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Tesla · Compact SUV

2020 Tesla Model Y

Electric
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
3 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
51 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 24
Complaints48 crash · 26 injured reported 283
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
EV rangebest configuration, EPA 316 mi
202720262025202420232022202120202019

The 2020 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as an electric compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model Y Long Range AWD, is EPA-rated at 316 miles with 121 MPGe combined efficiency. NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 283 complaints, most often about the forward collision avoidance. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Tesla Model Y — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Tesla Model Y · Photo: © M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
Model Y Long Range AWDElectricAWD158 and 203 kW AC 3-Phase127114121 MPGe316 mi27.910 h$650
Model Y Performance AWDElectricAWD147 and 211 kW AC 3-Phase129112121 MPGe315 mi28.010 h$650
Model Y Performance AWD (21in Wheels)ElectricAWD158 and 219 kW AC 3-Phase116106111 MPGe291 mi30.410 h$700

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 42916, 42474, 42816.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Model Y Long Range AWD, Model Y Performance AWD, Model Y Performance AWD (21in Wheels)10 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 0 / California ZEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay Elite

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors5
GVWR classClass 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)

Fuel Economy

FuelElectric

Seating

Seat rows2
Seating capacity5 seats

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds1

Driver assistance

Standard: Adaptive cruise control, Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking, Rear cross-traffic alert

Optional: Parking assist

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim. Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

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Recalls (24)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Exterior Lighting

SB-24-17-003
20,349 vehicles
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Risk Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
NHTSA campaign 26V507000 reported Aug 4, 2026 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Back Over Prevention

SB-26-00-001
218,868 vehicles built Jan 9, 2020 – Oct 10, 2020
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." Risk A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
NHTSA campaign 26V283000 reported May 4, 2026 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Tires

SB-24-00-018
696,281 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems." Risk Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
NHTSA campaign 24V935000 reported Dec 17, 2024 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Latches/Locks/Linkages

SB-24-00-012
1,849,638 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened. Risk An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V554000 reported Jul 24, 2024 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Seat Belts

SB-24-00-008
125,233 vehicles 90% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V376000 reported May 28, 2024 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Electrical System

SB-24-00-006
6,557 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V153000 reported Feb 27, 2024 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Electrical System

SB-24-00-003
2,193,869 vehicles
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V051000 reported Jan 30, 2024 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

SB-23-00-008
2,031,220 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V838000 reported Dec 12, 2023 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

SB-23-00-001
362,758 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem 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 exc 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V085000 reported Feb 15, 2023 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Exterior Lighting

SB-22-00-016
321,628 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate. Risk A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V844000 reported Nov 15, 2022 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Visibility

SB-22-00-013
1,096,762 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems." Risk A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V702000 reported Sep 19, 2022 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Electrical System

SB-22-00-003
594,894 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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-
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V235000 reported Apr 12, 2022 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Electrical System

SB-22-00-003
578,607 vehicles
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V063000 reported Feb 4, 2022 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Visibility

SB-22-18-002
26,681 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems." Risk Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V050000 reported Feb 2, 2022 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Electrical System

SB-22-00-002
817,143 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Risk The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Fix Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V045000 reported Feb 1, 2022 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

SB-22-00-001
53,822 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V037000 reported Jan 27, 2022 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

SB-21-31-004
826 vehicles 85% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate. Risk Suspension links that separate can reduce vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla Service will inspect and replace the knuckles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-004.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V912000 reported Nov 21, 2021 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Forward Collision Avoidance

SB-21-00-004
11,728 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V846000 reported Oct 29, 2021 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

SB-21-31-003
2,791 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. Risk A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V835000 reported Oct 25, 2021 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

SB-21-33-002
5,974 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim. Risk Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V387000 reported May 25, 2021 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

SB-21-20-001
5,530 vehicles 91% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached. Risk An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
NHTSA campaign 21V389000 reported May 25, 2021 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

SB-21-20-002
2,166 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors may not be properly attached. Risk Improperly attached fasteners may prevent the seat belt retention system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Tesla Service will inspect and replace both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-002.
NHTSA campaign 21V388000 reported May 25, 2021 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

SB-20-31-012
401 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles. The bolts connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may have not been properly tightened, allowing the upper control arm to detach from the steering knuckle. Risk A detached upper control arm can cause the wheels to lean in or out, decreasing the driver's ability to steer and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-20-31-012.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V709000 reported Nov 17, 2020 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Exterior Lighting

SB-20-00-002
2,567 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles equipped with a global rear lamp and tow package configuration. A software error prevents the illumination of trailer brake lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Risk Trailer brake lights that fail to illuminate during braking increase the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla will notify owners, and has released the firmware update over-the-air (OTA) to vehicles as of September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-20-00-002.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V609000 reported Sep 30, 2020 Tesla, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Adas — FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond. ODI will evaluate the performance of FSD in degraded roadway conditions and the updates or modifications by Tesla to the degradation detection system, including the timing, purpose, and capabilities of the updates, and Tesla’s assessment of their safety impact. Tesla’s FSD is an advanced

Opened Mar 18, 2026 · action EA26002 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas — Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged open

The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that Tesla has labeled as "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)." Tesla characterizes FSD as an SAE Level 2 partial automation system requiring a fully attentive driver who is engaged in the driving task at all times. Level 2 partial automation systems are designed to support and assist the driver in performing certain aspects of the driving task, requiring a driver to supervise and intervene as necessary.  The driver remains

Opened Oct 7, 2025 · action PE25012 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas — Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements open

The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the Standing General Order in place at the time required a report to be submitted within one or five days of Tesla receiving notice of the crash. When the reports were submitted, Tesla submitted them in one of two ways. Many of the reports were submitted as part of a single batch, while others were submitted on a rolling basis. Preliminary engagement between ODI and T

Opened Aug 20, 2025 · action AQ25002 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving — Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts. closed

On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to Tesla, Summon is a short-distance SAE Level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by Tesla as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify Summon incidents resulting in crashes. ODI's analysis indicates that almost all Summon reported crashes involved minor property damage claims with no reported incidents involving a vu

Opened Jan 6, 2025 · closed Apr 3, 2026 · action PE24033 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas — FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions closed

On October 17, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031) of Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) to assess: the ability of the FSD system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other FSD crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are similar in nature to the four SGO-reported crashes identified in the opening document, and if so, the contributing circumstances for each of those crashes; and any updates or modifications by Tesla to the FSD system that may affect the performance of FSD in degraded roadway visibility

Opened Oct 17, 2024 · closed Mar 18, 2026 · action PE24031 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas:Driver Monitoring:Software — Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system, which Tesla described as an SAE Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of Tesla’s Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer. In describing the safety defect, Tesla’s Defect Information Report (DIR) explained that “the prominence and scope of the system’s controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse,” and Tesla committed to the deployme

Opened Apr 25, 2024 · action RQ24009 · the investigation’s page →

Vehicle Speed Control — Sudden Unintended Acceleration open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the DP20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number: 11528471.

Opened Jun 29, 2023 · action DP23002 · the investigation’s page →

Unknown Or Other — Defect Petition Interlock Request closed

On March 21, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting a “recall of all Tesla cars” produced from 2013 to the date on which the petition was filed due to what Petitioner considers to be the increased likelihood of pedal misapplication. Attached to the Petition is a paper authored by Petitioner. According to Petitioner, the differences in the operator controls between the subject Tesla vehicles and internal combustion engine powered vehicles promote driver pedal misapplication, leading to sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) incidents. To fix this alleged defect, Petitioner argues that the subject vehicles should be equipped with measures that require: (i)

Opened Apr 7, 2023 · closed Mar 18, 2026 · action DP23001 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021. On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject mat

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System — Autopilot System Driver Controls closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded PE21020 to EA22002 on June 8, 2022, to extend work and deepen the PE21020 crash analysis, to supplement that analysis with additional data, and to perform vehicle evaluations to understand how Tesla’s Autopilot system may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver’s supervision. To support this work, ODI collected additional crash information and assessed vehicle control authority, driver engagement technologies, and related human factors considerations associated with partial automation via analysis of peer vehicle data and hands-on vehicle evaluation, assessments from NHTSA human fact

Opened Jun 8, 2022 · closed Apr 25, 2024 · action EA22002 · the investigation’s page →

Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:Receptacle — Tesla Passenger Play closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-023) on December 21, 2021, to evaluate the driver distraction potential and use frequency / circumstances of in-vehicle game-play functionality referred to as ?Passenger Play? in certain model year (MY) 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3, S, X, and Y vehicles. Distracted driving can result in an increased risk of a crash. PE21-023 was prompted by the receipt of Vehicle Owners Questionnaire (VOQ) 11439598 from the owner of a 2021 Model 3 on November 6, 2021. ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Tesla on January 20, 2022 and received Tesla?s response on March 4, 2022. On December 24, 2020, Tesla introduced Passenger P

Opened Dec 21, 2021 · closed May 26, 2023 · action PE21023 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Adas — Autopilot & First Responder Scenes closed

On August 13, 2021, NHTSA?s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-020) to assess the performance of Tesla?s Autopilot system (a system characterized by Tesla as an SAE Level 2 driving automation system designed to support and assist the driver in performing the driving task) available in Tesla vehicles. The investigation opening was motivated by an accumulation of crashes in which Tesla vehicles, operating with Autopilot engaged, struck stationary in-road or roadside first responder vehicles tending to pre-existing collision scenes. Upon opening the investigation, NHTSA indicated that the PE would also evaluate additional similar circumstance crashes of

Opened Aug 13, 2021 · closed Jun 8, 2022 · action PE21020 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Model Y

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2020 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Tesla publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2020 Tesla Model Y, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2020 Tesla Model Y

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Model Y →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
283complaints filed

48 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 26 injuries · 0 deaths reported

59 per 10,000 built · Tesla reported 48,016 Model Y built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2020: 25 · 2021: 28 · 2022: 95 · 2023: 51 · 2024: 40 · 2025: 23 · 2026: 21

Most-cited components

Unspecified 57
Lane Departure 38
Service Brakes 37
Vehicle Speed Control 37
Suspension 32

In depth: automatic emergency braking problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

While traveling on northbound US-101, the infotainment/dashboard screen froze. The climate control suddenly went full blast on the coldest setting, speedometer stopped updating, and all infotainment/dashboard controls were unresponsive. The turn signals appeared to work, but stopped making its clicking sound.
Electrical System at 7,800 miles Mar 31, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11405863
Automatic vehicle hold disabled. Regenerative braking disabled. Traction control disabled. Stability control disabled. Steering assist reduced. I was turned 360 degrees when trying to turn left. Car was sliding during drive
Service Brakes at 4,932 miles Feb 18, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11396845
Here is a 2020 Model Y terdsla in the junkyard. Iaai. Com/vehicledetails/38946687?rownumber=12 the back wheel has gone walkabout. The hub carrier has cracked off from the brake rotor. This is a manufacturing supply chain failure. This could easily have caused a fatal crash. Please investigate this alarming incident.
Suspension at 1,000 miles Feb 6, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11394980
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.
Structure at 480 miles Dec 28, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11385350
NHTSA is conducting investigations into Tesla suspension breakages. Here is further evidence that the breakages are not restricted to certain models and certain years but are generic to all teslas and caused by low quality suspension and steering components. Iaai.
Steering at 1,000 miles Nov 28, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11376867
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while his wife was driving into the driveway of their resident, the vehicle accelerated forward without warning and crashed into the garage. No air bags deployed. The contact mentioned the safety collision did not function.
Vehicle Speed Control at 800 miles Nov 16, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11374936

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Tesla itself: 9 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 12 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 19 per 100,000 built. Every Model Y model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 5k

miles, typically

Half the 51 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 1,000 and 22,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 32
10k–20k 5
20k–30k 4
30k–40k 2
40k–50k 3
50k–60k 0
60k–70k 1
70k–80k 2
80k–90k 1
90k–100k 1
100k–150k 0
150k + 0

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Suspension142,0000.22×
Forward Collision Avoidance124,0000.42×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2020-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: suspension (0.22×), forward collision avoidance (0.42×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Across 2020–2022 model years the Tesla Model Y ranks 2 of 79 nameplates in the odometer-at-first-complaint study: owners reported problems at 0.27× the mileage of vehicles the same age (median 7,000 miles against a fleet 23,512).

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★8%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Driver-assist crash reports (109)

Source: NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01
109reports filed

2 fatality · 2 no injury reported · 105 severity unknown

Nov 2020 to Sep 2026 · 99 with an air bag deployment · 7 towed

What was engaged, and what was hit

System named: not named in the filings

Crash partner: Other 45 · Passenger Car 23 · Unknown 18 · SUV 9

Filed by: Tesla, Inc.

IncidentSystemStruckInjury allegedStateSpeedReport
Aug 2026Level 2UnknownunknownCO15 mph13781-16231
Jul 2026Level 2UnknownunknownNY53 mph13781-16099
Dec 2025Level 2First Responder VehicleunknownOH27 mph13781-13434
Jul 2025Level 2OtherunknownFL—13781-11448
Jul 2025Level 2Passenger CarunknownCA15 mph13781-11437
Apr 2025Level 2SUVunknownTX62 mph13781-10537
Mar 2025Level 2SUVunknownCA37 mph13781-10375
Feb 2025Level 2UnknownunknownFL35 mph13781-10101
Dec 2024Level 2OtherunknownNJ—13781-9515
Dec 2024Level 2UnknownunknownFL46 mph13781-9498
Nov 2024Level 2OtherunknownNJ64 mph13781-9292
Aug 2024Level 2OtherunknownPA15 mph13781-8461

Showing the 12 most recent of 109; every one is in this page’s JSON and the dataset.

A report under the General Order is a notice the manufacturer or operator must file within days of hearing of a crash in which a Level 2 driver-assist or automated-driving system was engaged within 30 seconds of impact. It is filed before anything is verified, and entities with telematics hear of far more crashes than entities that rely on complaints, so counts say as much about the reporting as about the car and are not comparable across makes. Nothing is normalised by fleet size. Every report on file, by make and year → · NHTSA’s page and files

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 104
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-08-15
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 64 service bulletins, 40 over-the-air updates

Most often about: Unknown Or Other, Equipment, Structure, Electrical System, Air Bags.

  • SB-26-18-002 Service bulletin
    2026-08-15 · Unknown Or Other
  • On some Model Y vehicles built before February 28, 2026, the design of the HVAC inlet duct may lead to water ingress into the air filter and/or vehicle interior. If the vehicle is brought into Service for cabin air filter replacement due to a musty or moldy smell from the HVAC system, water dripping from the vents or water pooling into the RH footwell carpet, inspect the vehicle for symptoms relat
  • SB-25-31-004 Service bulletin
    2025-06-24 · Suspension
  • A firmware diagnosis feature is being introduced on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that monitors wheel alignment over time. This feature detects changes in wheel alignment that may be related to incorrect tire pressures, degraded ball joints, bushings or damaged suspension links. If the feature determines that an inspection at a Tesla Service Center is required, a customer-facing alert will appear o
  • SB-24-11-006 Service bulletin
    2024-10-25 · Structure — Body
  • On certain Model Y vehicles, the LH and/or RH rear primary body seals might cause wind noise in the cabin.
  • fsd-12-5-4-1_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the
  • fsd-12-5-4_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the
  • fsd-12-5-3_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the
  • 2024.38_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the
  • 2024.26.9_s3xy.pdf Over-the-air update
    2024-09-30 · Unknown Or Other
  • Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2020 Tesla Model Y failed the safety inspection on 2.0% of first inspections — close to the 1.6% for every 2020 model-year vehicle inspected.

New York inspections 2.0%

failed the safety inspection

1,103 initial inspections of 1,082 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2020 Model YEvery 2020 vehicleBehind it
Failed the safety inspection2.0%1.6%1,103
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0%0.19%1,103
Miles driven a year10,5519,980odometer at inspection
Average odometer65,90762,630odometer at inspection

Electric vehicles get no emissions test in New York, so the safety inspection is the record here. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2020 vehicle” is every 2020 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Common questions about the 2020 Model Y

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2020 Tesla Model Y have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 24 recall campaigns for the 2020 Tesla Model Y. The most serious on file is 26V507000, covering Exterior Lighting. 1 of them was filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2020 Tesla Model Y?

NHTSA gave the 2020 Tesla Model Y 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 5-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (51/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Tesla Model Y?

Across the 3 EPA-rated configurations of the 2020 Tesla Model Y, the longest EPA range is 316 miles on a charge. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What do owners complain about on the 2020 Tesla Model Y?

Owners have filed 283 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Tesla Model Y, most often about forward collision avoidance, unspecified, lane departure. Of those, 48 involved a crash, 26 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2020 Tesla Model Y?

The EPA smog rating for the 2020 Tesla Model Y is 10 out of 10. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California ZEV, Federal Tier 3 Bin 0 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2020 Tesla Model Y?

The manufacturer has filed 104 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2020 Tesla Model Y, most often covering unknown or other, equipment, structure. The most recent is dated 2026-08-15. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2020 Tesla Model Y do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2020 Tesla Model Y failed the safety inspection on 2.0% of first inspections — close to the 1.6% for every 2020 model-year vehicle inspected. The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations3 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates3 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls24NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints283NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings1 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins104NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations12NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reports109NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01Crashes the manufacturer or operator reported with a Level 2 or automated-driving system engaged. Notices, filed before verification; not comparable across makes.
Specifications filed with NHTSA8 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

JSON for this page · API