Recall 17V639 affects 4,582 2016-2017 Tesla Model X SUVs for a second-row seatback latch defect. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
Tesla is recalling 4,582 2016-2017 Model X vehicles because the left-side second-row reclining seat backs can fail to latch fully due to incorrectly adjusted recliner mechanism cables. If a seat back moves forward in a crash, injury risk increases, and Tesla dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The left-side second-row seat back in the 2016-2017 Tesla Model X uses recliner mechanisms to lock the folding bench seat in place. Those latches hold the seat back upright and keep the seat belt anchorage geometry in its intended position when the vehicle is driven or stopped suddenly.
On affected Model X vehicles, the left second-row seat has two recliner mechanisms controlled by release cables with length adjusters. During seat assembly, the cable adjustment was set while the recliners were not fully latched. That left the cable too tight, so one recliner can stay partly released instead of locking fully. The recall repair resets the cable adjustment and does not require replacing the seat parts.
There is no warning sign before failure. Tesla reported no seat performance concerns before the recall decision, so an owner should not rely on noise, looseness, or a visible seat problem to tell whether the vehicle is included.
Who's affected?
The listed vehicles share a manufacturing window from October 28, 2016, through September 1, 2017.
| 2017 Tesla Model X | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2016 Tesla Model X | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 4,582 |
| 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 SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A second-row seat back that moves forward during a crash increases the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before this happens, so schedule the recall repair soon and keep passengers clear of the affected seat until Tesla corrects it. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Tesla Model X is included in this recall.
- Contact a Tesla service center to schedule the free second-row seat-recliner cable adjustment that helps the seat back latch correctly.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V639 and Tesla recall SB-17-13-004 when you call.
- Keep passengers out of the left-side, fold-flat, second row seat until Tesla completes the cable adjustment.
- Call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 with questions about the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At Tesla service, a Tesla service technician corrects the cable adjustment for the left side, fold flat, second row seat recliner mechanism. The repair is free under the recall, including parts and labor. Tesla has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair before recall service was available. Keep related repair paperwork and contact Tesla customer service to ask how the plan applies to your prior repair.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 12, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 12, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 12, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 12, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 12, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 10, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V639?
Recall 17V639 covers 4,582 2016-2017 Tesla Model X vehicles with left-side, second-row reclining seat backs that do not fully latch because the recliner mechanism cables were adjusted incorrectly. Tesla service technicians will correct the cable adjustment for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Tesla Model X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model X is included in recall 17V639. If it is, contact Tesla service at 1-877-798-3752 and ask for recall SB-17-13-004. Tesla technicians correct the left-side, second-row seat recliner cable adjustment for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Tesla's remedy for recall 17V639 is free. Tesla service technicians adjust the left-side, fold-flat, second-row seat recliner mechanism cable.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury in a crash. If the left-side, second-row seat back moves forward during a crash, the occupant is less protected by the seat and seat belt anchorages. Tesla's free repair corrects the latch cable adjustment.
What if I bought my Tesla Model X used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016-2017 Model X is included, then contact Tesla service and reference recall SB-17-13-004.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V639000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V639 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V639000 |
Source documents
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Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →