2020 TESLA MODEL Y Complaints

The rear trunk smashed my fingers. I pressed the open button on the rear trunk and heard it unlatch. I stuck my hand under the trunk to try to help it open up. The trunk quickly reached, smashing my fingers. I was able to press the open button again and lift the trunk up. The could break someone’s fingers off completely, especially a small child. A warning is 100% necessary. I thought it was unlatched and would open since I heard it unlatch and it looked as if it was opening, albeit very slowly.

Problem: I purchased a 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD, EPA-certified at 316 miles. My vehicle consistently delivers only 120–150 miles per full charge, and just ~80 miles from the recommended daily 80% ? 20% SOC window. This is less than half the advertised/certified range. I have meticulously logged trips since July 2025, recording start/end battery %, mileage, Wh/mi, and driving conditions. Even after following Tesla’s own efficiency guidance (Chill Mode, conservative HVAC, no Sentry Mode, no Cabin Overheat Protection, speeds at/below limits), the shortfall is repeatable. Company’s Response: Tesla repeatedly stated: No warranty action unless there is a system alert. My range loss is due to “short trips” or “driving habits.” They “cannot go off EPA numbers,” though Tesla advertises the EPA rating. To review my logs, I must pay $235/hour, while I cannot access my own internal vehicle data. On Aug 7, Tesla told me 33% SOC should equal their quoted range. In reality, I received only ~40 miles before needing to recharge. At my Aug 21 service visit, after 1.5 hours onsite, I was again told results were “normal,” despite my detailed logs showing otherwise. Why It Matters: EPA ratings are federally mandated certification numbers. Dismissing them as “not applicable” contradicts federal law and advertising practices. A consumer should not accept half the advertised range while being told it is “normal.” Charging $235/hour to access my usage data blocks validation of Tesla’s claims. What I Request: Investigation into whether Tesla is failing to deliver its EPA-certified range. Enforcement of Tesla’s 8-year/120,000-mile battery warranty, as my results suggest excessive degradation or defect. Requirement that Tesla provide consumers access to their own vehicle/battery data without fees. Written clarification of Tesla’s real-world range obligations under Arizona conditions. Evidence Available

On [XXX], I identified a severe and unacceptable loss of driving range in my 2020 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] , mileage: 59,127 miles). The vehicle now shows only ~180 miles of range at 100% charge, compared to the original advertised 316 miles — representing a ~43% loss of range. This degradation is far outside normal industry standards for EV battery health. This loss of range significantly impacts vehicle safety, as trip planning becomes unreliable and there is a heightened risk of being stranded on highways or in unsafe locations without charging availability. This could endanger both myself and other drivers, especially in rural areas or during extreme weather conditions. The issue has been repeatedly reported to Tesla, but they have failed to provide a technical explanation, battery replacement, or corrective action. Tesla service claims it is “normal degradation,” despite the magnitude of loss and the vehicle’s mileage being well below expected battery life thresholds. No warning lamps appeared prior to the loss of range. The problem is ongoing and reproducible — the vehicle consistently charges to ~180 miles of estimated range. I believe the battery is defective or has been subject to software-imposed range limitation. I request that NHTSA investigate this matter as it may indicate a broader safety risk or a systemic defect in Tesla batteries that could affect other consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Was driving in rain, had windshield wipers on, suddenly windshield wipers stopped working; could not see through windshield because of the rain; almost had collision before being able to move to the side of the road to safety. Cost $255 to have windshield wipers repaired.

My 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range/AWD vehicle has 46,000 miles and can no longer recharge its battery (engine) with an approved charger (L2) due to a commonly failed part inside the battery. This part is called PCS (Power Conversion System). This device attached to the Tesla battery is used to convert power from a charger which is AC (household alternating current) into DC (Direct Current) the battery can understand. This error appeared for the first time on [XXX] at [XXX]. This critical part has failed in thousands of Tesla vehicles, some multiple times easily verified by thousands of customer complaints online. The PCS is NOT a consumable part - such as a tire, wiper blades, brake pads, etc. There is nothing the vehicle Owner can do to prevent the PCS failure. The Cost to repair/replace the PCS part(s) is ~ $3,000 and may fail again after replacement. As required by Tesla, I scheduled a service appointment through their phone app, and received an estimate of ~$280.00 to repair my vehicle on June 26, 2025 at the Irvine, CA Tesla Service Center 2801 Barranca Pkwy. After diagnosis, I was informed the cost to fix/repair the PCS part in my vehicle so that I could charge and drive it, would be ~$3,000. The Manager Ryan Sutherland (949) 404-2989, further stated the repair would not be covered under my Vehicle Tesla Warranty (Tesla battery or drive unit warranty that does not expire until [XXX]). I tried to contact Tesla corporate for assistance at [email protected] and did not receive a response but instead was contacted by service manager Ryan Sutherland via email confirming Tesla's warranty position. Tesla is essentially the only service/repair resource available for these vehicles. This repair is obviously due to a faulty/defective PCS or faulty design by Tesla affecting thousands of vehicles and should covered under my vehicle warranty so that it can be driven. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Subject: Complaint Regarding Faulty Seat Belt on Tesla Vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline, I am writing to formally report a safety concern regarding my Tesla vehicle, VIN [XXX] . I have experienced issues with the seat belt system, which I believe are related to a known defect. Despite this, my vehicle was not included in the recent recall for faulty seat belts. The problem I am facing is consistent with the conditions described in the recall notice, and I am concerned about the safety implications of continuing to use this defective component. I believe that my vehicle shares the same defect as the recalled units, and I request that NHTSA review this matter to determine whether my VIN should be included in the recall or whether further investigation is warranted. Please advise on the next steps I should take, and whether Tesla should be required to address this issue for my vehicle. Safety is a top priority, and I appreciate your attention to this matter. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering became difficult to turn to the right with the wheel sticking to the right when trying to turn or drive the vehicle. Tesla claims we had some kind of a large impact. Maybe a pothole. Tesla claims well this is a heavy vehicle. Out of no where we had to replace the entire steering rack. I've never had to replace an entire steering rack for a pothole. Seems ridiculous.

I am submitting this service request and formal incident report concerning a serious malfunction of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system on my 2020 Tesla Model Y. While operating the vehicle on [insert road name or location] with FSD fully engaged, the system initiated a left-hand turn but failed to complete it properly. As a result, the vehicle mounted the sidewalk, causing a blowout of the rear tire and visible damage to the passenger-side rims. Following this incident, I had the tires and wheels replaced. However, the vehicle now exhibits the following ongoing issues: - Rubbing noise from the front passenger wheel well when turning - Multiple system alerts, including: - Autonomous Emergency Braking Disabled - Steering Alignment Issue - Stability Control and Traction Control Warnings

I have a Tesla Model Y and a Model 3. Both of them 2020 year purchased. The miles on Model Y is 96K and 43K respectively. In Feb 2025, my Model Y windshield had cracked and I had made a Tesla Insurance claim and paid the 500$ deductible and got it replaced. Now, in May 1st week, the same Model Y's windshield is cracked. When I take to Tesla service center, they say that its because of an external impact and so, they can't consider a warranty claim and I have to make another payment for this. That's the first thing. Now, with my Model 3, there is a crack developing on the rear windshield. I understand from Tesla that it has to be replaced too. I had a chat with Safelite auto glass company technician and he said that Tesla's glasses are too thin to accmmodate sensors and thats why this is happening repeatedly.

Component or System Failure: The HVAC system, specifically the compressor and supermanifold, failed on my 2020 Tesla Model Y. Tesla retained the replaced components during service, so they are not available for inspection. Safety Risk: This failure caused a loss of cabin heating and prevented proper windshield/window defrosting during cold weather, severely impairing visibility and creating unsafe driving conditions. Critically, this system also regulates battery heating. Without it, battery performance in cold temperatures can be compromised, reducing driving range, impairing charging capability, and risking vehicle operability in freezing conditions. Problem Confirmation: Tesla service technicians diagnosed and confirmed failure of the compressor and supermanifold. Full replacement was required to restore proper HVAC and battery heating functions. Inspections Conducted: The vehicle was inspected by Tesla service both before and after the failure. Prior to my ownership, the vehicle had been brought in by a family member (prior owner) for HVAC performance concerns. HVAC issues reappeared around 28,000 miles, but I was unable to immediately schedule repairs due to the Tesla Service Center being approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away and personal scheduling constraints. The vehicle was finally repaired on April 24, 2025, at 38,511 miles. Warning Indicators: Before the failure, HVAC symptoms included inconsistent heating, occasional HVAC warnings, and degraded cold weather performance. Additional Context: I was required to pay $2,992.89 for the repair out of pocket, as the vehicle was just outside of warranty. Due to this failure, I drove for an extended time without reliable cabin heat, defrosting, or proper battery heating in winter conditions, exposing me to serious safety risks. Tesla has acknowledged HVAC component contamination issues in official service bulletins, suggesting a known systemic problem.