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2020 Tesla Model S

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Tesla Model S
Pictured: Tesla Model S (Facelift ab 04-2016) (cropped). Photo: Peteratkins, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan AWD
Engines
Electric motor
Transmission
1-speed automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
EV
EV range
402 mi · 9.2 h on 240 V
Length
195.7 in
Curb weight
4,969 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Long EV rangeUp to 402 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Tesla Model S is a large car powered by electricity and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 196 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,969 lb.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 402 miles and takes about 9.2 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.

What changed for 2020

  • Longest EV range up from 370 to 402 miles

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Model S →

Trims, performance & features

Powertrain–Electric motor
Transmission1-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Fremont, California

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2020 Model S configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan AWD195.7 in77.2 in56.7 in116.5 in65.4 / 66.9 in4,969 lb51/49

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Model S Long Range Plus EV193 and 375 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive402 mi · 28.9 kWh/100mi–$650–
Model S Long Range EV193 and 205 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive373 mi · 30.2726 kWh/100mi–$700–
Model S Standard Range EV193 and 205 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive287 mi · 30.8184 kWh/100mi–$700–
Model S Performance (19in Wheels) EV193 and 205 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive348 mi · 32.4322 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S Performance (21in Wheels) EV193 and 205 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive326 mi · 34.731 kWh/100mi–$800–
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.3 MPG2020 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Tesla Model S.

Similar 2020 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Tesla Model S (this car)402 miNot rated11
2020 BMW 5 Series28 MPGNot rated0
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPG★★★★★0
2020 Audi A430 MPGNot rated3
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class28 MPGNot rated0
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class23 MPGNot rated0
2020 Audi A627 MPG★★★★★9

Recalls (11)

Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · May 28, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V376000 · 125,233 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Electrical System › Software · Feb 27, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V153000 · 6,557 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 30, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V051000 · 2,193,869 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software · Dec 12, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V838000 · 2,031,220 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Feb 15, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V085000 · 362,758 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Nov 1, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V818000 · 40,168 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Risk
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 12, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V235000 · 594,894 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert · Feb 4, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V063000 · 578,607 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, 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 through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Jan 27, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V037000 · 53,822 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Dec 21, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00B000 · 130,441 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Risk
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Software · Oct 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V846000 · 11,728 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, 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 communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Risk
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Tesla Model S is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

80Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
16Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
2,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Suspension14
Unknown Or Other14
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control14
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking11
Steering10
Vehicle Speed Control8
Power Train6
Electrical System6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/10: 222/11: 222/12: 223/02: 223/03: 223/04: 123/05: 123/08: 223/09: 223/10: 223/11: 124/01: 324/03: 124/05: 124/06: 124/10: 124/12: 125/01: 225/02: 125/04: 125/09: 225/11: 225/12: 126/05: 122/1023/0223/0523/1024/0324/1025/0225/11max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Tesla Model S buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Suspension — 14 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  3. Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 14 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  4. Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 11 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 402 miles.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model S. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Model S years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Model S410 mi195.7 inNot rated07
2025 Model S410 mi195.7 inNot rated26
2024 Model S402 mi195.7 inNot rated638
2023 Model S405 mi195.7 inNot rated13115
2022 Model S405 mi195.7 inNot rated20139
2021 Model S405 mi195.7 inNot rated23179
2019 Model S370 mi195.7 inNot rated1044
2018 Model S335 mi195.7 inNot rated11170
2017 Model S335 mi195.7 inNot rated9430
2016 Model S315 mi195.7 inNot rated10650
2015 Model S270 mi195.7 inNot rated9669
2014 Model S265 mi195.7 in★★★★★9365

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →