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.
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 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
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.