Skip to content
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2020 Tesla Model Y Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
6%of 283 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the visibility of the 2020 Tesla Model Y, 6% of the 283 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“I have a Tesla Model Y and a Model 3. Both of them 2020 year purchased. The miles on Model Y is 96K and 43K respectively. In Feb 2025, my Model Y windshield had cracked and I had made a Tesla Insurance claim and paid the 500$ deductible and got it replaced. Now, in May 1st week, the same Model Y's windshield is cracked. When I take to Tesla service center, they say that its because of an external impact and so, they can't consider a warranty claim and I have to make another payment for this. That's the first thing. Now, with my Model 3, there is a crack developing on the rear windshield. …”

NHTSA complaint #11659331, filed 2025-05

“During phone calls, the system would start making sparking noises and stall the calls. While navigation was input parts of the screen would disappear. While backing up, the rear cameras would freeze and stall. The rear camera freezing had caused us to get into an accident, and caused us to have 4 near misses. When I was trying to download the latest software release, the software download froze and never downloaded. I started to drive to the Tesla dealership and as I was doing so, the screen picture of my vehicle disappeared along with the gear shift indicator, the surrounding cameras failed. …”

NHTSA complaint #11527838, filed 2023-06

“Backup camera appeared in on screen window as usual when I put the car in reverse to back into my parking spot. The camera looked clear and trajectory lines moved appropriately when I turned the steering wheel. However, main backup view in center of screen did not update as I moved the vehicle backward, it remained on a static, still frame of video. I reversed into a low fence post that I knew was behind me somewhere but could not be seen when looking out the rear window or using any of the mirrors. I usually look to the backup camera to show me where this post is and help back up close to it. …”

NHTSA complaint #11427120, filed 2021-07

“Was driving in rain, had windshield wipers on, suddenly windshield wipers stopped working; could not see through windshield because of the rain; almost had collision before being able to move to the side of the road to safety. Cost $255 to have windshield wipers repaired.”

NHTSA complaint #11672036, filed 2025-07

“A recent software change removed the automatic activation of headlights with wipers. Headlights on with wipers is the law in most states and a common sense practice. However, with the removal of the automatic activation, you are forced to tap into several sub menus on the touchscreen in order to manually activate the head lights, all while driving in less than ideal conditions.”

NHTSA complaint #11476490, filed 2022-07

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202692%
202587%
2024103%
2023645%
2022354%
2021525%
2020186%

Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model Y

Forward collision avoidance
108 complaints
Other or unknown
58 complaints
Brakes
37 complaints
Vehicle speed control
37 complaints
Lane departure
32 complaints
Suspension
31 complaints
Electrical system
28 complaints
Steering
26 complaints
Air bags
17 complaints
Body and structure
14 complaints
Seat belts
12 complaints
Wheels
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