2020 Tesla Model Y Driver assistance Problems

This is about a 2020 Tesla Model Y, with HardWare3 (HW3) Full-Self-Driving (FSD) feature. The older HW3 FSD-enabled Model Y cars started getting the new "v14 Lite" FSD updates recently - I got mine a few days ago. I immediately noticed a safety concern with the v14 Lite. Previous versions of FSD allowed me to set the maximum speed that the car would drive in the FSD mode - I can adjust it using the "wheel button" on my right thumb on the steering wheel, and the car would not exceed the maximum speed I choose. However, after the update to v14 Lite, the wheel button no longer controlled the maximum speed. Instead, it controlled the "speed profile" ("Sloth", "Chill", "Standard", "Hurry" are the options in my car). Regularly in highway driving, even in the Standard mode, the car would speed up to go well past the speed limit, more than 10mph over the speed limit, seemingly to match the speed of the rest of the traffic (69mph on a 55mph highway). This felt very uncomfortable. I tried to adjust the max speed down like I was used to, but the car instead switched to a different profile, "Chill", and rapidly slowed down to 4mph below the speed limit (51mph in this case=. The speed reduction was so sudden that it also felt dangerous (car behind me would have to break quickly to not hit me), and I didn't want to be driving well below the speed limit (also dangerous). Under "Self Driving" settings menu, there is also a feature called "Speed Limit", that used to allow you to set the "default" speed limit for FSD driving (for instance, +3mph above the speed limit). You can adjust it up and down with the right thumb wheel beyond that, but it set the default basic max speed limit for FSD. After the v14 Lite update, the FSD completely ignores this speed limit, and happily accelerates well beyond that. Not it seems like the "speed limit" feature is simply for warning the driver to not exceed the pre-determined speed limit when controlling the car. FSD simply ignores it.

NHTSA ID

11752764

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

My Tesla Model Y 2020 (VIN: [XXX] ) is stuck on software version 2023.44.1 for more than 2 years and has four incomplete NHTSA safety recalls: • 23V838 – Autosteer driver monitoring improvements • 24V051 – Brake/Park/ABS warning font size too small • 24V153 – Muted Pedestrian Warning System • 24V554 – Hood not detected as unlatched
Tesla Service in the Baltic region and Tesla Service in Warsaw (Poland) both refused to deliver the required OTA safety recall updates. They classified the vehicle as “unsupported” because it is a US-market vehicle located in Latvia.
I am unable to bring the vehicle to any Tesla Service Center.
Tesla is not fulfilling its legal obligation to provide the free safety recall remedies. Please require Tesla to deliver the updates or provide a proper solution.
Attached: screenshots of refusals from Tesla Service (Baltic + Warsaw).
 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11731004

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

The full self-driving (FSD) stopped working although it was fully paid for at the time of vehicle purchase. Along with that, the car stopped receiving/installing over the air software updates, the lane markings in the display disappeared, and the automatic cancelling turn signals stopped working (requiring me to manually cancel them). I took it to Tesla service and was told that the car needs a new computer at a cost of approximately $2,300. To answer the bullet points above: 1. The main vehicle computer malfunctioned. 2. I paid for FSD for the safety it provides - without FSD, the car is simply less safe in traffic. 3. The Tesla service center confirmed that the vehicle computer has malfunctioned. 4. There was no indication of any kind, until suddenly the FSD stopped working and I noticed subsequently that downloading/installing software updates failed, lane markings disappeared, and automatic cancelling turn signals stopped working requiring manual operation.

NHTSA ID

11715304

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Car was on complete auto pilot on mayland highway 270 and car suddenly took exit with any command and notification. Car was very close , few feet away from the guardrail at 55 mile per hour. This could have been a life threatening event with such decisions made by car. I saved all the dash cam videos of such two occurrence. I no longer have any trust in auto pilot software after too many mishaps with recent updates.

NHTSA ID

11707184

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

On Tuesday, [XXX], around [XXX] returning home and in my driveway when the following happened. Pulling into the left side of the driveway because a utility van was parked on the right side of the driveway with the rear door and driver’s side door opened with no one in the vicinity. There was not enough room to go forward into the garage. I was almost at a complete stop with the intention of getting out of the car to shut the drivers side door. That was when the car sped up at full speed and turned to the right into the van and continued in the right direction into the garage. The car was headed to the right back corner of the garage smashing into paint cans, a freezer, sink and cabinets. I had no control over the car from the time the car sped up and smashed into the back of the garage and it all happened in a matter of a few seconds. The vehicle has been totaled by the insurance company. This incident was recorded in the vehicle’s computer. The police department was called the same day and a police officer came to the house to record the incident. The car was towed to Gerber Collision & Glass, 10491 Corkscrew Commons Dr., Estero, FL 33928, phone (239) 947-6050. The car computer system should have recorded the event. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11656833

Incident

Apr 22, 2025

My Advance Driving assist (FSD for Tesla) stop working randomly. Adaptive Cruse control stoped working, forward collision stopped working. Backup camera randomly disconnect when parking. All of this happened right after a software update. I have contacted Tesla several times. They quoted me $2,666.96 to address the issue. Isn't this a Safety feature of the Car Specially when I paid $10,000.00 extra when I purchase the car to have FSD? All of the advanced driving assistance and collision warning stopped working as well.

NHTSA ID

11644775

Incident

Dec 18, 2024

After installing Software version 2024.45.25.15 (Full Self Driving software 12.6.2) on my 2020 Tesla Model Y with Autopilot Hardware v3, I experienced unsafe behavior by the autopilot/automatic safety system. On my second drive after the software update, I was unable to engage the autopilot system. Two “Phantom” cars appeared on the full self driving visualization. One “phantom” vehicle was on the left side of the vehicle in my blind spot. A second “phantom” vehicle was shown about 20 feet ahead and 50 feet to the left of my vehicle. (See screen shots). When I attempted to turn left, the automatic lane keep and blind spot warnings took over and attempted to avoid the phantom vehicle. I was able to override the system, but it caused repeated alarms and attempts to move the vehicle back into the lane.

NHTSA ID

11637657

Incident

Jan 15, 2025

On drives longer than 40 miles, camera faults cause cruise control systems to degrade in function and then when the faults are cleared, full functionality resumes without driver alerts. Side repeater camera feeds and rear camera feeds inconsistently load, or take an extended time period to load (10+ seconds). Tesla has confirmed that the autopilot computer (HW3) likely needs to be replaced, but this error/messaging is not directly accessible to the customer. The inconsistent failure behavior of the vehicle could easily lead less technical owners/drivers to incorrectly interpret how the car is behaving. The only message you receive while driving could be that 'cruise control is not available', and 'automatic emergency braking unavailable' with a message that the features may be restored later in the drive. My coworker has a 2022 Model Y and the same component failed on his vehicle and needed to be replaced under an extended warranty that was purchased from Tesla. I'm unsure how widespread the failure of this critical safety system is; we both purchased FSD and both had the same component fail and need replaced. I don't personally know others who own this vehicle with the FSD package to know for sure.

NHTSA ID

11633239

Incident

Dec 29, 2024

After being parked on a suburban street for about 3 hours, our Tesla Model Y experienced a complete loss of power-steering assist, requiring extreme hand-over-hand effort to turn the wheel and making it dangerous to drive. Warnings of "Steering assist reduced" and "Lane departure avoidance features unavailable" appeared on the display. After a 3-week wait, we finally got the vehicle to Tesla service, who diagnosed the issue and claimed that it was due to "...rodent damage to steering rack harness". They claim to have repaired the damage and the vehicle is again usable. Repair bill was $990. I have the vehicle and it is available for inspection. I cannot verify cause of the issue nor the repairs as they are not visible without a partial disassembly of the vehicle. No parts were returned to me (as I requested), so I must assume that none were actually replaced.

NHTSA ID

11621689

Incident

Sep 26, 2024

I own a 2020 Tesla Y with Hardware version 3 and after a few weeks of a free trial, purchased Tesla's Full Self-Driving Software (FSD) version 12.3.6. Since then, the FSD software was updated to version 12.5.4 and then 12.5.4.1. FSD version 12.3.6 had some safety issues. But version 12.5.4 and 12.5.4.1 has had more issues that have resulted in nearly having accidents that I have had to suddenly avoid. FSD version 12.3.6 issues: 1. Wandering outside of center yellow dividing stripes when on a curvy two-lane roadway 2. Failing to yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn and oncoming traffic was not clearly in view due to a curvy two-lane road 3. Attempting to make a left turn into a busy intersection when the turn signal was still red FSD version 12.5.4 and 12.5.4.1 additional issues: 1. Attempting to enter a two-lane roadway from a stop sign, when the perpendicular traffic was active and they had no stop sign, requiring me to slam on the brakes. 2. Sudden and erratic braking on a two-lane roadway, including directly under a signal, when no objects, people or other vehicles were in front of me, which nearly resulted in the vehicle behind me hitting me in the rear 3. Software sending a tone and screen alert to grab the steering wheel immediately, due to a "System Failure." 4. Software sending a tone and screen alert that to grab the steering wheel immediately, due to "one or more cameras blocked," when no cameras were blocked.

NHTSA ID

11620036

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

I have Tesla’s FSD software that consistently tries to enter closed highway ramps where the flags, lights and barriers are clearly marked as “do not enter”. I have reported this to Tesla a dozen times with no improvement or response. I’m sure there will be retaliation for this but I am sick and tired of swerving to avoid a fatal collision. Too many other safety issues with FSD to document.

NHTSA ID

11611310

Incident

Aug 24, 2024

The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH in rainy weather, the vehicle inadvertently spun in circles, and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact took his foot off the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle crashed into an embankment and then spun twice before inadvertently driving into the forest and coming to a complete stop. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact and his father, who was a passenger, were uninjured. There was no medical attention received. The vehicle was first towed to the tow yard, and then the insurance company had it towed to the salvage yard, where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to contact the local dealer for the computer data. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID

11611115

Incident

Aug 9, 2024

Mileage

68,000 mi

we were in a head-on collision (not our fault) in April. The police determined the combined speed of the crash impact to be 60-65 miles per hour. The 2020 Tesla Y  did not deploy its airbags. And as far as we can determine, the accident was not automatically recorded by the Tesla as it should have been. Because the airbags did not deploy, I sustained a fracture to my sternum that traverses over to my collarbone. We both have TBIs and other injuries. With that kind of an impact, one would expect an airbag to protect oneself, yet it did not. There were no warning lights/messages/etc from our vehicle. We are asking that you please look into this safety matter. (Especially since you are part of the push to have us own electric cars, they need to be safe for us). I do not know how much longer the Tesla will be available to inspect.

NHTSA ID

11595352

Incident

Apr 10, 2024

On July 26 2023, FSD, camera and navigation were working fine untill i was told to update software in my car. Then the next day everything stop working. I could not use navigation, crusie control, FSD, and all cameras. So, I brought in service to check but they could not fix the issue and want to replace car computer which i have to pay for the issue i did not cause. This is unresponsible that i got it from them. I am not sure if this manufacter defect or firmware issue that cause it. But this is not something that i have ability to cause it. Now with this safey recall i could not update software since there is no option for to do so.

NHTSA ID

11575835

Incident

Jul 27, 2023

I am writing to formally file a complaint against Tesla, Inc. concerning a significant issue that has arisen following a software update issued to Model Y and Model 3 vehicles in early December. I am a Tesla Model Y owner, and following this update, I have experienced complete failure of critical vehicle systems including cameras, navigation, lane departure warnings, auto braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, windshield wipers, self-driving features, and car location data. The malfunction of these essential features not only compromises the safety and functionality of the vehicle but also indicates a severe underlying problem with the vehicle's computer system. The cost to replace the affected computer in my vehicle amounted to $2,400. However, upon reviewing discussions on Tesla forums, I have discovered that this is not an isolated incident; numerous other owners are facing similar failures, with some repair bills exceeding $3,000. Given the widespread nature of these issues and their chronological association with the December software update, there appears to be a high correlation between the update and the catastrophic failure of the vehicle computers. The financial burden of these repairs has unjustly fallen on consumers, although it is my belief that Tesla should be held accountable for these failures, given the direct link to their software update. I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate this matter thoroughly. It is critical to ascertain whether the December software update directly caused the failures of the vehicle's computer systems and to ensure that Tesla takes appropriate responsibility for the safety and reliability of their vehicles. This includes compensating owners for the costs incurred due to these failures and implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.

NHTSA ID

11574636

Incident

Dec 12, 2023

The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while reversing at low speed from his driveway, the accelerator pedal inadvertently depressed into the floorboard, resulting in sudden unintended acceleration. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The vehicle struck two other parked vehicles in another driveway before crashing into a residence. The residents were not injured. The contact sustained a fractured neck, and shoulder pain from his seat belt, and head pain from striking the steering wheel. The contact's front passenger sustained a bruised shoulder, and the rear passenger, who was laying down on the rear seats, rolled over during impact and hit the rear seats, sustaining back and leg pain. The contact and his passengers were transported by ambulance to the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that after reviewing the event data recorder (EDR), the data showed that the contact had his foot depressed on the accelerator pedal during the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

NHTSA ID

11570095

Incident

Aug 11, 2023

Mileage

14,000 mi

Failure of all cameras, gps, and lane keeping system. It is available for inspection. It occurred after software update was pushed to the car. Tesla service has seen the vehicle and says that the internal computer has a fault and needs to be replaced. Yet, oddly enough, there are a lot of identical failures reported in Tesla owner forums. Around the same time as my failure in mid-December 2023. No prior indication of computer failure occurred. And the computer is still operational for items not related to the cameras and GPS. Safety concerns: The rear windshield has limited visibility, which is not an issue when the cameras are functioning. The safety notification when changing lanes does not work without the cameras and sensors. The lane keeping and adaptive cruise control do not work without the cameras and sensors. Tesla should investigate if a software update they sent over the air created the problem with cameras and lane keeping assist.

NHTSA ID

11567576

Incident

Dec 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was driving at an undisclosed mph up a driveway with autopilot on, the contact engaged autosteer by veering to the left before the vehicle crashed into the mailbox. There were no injuries and no police report. The lane departure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the Tesla Collision Center to be diagnosed. The technician stated the following components failed, steering, the land departure warning, and the avoidance warning, however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.  VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11565846

Incident

Jan 6, 2024

Mileage

40,000 mi

All the cameras in the vehicle are inoperable which causes autopilot not to work. The lane assist feature of the vehicle has stopped working. Driver has to constantly adjust to keep the vehicle from veering into traffic. The navigational system in the vehicle does not work. These safety issues require Tesla's immediate attention as this may lead to a fatal accident.

NHTSA ID

11563451

Incident

Dec 21, 2023

The incident happened on October 23, 2023 at 3:02 PM. The car is being parked between two vehicles and the car triggered automatic emergency breaking, after the emergency breaking there were error on screen about “Automatic Emergency Breaking Unavailable, ABS disabled and Automatic vehicles hold disabled”. After seeing this error on screen the car did sudden uncontrolled acceleration which caused it to crash in to buildings. I have contacted Tesla to investigate this issue, provided error message and vedio recordings of the incident. After two months investigation, I have been told they did not find issue in the car and can’t go any further details to explain error on screen, sudden emergency stop and sudden acceleration on the car. The car has been deemed total by the insurance company. I would like to share my data with you so proper investigation can be done and prevent similar situation in future.

NHTSA ID

11562971

Incident

Oct 23, 2023

I had FSD engaged and the Tesla MY was navigating to my sister’s house in Falmouth, MA. My brother was in the passenger seat and witnessed the incident. The MY stopped on a road to wait to make an easy left turn onto another road. There was a vehicle in front of us waiting to make this same left turn. Another vehicle approached at high speed (my estimate is 60 mph) in the opposing lane. With the vehicle in front of me still waiting to turn, my Tesla abruptly pulled left and moved into the opposing lane about 10 feet before I managed to apply the brakes hard. The vehicle in the opposing lane swerved hard to their right to avoid a possible collision and continued on without stopping. It was overcast but not dark out. This is the worst I’ve seen during the past 3.5 years of driving this Tesla MY with FSD. Current FSD Beta version is v11.4.8.1.

NHTSA ID

11562889

Incident

Dec 31, 2023

This pertains to the new NHTSA recall 23V-838 that forces Tesla to issue an OTA update changing the use of autosteer and attention notifications. Prior to the new update, I would use autopilot to assist me while I change the climate controls or radio station. After the update, this would instantly notify me that I was not “paying attention” which I am. Eventually it would disable my ability to use auto steer. Large all screen in put makes it difficult for me to adjust basic amenities in the car such as climate controls and radio. Since the new update, I felt that my in ability to use autosteer to assist me has made this operation significantly less safe. Not being able to safely make inputs to the car infotainment has made it riskier. Being all screen, there is no tactile feedback to know where my controls are without looking at the screen. In addition, I feel that the additional more frequent notifications has become more of a distraction as I take my eyes off the road to look at the screen to see what issues I am running into. There needs to be a balance between constant notification and ability to control basic infotainment feature.

NHTSA ID

11562115

Incident

Dec 27, 2023

This year I was charged $650 to replace both upper control arms, lower suspension links that I now find out was a known quality problem with Tesla. No recalls were issued despite this being a safety concern for drivers since it affects steering. I read that Tesla told service employees to tell customers that they had "abused" their car and that was the reason for the failure. I drive on perfect roads and without any load in the car, so clearly I didn't abuse it. It began with a Creaking sound when making a sharp turn or parking from steering or front suspension They replaced: Replaced LH Front Upper Control Arm. Replaced RH Front Upper Control Arm. Replaced LH compliance Lower Front Suspension Link. Replaced RH Aft Lower Front Suspension Link. NOTE: I tried two different browsers buy your site has a bug that won't allow uploads of documents, so I could not include the receipt. When one clicks on "upload files" the button disappears, and it won't let you upload.

NHTSA ID

11561985

Incident

Apr 7, 2023

ChatGPT Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Tesla Autopilot Changes (Campaign #23V-838) Dear NHTSA, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent required changes to Tesla's autopilot system under Campaign #23V-838. While I understand the importance of updates for safety, it appears that these modifications have had an adverse impact on the vehicle's safety and increased the potential dangers of driving. I urge the NHTSA to thoroughly investigate and address these issues to ensure the continued safety of Tesla vehicles on the road. Your prompt attention to this matter is crucial for the well-being of Tesla drivers and the public at large.

NHTSA ID

11561744

Incident

Dec 22, 2023

I was driving with cruise control on and the car violently hit the brakes when there was no one in front of us. We have noticed this is more common when cresting a hill. This happens at least once every time we are on a road trip. This needs to be addressed. We know we are not the only person having these issues with the Tesla and the “phantom braking”

NHTSA ID

11548079

Incident

Sep 25, 2023