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Electrical systemPart report

2020 Tesla Model Y Electrical system Problems

Complaints
28about this part
Share
10%of 283 total for the year
Median mileage
23,900miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Tesla Model Y, 10% of the 283 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,900 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 6 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Incident: car shutdown and power failure with little warning. Time/date/place of incident: 9/7/2020, approximately 5:20pm in livermore, ca. While driving at a speed of approximately 45 MPH eastbound on w jack london blvd (past wolf house drive), the car's computer displayed an unable to drive message (error code di_a137) and instructed us to pull over. Since we were on a 2-lane road with no shoulder we proceeded to the nearest driveway (turning left to a driveway at ~1105 w jack london blvd). The car vibrated violently then shutdown. …”

NHTSA complaint #11354647, filed 2020-09, 1,300 miles

“While traveling on northbound us-101, the infotainment/dashboard screen froze. The climate control suddenly went full blast on the coldest setting, speedometer stopped updating, and all infotainment/dashboard controls were unresponsive. The turn signals appeared to work, but stopped making its clicking sound. I could only tell it worked by seeing the light reflection from road signs. I was reset the system by pressing both steering wheel buttons for 10 seconds or more and then infotainment screen turned off. It did not restart until a couple of miles later when I exited the highway. …”

NHTSA complaint #11405863, filed 2021-03, 7,800 miles

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Tesla Model Y. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 78,823, but after driving the vehicle from the dealer's lot, the contact discovered through the vehicle settings that the actual mileage was 80,810. The dealer was contacted, but no resolution was provided. The dealer then updated the advertised mileage on the website.”

NHTSA complaint #11732358, filed 2026-04, 80,810 miles

“Automatic vehicle hold disabled. Regenerative braking disabled. Traction control disabled. Stability control disabled.steering assist reduced. I was turned 360 degrees when trying to turn left. Car was sliding during drive.”

NHTSA complaint #11396845, filed 2021-02, 4,932 miles

“Heating / defrosting unit failed. While driving to work in 1 degree freezing weather my heating / defrosting unit would not provide a clear fog free windshield so i could safely see outside. Dealer has me scheduled for a date for repair but this is the second time this has happened. First time 9/2021 and now 1/2022. No inspection has happened yet. Warning message displayed saying that the climate control has failed.”

NHTSA complaint #11445797, filed 2022-01

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20265713%
20251918%
20246219%
202312511%
202212014%
202115214%
20202810%

Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model Y

Forward collision avoidance
108 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsLane departure
32 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsWheels
12 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Tesla Model Y

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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