The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·21V846000·Announced 2023-05-10

Tesla Model 3 Forward Collision Avoidance System Software Error

Tesla is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model 3, S, X, and Y vehicles due to a software error that may cause false forward-collision warnings or unexpected automatic emergency brake activation. No injuries have been reported.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: This is a risk-of-harm vehicle safety system issue where unexpected automatic emergency brake activation could increase crash risk. No crashes, injuries, or deaths have been reported to date, placing it at the High level per the severity rubric.

Plain-English summary

Tesla, Inc. is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y vehicles affected by a software communication error in the forward collision avoidance sensing system. The affected vehicles are running software version 2021.36.5.2.

A communication error in the camera-based forward collision avoidance system may cause false forward-collision warnings or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system. Unexpected AEB activation may cause the vehicle to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Approximately 11,728 vehicles are affected by this recall. Tesla has released a free over-the-air (OTA) software update to address this issue. The recall began on October 25, 2021. Owners can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 (Tesla recall number: SB-21-00-004) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) for more information.

The recalled product

Product
2020 TESLA MODEL 3
Brand
TESLA
Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Brake System Software
Hazard
  • unexpected-braking
  • sensor-error
  • false-warning
Affected units
11,728

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 (4)

  • MODEL 3
  • MODEL X
  • MODEL S
  • MODEL Y

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · TESLA

Same category