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2018 TESLA Model S

11 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #23V085000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
The automated steering system in your vehicle is designed to help with steering, especially with advanced features like Full Self-Driving Beta. However, in certain 2016-2023 Model S, X, 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles, this system might not always behave as expected.
Risk if Unfixed
If the system fails, it could cause your vehicle to drive through intersections in an unsafe way, ignore speed limits, or even speed up when you don't want it to. This could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Tesla will send a free software update directly to your vehicle's computer, which should fix the issue. You should check your email for the recall notice, and if you have any questions, you can contact Tesla's customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #22V818000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
The electric power assist system in your Model S or Model X is like a computer-controlled power steering that helps you turn the wheels. In your vehicle, this system might not work properly on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Risk if Unfixed
If the power assist fails, you'll need to use more force to steer, especially at low speeds, like when parking or merging. This could make it harder to control your vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Tesla will send an automatic software update to your car's computer, and it's free. This update will recalibrate the power assist system, so you should schedule a visit to a Tesla service center as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #24V376000 Plain English
Component

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
Your car's seat belt warning light and chime help remind you to buckle up when you get in. In some 2012-2023 Teslas, this system might not work properly if you're not wearing a seat belt.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're not buckled in and the warning light and chime don't sound, you might not know you're not wearing a seat belt. This increases the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.
Free Fix
Tesla will send a software update to your car remotely, which will fix the issue. This service is free, and you should look for a notification to schedule the update or contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #24V051000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
The instrument cluster in your vehicle shows important safety information like the brake and ABS warning lights. In some 2012-2024 Teslas, the font size for these warnings is too small to read easily.
Risk if Unfixed
If the font size is too small, you might not notice important safety information in time, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Tesla will send an update to your vehicle's software automatically. This update will make the font size for critical safety information easier to read. The update is free, and you don't need to take your vehicle to a dealership.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #23V838000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
The Autosteer system in your vehicle is a feature that helps with steering, but it's not a replacement for your attention and control. In some cases, the system's messages and controls might not be clear enough, which could lead to misuse.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're relying on Autosteer and it's not working correctly, you might not be fully in control of your vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Tesla will send an important software update to your vehicle, which will improve the Autosteer system's messages and controls, free of charge. You should schedule a visit to a Tesla service center to receive the update as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #22V037000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
Your vehicle's Full Self-Driving Beta software has a feature called 'rolling stop' that allows your car to coast through intersections without stopping. This is a part of the software that controls your vehicle's self-driving capabilities.
Risk if Unfixed
If your car uses the 'rolling stop' feature and fails to stop at a stop sign, you could be involved in a collision with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Free Fix
Tesla will send an automatic software update to your vehicle that disables the 'rolling stop' feature, which you'll receive at no cost. You should schedule a visit to a Tesla service center to have the update installed once you've received the recall notification.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #24V153000 Plain English
Component

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
Your vehicle's Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) alerts you and others when pedestrians are near. In some 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles, the PWS sounds were muted during a factory reset.
Risk if Unfixed
If the PWS sounds are muted, pedestrians may not hear your vehicle approaching, increasing the risk of a collision.
Free Fix
Tesla will send a free software update to your vehicle to restore the PWS sounds. The update will be done remotely and is expected to be applied automatically.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #22V169000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
Tesla is recalling your vehicle to fix a problem with the rearview camera display. The camera might not show you what's behind your car when you reverse, which can be a safety issue.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rearview camera image is delayed, you might not see something behind your car, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Tesla will send an update to your car's software for free, so you can stay safe while reversing. You'll get a letter with instructions, and you can also contact Tesla's customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #21V00B000 Plain English
Component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
The front trunk latch on your Model S is designed to keep the hood securely closed. However, in some 2014-2021 models, the latch might be misaligned, preventing it from fully engaging.
Risk if Unfixed
If you accidentally release the primary latch and the secondary latch doesn't catch, your hood could pop open while driving, blocking your view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Tesla dealer will check the latch assembly and adjust it if needed, all at no cost to you. Just schedule the inspection when you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #21V846000 Plain English
Component

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
The camera system in your vehicle is what helps prevent collisions by detecting the road ahead. In some 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles, a software glitch can cause the system to send false warnings or trigger the automatic emergency brake unexpectedly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the system activates the emergency brake unexpectedly, your car could suddenly stop, which could lead to a collision with another vehicle or object.
Free Fix
Tesla will send an over-the-air software update to fix the issue, and you won't need to pay a thing. This update will be done remotely, so you can just stay in your car and it will take care of itself.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #21V035000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
What Happened
Your vehicle's center display is powered by a small computer chip called the eMMC controller. In some 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles, this chip can wear out over time and cause problems with the rearview camera, defrosting, and turn signals.
Risk if Unfixed
If the eMMC controller fails, you could lose your rearview camera display, defrosting and defogging controls, and turn signal lights. This could reduce your visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Tesla dealer will replace the faulty eMMC controller with a new one, at no cost to you. They'll also ensure your vehicle's software is updated to alert you when the new chip is approaching its own wear limit.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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