Throttlebook

2020 Tesla Model Y

The 2020 Tesla Model Y earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 54/100. Expect about $43,030 to own it for five years, or $717 a month. NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 285 complaints.

Recalls
24
Complaints
285
5-yr cost
$43k
kWh/100mi
28
0
Weak
Ownership Score

2020 Tesla Model Y vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Model Y?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

24 recalls may apply

For the 2020 Tesla Model Y. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

  • What's wrong: 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."

    Risk: Trailer brake lights that fail to illuminate during braking increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history
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5-year cost to own

Estimated $14,500 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$43,030
$717/month · $0.72/mile
Depreciation$6,205
Insurance (national avg.)$16,200
Fuel / charging$2,840
Maintenance$7,286
Repairs$4,636
Loan interest$3,993
Taxes & fees$1,870

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

285 complaints48 involved a crash
  • Forward Collision Avoidance108
  • Unknown Or Other57
  • Service Brakes37
  • Vehicle Speed Control37
  • Suspension32
  • Lane Departure32

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Frontal
5 out of 5 stars
Side
5 out of 5 stars
Rollover
5 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2020 Tesla Model Y SUV AWD

What to check on a used 2020 Tesla Model Y

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

  • Driver-assist systems
    • Ask if the systems work as designed and if any warnings stay on.
    • Test the backup camera and parking sensors if fitted.
  • Brakes
    • Press the pedal firmly: it should feel solid, not sink or pulse.
    • Listen for grinding or squealing when stopping.
  • Engine and transmission
    • Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
    • Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2020 Tesla Model Y problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2020 Tesla Model Y a good car to buy?
The 2020 Tesla Model Y earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 54/100. Expect about $43,030 to own it for five years, or $717 a month. NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 285 complaints.
Does the 2020 Tesla Model Y have recalls?
NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns for the 2020 Tesla Model Y, including Exterior Lighting; Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel; Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2020 Tesla Model Y problems?
Owners filed 285 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (108), service brakes (37), vehicle speed control (37), suspension (32).
How much does a 2020 Tesla Model Y cost to own for 5 years?
About $43,030 over 5 years ($717/month) at an estimated $14,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.