Recall 18V031 affects 17,846 2013 Tesla Model S vehicles for passenger air bag inflators that can explode. Repair is free at a Tesla Service Center.
Tesla is recalling 17,846 2013 Model S vehicles because the passenger frontal air bag inflator can explode during deployment after long-term humidity and temperature exposure. Metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death, and Tesla will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger frontal air bag inflator in the 2013 Tesla Model S sits inside the passenger air bag module. In a crash that calls for the passenger air bag, the inflator burns propellant to create gas, which fills the air bag in front of the passenger. That rapid fill is supposed to happen inside a controlled metal housing.
The affected inflators are Takata non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators, meaning the propellant is not protected by a drying agent inside the inflator. After long exposure to absolute humidity and repeated temperature changes, the propellant degrades. During deployment, that degraded propellant can burn in a way that ruptures the inflator housing instead of only filling the air bag as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The air bag warning light is not described as an advance signal for this defect, so an affected inflator can look normal until a crash deployment.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Tesla Model S | front air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 17,846 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2013 Tesla Model S sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the driver or other occupants, causing serious injury or death. There is no warning sign before the inflator ruptures, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Tesla Model S is included in this recall.
- Contact a Tesla Service Center to schedule the free passenger frontal air bag module replacement that removes the inflator at risk of exploding in a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V031 and Tesla recall SB-18-20-001 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the repair; the risk happens during a crash that deploys the passenger frontal air bag.
What happens at the repair
At the Tesla Service Center, a Tesla technician replaces the passenger frontal air bag module covered by recall 18V031. The replacement module, parts, and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for the same passenger frontal air bag module repair before the recall work was performed, Tesla's general reimbursement plan is on file for documented expenses. Contact Tesla customer service or bring the prior repair invoice to the service desk so they can review the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 9, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 9, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 9, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 28, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V031?
Recall 18V031 covers 17,846 2013 Tesla Model S vehicles with certain passenger frontal air bag inflators. In a crash that deploys the passenger air bag, the inflator can explode and send sharp metal fragments into occupants, causing serious injury or death. Tesla Service Centers replace the passenger frontal air bag module for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Tesla Model S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model S is included in recall 18V031. If it is, contact a Tesla Service Center to schedule replacement of the passenger frontal air bag module. Reference Tesla recall number SB-18-20-001 or NHTSA campaign 18V031 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 18V031.
Is it safe to drive my 2013 Tesla Model S before the air bag repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction. The stated risk occurs if the passenger frontal air bag deploys in a crash and the inflator explodes. Confirm your VIN, schedule the free repair, and ask Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 for guidance if you are concerned about driving before service.
What if I bought my Tesla Model S used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received a Tesla notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013 Model S is included, then contact a Tesla Service Center for the free passenger air bag module replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V031000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V031 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V031000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →