How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model S have?

The 2021 Tesla Model S has 23 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2021 Tesla Model S has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2021 Tesla Model S?

Of 276 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is unknown or other.

2021 Tesla Model S Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2021 Tesla Model S has 23 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 10,292,599 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 276 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the unknown or other. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

BACK OVER PREVENTION 26V283000 2026-05-04 218,868 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…

Consequence

A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

AIR BAGS 25V172000 2025-03-19 91 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.

Consequence

An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.

AIR BAGS 24V967000 2024-12-23 487 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence

A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24V554000 2024-07-24 1,849,638 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Consequence

An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

SEAT BELTS 24V376000 2024-05-28 125,233 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…

Consequence

A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 24V153000 2024-02-27 6,557 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141,…

Consequence

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24V051000 2024-01-30 2,193,869 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…

Consequence

Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 23V838000 2023-12-12 2,031,220 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's…

Consequence

In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

STEERING 23V743000 2023-11-03 194 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.

Consequence

An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.

SEAT BELTS 23V488000 2023-07-14 15,869 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.

Consequence

A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this…

STEERING 23V085000 2023-02-15 362,758 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.Â The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an…

Consequence

FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.Â Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.Â Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.Â Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

STEERING 22V818000 2022-11-01 40,168 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.

VISIBILITY 22V702000 2022-09-19 1,096,762 affected

Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

EQUIPMENT 22V296000 2022-05-03 129,960 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S, Model X, and 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating certain firmware releases. The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart.

Consequence

A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will improve CPU temperature management, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-009.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 22V235000 2022-04-12 594,894 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to…

Consequence

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at…

AIR BAGS 22V104000 2022-02-23 9 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S vehicles. The right or left side curtain air bag inflators may have been assembled incorrectly.

Consequence

An incorrectly assembled inflator can cause a delayed or improper deployment of the side curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Tesla Service Centers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-001.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 22V063000 2022-02-04 578,607 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to…

Consequence

Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's…

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22V050000 2022-02-02 26,681 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to…

Consequence

Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.

SEAT BELTS 22V045000 2022-02-01 817,143 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…

Consequence

The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

STEERING 22V037000 2022-01-27 53,822 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

Consequence

Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 21V00B000 2021-12-21 130,441 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."

Consequence

If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.

AIR BAGS 21V868000 2021-11-09 7,600 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.

Consequence

A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Tesla Service will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-007.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 21V846000 2021-10-29 11,728 affected

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

Consequence

Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

Complaints by component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

311

STEERING

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUSPENSION

SERVICE BRAKES

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

STRUCTURE:BODY

WHEELS

Total complaints276

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“I noticed it happened before but I couldn't quite figure out what happened! I was driving down the local road and got ready to go under a overpass and next thing u know my ev just slammed on brakes like I was about to hit someone! Seatbelt choked me and made me gag! But when I came through this…”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2026-05-13

“I noticed it happened before but I couldn't quite figure out what happened! I was driving down the local road and got ready to go under a overpass and next thing u know my ev just slammed on brakes like I was about to hit someone! Seatbelt choked me and made me gag! But when I came through this…”

SEAT BELTS · reported 2026-05-13

“I noticed it happened before but I couldn't quite figure out what happened! I was driving down the local road and got ready to go under a overpass and next thing u know my ev just slammed on brakes like I was about to hit someone! Seatbelt choked me and made me gag! But when I came through this…”

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING · reported 2026-05-13

“I was in full self driving mode and was travelling north bound 110 freeway transitioning to 405 freeway northbound. In the right lane. Transition curved left. Looked at my speed for a split second and as I looked up we were a split second from hitting freeway barrier head-on. We crashed through…”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2026-04-05

“I was in full self driving mode and was travelling north bound 110 freeway transitioning to 405 freeway northbound. In the right lane. Transition curved left. Looked at my speed for a split second and as I looked up we were a split second from hitting freeway barrier head-on. We crashed through…”

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL · reported 2026-04-05

“The contact owns a 2021 tesla model s. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v045000 (electrical system, seat belts); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2026-03-09

“The contact owns a 2021 tesla model s. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v045000 (electrical system, seat belts); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.”

SEAT BELTS · reported 2026-03-09

“I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month even considering major safety concern. Some of 2021 vehicles are serviced under the recall tesla sent. But told me mine doesnâ€™t qualify for same issue for same year, same model cars. It seems like…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2025-12-01

Defect investigations

Investigation AQ25002 Opened 2025-08-20 · open

Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements

The Office of Defects Investigation (â€œODIâ€�) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (â€œTeslaâ€�) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the â€œSGOâ€�), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports…

Investigation DP22005 Opened 2023-01-27 · closed 2023-08-07

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…

Investigation DP23001 Opened 2023-04-07 · closed 2026-03-18

Defect Petition Interlock Request

On March 21, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting a â€œrecall of all Tesla carsâ€� produced from 2013 to the date on which the petition was filed due to what Petitioner considers to be the increased likelihood of pedal misapplication. Attached to the Petition is a paper…

Investigation DP23002 Opened 2023-06-29 · open

Sudden Unintended Acceleration

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this…

Investigation EA22002 Opened 2022-06-08 · closed 2024-04-25

Autopilot System Driver Controls

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded PE21020 to EA22002 on June 8, 2022, to extend work and deepen the PE21020 crash analysis, to supplement that analysis with additional data, and to perform vehicle evaluations to understand how Teslaâ€™s Autopilot system may exacerbate human factors or behavioral…

Investigation EA22002 Opened 2022-06-08 · closed 2024-04-25

Autopilot System Driver Controls

Investigation EA26002 Opened 2026-03-18 · open

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Teslaâ€™s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the systemâ€™s ability, when encountering reduced roadway…

Investigation PE21020 Opened 2021-08-13 · closed 2022-06-08

Autopilot & First Responder Scenes

On August 13, 2021, NHTSA?s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-020) to assess the performance of Tesla?s Autopilot system (a system characterized by Tesla as an SAE Level 2 driving automation system designed to support and assist the driver in performing the driving task)…

Investigation PE21023 Opened 2021-12-21 · closed 2023-05-26

Tesla Passenger Play

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-023) on December 21, 2021, to evaluate the driver distraction potential and use frequency / circumstances of in-vehicle game-play functionality referred to as ?Passenger Play? in certain model year (MY) 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3, S, X, and Y…