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Tesla Seat Belt Recalls Cover Loose Attachments and Missing Warnings
Attachment problems recur in Tesla’s seat belt notices, alongside a separate warning-system software issue. Certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles have front shoulder-belt fasteners that may not be properly attached. Another notice covers second-row retractor fasteners on certain 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. Certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles have rear buckle and anchor components that may have been incorrectly reassembled during service. Front belts on certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles may detach from improperly connected pretensioner anchors. The warning-light and chime notice spans certain Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y vehicles across broader year ranges.
Warning signs to watch for
- Seat Belt Warning Chime May Not Activate (SB-24-00-008): the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended when the driver is unbelted.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
None of these five notices instructs owners to stop driving or park outside. The front shoulder-belt fastener, Model 3 rear anchor, Model S/X pretensioner-anchor, and Model Y rear retractor-fastener notices describe reduced restraint protection and increased injury risk. The warning-light and chime notice describes increased injury risk when the system fails to alert occupants about an unbelted seat belt. For each listed recall, the notice does not tell owners to stop driving. The notices supplied here give no separate interim driving instruction.
What the free repair involves
Free service remedies are specific: inspect and repair front shoulder-belt fasteners; inspect and reassemble Model 3 rear anchors; inspect and connect Model S/X front belts to pretensioner anchors or replace assemblies; inspect and replace Model Y rear retractor fasteners, as necessary. SB-24-00-008 specifies an OTA warning-system update but does not state a charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 3 |
| medium | 2 |
Models affected most
Where owners report seat belts problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under seat belts for the Tesla models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Seat belts complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 102 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2024 | Tesla Seat Belt Warning Chime May Not Activate | medium |
| Jul 14, 2023 | Tesla Model S and Model X Seat Belt Defect | high |
| Oct 21, 2022 | Tesla Model 3 rear seat belts may be reassembled incorrectly | high |
| May 25, 2021 | Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Seat Belt Fastener Issue | high |
| May 25, 2021 | Tesla Model Y Rear Seat Belt Fastener Issue | medium |
Common questions
Which Tesla vehicles have the seat belt warning-light and chime recall?
SB-24-00-008 covers certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended when the driver is unbelted.
What is the rear seat belt problem on Model 3?
The notice covers certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles whose second-row left buckle and center belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service. Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge.
How does Tesla repair the Model S and Model X front belts?
For certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles, Tesla Service inspects the front-row belts and connects them to the pretensioner anchors, or replaces the belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. The notice says improper connections can allow detachment.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.