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NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2020 Tesla Model S All Variants
Common Problems

Ranked from 54 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

1
Safety
2
High severity
1
Medium
1
Low
1 problem on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

5 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

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  1. 1

    Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions

    26complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The forward collision avoidance system frequently malfunctions, applying brakes unexpectedly at low speeds or in situations where no action is required.

  2. 2

    Suspension Issues Leading to Unstable Driving

    18complaints
    High severitySuspension

    Suspension components, including half shafts and front axles, frequently fail, causing instability and vibrations during driving.

    $150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  3. 3

    Service Brake System Issues

    9complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Service brake systems occasionally apply the brakes suddenly and severely without warning, posing a safety risk during driving.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  4. 4

    Trunk Latch Malfunctions

    7complaints
    Low severityOther

    Trunk latches and locks malfunction, preventing the trunk from opening or closing properly, posing a potential safety hazard.

  5. 5

    Unintended Acceleration

    7complaints
    Safety riskOther

    The car has accelerated unexpectedly, sometimes causing collisions or injuries, even with the driver's foot on the brake pedal.

Other years & sources

2023 Tesla Model S All VariantsAll NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.