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2020 Tesla Model Y reliability record

Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model Y — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.

Source-verified · 2026NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Official source ↗
NHTSA complaints
483
429 in the last 5 years
Top problem area
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
69 complaints
Recalls on record
23
see below
Reported harm
90 reported crashes · 40 injuries

What owners report fails — 2020 Tesla Model Y

  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL 69
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 52
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING 44
  • SERVICE BRAKES 35
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 35

23 recalls on record for the 2020 Tesla Model Y

  • NHTSA 26V283000 · 2026 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • NHTSA 24V935000 · 2025 · TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
  • NHTSA 23V838000 · 2024 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operatio
  • NHTSA 24V376000 · 2024 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during
  • NHTSA 24V554000 · 2024 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Look up these campaign numbers at NHTSA.gov →

Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2020 Tesla Model Y

A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.

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These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2020 Tesla Model Y units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Tesla Model Y reliable?

NHTSA has 483 consumer complaints on record for the 2020 Tesla Model Y and 23 recalls. The most-reported problem area is forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control (69 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2020 Tesla Model Y units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model Y?

Owners most often report problems with: forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control (69), unknown or other (52), forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (44), service brakes (35). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

How much does it cost to own a 2020 Tesla Model Y?

Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.

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