Recall 22V050 covers 26,681 2020-2022 Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles for reduced defrosting. Free OTA software update.
Tesla is recalling 26,681 2020-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles because a software error can open a heat pump valve and trap refrigerant in the evaporator, reducing defrosting performance. Reduced defrosting can limit driver visibility and increase crash risk; Tesla service will provide the free software remedy.
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What's wrong?
The 2020-2022 Tesla Model S, Model Y, Model 3, and Model X use a heat pump to move refrigerant through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. A valve called the Electronic Expansion Valve controls refrigerant flow, which helps the system warm the cabin and support windshield defrosting in cold weather.
In affected vehicles, firmware release 2021.44 through 2021.44.30.6 does not close that valve after controller communication interruptions. The valve driver can realign the valve rotor toward the open position in small steps while the vehicle is awake. Over time, the valve can open unintentionally, trapping refrigerant in the evaporator and leaving less refrigerant for the active parts of the heat pump. That can trigger a fail-safe compressor shutdown and reduce cabin heat, especially in extreme cold, which lowers defrosting performance.
When the condition is present, the vehicle displays an alert that HVAC performance is limited or unavailable. The blower motor still runs, so airflow can slow fog or frost buildup and give the driver a visible warning.
Who's affected?
Spans Model S, Model Y, Model 3, and Model X across the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, with electrical system software and visibility components involved.
| 2021 Tesla Model S | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model S | visibility component |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | electrical system software |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | visibility component |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | visibility component |
| 2021 Tesla Model X | electrical system software |
| 2021 Tesla Model X | visibility component |
| 2022 Tesla Model Y | electrical system software |
| 2022 Tesla Model Y | visibility component |
| 2022 Tesla Model 3 | electrical system software |
| 2022 Tesla Model 3 | visibility component |
| 2022 Tesla Model S | electrical system software |
| 2022 Tesla Model S | visibility component |
| 2022 Tesla Model X | electrical system software |
| 2022 Tesla Model X | visibility component |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | electrical system software |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | visibility component |
| Units affected | 26,681 |
| 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?
Reduced defrosting can limit windshield visibility and increase the risk of a crash. The vehicle alerts the driver when cabin HVAC performance is limited or unavailable, and the blower can slow fog or frost buildup. If visibility drops, pull over when safe and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2022 Tesla Model S, Model Y, Model 3, or Model X is included in this recall.
- Confirm the free Tesla over-the-air software update is installed in the vehicle.
- Contact Tesla service if the update has not installed, and reference recall number 22V050 when you call.
- Avoid driving with impaired windshield visibility until the update is complete.
- Call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 with questions about the heat-pump valve software update that fixes the defroster problem.
What happens at the repair
Tesla provides this remedy through an over-the-air software update, free of charge. The update corrects the heat pump valve software so refrigerant is not trapped in the evaporator, which addresses the reduced defrosting performance described in recall 22V050. No separate dealer repair is listed for the software update. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since the affected vehicles remain under warranty and receive the OTA remedy for free.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 2, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 4, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| February 4, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 1, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 1, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 1, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V050?
Recall 22V050 covers 26,681 Tesla vehicles with a heat-pump software error that can trap refrigerant in the evaporator and reduce windshield defrosting performance. The recall includes 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, and Model X vehicles, plus 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, or 2020-2022 Model Y is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Tesla is included in recall 22V050. If it is, confirm the over-the-air software update has been installed. Tesla customer service can also confirm recall status at 1-877-798-3752. Reference Tesla recall number SB-22-18-002 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to fix safety defects at no cost, and Tesla will perform the over-the-air software update free of charge. The remedy is software-based, so the fix does not require a parts replacement at a service center.
What is the safety risk in this Tesla defroster recall?
Reduced windshield defrosting performance can limit the driver's visibility and increase crash risk. The defect involves a heat-pump valve opening unintentionally and trapping refrigerant in the evaporator. The free Tesla software update corrects the heat-pump control issue.
When were owners notified about recall 22V050?
Tesla mailed owner notification letters on April 1, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN and confirm the software update status before assuming the repair is complete.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V050000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V050 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V050000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →