NHTSA Recall Data

Tesla Model S Recalls (2021-2025)

Every recall for model year 2021 and newer · Safety warnings · California lemon law

✓ Reviewed by Jacob Shayesteh, Esq.·Updated October 2026
28
Recall campaigns
0
Do not drive / park outside
474
Owner complaints to NHTSA
11
Repeat recalls
2026
Latest recall

The 2021-2025 Tesla Model S has 28 recall campaigns for model year 2021 and newer, 0 with a do-not-drive warning, 0 with a park-outside fire warning, and 0 where NHTSA’s filing shows an interim notice or no final fix. Most involve electrical system (7), air bags (5), driver assistance (4). Check your VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup, and if your Model S keeps going back to the dealer for the same problem, it may qualify under California’s lemon law.

What recalls does the Tesla Model S have?

  • 2021-2023 Tesla Model 3 Backup Camera Software Recall (26V283) Repeat recall
    May 4, 2026 · 218,868 vehicles · Rearview Camera

    8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

    Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

  • 2021-2024 Tesla Model S Air Bag Recall (25V172)
    March 19, 2025 · 91 vehicles · Air Bags

    An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.

    Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge.

  • 2024-2025 Tesla Model 3 Backup Camera Software Recall (25V002)
    January 6, 2025 · 239,382 vehicles · Rearview Camera

    The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

  • 2021-2025 Tesla Model S Air Bag Recall (24V967) Repeat recall
    December 23, 2024 · 487 vehicles · Air Bags

    The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."

    Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge.

  • 2021-2024 Tesla Model 3 Electrical Software Recall (24V554) Repeat recall
    July 24, 2024 · 1,849,638 vehicles · Electrical System

    The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

    Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

  • 2021-2024 Tesla Model S Warning Light and Devices Recall (24V376)
    May 28, 2024 · 125,233 vehicles · Seat Belts

    In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update.

  • 2021 Tesla Model S Pedestrian Alert Sound Recall (24V153) Repeat recall
    February 27, 2024 · 6,557 vehicles · Driver Assistance

    A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge.

  • 2021-2023 Tesla Model S Instrument Cluster Recall (24V051) Repeat recall
    January 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles · Electrical System

    An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

  • 2023 Tesla Model S Backup Camera Recall (24V035)
    January 22, 2024 · 199,575 vehicles · Rearview Camera

    0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

  • 2022-2023 Tesla Model S Electrical Software Recall (23V862) Repeat recall
    December 19, 2023 · 120,423 vehicles · Electrical System

    The cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."

    Risk: An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

  • 2021-2023 Tesla Model S Driver Monitoring Software Recall (23V838)
    December 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles · Electrical System

    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.

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

  • 2021-2024 Tesla Model S Steering Wheel Recall (23V743)
    November 3, 2023 · 194 vehicles · Steering

    An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.

    Risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge.

  • 2021-2023 Tesla Model S Front Seat Belt Recall (23V488) Repeat recall
    July 14, 2023 · 15,869 vehicles · Seat Belts

    The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.

    Risk: A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge.

  • 2023 Tesla Model S Backup Camera Recall (23V489) Repeat recall
    July 14, 2023 · 1,337 vehicles · Driver Assistance

    The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.

    Risk: Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge.

  • 2021-2023 Tesla Model S Automated Recall (23V085) Repeat recall
    February 15, 2023 · 362,758 vehicles · Steering

    Â The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

    Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

  • 2021 Tesla Model S Steering Power Steering Recall (22V818)
    November 1, 2022 · 40,168 vehicles · Steering

    The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.

    Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge.

  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 Visibility Power Window Recall (22V702)
    September 19, 2022 · 1,096,762 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

    The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

    Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge.

  • 2022 Tesla Model S Front Air Bag Recall (22V526)
    July 21, 2022 · 5 vehicles · Air Bags

    The front bumper carrier structure may alter the vehicle's crash detection, causing the front passenger air bag to deploy incorrectly during certain low speed crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: A passenger air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury.

    Fix: Tesla Service will replace the front bumper carrier structure, free of charge.

  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model S Video Screen Recall (22V296)
    May 3, 2022 · 129,960 vehicles · Electrical System

    The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart.

    Risk: A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will improve CPU temperature management, free of charge.

  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y Electrical Software Recall (22V235) Repeat recall
    April 12, 2022 · 594,894 vehicles · Electrical System

    The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge.

  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model S Air Bag Inflator Recall (22V104)
    February 23, 2022 · 9 vehicles · Air Bags

    The right or left side curtain air bag inflators may have been assembled incorrectly.

    Risk: An incorrectly assembled inflator can cause a delayed or improper deployment of the side curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: Tesla Service Centers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge.

  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model S Pedestrian Alert Sound Recall (22V063) Repeat recall
    February 4, 2022 · 578,607 vehicles · Driver Assistance

    The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge.

  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 Electrical Software Recall (22V050)
    February 2, 2022 · 26,681 vehicles · Electrical System

    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."

    Risk: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model S Front Seat Belt Recall (22V045)
    February 1, 2022 · 817,143 vehicles · Seat Belts

    The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model S Automated Recall (22V037)
    January 27, 2022 · 53,822 vehicles · Steering

    The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

    Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge.

  • 2021 Tesla Model S Door Latch Recall (21V00B)
    December 21, 2021 · 130,441 vehicles · Body, Doors and Seats

    The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."

    Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge.

  • 2021 Tesla Model X Air Bag Recall (21V868)
    November 9, 2021 · 7,600 vehicles · Air Bags

    The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.

    Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

    Fix: Tesla Service will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge.

  • 2021 Tesla Model S Backup Camera Recall (21V846)
    October 29, 2021 · 11,728 vehicles · Driver Assistance

    36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

    Risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.

Which Model S parts are recalled most?

Recall areaCampaignsVehicles covered
Electrical System76,946,685
Air Bags58,192
Driver Assistance4598,229
Steering4456,942
Rearview Camera3657,825
Seat Belts3958,245
Lighting and Visibility11,096,762
Body, Doors and Seats1130,441

Which Model S model years have the most recalls?

Model yearRecallsCampaigns
20212326V283000 (rearview camera), 25V172000 (air bags), 24V967000 (air bags), 24V554000 (electrical system), 24V376000 (seat belts), 24V153000 (driver assistance), 24V051000 (electrical system), 23V838000 (electrical system), 23V743000 (steering), 23V488000 (seat belts), 23V085000 (steering), 22V818000 (steering), 22V702000 (lighting and visibility), 22V296000 (electrical system), 22V235000 (electrical system), 22V104000 (air bags), 22V063000 (driver assistance), 22V050000 (electrical system), 22V045000 (seat belts), 22V037000 (steering), 21V00B000 (body, doors and seats), 21V868000 (air bags), 21V846000 (driver assistance)
20222026V283000 (rearview camera), 25V172000 (air bags), 24V967000 (air bags), 24V554000 (electrical system), 24V376000 (seat belts), 24V051000 (electrical system), 23V862000 (electrical system), 23V838000 (electrical system), 23V743000 (steering), 23V488000 (seat belts), 23V085000 (steering), 22V702000 (lighting and visibility), 22V526000 (air bags), 22V296000 (electrical system), 22V235000 (electrical system), 22V104000 (air bags), 22V063000 (driver assistance), 22V050000 (electrical system), 22V045000 (seat belts), 22V037000 (steering)
20231326V283000 (rearview camera), 25V172000 (air bags), 24V967000 (air bags), 24V554000 (electrical system), 24V376000 (seat belts), 24V051000 (electrical system), 24V035000 (rearview camera), 23V862000 (electrical system), 23V838000 (electrical system), 23V743000 (steering), 23V488000 (seat belts), 23V489000 (driver assistance), 23V085000 (steering)
2024625V172000 (air bags), 25V002000 (rearview camera), 24V967000 (air bags), 24V554000 (electrical system), 24V376000 (seat belts), 23V743000 (steering)
2025225V002000 (rearview camera), 24V967000 (air bags)

How do I check my Model S for open recalls?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. The lookup lists every open safety recall on that specific vehicle, so you will see which of the 28 Tesla Model S campaigns above apply to you. You can also ask any authorized Tesla dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is on your registration card, your insurance card, and a plate at the lower driver-side corner of the windshield. Brand-new recalls can take a few days to show up, so check again if you received a letter.

What are Model S owners reporting?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA since 2020, by model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports, but the components that come up most often show where owners are having trouble.

Model yearComplaintsMost reported components
2021179Unknown Or Other (45), Steering (29), Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking (27)
2022138Unknown Or Other (34), Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control (26), Steering (21)
2023113Unknown Or Other (58), Steering (20), Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control (12)
202438Unknown Or Other (23), Lane Departure: Assist (17), Lane Departure: Warning (15)
20256Suspension (2), Power Train (2), Wheels (1)

Excerpts from owner complaints (unverified):

Tesla Model S 2021 Long Range: Upon closing the rear trunk close button from the app or close button on the hatch, the hatch goes down but won’t lock. It gives 3 beeps. Upon pressing open, it won’t go up and gives 3 beeps.

2021 TESLA Model S owner, Unknown Or Other, NHTSA complaint 11692785

4 months after warranty and only 42,774 miles, I am being hit with a massive bill of almost $2,700 from Tesla service in Lyndhurst, OH. This to correct right and left front end basic suspension issues that should not occur. Clearly the front end is not designed to handle the weight of car.

2021 TESLA Model S owner, Steering, NHTSA complaint 11660683

My AC heater stopped functioning when I was driving through sub zero temperatures in salt lake city, Utah. At that time Tesla said they will need to replace the entire system and estimated 3000 dollars.

2022 TESLA Model S owner, Unknown Or Other, NHTSA complaint 11638686

Can a recall make your Model S a lemon in California?

A recall alone does not make a Tesla Model S a lemon. California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act looks at whether a warranty defect substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety and was not fixed within a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

11 of the 28 recalls listed here follow an earlier campaign on the same component, which can mean a first fix did not work. Most are single-repair campaigns, but repeat visits for any covered defect still count.

Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the same defect was repaired two or more times when it is likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for any covered defect, or the vehicle was out of service more than 30 days in total (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Written notice to the manufacturer is required in some cases, and owners outside that window can still have a claim. An owner who prevails 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.

What to keep: every repair order, the recall owner letters, your purchase or lease contract, and a log of dates, mileage and symptoms. Make sure every visit is written up, even when the dealer says it found nothing.

Other Tesla models with recalls

Frequently asked questions about Tesla Model S recalls

How many recalls does the Tesla Model S have?

NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns for 2021 and newer Tesla Model S vehicles as of October 1, 2026. The newest is 26V283000, filed May 4, 2026.

How do I check my Tesla Model S for open recalls?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask any authorized dealer to run it. Not every vehicle of a model year is included in each recall.

Are recall repairs free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. Ask the dealer to confirm before work begins.

Can I get a buyback for my Tesla Model S?

Possibly, if a covered defect was not fixed in a reasonable number of attempts or the vehicle spent a long time out of service. A recall alone is not enough, but repeat repairs or a failed recall fix can support a claim.

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Sources

Attorney advertising. America’s Lemon Lawyer is a trade name of Wynn Law Group, APC. Responsible attorney: Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320). Recall data from NHTSA. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. This page is general information, not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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