2020 Tesla Model S

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What changed

Motors: Dual motor¹, Dual motor, permanent-magnet front (2019–2020)^2,1
Batteries: 75 kWh¹, 100 kWh^1,2
Drivetrains: All-wheel drive¹
Trims: 75 and 75D^1,3, 100D and P100D¹, Standard Range¹, Long Range¹, Performance¹
Packages: Air suspension^4,2, Premium Upgrades package⁴

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Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Door handles that do not extend All years

What to check: Walk up to the car with the key and watch every handle come out.

The handles can fail to come out, or break. Owners say the problem was not fully solved on later cars.

Sources ^8,3
Worn or replaced battery All years

What to check: Get a battery health report showing how much capacity is left.

Recurrent found battery replacements more common on 2013 to 2018 cars than later ones. Tesla's warranty repairs a pack at 70 per cent.

Sources ^9,10
Worn suspension All years One source so far

What to check: Look for a car sitting low at one corner, which on air suspension can be a leak.

The car's weight wears suspension parts, and air suspension can leak.

Sources ¹⁰
Air conditioning All years One source so far

What to check: Make sure the air conditioning blows cold.

It also helps keep the battery cool.

Sources ¹⁰

Rare options, colors and interiors to look out for, and whether finding one is good news.

Rare Silver Metallic Color
Special order only in September 2018, then discontinued⁵

21V846000 2017–2021
On one software version, a communication fault can cause false collision warnings or sudden emergency braking. Fixed over the air.^11,12
21V00B000 2014–2021
The front trunk latch can be out of line, so the hood's second latch does not catch and the hood can open.^13,12
22V037000 2016–2022
Full Self-Driving Beta can roll through all-way stops without stopping. Fixed over the air.^14,15
22V063000 2020–2022
The Boombox can drown out the pedestrian warning sound. Replaced by 22V235000.^16,15
22V235000 2020–2022
The Boombox can drown out the pedestrian warning sound, including in Summon. Replaces the fix for 22V063000.^16,15
22V818000 2017–2021
Power steering assist can drop out on rough roads or after a pothole. Fixed over the air.^11,12
23V085000 2016–2023
Full Self-Driving Beta can behave unsafely at junctions and respond poorly to speed limit changes. Fixed over the air.^14,17
23V838000 2012–2023
Autosteer's checks may not do enough to stop a driver misusing it. Fixed over the air.^18,17
24V051000 2012–2023
The brake, parking brake and ABS warning lights are shown in letters too small. Fixed over the air.^18,17
24V153000 2013–2021
A factory reset can silence the sound that warns pedestrians of the car. Fixed over the air.^19,20
24V376000 2012–2024
The seat belt warning may not come on for an unbelted driver. Fixed over the air.^18,21

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.