Recall 21V389 affects 5,530 2018-2021 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for improperly attached seat belt fasteners. Tesla Service repairs them free.
Tesla is recalling 5,530 2018-2021 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles because one or both fasteners securing the front shoulder belt to the B-pillar were not properly attached. An improperly attached fastener can keep the seat belt from working as designed and increase injury risk; Tesla will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The shoulder belt top loop is the anchor guide mounted on the b-pillar beside the front seat. In the 2018-2021 Tesla Model Y and Model 3, that loop lets the shoulder belt move up or down so the belt sits correctly across the occupant's chest and shoulder. It is held to the body structure by fasteners that need the correct torque and angle.
On affected vehicles, one or both fasteners that secure the shoulder belt top loop were not confirmed to the correct specification after assembly. Tesla traced the issue to cases where the assembly process flagged a fastening problem, then the follow-up inspection or repair was incomplete or recorded incorrectly. A loose or incorrectly secured top loop means the belt attachment does not match the design condition.
The warning sign is tied to belt adjustment. If the shoulder belt top loop does not move vertically as expected, the fastener issue is the concern to report when contacting Tesla service.
Who's affected?
Covers Model 3 and Model Y across the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, all tied to the driver and front passenger shoulder belt top loop attachment.
| 2019 Tesla Model Y | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model Y | seat belt |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | seat belt |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | seat belt |
| 2019 Tesla Model 3 | seat belt |
| 2019 Tesla Model 3 | seat belt |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | seat belt |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 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 | 5,530 |
| 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 vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An improperly attached shoulder belt top loop fastener can keep the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury. If the shoulder belt top loop does not adjust on the b-pillar, avoid using that seat until Tesla inspects it. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2021 Tesla Model Y or Model 3 is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla Service to schedule the free inspection and fastener repair that secures the front seat shoulder belt to the B-pillar.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla sent one. Reference recall number 21V389 and Tesla recall SB-21-20-001 when you schedule service.
- Use each seat belt normally until service, and keep the appointment if your VIN is included.
What happens at the repair
At Tesla Service, a Tesla technician inspects the fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar and repairs both fasteners if needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Tesla has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you've already paid for a related front seat belt fastener repair, contact Tesla customer service and ask how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 25, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 26, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 26, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 23, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V389?
Recall 21V389 covers 5,530 2018-2021 Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles with front seat shoulder belt fasteners that were not properly attached to the b-pillar. Tesla Service will inspect both fasteners and repair them for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2018-2021 Tesla Model Y or Model 3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V389. If it is, contact Tesla Service to schedule the inspection and any needed fastener repair. Reference recall 21V389 or Tesla service bulletin SB-21-20-001 when you contact Tesla.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. Tesla Service will inspect the front seat shoulder belt fasteners and repair both fasteners if needed, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Tesla before this recall is repaired?
The recall record does not include a do-not-drive instruction. The risk is that an improperly attached fastener can keep the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing injury risk. Check your VIN and schedule Tesla Service if your vehicle is included.
When were owners notified about recall 21V389?
Tesla mailed owner notification letters on July 23, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN and contact Tesla Service if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V389000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V389 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V389000 |
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 →