2012 Tesla Model S Recall: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as…
NHTSA campaign 17V023000 · Air Bags · filed Jan 10, 2017 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2012 Model S vehicles. These vehicles are 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 frontal air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
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.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Tesla Model S recalls
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- 2024–2025 Tesla Model 3 and 3 other models — Computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of…
- 2021–2025 Tesla Model S and 1 other model — Driver's air bag could tear during deployment
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Other campaigns involving Tesla vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 17V023000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.