2020 Tesla Model s problems
The Tesla Model S is a battery electric executive car with a liftback body style built by Tesla, Inc. since 2012. The Model S features a battery-powered dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout, although earlier versions featured a rear-motor and rear-wheel drive layout.
Development of the Model S began prior to 2007, under the codename "WhiteStar". The Model S was officially announced on June 30, 2008, and a prototype vehicle was unveiled in March 2009. The Model S debuted on June 22, 2012. A revised, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version, known as the 60D, debuted on October 9, 2014. The 60D was followed by the 70D, which made dual-motor and all-wheel drive the standard, followed by the 85D, P85D, and P90D. Along with these updates, Tesla offered the Autopilot driving assistance system. The first major design refresh came in April 2016 when the Model S was updated with a new front hood design. In October of the same year, hardware became standard that supports Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) capability. As part of the update, integrated standard cameras around the car were added. In February 2017 the Tesla Model S P100D debuted, which included a revised motor and was the first electric vehicle to have an EPA estimated range exceeding 300 miles (483 km). The second major design refresh, codenamed "Palladium", was introduced in June 2021, offering a new "Plaid" performance model, along with a revised interior, powertrain, and suspension.
The Model S became the first electric car to top the monthly new-car-sales ranking in any country, leading twice in Norway, in September and December 2013 and in Denmark in December 2015. Sales passed 250,000 units in September 2018. The Model S was the top-selling plug-in electric car worldwide in 2015 and 2016, although it was later surpassed by the Model 3. Upon its release, the Model S received positive reviews, with praise for its acceleration and range, although initial models received criticism for their high cost and braking issues.
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Common 2020 Tesla Model s problems
The Tesla Model S, despite being a trailblazer in the electric vehicle movement, has faced some challenges over the years. While it requires routine maintenance like any other vehicle, some specific issues have been reported by owners of the 2020 model. Here are the common problems with the Tesla Model S 2020 based on complaints from owners:
- Exterior Accessories Problems: Some owners have reported issues with exterior accessories, such as sensors and doors. These problems can be costly to repair, with an average cost of around $1,000 to $2,000.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues have also been reported by some 2020 Model S owners. These problems can range from minor inconveniences to significant malfunctions that affect the vehicle's performance and safety.
- AC & Heater Problems: A few owners have reported issues with the air conditioning and heating systems in their 2020 Model S vehicles. These problems can affect the comfort and safety of the vehicle, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
- Interior Accessories Problems: Some owners have reported issues with interior accessories, such as the vehicle display screen. These problems can affect the functionality and usability of the vehicle, particularly for drivers who rely on the display screen for navigation and other features.
- Suspension Problems: Suspension issues have also been reported by some 2020 Model S owners. These problems can affect the ride quality and safety of the vehicle, particularly on rough or uneven roads.
- Transmission Problems: A small number of owners have reported issues with the transmission in their 2020 Model S vehicles. These problems can affect the performance and drivability of the vehicle, particularly during acceleration and deceleration.
It's important to note that the 2020 Model S has not faced any major recalls, but these issues can still be costly to repair if they occur outside of the vehicle's warranty period. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's touchscreen malfunctioning, air suspension errors, and leaking sunroofs.
Is Tesla S model reliable?
We expect the 2024 Model S will be less reliable than the average new car.
Are 2020 Teslas good?
Overview. Now in its fourth model year, the Tesla Model 3 manages to be efficient, luxurious and fun to drive. For those reasons and more, the Tesla Model 3 is Edmunds' top-rated Luxury Electric Vehicle for 2020.
What are the disadvantages of Tesla Model S?
Cons: Charging your car at home results in an electricity bill that is not as cheap as I had anticipated. The registration costs are over $1,000, significantly higher compared to the $200 registration fee for my previous car. The car insurance costs considerably more as well.
What is the best year for Tesla Model S?
Overall, the Tesla Model S is not a very reliable selection if you care about dependability. If you get the car, we recommend the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 options for the best results. We hope this information is beneficial!
2020 Tesla Model s complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Tesla Model s.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2020 Tesla Model s recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the 2020 Tesla Model s.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
- Summary: 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 exceed posted speed limits.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
- Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
- Consequence: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2020 Tesla Model s car reviews
Positive 2020 Tesla Model s car reviews
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Performance version with Ludicrous +. Need I say more? Smart with frequent online upgrades, giving you close to autonomous driving. Easy because Tesla has figured out how to educate its owners and drivers with the big board. No range anxiety with home charge and superchargers everywhere. Quick is something to experience.
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The Tesla S is such a pleasure to own! I liked it so much that I ordered a new one. The service has been fantastic, with house calls made for certain issues. It's been a great experience overall!
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The acceleration in this car is amazing! It corners better than my BMW 5 series. The interior is elegant with a touch of simplicity.
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I absolutely love my vehicle! It's truly an engineering marvel and I can't imagine ever going back to an ICE vehicle. I'm even planning on getting a Cybertruck for my next vehicle! The cargo space is amazing and makes travel a breeze. Charging is also a breeze - just plug in for 30 seconds in my garage or use one of the many Tesla chargers available when traveling. Plus, I even get free charging! The only downside is that repairs can be a bit of a challenge.
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Do you know where the charging stations are located? Even though electric cars use more air conditioning or speed, you will need to recharge. When I went to Vegas, I had 138 miles to start with. I went to EVCO charges, but it took forever. If possible, go to Tesla fast chargers. I had 138 miles to start, then went to EVCO and charged to 150. I had to stop in Barstow to get a full charge. When I reached Vegas, I had 20 miles left. I went out searching for charging stations and found that certain hotels charge a ripoff valet fee of $20 or more just to claim they have charging stations. Then I found a Tesla station and got a full charge. I started my journey back home to California and stopped at a Shell station to get a full charge. I left with 38 miles and went to Inland Center in San Bernardino to recharge to the amount given to me from the beginning. Otherwise, you will be charged $25. I really don't know my charges until I get my credit card statement. I'm sure I'm going to faint.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Tesla Model s problems:
What are some common Tesla Model S problems and how much do ...
May 22, 2023 ... Some common problems reported by Tesla Model S owners include: 1. Door handle issues: Some owners have experienced problems with the ...
Model S Late 2020? | Tesla Motors Club
Jun 8, 2023 ... before only the model Y. The thing I read about the rear shaft with hard acceleration is that's a common problem on the S, that comes back, even ...
Why does Consumer Reports score the 2020 Model S so poorly? : r ...
Sep 18, 2023 ... My 2020 Model S had going wrong in 25k miles ( 3 x half shafts , 2 x headlights, trunk actuator) .On top of that there was trunk misalignment, ...
Here Are The Tesla Model S Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Jun 28, 2023 ... Common complaints · Exterior Accessories Problems 3 · Electrical Problems 2 · AC & Heater Problems 1 · Interior Accessories Problems 1 · Suspension ...
Used model S - what should i be concerned about? : r/teslamotors
Mar 6, 2022 ... What problems are known with the SCF (Super charger free) models? ... same car as the 2020 pre Raven cars. updated ... https://tesla-info.com/blog/ ...
Other years of Tesla Model s
Are you having problems with your 2020 Tesla Model s?
Lorenza O'Reilly 2025-01-06
UPDATE: Hi everyone, I wanted to share my recent experience with my Tesla Model S. While driving on the highway, I heard a loud screeching/grinding noise and pulled over to find a large metal piece hanging from the bottom of my car. After bringing it into the shop, I was informed that Tesla had failed to properly attach the piece of steel to the bottom of the car. Although it was frustrating to deal with, the issue was resolved and I'm happy to report that my car is running smoothly now. ORIGINAL REVIEW: I did encounter some challenges during the purchasing process, but overall I'm happy with my Tesla Model S. I had to provide multiple appraisals for my trade-in, which was time-consuming, but ultimately worth it. While I had some questions about Autopilot, the documentation provided was helpful and I'm satisfied with the features I received. Unfortunately, my car arrived with a damaged door, but Tesla was quick to schedule a repair appointment and take care of the issue. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience!(4) Unfortunately, my spare key is not working. I am unsure if there was a mix-up with another customer's key. This situation is causing me some concern, and I am hesitant to leave any valuables in my car. (5) When I reached out to Tesla representatives regarding these issues, I did not receive a response for several days. I had to follow up multiple times with different representatives before receiving a reply. The response I eventually received was simply to make a service appointment through the App, which I found disappointing. Given the difficulties I have experienced, I had hoped for a more accommodating response from the Tesla team.
Nathanael Lowe 2024-05-25
The car has some quality issues that can be compared to YUGO. The experience can feel like a lottery, where you may get a car with minor issues and enjoy the acceleration until the battery overheats. However, getting service for it can be challenging. If you are looking for go-cart performance with kit car quality, TESLA is the right car. But if you prioritize quality and reliability, a Tesla may not be the best option.
Elwyn Grimes 2024-03-09
The advertised mileage is not accurate. The Autopilot system experiences frequent malfunctions. The navigation system lacks intelligence and versatility in searching, often providing less desirable routes. The side mirrors obstruct the driver's front view, and the seats are awkward and uncomfortable for necks.
Rodrick Lockman 2024-02-18
Tesla has multiple supercharging stations, but unfortunately, some of them may not be functioning properly. This can cause inconvenience and delay in charging your car. It is recommended to check the availability of charging points before planning your trip. However, Tesla is constantly working to improve their charging infrastructure and provide a better experience for their customers.
Travis Funk 2024-01-08
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Tesla lately. While my expectations were high, I was disappointed with some aspects of the car. The body panels do not line up and the gaps vary, which is a bit of a letdown. The wheels also sit irregularly in the wheel wells. The interior is a bit dark and the door sill is high, but the roof bar is low. The interior panels do not match each other or the exterior, which is a shame. The seat is a bit small and uncomfortable, and the safety belt buckle is difficult to reach. It would be great if the seat could move back a few more inches. The sun can be a bit intense through the glass roof. The car handles like a boat and can be a bit tricky to park. The backup camera could use some improvement. The carputer can be slow and the icons on the screen are small and not very intuitive. The ride height adjustment can also be a bit erratic. However, despite these issues, the car is still a great ride. The braking performance of the Tesla is not up to modern standards, but it is comparable to vehicles from 20 years ago. However, the screen is positioned too far away to be easily reached and the icons could be larger. Additionally, the B-pillar obstructs peripheral vision and can be uncomfortable to exit from. Despite these issues, the Tesla does have good acceleration up to 10 MPH. Overall, while there are some design flaws, the Tesla is still an interesting vehicle to consider.