Recall 21V035 affects 134,951 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles for center display memory wear. Tesla replaces the VCM daughterboard for free.
Tesla is recalling 134,951 2012-2018 Model S and Model X vehicles because the center display's 8GB eMMC memory can wear out and shut down some display functions. That failure can remove the rearview camera image, defrost and defog controls, and exterior turn signal lighting, which reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash; Tesla service will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and Model X center display uses an NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. That memory chip stores and manages data the center display needs for vehicle functions tied to the screen, including the rearview camera display, defrost and defog controls, and turn signal indicators.
The problem starts as the eMMC memory wears out from regular use. Once it reaches the end of its rated life, the controller no longer maintains the center display filesystem correctly. The display can go blank, and on vehicles without the newer firmware protections, that failure can remove the rear camera image, defrost and defog setting controls, and exterior turn signal lighting.
Owners can notice a blank center display. On vehicles with firmware release 2020.48.12 or newer, Tesla said the screen alert can appear from one to six months before the eMMC reaches lifetime wear, telling the owner to schedule service.
Who's affected?
Spans 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles, with the same 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device tied to visibility, turn signal, and back-over software functions.
| 2012 Tesla Model S | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2012 Tesla Model S | Turn signal |
| 2012 Tesla Model S | Software |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | visibility component |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | Turn signal |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | Software |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | visibility component |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | Turn signal |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | Software |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | visibility component |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | Turn signal |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | Software |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | visibility component |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | Turn signal |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | Software |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | visibility component |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | Turn signal |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | Software |
| 2017 Tesla Model S | visibility component |
| 2017 Tesla Model S | Turn signal |
| 2017 Tesla Model S | Software |
| 2017 Tesla Model X | visibility component |
| 2017 Tesla Model X | Turn signal |
| 2017 Tesla Model X | Software |
| 2018 Tesla Model S | visibility component |
| 2018 Tesla Model S | Turn signal |
| 2018 Tesla Model S | Software |
| 2018 Tesla Model X | visibility component |
| 2018 Tesla Model X | Turn signal |
| 2018 Tesla Model X | Software |
| Units affected | 134,951 |
| 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 vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An eMMC controller wear-out condition can blank the center display and take away the rearview camera image, defrost and defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting. That reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash. If the display goes blank, use mirrors and a shoulder check in reverse, then schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2018 Tesla Model S or Model X is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla service to schedule the free VCM daughterboard replacement that fixes the worn eMMC controller behind center display failures.
- Confirm the vehicle is running firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer so it alerts you when the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V035 and Tesla recall SB-21-21-001 when you call.
- Avoid driving with a failed rearview camera display, defrost/defog controls, or turn signal lighting. Contact Tesla service before the trip if those functions fail.
What happens at the repair
At Tesla service, a Tesla technician replaces the VCM daughterboard that contains the worn Hynix 8GB eMMC with a daughterboard using an enhanced 64GB Micron eMMC controller. The repair is free under the recall. Tesla also instructs owners to make sure the vehicle is running firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which alerts the owner when the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. If you already paid to replace the eMMC, VCM daughterboard, or MCU for accumulated eMMC wear, ask Tesla service how to submit the paid repair documentation for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 29, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 1, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 1, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 29, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 30, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V035?
Recall 21V035 covers 134,951 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles with center displays using a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and 8GB eMMC memory. Wear in that memory device can disable center display functions tied to the rearview camera, defrost or defog settings, and exterior turn signal lighting.
What should I do if my 2012-2018 Tesla Model S or Model X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Tesla is included in recall 21V035. If it is, contact a franchised Tesla service center for the free VCM daughterboard replacement. Tesla also says owners should ensure the vehicle runs firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Tesla will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller free of charge. Reference recall 21V035 or Tesla recall number SB-21-21-001 when you contact Tesla service.
Is it safe to drive with recall 21V035 open?
Recall 21V035 does not carry a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is loss of the rearview camera display, defrost or defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, which reduces visibility and increases crash risk. Check your VIN and arrange the free Tesla repair if included.
What if I bought my Tesla Model S or Model X used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If Tesla did not send you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Model S or Model X is included, then contact Tesla service at 1-877-798-3752.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V035000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V035 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V035000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →