Recall 23V488 affects 15,869 2021-2023 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles for front-row seat belts that can detach. Repair is free through Tesla Service.
Tesla is recalling 15,869 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles because the front-row seat belts were not connected properly to the pretensioner anchors and can detach. A detached seat belt can fail to restrain an occupant in a crash, raising injury risk; Tesla Service centers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The first-row seat belt retractor in the 2021-2023 Tesla Model S and Model X stores the belt webbing and lets it extend when you buckle up. The pretensioner anchor is the attachment point that helps lock the belt system in place during a crash. The belt has to stay connected to that anchor to restrain the driver or front passenger as designed.
On affected vehicles, a first-row seat belt was not reconnected to the pretensioner anchor to specification after a repair. If that connection is incomplete, the belt can detach from the anchor during normal use. Once detached, the belt is not secured to the restraint system and cannot protect the occupant the way it should.
The warning sign is visible movement or separation at the anchor when the belt is pulled up and away while latching it to the buckle. If the belt detaches or feels loose at the anchor, stop using that seating position and arrange service.
Who's affected?
Spans Model S and Model X vehicles across the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, all tied to the front seat belt retractor.
| 2021 Tesla Model S | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X | seat belt |
| 2022 Tesla Model S | seat belt |
| 2022 Tesla Model X | seat belt |
| 2023 Tesla Model X | seat belt |
| 2023 Tesla Model S | seat belt |
| Units affected | 15,869 |
| 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?
If a front-row seat belt disconnects from its pretensioner anchor, it cannot properly restrain an occupant during a crash and raises injury risk. Confirm the belt latches normally, and schedule the recall inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Tesla Model S or Model X is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla Service to schedule the free front-row seat-belt inspection and anchor repair.
- Ask Tesla Service to confirm each front-row seat belt is connected to its pretensioner anchor, because an unconnected belt can detach in a crash.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 23V488 and Tesla recall SB-23-20-004 when you schedule service.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Tesla technician inspects the front row seat belts and verifies that each belt is connected to its pretensioner anchor. If the connection is not correct, Tesla Service connects it to the anchor or replaces the seat belt assembly. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Tesla is not offering a separate reimbursement program because there are no out of warranty repairs related to this condition. Any prior repair question should go through normal warranty coverage.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 14, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 17, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| July 17, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 12, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 12, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 12, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V488?
Recall 23V488 covers 15,869 2021-2023 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles with front-row seat belts that can be improperly connected to the pretensioner anchors. A detached belt can fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing injury risk. Tesla Service will inspect and repair the belts for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Tesla Model S or Model X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V488. If it is, contact Tesla Service to schedule the front-row seat belt inspection. Tesla will connect the belts to the pretensioner anchors or replace the seat belt assemblies as needed. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 23V488, Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and either connect them to the pretensioner anchors or replace the seat belt assemblies free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that a detached front-row seat belt can fail to restrain the driver or front passenger during a crash. That increases the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Tesla Service inspection and repair before putting off the work.
What if I bought my Tesla Model S or Model X used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you bought the vehicle used and never received Tesla's September 12, 2023 owner letter, check your VIN and reference recall 23V488 when contacting Tesla Service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V488000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V488 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V488000 |
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 →