Tesla recall: Air bags
What is wrong
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2013 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What could happen
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall is 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.
Vehicles covered
- Tesla Model S 2013
Facts
- NHTSA recall number
- 18V031000
- Type
- Vehicle
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc.
- Reported to NHTSA
- Jan 9, 2018
- Owners notified
- Feb 28, 2018
- Vehicles or items affected
- 17,846
- Started by
- NHTSA investigation
- Built
- Jan 1, 2013 to Dec 31, 2013
- Part
- Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
- Maker's own recall number
- SB-18-20-001
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other recalls for the same vehicles
- Tesla recall: Back over prevention May 4, 2026
- Tesla recall: Air bags Mar 19, 2025
- Tesla recall: Back over prevention Jan 6, 2025
- Tesla recall: Air bags Dec 23, 2024
- Tesla recall: Electrical system Jul 24, 2024
- Tesla recall: Seat belts May 28, 2024
To check one car, enter its 17-character VIN on the official NHTSA page: a recall may cover only some vehicles of a model year.
Recall data: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.