The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·20V609000·Announced 2020-09-30

Tesla Recalls 2020 Model Y Vehicles for Trailer Brake Light Software Error

Tesla is recalling 2020 Model Y vehicles with specific configurations because a software error prevents trailer brake lights from illuminating, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a functional defect in safety-critical lighting (trailer brake lights) that explicitly increases the risk of a crash, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Tesla, Inc. is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles equipped with a global rear lamp and tow package configuration. The recall addresses a software error that prevents the illumination of trailer brake lights. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

The defect increases the risk of a crash because trailer brake lights do not illuminate during braking. Tesla has released a firmware update over-the-air (OTA) to vehicles as of September 23, 2020, to correct the issue.

Owners will be notified by Tesla. They may also contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Tesla's recall number for this action is SB-20-00-002.

The recalled product

Product
TESLA MODEL Y
Brand
TESLA
Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Lighting / Electrical
Hazard
Affected units
2,567

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • MODEL Y

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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