The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·22V104000·Announced 2023-11-02

Tesla Model S Side Curtain Air Bag Inflator Defect

Tesla is recalling 2021-2022 Model S vehicles due to side curtain air bag inflators that may have been assembled incorrectly. This could cause delayed air bag deployment during a crash, increasing injury risk.

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: This is a structural vehicle defect affecting the side curtain air bag system. The source indicates the inflators can cause delayed or improper deployment during a crash, increasing injury risk. Although no injuries have been reported, the potential for serious harm from a failed safety system constitutes a severe defect under NHTSA classification.

Plain-English summary

Tesla, Inc. is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S vehicles due to a defect in the right or left side curtain air bag inflators. These inflators may have been assembled incorrectly at the factory.

An incorrectly assembled inflator can cause delayed or improper deployment of the side curtain air bag during a crash. This increases the risk of injury to occupants who would normally be protected by the side curtain air bag system.

The recall affects 2021 and 2022 model year Tesla Model S vehicles. Tesla Service Centers will replace the affected side curtain air bags free of charge. Owners were notified by mail on April 28, 2022.

Owners can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 to schedule service, or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). Tesla's recall number for this issue is SB-22-20-001.

The recalled product

Product
2022 TESLA MODEL S
Brand
TESLA
Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
Hazard
  • airbag-malfunction
  • crash-injury
Affected units
9

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.