NHTSA Complaint #11680014 — 2020 TESLA MODEL Y

On [XXX], I identified a severe and unacceptable loss of driving range in my 2020 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] , mileage: 59,127 miles). The vehicle now shows only ~180 miles of range at 100% charge, compared to the original advertised 316 miles — representing a ~43% loss of range. This degradation is far outside normal industry standards for EV battery health. This loss of range significantly impacts vehicle safety, as trip planning becomes unreliable and there is a heightened risk of being stranded on highways or in unsafe locations without charging availability. This could endanger both myself and other drivers, especially in rural areas or during extreme weather conditions. The issue has been repeatedly reported to Tesla, but they have failed to provide a technical explanation, battery replacement, or corrective action. Tesla service claims it is “normal degradation,” despite the magnitude of loss and the vehicle’s mileage being well below expected battery life thresholds. No warning lamps appeared prior to the loss of range. The problem is ongoing and reproducible — the vehicle consistently charges to ~180 miles of estimated range. I believe the battery is defective or has been subject to software-imposed range limitation. I request that NHTSA investigate this matter as it may indicate a broader safety risk or a systemic defect in Tesla batteries that could affect other consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)