The 2020 Tesla Model S is associated with 80 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 11 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Forward Collision Avoidance, accounting for 10 reports (13% of total complaints). EPA records certify all-electric efficiency of 97 to 117 MPGe with an estimated driving range of 287–402 miles across 5 certified vehicle configurations. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 80 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 11 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Forward Collision Avoidance (10 / 13%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 16 crash / 0 fire / 7 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Efficiency: 97–117 MPGe (5 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Model S Long Range Plus 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 121 MPGe | 112 MPGe | 117 MPGe | 402 mi | $650 / yr |
| Model S Long Range 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 115 MPGe | 107 MPGe | 111 MPGe | 373 mi | $700 / yr |
| Model S Standard Range 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 113 MPGe | 105 MPGe | 109 MPGe | 287 mi | $700 / yr |
| Model S Performance (19in Wheels) 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 104 MPGe | 104 MPGe | 104 MPGe | 348 mi | $750 / yr |
| Model S Performance (21in Wheels) 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 98 MPGe | 96 MPGe | 97 MPGe | 326 mi | $800 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
Electric Range & Charging: The 2020 Tesla Model S provides an official EPA-rated driving range of up to 402 miles on a single battery charge.
NHTSA 5-Star NCAP laboratory crash evaluations are not currently on file for the 2020 Tesla Model S.
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Not Specified and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Not Specified in official NHTSA records for tested 2020 Tesla Model S models.
View complete 2020 Tesla Model S crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2020 Tesla Model S problems & component breakdown (30 categories) →
Affected Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Defect 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
Defect 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Defect 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2020 Tesla Model S recalls & campaign history (11 campaigns) →