Recall 15V780 affects 59,415 2012-2015 Tesla Model S vehicles for improperly connected front seat belts. Tesla service centers inspect and fix them free.
Tesla is recalling 59,415 2012-2015 Model S vehicles because the driver or front passenger seat belt can be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner. In a crash, an incorrectly attached belt can fail to restrain the occupant and increase injury risk; the Tesla repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front seat belts in the 2012-2015 Tesla Model S attach to an outboard lap pretensioner, the device that tightens the belt in a crash so the belt can hold the occupant in position. The belt anchor plate and pretensioner anchor plate need a tight bolted connection. When that connection is correct, the belt stays attached during normal use and during the loads it is designed to manage.
In recall 15V780, the issue is assembly, not a defective belt part. On affected cars, the driver or front passenger seat belt can be improperly connected to the lap pretensioner. If the anchor plate is not properly bolted, a firm pull on the belt can separate the belt from the pretensioner, leaving the belt end loose instead of secured to the restraint system.
The warning sign is visible once the problem happens. The loose end of the seat belt will be readily apparent to the person using it.
Who's affected?
Spans four Model S model years, all tied to the front seat belt component.
| 2013 Tesla Model S | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2012 Tesla Model S | seat belt |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | seat belt |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | seat belt |
| Units affected | 59,415 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrectly attached seat belt can fail to restrain the driver or front passenger in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. If the belt separates from the pretensioner or the loose end is visible, stop using that seating position and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Tesla dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2015 Tesla Model S is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 to ask whether the seat belt inspection is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 15V780 and Tesla recall SB-15-20-002 when you call.
- Ask Tesla service to inspect the driver and front passenger seat belt connections to the outboard lap pretensioners and correct the connection for free.
- Use extra care with front-seat occupants until Tesla confirms the seat belts are correctly attached.
What happens at the repair
At a Tesla service center, a Tesla technician inspects the driver and front passenger seat belts and corrects the connection to the outboard lap pretensioner as needed. The dealer repair will be free once available. If you already paid for a related seat belt inspection or connection repair before the recall notice, Tesla's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair orders and proof of payment when you contact Tesla customer service or visit the service center.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 20, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 23, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| December 14, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 14, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V780?
Recall 15V780 covers 59,415 2012-2015 Tesla Model S vehicles with front seat belts that can be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner. Tesla service centers will inspect the driver and front passenger seat belts and correct the connection for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2015 Tesla Model S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model S is included in recall 15V780. If it is, contact a Tesla service center and ask for the seat belt inspection under recall SB-15-20-002. The service center will correct the connection for free if needed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Tesla will inspect and correct the affected front seat belt connections free of charge at a Tesla service center.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that an incorrectly attached front seat belt will not properly restrain the driver or front passenger in a crash. That increases injury risk for the person in that seat. Keep using the seat belt and schedule the recall inspection if your VIN is included.
What if I bought my Tesla Model S used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012-2015 Model S is included, then reference recall 15V780 or Tesla recall SB-15-20-002 when you contact service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V780000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V780 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V780000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →