2020 Tesla Model S: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Mature 'Raven' Model S with up-to-402-mile range and few reported faults; phantom braking on Autopilot is the notable new complaint. One of the strongest used classic years, tempered only by aging-EV repair and insurance cost. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Tesla Model S ranged from $69,420 to $91,990 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

7/10
Strong track record

Mature 'Raven' Model S with up-to-402-mile range and few reported faults; phantom braking on Autopilot is the notable new complaint. One of the strongest used classic years, tempered only by aging-EV repair and insurance cost.

Sources (7)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
  • rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/tesla-model-s-years-to-avoid/
  • whatcar.comhttps://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/used-review/n996
  • cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/tesla-model-s-buying-guide
  • electrifying.comhttps://www.electrifying.com/used-reviews/tesla/model-s/review

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Supercharger network access, minimal maintenance and one-pedal driving keep running costs low.
  • Class-leading range (Long Range up to ~402 miles) with effortless performance.
  • Practical hatchback plus a front trunk; quiet and quick.
  • The most mature classic Model S: MCU2 (2018) and the 2019 'Raven' drivetrain and air-suspension update cut the early failure points and added range and efficiency.
  • Lowest complaint volume of any Model S era, especially 2019.

Cons

  • Still an aging luxury EV: battery degradation and pricey out-of-warranty repairs remain the main risks.
  • High insurance premiums.
  • Minimalist interior is less plush than rivals, and the ride is firm.
  • Phantom braking on Autopilot and adaptive cruise begins to appear.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
Long Range Plus $69,420 $94,990 Electric (BEV) —
Long Range $79,990 $94,990 Electric (BEV) —
Performance $91,990 $109,990 Electric (BEV) —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-tesla-model_s-price

Depreciation

$26k $51k $77k $103k 202020222024202620282030
2020 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($69,420). Higher trims started higher (up to $91,990), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 38% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/tesla-model-s/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $1,000–1,100/yr
Insurance (high tier)≈ $3,700–3,800/yr
Expected lifespan~300k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2020 Tesla Model S have?

Documented issue patterns include: Residual front-suspension wear: control arms and upper links still loosen or wear, though far less often than on the 2012-2017 cars; Phantom braking: Autopilot or adaptive cruise applies the brakes for no obvious reason, a complaint that emerges on 2020 cars; MCU2 touchscreen can still freeze or lag, but the eMMC failures of the earlier MCU1 hardware are largely resolved on 2018+ cars; Adaptive air suspension (Raven) can develop leaks or height-control faults. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2020 Tesla Model S reliable?

Mature 'Raven' Model S with up-to-402-mile range and few reported faults; phantom braking on Autopilot is the notable new complaint. One of the strongest used classic years, tempered only by aging-EV repair and insurance cost.

How much did the 2020 Tesla Model S cost new?

Between $69,420 and $91,990 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Tesla Model S expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $1,000–1,100/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.