2020 Tesla Model S Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2020 Tesla Model S, 5% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 35 MPH, the front hood latch unexpectedly opened, causing the hood to rise up. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact immediately stopped and parked on the side of the road, and the contact closed the trunk and continued driving. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11639728, filed 2025-01, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 50 MPH, the front trunk hood opened without being activated. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. After the front trunk hood had opened, the panel light informed the driver that the front trunk hood was in the raised position. The contact's son was able to safely pull over close the front trunk hood. The front trunk hood was damage where it was attached to the latches and brackets. …”
NHTSA complaint #11462285, filed 2022-04, 20,000 miles“The front hood flipped open while driving at about 40 miles an hour without any warning, totally obstructing the vision of the driver who happen to be my wife, causing her to pull over suddenly fortunately no one was hurt during the accident. The front hood, however, has been creased and damaged. This could have caused a very serious accident had she been driving at high speed on the highway. The Tesla seems to lack a double latching hood mechanism found in most other cars which would prevent this from occurring. This needs to be sorted out permanently.”
NHTSA complaint #11552453, filed 2023-10“The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side door failed to open from the inside as intended. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact rolled down the driver’s side window and attempted to unlock the door from the outside; however, the failure persisted. The contact was trapped inside the vehicle. The contact climbed over to the passenger’s seat and exited the passenger’s side door without issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11687625, filed 2025-09Related recalls
- 21V00B000Dec 21, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch…Covers: Tesla Model S 2014–2021
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model S
23 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology