The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·22V843000·Announced 2023-03-11

2021-2023 Tesla Model X Passenger Airbag Deployment Defect

Tesla is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles because a software calibration error in the restraint control module may prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying correctly during crashes, increasing injury risk.

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 recall involves a critical safety component (passenger airbag system) where a software defect may prevent proper deployment during crashes, constituting a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported. Per the severity rubric, such risk-of-harm products without confirmed harm score at 3 (High).

Plain-English summary

Tesla, Inc. is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles due to a software calibration issue in the restraint control module (RCM). The incorrect calibration may cause the front passenger airbag to deploy incorrectly during certain low-speed crashes, creating a risk that the airbag will not provide proper occupant protection. These vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 208 (Occupant Crash Protection).

The defect affects an estimated 29,348 vehicles from model years 2021, 2022, and 2023. A front passenger airbag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury to occupants during a crash.

Tesla has released a free over-the-air software update to recalibrate the RCM. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2023. Owners should contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 to receive the update. For additional information, owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov.

The recalled product

Product
2021 TESLA MODEL X
Brand
TESLA
Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Restraint System / Airbag
Hazard
  • airbag-malfunction
  • deployment-failure
Affected units
29,348

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 X

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · TESLA

Same category