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Tesla Model S and Model X Driver Airbag May Tear

NHTSA campaign 21V868000 · Reported 2021-11-09 · Tesla, Inc.

medium How serious is it? About this label

The car drives normally and there is no warning sign, but in a crash the driver may not get the protection they should, so schedule the free replacement rather than putting it off.

What's wrong, in plain English

The driver's airbag is the cushion built into the steering wheel. On certain 2021 Model S and Model X cars, that cushion can rip as it inflates during a crash. A torn airbag cannot cushion the driver the way it is meant to, so the driver may not be properly protected in a collision. Nothing feels wrong day to day — the flaw only shows up at the moment the airbag is needed. Tesla will replace the airbag.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 21V868000 (Tesla's SB-21-20-007) covers your car.
2. Book service through the Tesla app or call Tesla at 1-877-798-3752 to have the driver's airbag replaced.
3. The replacement is free of charge; owner letters were mailed January 7, 2022.

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 airbag recalls: which Model S, X and 3 are affected? · all 6 Tesla recalls in this area

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.