Recall 21V834 affects 3 2020, 2021, 2023 Tesla Model 3 vehicles for improperly secured side curtain air bags. Tesla Service repairs it free.
Tesla is recalling 3 2020, 2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles because the side curtain air bag was improperly secured to the roof rail and can become twisted. A twisted air bag can deploy incorrectly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection; Tesla service will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The side curtain air bag in a 2020, 2021, 2023 Tesla Model 3 sits along the roof rail above the doors. In a side impact, it deploys downward beside the windows to help protect occupants and reduce the chance of ejection. It has to be secured flat and in the correct position before the headliner goes on.
On these Model 3 vehicles, the left or right curtain air bag was improperly secured to the interior roof rail during production. That improper securement can leave the folded bag twisted inside the roof area. If the air bag deploys from a twisted position, it can unfold incorrectly and fail to meet the side impact and ejection mitigation protection standards the vehicle was built to meet.
There is no warning sign before failure. The condition is hidden behind interior trim, so an owner is not expected to see, hear, or feel anything wrong before the air bag is needed.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2020, 2021, and 2023 model years, all with the same side curtain air bag component.
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 | side curtain air bag |
|---|---|
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | side curtain air bag |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | side curtain air bag |
| Units affected | 3 |
| 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 sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A twisted side curtain air bag can deploy incorrectly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection. This affects crash protection, so schedule the inspection and realignment soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020, 2021, 2023 Tesla Model 3 is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla Service to schedule the free side-curtain-air-bag inspection and realignment that fixes the roof-rail securement issue.
- Bring the recall notice Tesla mailed, and reference recall number 21V834 and Tesla recall SB-21-20-006 when you schedule service.
- Keep passengers aware that the side curtain air bag can deploy improperly during a crash until Tesla Service completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At Tesla Service, a Tesla technician inspects the left and right side curtain air bags and realigns either air bag that was improperly secured to the roof rail. The inspection, realignment, parts, and labor are free under recall 21V834. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain under warranty. Ask Tesla Service how warranty coverage applies to prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 25, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 27, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 23, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 24, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 13, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V834?
Recall 21V834 covers 3 2020, 2021, 2023 Tesla Model 3 vehicles with side curtain air bags that were improperly secured to the roof rail. The air bag can become twisted and deploy incorrectly. Tesla Service will inspect and realign the curtain air bags for free.
What should I do if my 2020, 2021, 2023 Tesla Model 3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model 3 is included in recall 21V834. If it is, contact Tesla Service or Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 to arrange the inspection and air bag realignment. Reference Tesla recall SB-21-20-006 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Tesla Service will inspect the left and right side curtain air bags and realign them as necessary, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an incorrectly deploying side curtain air bag during a crash. A twisted curtain air bag can fail to protect occupants as intended, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection. Tesla Service fixes the issue by inspecting and realigning the affected air bags.
What if I bought this Model 3 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. If Tesla did not mail you the December 23, 2021 owner notice, check your VIN and contact Tesla Service with recall number 21V834 or Tesla recall SB-21-20-006.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V834000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V834 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V834000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →