Recall 16V192 affects 2,676 2016 Tesla Model X vehicles because the third-row seat back can move forward. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
Tesla is recalling 2,676 2016 Model X vehicles because the third row seat back can move forward under load in a frontal crash. If the seat does not stay in position, an occupant faces increased injury risk, and Tesla dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The third row seat back in the 2016 Tesla Model X is supposed to lock into its set position through a recliner mechanism inside the seat frame. That recliner holds the seat back upright during normal driving and under crash loads, so the seat can support the person sitting there.
In affected Model X vehicles, variation in the supplier-built recliner can leave the locking teeth with too little engagement. Under a heavy load, such as a frontal collision, the recliner can slip and let the third row seat back move forward. Tesla's remedy uses redesigned recliners with changed lock gear geometry, a larger holder diameter, stiffer cam spring, added heat treatment, and tighter supplier quality control so the recliner holds as intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the recliner mechanism, so an owner would not expect a dashboard light, noise, or seat movement during normal use.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Tesla Model X | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2,676 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Tesla Model X is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A third row seat that does not stay in its adjusted position increases injury risk for an occupant during a crash. There is no warning sign before the seat shifts, so confirm the VIN and schedule the seat replacement. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Tesla Model X is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla service to schedule the free third row seat replacement that keeps the seat back locked in position under load.
- Bring the recall notice if you received one, or reference recall number 16V192 when you schedule the repair.
- Ask Tesla service about third row use until the affected seats are replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the Tesla service center, a Tesla technician replaces all affected third row seats. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Tesla has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a repair tied to this seat condition. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask Tesla customer service how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 6, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 7, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| April 8, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 20, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 31, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 31, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V192?
Recall 16V192 covers 2,676 2016 Tesla Model X vehicles with third row seatbacks that can move forward under load, including during a frontal crash. Tesla will replace all affected third row seats free of charge.
What should I do if my 2016 Tesla Model X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model X is included in recall 16V192. If it is, contact Tesla service to schedule the third row seat replacement. Reference recall number 16V192 or Tesla recall SB-16-13-003 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Tesla will replace all affected third row seats free of charge through Tesla service for vehicles included in recall 16V192.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is occupant injury in a crash. In affected Model X vehicles, the third row seatback can move forward under load instead of staying in its adjusted position, which increases injury risk for a person sitting in that row during a crash.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V192000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-844-248-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V192 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V192000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (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 →