Recall 21V868 covers 7,600 2021 Tesla Model X and Model S vehicles for a driver's air bag tear. Tesla Service repairs it free.
Tesla is recalling 7,600 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles under recall 21V868 because the driver's air bag cushion can tear during deployment. A torn air bag leaves an occupant with less protection in a crash and increases injury risk, and Tesla service will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The driver airbag in the 2021 Tesla Model X and Model S sits in the steering wheel. In a crash that calls for deployment, it inflates toward the driver and the cushion is supposed to open cleanly through the cover door so it can help manage the driver's movement.
On affected vehicles, variation in how the airbag cover door was wrapped and scored can make the cushion catch the cover door as it opens. That snag can tear the cushion fabric during deployment, so the airbag does not unfold the way it was designed to unfold. Tesla's replacement driver airbag adds reinforcement in the fabric at the area where the tear was found.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem shows only when the driver airbag deploys, so an owner is not expected to see a dashboard warning, sound, or drivability change ahead of time.
Who's affected?
The scope is split between Model S and Model X driver air bag listings, including the air bag system and the front driver air bag.
| 2021 Tesla Model X | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model S | front air bag |
| 2021 Tesla Model S | air bag system |
| 2021 Tesla Model X | front air bag |
| Units affected | 7,600 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A torn driver's air bag can reduce occupant protection in a crash and increase the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule service promptly if it is. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Tesla Model X or Model S is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla Service to schedule the free driver's air bag replacement for the air bag cushion tear risk.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 21V868 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the repair. A torn driver's air bag does not protect the driver as designed in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At Tesla Service, a Tesla technician replaces the driver's air bag covered by recall 21V868. The replacement part and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles in this recall remain under warranty. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask Tesla Service how the warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 9, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 10, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 10, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 7, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 7, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 7, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V868?
Recall 21V868 covers 7,600 2021 Tesla Model X and Model S vehicles with a driver's air bag cushion that can tear during deployment. A torn air bag does not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing injury risk. Tesla Service will replace the driver's air bag for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Tesla Model X or Model S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V868. If it is, schedule the driver's air bag replacement with Tesla Service and reference recall number 21V868 or Tesla recall number SB-21-20-007. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Tesla's remedy states that Tesla Service will replace the driver's air bag free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
Is it safe to drive before the air bag repair is done?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction. The risk is crash protection: if the driver's air bag cushion tears during deployment, it does not adequately protect an occupant. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free Tesla Service repair.
When did Tesla notify owners about recall 21V868?
Tesla mailed owner notification letters on January 7, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. You can also contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V868000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V868 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V868000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →