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Tesla Model S and Model X horn may not sound

NHTSA campaign 25V172000 · Reported 2025-03-19 · Tesla, Inc.

medium How serious is it? About this label

An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

What's wrong, in plain English

Some Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles were built with the wrong horn pad on the driver's airbag. The horn pad is the part you press in the center of the steering wheel. Because the wrong piece was installed, pressing it may not make any sound at all. Your horn is how you warn another driver who is drifting into your lane or backing toward you, so a silent horn takes that warning away.

What you should do

1. Press your horn to see whether it sounds, and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for campaign 25V172000.
2. Schedule service through the Tesla app or call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752, referencing SB-25-20-001.
3. Tesla inspects and installs an airbag with the correct horn pad at no cost to you.

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 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Safety risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.

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