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Tesla Model S and X Driver Air Bag May Tear

NHTSA campaign 21V868000 · Reported Nov 9, 2021 · Tesla, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

A torn air bag may not adequately protect the driver in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V868000
Reported to NHTSA	Nov 9, 2021
Manufacturer	Tesla, Inc.
Part affected	AIR Bags
Vehicles covered	1 model/year combination, model years 2021
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Tesla is recalling certain Model X and Model S vehicles because the driver's air bag cushion may tear when it deploys. A torn air bag may not protect the driver as well as it should in a crash.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is affected.
2. Contact a Tesla service center to schedule the air bag replacement; you can also call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
3. The repair is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 21V868000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (1)

2021 Tesla Model S

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

Tesla Air Bag Recalls: Deployment Problems and Horn Failures · all 6 Tesla recalls in this area

Other Tesla Model S recalls

May 5, 2026Tesla Model 3, S and Y rearview camera image delayedmedium
Mar 19, 2025Tesla Model S Airbag Defect May Silence Hornmedium
Dec 24, 2024Tesla Model S driver airbag may tear during deploymenthigh
Jul 24, 2024Tesla Hood Latch May Not Detect Unlatched Hoodhigh
May 28, 2024Tesla Seat Belt Warning Chime May Not Activatemedium
Feb 27, 2024Tesla pedestrian warning sound muted after a factory resetmedium

All 24 Model S recalls

Official notice

Component: AIR BAGS
Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.
Safety risk: 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.

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