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2020 Tesla Y

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2020 Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact crossover SUV. It comes in several configurations, primarily differentiated by battery size and motor configuration (Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range, Dual Motor Long Range, and Performance). Horsepower varies but typically ranges from 275 hp to 450 hp, and torque from 317 lb-ft to 471 lb-ft. Owners often praise the Model Y for its quick acceleration, spacious interior, and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Common complaints include build quality issues, panel gaps, and service wait times.

Electric Motor

Long Range Dual Motor/Performance

  • Drive Unit Failure (Rear Motor)
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise emanating from the rear motor, loss of power, error messages related to the drive unit.
    • Solution: Replacement of the rear drive unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Battery

All Models

  • Premature Battery Degradation
    • Description/Symptoms: Faster than expected reduction in battery range over time.
    • Solution: Monitoring and potential battery replacement under warranty.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: (Outside warranty) $12,000 - $20,000+ (Full battery replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • 12V Battery Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The 12V battery can fail prematurely, leading to various electrical issues such as failure to start, infotainment issues, and error messages.
    • Solution: Replacing the 12V battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

All Models

  • Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clicking, popping, or squeaking noises from the front suspension, especially when turning. Premature wear of tires.
    • Solution: Replacement of the upper control arms.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

All Models

  • Infotainment Screen Freezing/Crashing
    • Description/Symptoms: The main center screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes. This can affect navigation, climate control, and other vehicle functions.
    • Solution: Software updates, screen reset, or (in some cases) screen replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: (Replacement) $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Phantom Braking
    • Description/Symptoms: The car unexpectedly brakes for no apparent reason while using Autopilot or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
    • Solution: Software updates and recalibration of sensors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update free.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • MCU (Media Control Unit) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Complete failure of the touchscreen. Affects access to climate controls, navigation, and other essential vehicle functions. Can also cause loss of driver profile settings.
    • Solution: Replacement of the MCU.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Backup Camera Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Backup camera image not showing on the screen when in reverse, distorted image or complete failure of the camera.
    • Solution: Replacement of the camera module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

All Models

  • Tail Light Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the tail light housings.
    • Solution: Replacement of the tail light assemblies.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Panel Gaps/Misalignment
    • Description/Symptoms: Uneven gaps between body panels, doors, hood, and trunk.
    • Solution: Adjustment of body panels at a Tesla service center.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies, can be covered under warranty. Otherwise $100-$400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Trim Pieces Detaching
    • Description/Symptoms: Exterior trim pieces around windows, doors, or bumpers coming loose or detaching.
    • Solution: Reattachment or replacement of trim pieces.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

All Models

  • Rattles and Squeaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Various rattles and squeaks emanating from the dashboard, seats, door panels, or other interior components.
    • Solution: Identification and repair of the source of the noise, often involving tightening or replacing fasteners or adding sound-deadening material.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies, $100 - $500+ depending on severity and source.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Discomfort
    • Description/Symptoms: Complaints about the comfort of the seats, specifically regarding lumbar support and overall cushioning.
    • Solution: Adding aftermarket seat cushions or lumbar support.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ for aftermarket solutions
    • Recalls: None Found
  • HVAC System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Odors coming from the HVAC system, reduced cooling or heating performance.
    • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the cabin air filter, HVAC system cleaning, or component replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Tesla Model Y is known for its performance and technology, but also suffers from a range of quality control issues. The most severe potential problems involve the drive unit failure and premature battery degradation, which can be very expensive to repair out of warranty. Other issues such as infotainment problems, suspension noise, and exterior fit and finish concerns are more common and may require multiple visits to a service center. While many of these issues may be covered under warranty, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems.

Tesla, Y
Tesla Y 2020
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