2020 Tesla Model Y Visibility & Wipers Problems
NHTSA lists 16 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model Y, 6% of that year's 278 total complaints, tied to 2 crashes and no fires. A related recall (22V702000) covers the automatic window reversal system and is fixed via free OTA update.
- Visibility & Wipers complaints
- 16
- 6% of 278
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- —
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report
- Backup camera freezes on a static frame or lags real-time video while reversing, sometimes leading to a collision with an object or pedestrian.
- Blind-spot and side repeater cameras suffer glare at night from turn signal light, making lane-change views unusable.
- Windshield and rear defrost controls were removed from the main screen in a software update, forcing drivers to dig through menus during precipitation.
- Drivers report wavy distortion in the windshield at eye level that causes dizziness for motion-sensitive occupants.
- Automatic windshield wipers fail to activate promptly or at the right speed, letting spray from passing trucks obscure the windshield.
- Headlights no longer turn on automatically with the wipers after a software change, requiring manual activation through touchscreen submenus while driving.
When 2020 Tesla Model Y visibility and wiper complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 30, 2021, latest Feb 2, 2026.
Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model Y
- NHTSA 22V702000Sep 19, 2022Visibility & Wipers1,096,762 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Visibility:power window devices and controls
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Visibility & Wipers complaints by Model Y model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many Visibility & Wipers complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Tesla Model Y?
- NHTSA lists 16 complaints in this category for the 2020 Model Y, which is 6% of the 278 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to visibility or window issues on the 2020 Model Y?
- Yes. Recall 22V702000 covers 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles where the automatic window reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. Tesla fixes it with a free over-the-air software update.
- Have these visibility issues caused crashes?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes tied to Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2020 Model Y, with no reported fires or injuries.
- Do backup camera problems affect other Model Y years too?
- Yes. This area shows complaints across multiple years, including 48 for 2021, 33 for 2022, 62 for 2023, and lower counts in 2024 and 2025, so the issue is not unique to 2020.