2013 Tesla Model S Recall: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal…
NHTSA campaign 18V031000 · Air Bags · filed Jan 9, 2018 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2013 Model S vehicles 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 passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other 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 Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-20-001.
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 18V031000 (manufacturer number SB-18-20-001). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.