Recall 22V104 affects 9 2021-2022 Tesla Model S vehicles for incorrectly assembled side curtain air bag inflators. Repair is free at Tesla Service Centers.
Tesla is recalling 9 2021-2022 Model S vehicles because the right or left side curtain air bag inflators were assembled incorrectly. An incorrectly assembled inflator can delay side curtain air bag deployment or cause it to deploy improperly during a crash, increasing injury risk, and the recall repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain air bag in the 2021-2022 Tesla Model S sits above the side windows and drops down during certain side-impact or rollover crashes. Its inflator is the small gas-generating unit that fills the curtain quickly enough to help cushion an occupant's head and upper body. The air bag assembly depends on the inflator having the correct parts in the correct order.
On affected Model S vehicles, the right or left side curtain air bag inflator was built with an extra spacer plate during supplier manufacturing. That extra part means the air bag assembly does not match Tesla's specifications. A curtain air bag that is outside specification can perform differently when it is needed, which is why Tesla replaces the recalled assembly with one built with the correct number of components.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is inside the air bag assembly, so an owner would not feel, hear, or see a change during normal driving.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Tesla Model S | side curtain air bag |
|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model S | side curtain air bag |
| Units affected | 9 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021-2022 Tesla Model S sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrectly assembled inflator can delay or disrupt side curtain air bag deployment, increasing injury risk during a crash. There is no warning sign before the air bag is needed, so confirm your VIN and schedule the replacement soon if your 2021-2022 Model S is included. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Tesla Model S is included in this recall.
- Contact a Tesla Service Center to schedule the free side curtain air bag replacement for the incorrectly assembled inflator.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V104 when you call.
- Use extra care until the repair is complete; the side curtain air bag can deploy late or improperly in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At a Tesla Service Center, a Tesla technician replaces the left or right side curtain air bags covered by recall 22V104. The replacement parts 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 involved vehicles remain under warranty. If you have prior repair paperwork for the side curtain air bags, ask Tesla service how the warranty applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 23, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 23, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| February 23, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 22, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 22, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 24, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V104?
Recall 22V104 covers 9 2021-2022 Tesla Model S vehicles with side curtain air bag inflators that were assembled incorrectly. The defect can delay or disrupt side curtain air bag deployment in a crash, increasing injury risk. Tesla Service Centers replace the side curtain air bags for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Tesla Model S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model S is included in recall 22V104. If it is, contact a Tesla Service Center to schedule side curtain air bag replacement. Reference Tesla recall number SB-22-20-001 or campaign 22V104 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Tesla's remedy says Tesla Service Centers will replace the side curtain air bags free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 22V104?
The safety risk is delayed or improper deployment of a side curtain air bag in a crash. That defect increases injury risk because the air bag is meant to help protect occupants in a side impact or rollover event.
When did Tesla notify owners about recall 22V104?
Tesla mailed owner notification letters on April 28, 2022. If you bought the Model S used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included before calling a Tesla Service Center.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V104000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V104 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V104000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →