control arms, lower suspension links that I now find out was a known quality problem with Tesla. No recalls were issued despite this being a safety concern for drivers since it affects steering. I read that Tesla told service employees to tell customers that they had "abused" their car and that was the reason for the failure. I drive on perfect roads and without any load in the car, so clearly I didn't abuse it. It began with a Creaking sound when making a sharp turn or parking from steering or front suspension They replaced: Replaced LH Front Upper Control Arm. Replaced RH Front Upper Control Arm. Replaced LH compliance Lower Front Suspension Link. Replaced RH Aft Lower Front Suspension Link. NOTE: I tried two different browsers buy

12/04/2025 ODI #11702982.0

I would hear squeaking/tearing/rattling noises, this was found to be due to malfunctioning/broken nuts and compliance arms and control arms. This happened three times so far, attached are two repairs that was required previously. Per report with Tesla staff, this has been a recurring issue. Per additional Tesla owners, this has been a frequent issue amongst many different Tesla forums. Now I have to get it repaired for the third time. I bought a used Tesla that was certified by Tesla, problems occured at 37876 miles, but car was bought at 34529 miles.

suspension 2 complaints shown

19 total in this category · severe · avg repair $900 · see suspension cluster analysis →
12/13/2020 1,000 mi ODI #11383251.0

This is a complaint about systemic failures in Tesla suspension components that affect all years and models of teslas on the roads. Please note that I have used the VIN of a random Tesla model y since the VIN of the car in question is unavailable. Here is a link to a video in which an owner shows his car broken down on the side of the road because the front control arm has simply fallen off the car. Https://www.tiktok.com/[xxx]/video/6904844653024054533 this failure could easily have caused a fatal crash and it is most likely that the failed control arm would not have been identified as the cause of the crash. Do you really think that this kind of thing is acceptable? Are you just going to let lord elon continue to get away with murder?? Am I really the unhinged one? [xxx] I

12/04/2020 6,000 mi ODI #11377929.0

Here is a model y in the junkyard. Https://www.iaai.com/vehicledetails/38263120?rownumber=1 the back wheel has fallen off because the hub carrier has cracked off the brake rotor. It looks as though the cast monkey metal assembly is made to the usual Tesla quality standards. The back of the car has collapsed like a souffl hit by a sledgehammer.. I don't suppose you'll be taking any action. Wouldn't want to upset lord elon would you? Have a great day. Keef

powertrain 1 complaint shown

5 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
12/30/2020 3,000 mi ODI #11385619.0

Autopilot/cruise control disengage function should not be on activated by selecting up/reverse on the gear selector. Car inadvertently went into r reverse when disengage was commanded. Narrative: car was on interstate at highway speed with navigate on autopilot and adaptive cruise control on. An accident occurred on the expressway and the state police began to shut down the road. The car successfully and safely automatically stopped behind traffic in front. Police began directing stopped traffic to move off roadway. I selected "up" or disengage on the gear selector and the car instead went into reverse. I stepped on accelerator and car moved backwards without warning. Disengage autopilot/adas needs to be a separate function and different control motion from selecting r reverse like on mode

electrical 1 complaint shown

21 total in this category · severe · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
12/29/2021 ODI #11445488.0

While driving on a surface street, the vehicle stalled with very little time of warning for me to pull to the side of the road. The car came to a complete stop before I had a chance to completely pull over, leaving me in a vulnerable position. If this would have happened on the freeway I would have been definitely stranded in a potentially deadly situation. After calling Tesla Roadside Assistance a tow truck pulled the car to a Tesla service station. Tesla allegedly fixed the issue by replacing the Drive Inverter unit: ASY, DRIVE INV, 3DU, 810A, SIC, REAR(1079924-15-H), see document attached.

body 1 complaint shown

12 total in this category · severe · avg repair $1,500 · see body cluster analysis →
12/28/2020 Crash ODI #11385350.0

I was in a parking garage next to my work and was parking between two cars, I was coming to a complete stop when my car suddenly accelerated and hit the pillar on the left side. It was only a few seconds and I applied the brakes and put the car on park. This is a brand new car with less than 500 miles on it. I felt that the car suddenly accelerated when I was completely stopping. Later, I found out that this has been reported with other Tesla vehicles in a parking garage similar to my situation. Tesla still has not provided the report to me saying it is proprietary information, but take no responsibility. Damages has cost me almost $10,000. I have been driving for more than 30 years and I have a perfect driving record.

Showing 300 of 271 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Tesla/Model Y#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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