Recall 20V709 affects 401 2020 Tesla Model Y vehicles for loose front upper control arm bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
Tesla is recalling 401 2020 Model Y vehicles because bolts connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle were not properly tightened on affected vehicles. If the upper control arm detaches, the wheels can lean in or out, reducing steering control and increasing crash risk; Tesla dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front upper control arm on a 2020 Tesla Model Y is part of the front suspension. It helps hold the wheel assembly in the right position while the steering knuckle connects that assembly to the steering system. The bolts between those parts must stay tightened to keep the suspension and steering geometry stable.
On affected Model Y vehicles, the bolts connecting the front upper control arm to the steering knuckle were not tightened correctly during assembly. Factory records and manual checks did not confirm proper fastening for this group. If the joint loosens, the upper control arm can detach from the steering knuckle, which changes how the front wheel is supported and steered.
Owners can hear excessive noise from the front suspension before the joint separates. They can also feel a change in steering performance or steering feel. Those signs mean the vehicle needs recall service, where the components are checked and torqued to specification.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | control arm |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 401 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Tesla Model Y is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A detached upper control arm can make the wheels lean in or out, reducing steering control and increasing crash risk. Noise from the front suspension or a change in steering feel is a warning sign; drive cautiously and arrange service soon if your VIN is included. 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 schedule the free front-suspension inspection and bolt tightening that keeps the upper control arm attached to the steering knuckle.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V709 and Tesla recall SB-20-31-012 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until Tesla completes the repair, and stop using the vehicle if steering feels abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Tesla technician inspects the bolts connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, the technician tightens them, and the inspection and repair are free under the recall. The recall began January 15, 2021, so the dealer repair is available now. Tesla's general reimbursement plan covers documented out-of-pocket repair expenses tied to this recall. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Tesla customer service, to start a claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 17, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 17, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 17, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V709?
Recall 20V709 covers 401 2020 Tesla Model Y vehicles with front upper control arm bolts that were not properly tightened. If the upper control arm detaches from the steering knuckle, steering ability can decrease and crash risk increases.
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 20V709. If it is, contact Tesla service to schedule the inspection. Tesla will inspect the front upper control arm bolts and tighten them if needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Tesla's recall remedy says Tesla will inspect the affected bolts and tighten them if needed free of charge. Have recall 20V709 and Tesla recall number SB-20-31-012 ready when you contact Tesla service.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced steering control. A detached upper control arm can cause the wheels to lean in or out, which decreases the driver's ability to steer and increases the risk of a crash.
What if I bought my Tesla Model Y used?
The free recall repair still applies. Ownership history does not decide whether this recall covers the vehicle. Check your VIN, then contact Tesla service with recall 20V709 if your specific 2020 Model Y is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V709000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V709 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V709000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →