Tesla recall: Visibility
What is wrong
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
What could happen
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
Vehicles covered
- Tesla Model S 2012–2018
- Tesla Model X 2016–2018
Facts
- NHTSA recall number
- 21V035000
- Type
- Vehicle
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc.
- Reported to NHTSA
- Jan 29, 2021
- Owners notified
- Mar 29, 2021
- Vehicles or items affected
- 134,951
- Started by
- NHTSA investigation
- Built
- –
- Part
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system; Exterior lighting › Turn signal; Back over prevention › Software
- Maker's own recall number
- SB-21-21-001
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.