Tesla is recalling about half of all 2021-2022 Model X vehicles. The left or right front-row side curtain air bags may not deploy as intended when the windows are lowered and not protect the occupant.
As such, these vehicles with a major safety defect fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, “Ejection Mitigation.” All of the more than 7000 unsafe vehicles involved remain covered under the new vehicle warranty.
See AutoInformed on: Tesla Recalls Model S for Bad Side Curtain Airbags; Two Tesla Recalls – Self Driving Software, Seat Belt Warning; Tesla Recalls 135,000 S and X Models for Display Blackouts; Tesla Recalls its Model S EV Chargers for Fires.
The replacement airbag includes extended tabs that will allow the airbag to be rolled with more inboard deployment trajectory. Testing on the replacement airbag confirmed that its performance complies with FMVSS 226, S4.2.1. The replacement airbag was introduced in production on April 2, 2022.
Tesla Service Centers will replace the left and right front-row side curtain air bags, free of charge as is required by Federal regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 7, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-22-20-003. 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.nhtsa.gov.
Chronology
- On December 22, 2021, as part of A-pillar development testing on a representative setup of MY 2021-22 Model X vehicles, Tesla observed an irregularity in the deployment of the side front-row curtain airbag. The irregularity was identified for further evaluation.
- From December 23, 2021, to February 2, 2022, Tesla assessed the component structures and test parameters in relation to the airbag deployment position.
- On February 3, 2022, Tesla elected to perform Conformity of Production (CoP) testing on a representative setup of MY 2021-22 Model X vehicles to understand side front-row curtain airbag performance in relation to FMVSS 226.
- From February 3, 2022, to March 10, 2022, Tesla procured components necessary for the CoP testing and coordinated test scheduling with a third party.
- On March 11, 2022, Tesla completed the CoP testing. Results of the testing showed some of the side front-row curtain airbags performing out of compliance with FMVSS 226, S4.2.1.
- From March 14, 2022, through March 28, 2022, Tesla reviewed the CoP test set-ups and executions, including an attempt to identify potential variances in the test buck and in the A-pillar trims, to validate the test results. In parallel, Tesla reviewed parts consumption records to identify a population of affected vehicles that were potentially impacted by the condition.
- On April 1, 2022, after validating the CoP test results, a recall determination was made to remedy the affected vehicles.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Tesla Recalls Half of 2021-22 Model Xs for Bad Airbags
Tesla is recalling about half of all 2021-2022 Model X vehicles. The left or right front-row side curtain air bags may not deploy as intended when the windows are lowered and not protect the occupant.
As such, these vehicles with a major safety defect fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, “Ejection Mitigation.” All of the more than 7000 unsafe vehicles involved remain covered under the new vehicle warranty.
See AutoInformed on: Tesla Recalls Model S for Bad Side Curtain Airbags; Two Tesla Recalls – Self Driving Software, Seat Belt Warning; Tesla Recalls 135,000 S and X Models for Display Blackouts; Tesla Recalls its Model S EV Chargers for Fires.
The replacement airbag includes extended tabs that will allow the airbag to be rolled with more inboard deployment trajectory. Testing on the replacement airbag confirmed that its performance complies with FMVSS 226, S4.2.1. The replacement airbag was introduced in production on April 2, 2022.
Tesla Service Centers will replace the left and right front-row side curtain air bags, free of charge as is required by Federal regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 7, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-22-20-003. 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.nhtsa.gov.
Chronology
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.