Home › Tesla › Model 3 › 22V050000

Tesla Software Bug Reduces Windshield Defrosting Power

NHTSA campaign 22V050000 · Reported Feb 2, 2022 · Tesla, Inc.

medium How serious is it? About this label

Reduced windshield defrosting can limit the driver's visibility, which raises the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	22V050000
Reported to NHTSA	Feb 2, 2022
Manufacturer	Tesla, Inc.
Part affected	Electrical System:software
Vehicles covered	4 model/year combinations, model years 2020–2022
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer; this one can be delivered as an over-the-air software update

What's wrong, in plain English

Tesla is recalling certain Model 3, Model S, and Model Y vehicles because of a software error. The error can cause a valve inside the heat pump to open when it shouldn't, which traps refrigerant inside the evaporator. When this happens, the vehicle's ability to defrost or defog the windshield is reduced. Vehicles with the problem no longer meet the federal safety standard for windshield defrosting and defogging systems.

What you should do

1) Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is included. 2) Tesla will send the fix as an over-the-air software update; you can also contact 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 22V050000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (4)

2020 Tesla Model Y
2021 Tesla Model 3
2021 Tesla Model S
2022 Tesla Model 3

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 Electrical System Recalls: Camera, Warning Sound, and Power Problems · all 14 Tesla recalls in this area

Other Tesla Model 3 recalls

Aug 5, 2026Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Headlights Too Brighthigh
Jul 7, 2026Model 3 Vehicles Missing Required Safety Featureshigh
May 5, 2026Tesla Model 3, S and Y rearview camera image delayedmedium
Jun 18, 2025Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Seat Fasteners May Be Loosehigh
Feb 14, 2025Tesla Model 3 Power Steering Assist May Failmedium
Jan 7, 2025Tesla Model 3 and Model Y May Lose Backup Camerahigh

All 35 Model 3 recalls

Official notice

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: 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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Safety risk: 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. (over-the-air software update)

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