Passenger side: inflator moduleRecall 18V-031 · 2013 Tesla Model S
Tesla, Inc. recall 18V-031 covers 17,846 2013 Tesla Model S for a passenger side: inflator module problem, reported to NHTSA on January 9, 2018. The manufacturer's latest report (2019 Q2) shows 90% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 18V031000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
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.
The fix
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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
90%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 85 vehicles were listed as unreachable.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureNHTSA