Tesla Recall for Bad Airbags and Windshields

Tesla is recalling some 2024-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles for failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, “Occupant Crash Protection” and 212, “Windshield Mounting.” The driver’s air bag could tear during deployment, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.*

Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge as required by U.S. safety regulations. Owner notification letters are not  expected to be mailed until 21 February 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-24-20-001. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recall 24V967 or 24V-967.

*Chronology

• On 3 November 2024, the supplier (ZF-Lifetec Mexico) identified a bag tear in a driver airbag during lot acceptance testing. The entire lot was contained and the supplier began an investigation.
• From 3 November 2024, through 4 December 2024, as part of its investigation, ZF-Lifetec reviewed assembly station processes and conducted testing to assess root cause, scope, and risk. The cause was attributed to use of an unauthorized tool during supplier assembly process.
• Beginning 16 November 2024, ZF-Lifetec removed the unauthorized tool from the affected assembly station. Assembly personnel were retrained on tooling usage, and work instructions at all the stations were updated to show use with the correct tool. In addition, ZF-Lifetec scheduled station-by-station process layer audits and workshops to detect deviations against the standard work instructions. ZF-Lifetec will also organize monthly quality campaigns to ensure that assembly personnel continue to follow standard process instructions and controls.
• On 4 December 2024, the ZF-Lifetec  presented its preliminary findings to Tesla.
• From 4 December 2024, through 11 December 2024, Tesla and ZF-Lifetec reviewed findings together.
• From 12 December 2024 to 13 December 2024, as part of a continuing investigation Tesla reviewed production records to identify the scope of potentially affected vehicles.
• On 16 December 2024, having completed its investigation, Tesla made a determination to voluntarily recall to affected vehicles.
• As of 19 December 2024, Tesla has identified no warranty claims that may be related to the safety defect. Tesla is not aware of any collisions, fatalities or injuries that are or may be related to the safety defect.