The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·18V031000·Announced 2018-01-09

Tesla Recalls 2013 Model S Vehicles Due to Air Bag Inflator Defect

Tesla is recalling 17,846 2013 Model S vehicles because the passenger frontal air bag inflators may explode during deployment, posing a risk of serious injury or death.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (air bag inflator) where the source text explicitly states the hazard may result in 'serious injury or death,' meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Tesla, Inc. is recalling 17,846 2013 Model S vehicles equipped with certain passenger frontal air bag inflators. These inflators were used as original equipment or replacement equipment. The defect involves propellant degradation that can occur after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, the inflators may explode. This explosion can result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, which may cause serious injury or death.

Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules free of charge. The recall was expected to begin in March 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-20-001. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
TESLA MODEL S
Brand
TESLA
Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Air Bags
Hazard
Affected units
17,846

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • MODEL S

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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