2021-2023 Tesla Model S Driver Monitoring Software Recall (23V838)

Recall 23V838 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021-2023 Tesla Model S in recall 23V838?

In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Is it safe to drive a 2021-2023 Model S with recall 23V838?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the software.

Which vehicles are included in recall 23V838?

Recall 23V838 covers 2,031,220 vehicles: 2021-2023 Tesla Model 3; 2021-2023 Tesla Model S; 2021-2023 Tesla Model X; 2021-2023 Tesla Model Y.

NHTSA lists 2,031,220 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the Model S driver monitoring software recall?

Yes. The fix is an over-the-air software update.

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

When was recall 23V838 announced?

Tesla, Inc. reported recall 23V838 to NHTSA on December 12, 2023. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as February 10, 2024.

This recall was filed 34 months ago. If your Model S was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my Model S is part of recall 23V838?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 23V838 is open on your Model S, it will be listed there.

The fastest check is NHTSA’s VIN lookup. Type in the 17 characters from your registration or insurance card. Because only some 2021-2023 Model S vehicles are included, the VIN check is the only reliable way to know. A brand-new recall may take several days to show up.

What should Model S owners do about recall 23V838?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 23V838000 applies to your Model S.
2. Call a Tesla dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Get a repair order for every visit, even if the dealer only inspects the vehicle. Read it before you leave and make sure your complaint is written the way you described it.
4. Keep a simple log of any software symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.

What are Model S owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 5,758 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 569 of them about the electrical system.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 5,758 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 569 of them involve the electrical system. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2023 Tesla Model Y: 1,166 complaints in total, 102 about the electrical system
• 2021 Tesla Model Y: 1,079 complaints in total, 125 about the electrical system
• 2022 Tesla Model Y: 865 complaints in total, 95 about the electrical system
• 2022 Tesla Model 3: 765 complaints in total, 50 about the electrical system
• 2021 Tesla Model 3: 664 complaints in total, 65 about the electrical system
• 2023 Tesla Model 3: 427 complaints in total, 45 about the electrical system
• 2023 Tesla Model X: 194 complaints in total, 21 about the electrical system
• 2021 Tesla Model S: 179 complaints in total, 22 about the electrical system

Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):

While driving the car the dash board lit up with several failures related to auto pilot and auto steering. The car would not engage auto pilot or cruise control and the dashboard showed messages that the car driver assist has failed, lane departure warning, blind spot warning and required immidiate service.

2021 Tesla Model X owner, MN, NHTSA complaint 11765058, filed September 17, 2026

We got a 2021 tesla x for just one month. But the computer has dead three times when i was driving in high way and have my two kids in the back seats.

2021 Tesla Model X owner, OR, NHTSA complaint 11395757, filed February 11, 2021

While driving the car lost power to all screens and functions such as signals and speedometer all stopped working. The computer system rebooted in 10 seconds. This has happened 4 times in mater of 3 months.

2021 Tesla Model X owner, AZ, NHTSA complaint 11408658, filed April 18, 2021

Can recall 23V838 make my Model S a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

Owners often ask whether this software recall means their Model S qualifies as a lemon. Not by itself. Song-Beverly looks at whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs use, value or safety and was not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

Electrical faults are hard to diagnose, so dealers often try several fixes before one works, if one works at all. That pattern of repeat visits for the same software problem is common in lemon law claims.

This recall is handled by an over-the-air software update, so many owners never visit a dealer. If the problem returns after the update, take the 2021-2023 Tesla Model S to the dealer and make sure the visit is written up on a repair order. An update that does not work is still a failed repair.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the Model S went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 23V838