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Tesla vehicles may brake suddenly on their own

NHTSA campaign 21V846000 · Reported 2021-10-29 · Tesla, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

This is a serious risk because the car can brake hard without warning, but the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, and the fix arrives automatically over the air.

What's wrong, in plain English

Certain Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y cars running software version 2021.36.5.2 have a communication error in the camera-based crash-avoidance system. The car may warn you about a collision that is not actually happening, or apply the automatic emergency brakes on its own when nothing is in the way. A hard, unexpected stop can catch you and the driver behind you by surprise. Tesla corrects the problem with a free over-the-air software update sent to the car.

What you should do

1. Verify your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls under recall 21V846000 (Tesla's number SB-21-00-004).
2. Make sure your car is connected to Wi-Fi and accept the over-the-air software update when it appears; it costs nothing.
3. If the update does not install, contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Affected vehicles (6)

Who to contact

Tesla — official Tesla recall lookup

Customer service: 1-877-798-3752

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Official notice

Component
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary
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.
Safety risk
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. (over-the-air software update)

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.