The 2020 Model Y shares most DNA with the Model 3 but adds weight and complexity. Early production units suffer from build quality inconsistencies, suspension issues, and the usual Tesla electric drive unit problems that plagued earlier platforms.
Rear Drive Unit Failure (Whining, Milling Noise)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: High-pitched whine or grinding from rear axle, especially during acceleration, Clunking or vibration on launch, Grease seepage visible around drive unit housing
Fix: Complete drive unit replacement required; Tesla warrants to 8yr/120k on drivetrain but out-of-warranty is a major job. 4-6 hours labor to drop and swap. Reman units available but scarce outside Tesla service.
Estimated cost: $5,000-8,000
Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Separation
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Steering wander or loose feel, Visible play when prying on upper control arm (recall item NHTSA 21V-888)
Fix: Tesla issued recall for front upper control arms with insufficient bonding. Replacement requires full alignment afterward. 2.5-3 hours per side. Covered under recall if not already performed, otherwise aftermarket arms available.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
HVAC Evaporator Coil Leak / Cabin Heating Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Reduced or no heat in cabin during winter, A/C blows warm or cycles intermittently, Moisture or condensation visible inside cabin near dash, Refrigerant low on diagnostic scan
Fix: Evaporator coil failure or heat pump valve issues require full dash removal to access HVAC assembly. This is a 12-16 hour job, extremely labor-intensive. Tesla TSB covers some early units but many fall outside coverage window.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
12V Battery Premature Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 20,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: Vehicle won't wake from sleep, no door handle presentation, Repeated warnings on screen about 12V system, Complete loss of all functions, can't open doors or frunk
Fix: The small lead-acid 12V battery (powers computers, locks, screens) fails early and often. Tesla now ships lithium 12V in newer builds. Replacement is straightforward, 0.5 hours, but requires proper shutdown procedure to avoid errors. OEM Tesla battery recommended.
Estimated cost: $250-400
Tailgate Liftgate Struts and Alignment Issues
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Power liftgate moves slowly or fails to open fully, Manual close requires excessive force or won't latch, Visible misalignment, uneven gaps around tailgate seal, Water intrusion into cargo area after rain
Fix: Early Model Y had inconsistent panel gaps and weak liftgate struts. Strut replacement 1 hour, alignment adjustment another 1-2 hours. Some units also need latch recalibration via Tesla toolbox software.
Estimated cost: $400-800
High Voltage Coolant Leak (Inverter or Battery Cooling)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Orange/pink coolant puddle under vehicle (glycol-based HV coolant), Reduced charging speed or charge rate limited message, Powertrain warning on screen, limp mode activation, Overheating alerts during fast charging
Fix: HV coolant system has multiple potential leak points: inverter connections, battery pack fittings, or coolant heater. Diagnosis requires pressure test of HV cooling loop. Inverter coolant service is 2-3 hours; battery pack leak may require pack removal (8-10 hours). Tesla-specific tooling needed.
Estimated cost: $1,500-6,000
Infotainment Screen Glitches and Yellowing
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Center screen unresponsive or freezes randomly, Yellow discoloration at screen edges (UV damage), Phantom touches, screen registers inputs without contact, Complete screen blackout requiring hard reboot
Fix: Screen replacement requires trim removal and recalibration. 2-3 hours labor. Tesla covers some under goodwill but yellowing often denied as cosmetic. Aftermarket screens exist but lose some OTA update functionality.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Owner tips
Check drive unit fluid every 30k miles — Tesla says lifetime fill but early changes catch metal shavings before damage spreads
Replace 12V battery proactively at 3-4 years; don't wait for failure or you'll be locked out
Inspect upper control arms and request recall work if not already completed (VIN-specific recall)
Keep HV coolant system topped off and watch for pink stains under vehicle; catching leaks early prevents expensive pack work
Avoid Supercharging to 100% repeatedly if possible; heat cycling stresses battery cooling components
Buy a 2021+ if possible — early 2020s have too many first-year gremlins and Tesla's out-of-warranty repair costs are brutal without goodwill coverage.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS · 24V935000
2024-12-17
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."
Consequence: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH · 24V554000
2024-07-24
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.
Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING · 23V085000
2023-02-15 · EA22002
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS · 22V844000
2022-11-15
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Consequence: A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS · 22V702000
2022-09-19
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."
Consequence: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 22V235000
2022-04-12
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 22V063000
2022-02-04 · DP22005
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 22V050000
2022-02-02
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."
Consequence: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 22V045000
2022-02-01
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."
Consequence: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
SUSPENSION · 21V912000
2021-11-21
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.
Consequence: Suspension links that separate can reduce vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 21V846000
2021-10-29
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.
SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS · 21V835000
2021-10-25
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.
Consequence: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 21V387000
2021-05-25
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.
Consequence: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR · 21V388000
2021-05-25
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.
Consequence: Improperly attached fasteners may prevent the seat belt retention system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
SEAT BELTS · 21V389000
2021-05-25
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.
Consequence: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM · 20V709000
2020-11-17
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 20V609000
2020-09-30
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."
Consequence: Trailer brake lights that fail to illuminate during braking increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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