Recall 21V388 affects 2,166 2019-2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles for improperly attached second-row seat belt retractor fasteners. Tesla Service inspects and replaces them for free.
Tesla is recalling 2,166 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles because one or both fasteners for the left and right second-row seat belt retractors were not properly attached. That defect can keep the seat belt retention system from performing as designed and raise the risk of injury; Tesla service will secure the fasteners free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The second-row seat belt retractor in a 2019-2021 Tesla Model Y is the spool mechanism that feeds the belt out when a passenger buckles in and pulls it back when the belt is released. It is secured to the vehicle with left- and right-side attachment fasteners, so the belt has a solid anchor point.
On affected Model Y vehicles, one or both retractor fasteners were not properly attached during assembly. Tesla traced the issue to repeated attempts to tighten the fastener, which cross-threaded it. Once the threads are damaged, the torque record can show a completed tightening step even though the fastener is not secured to the correct specification.
An owner can notice abnormal noise or unusual behavior from the second-row retractor when pulling the belt out to latch it or releasing it to unlatch. That sound or movement is the warning sign to report to Tesla service.
Who's affected?
Includes separate seat belt listings for critical fasteners and rear retractors across the included Model Y years.
| 2019 Tesla Model Y | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model Y | seat belt |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | seat belt |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | seat belt |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | seat belt |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | seat belt |
| Units affected | 2,166 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improperly attached fasteners can keep the seat belt retention system from working as designed, increasing injury risk. If a rear side belt retractor makes abnormal noise or behaves unusually during latching or unlatching, stop using that seating position and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Tesla Model Y is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla Service to schedule the free inspection and fastener replacement.
- Ask Tesla Service to inspect the rear seat belt retractor fasteners that secure the second-row seat belts.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, or reference recall number 21V388 when you contact Tesla.
- Call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 with questions about Tesla recall SB-21-20-002.
What happens at the repair
At Tesla Service, a Tesla technician inspects the fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors and replaces both fasteners when needed. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Tesla's general reimbursement plan is on file for this campaign. If you already paid for a related seat belt retractor fastener repair, ask Tesla customer service or the service desk how to submit repair paperwork for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 25, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 26, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 23, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V388?
Recall 21V388 covers 2,166 2019-2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles with second row seat belt retractor fasteners that were not properly attached. Tesla Service will inspect the fasteners and replace both if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Tesla Model Y is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model Y is included in recall 21V388. If it is, contact Tesla Service to schedule the seat belt fastener inspection. Reference recall number 21V388 or Tesla recall SB-21-20-002 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Tesla Service will inspect the second row seat belt retractor fasteners and replace both fasteners if needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that improperly attached fasteners can stop the second row seat belt retention system from working as designed. That increases injury risk in a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Tesla Service inspection and fastener replacement.
What if I bought my Tesla Model Y used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Tesla's owner letter mailed July 23, 2021, check your VIN and reference recall 21V388 when arranging service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V388000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V388 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V388000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →