Recall 20V609 affects 2,567 2020 Tesla Model Y vehicles because trailer brake lights do not illuminate during braking. Tesla released a free over-the-air firmware update.
Tesla is recalling 2,567 2020 Model Y vehicles with the global rear lamp and tow package configuration because a software error stops trailer brake lights from illuminating during braking. That leaves drivers behind the trailer without a brake signal and increases crash risk; Tesla service will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On 2020 Tesla Model Y vehicles with the tow package, the rear lighting system and trailer control module work together to send the vehicle's brake signal to the trailer. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the vehicle control module, the onboard computer that routes lighting commands, tells the trailer control module to turn on the trailer brake lights.
On affected vehicles, Tesla added a new global rear lamp variant to production. That hardware added a channel in the vehicle control module, but the software did not map that channel correctly to the trailer control module. The Model Y brake lights still work, but the trailer brake lights do not illuminate when the vehicle brakes.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not see the trailer lights from the seat, so the problem is most likely found during a trailer-light check or by someone standing behind the trailer while the brakes are applied.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 2,567 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Trailer brake lights that stay dark during braking make it harder for drivers behind you to see that you are slowing, which increases crash risk. There is no warning sign before the lights fail to illuminate. Confirm the OTA update is installed. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Tesla Model Y is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla service to confirm the free over-the-air software update that restores trailer brake-light illumination has been installed.
- Reference recall number 20V609 and Tesla recall SB-20-00-002 when you contact Tesla.
- Avoid towing a trailer until Tesla confirms the brake-light software update is installed.
What happens at the repair
Tesla handled this recall with an over the air firmware update released to affected vehicles on September 23, 2020. A Tesla technician or service advisor can confirm that the update is installed and apply the recall software if the vehicle still needs it. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered if service center help is needed. Tesla has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for a related trailer brake light software repair before the recall notice, contact Tesla customer service with your repair paperwork to ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 23, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| September 30, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
| October 5, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 6, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 23, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V609?
Recall 20V609 covers 2,567 2020 Tesla Model Y vehicles with the global rear lamp and tow package configuration. A software error stops trailer brake lights from illuminating during braking, which fails Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 and increases crash risk. Tesla released an over-the-air firmware update for the recall.
What should I do if my 2020 Tesla Model Y is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model Y is included in recall 20V609. If it is, confirm the over-the-air firmware update has been installed. Tesla released the update as of September 23, 2020, and owners can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Tesla's remedy for recall 20V609 is an over-the-air firmware update. Tesla's recall number is SB-20-00-002 if you need to reference it with customer service.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced warning to drivers behind a trailer. If the trailer brake lights do not illuminate when the Model Y brakes, another driver has less notice that the trailer is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V609000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V609 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V609000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →