2020 Tesla Model Y Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 108about this part
- Share
- 38%of 283 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 108 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2020 Tesla Model Y, 38% of the 283 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,500 miles. 15 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 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.
“My car is a 2020 Model Y, delivered on june 27, 2020. This fall, I've had an issue crop up that looks like it's been addressed in the past (at least for models s, x and 3 before march 31, 2019). The problem is that on several occasions (specifically on 11/26/20) while driving on city streets and with humid and cool weather (here in iowa) I've had a report on my display indicating that the b pillar camera is obscured. …”
NHTSA complaint #11378667, filed 2020-12, 4,000 miles“We recently purchase Tesla Model Y on 29th september 2020. We notice more than twice while driving Model Y on freeway at 65mph and the car decided to randomly slam the braked (panthom braking) while in autopilot in middle of the freeway. We were on garden state parkway in nj. We did reported to Tesla via voice command but no we been scare driving the Tesla on cruise control or auto pilot and worried about rear end accident. Its very dangerous and safer issue. There has been no response from Tesla. …”
NHTSA complaint #11376740, filed 2020-11, 900 miles“My 2020 Model Y lunged forward while sitting at a red light behind a pickup truck. I did not touch the accelerator ans the brake would not stop the car. I impacted the pickup truck and damaged the left center of the car front sliding under the pickup bumper. It was as though the car took over on it own. There was no reason for me to have my foot on the accelerator and I was stopped 6 feet back from the pickup in front of me. I am now afraid something is wrong with the car causing this to happen and it should be evaluated by Tesla. …”
NHTSA complaint #11378492, filed 2020-12, 1,400 miles“The other day I was stopped at a red light, awaiting green in a left turn only lane. It was a long light and I may have been distracted by a conversation with my passenger. I am 99% certain that I did not have my foot on the brake pedal because I rarely use it now-a-days with regenerative braking and tacc. The green light chimed and I instinctively pushed upward on the right stalk, double checking (in my mind) that I had disabled tacc and autopilot, knowing that I was about to turn left. Unfortunately this 'conditioned' behavior of mine inadvertently put the car in reverse!! …”
NHTSA complaint #11390877, filed 2021-01, 5,200 miles“Autopilot/cruise control disengage function should not be on activated by selecting up/reverse on the gear selector. Car inadvertently went into r reverse when disengage was commanded. Narrative: car was on interstate at highway speed with navigate on autopilot and adaptive cruise control on. An accident occurred on the expressway and the state police began to shut down the road. The car successfully and safely automatically stopped behind traffic in front. Police began directing stopped traffic to move off roadway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385619, filed 2020-12, 3,000 milesRelated recalls
- 22V063000Feb 4, 2022Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played…Covers: Tesla Model Y 2020–2022, Model 3 2017–2022, Model X 2020–2022 +1 more
- 21V846000Oct 29, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A…Covers: Tesla Model Y 2020–2021, Model S 2017–2021, Model X 2017–2021 +1 more
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model Y
58 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsLane departure
32 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsElectrical system
28 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