Recall 24V284 covers 1 2024 Tesla Model 3 vehicle with a missing side-air-bag deflector. Tesla service replaced the air bag for free.
Tesla is recalling 1 2024 Model 3 because the driver seat side air bag module was built without a deflector that directs gas flow during deployment. Without that deflector, the air bag can deploy improperly and increase injury risk in a crash; Tesla service will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driver seat side airbag in the 2024 Tesla Model 3 is mounted in the driver seat. During a side impact, it inflates beside the driver and helps cushion the torso area. A small internal deflector guides the gas flow that fills the airbag, so the bag deploys in the shape and direction Tesla specified.
The recalled side airbag module was assembled without that deflector. Without it, the inflation gas is not directed through the module as designed during deployment. That leaves the driver seat side airbag different from the specified repair part, which includes the deflector and meets Tesla's build specifications.
There is no warning sign before failure. The missing part is inside the airbag module, so the driver has no normal sound, smell, pedal feel, or dashboard symptom to notice before a crash event requires the airbag to deploy.
Who's affected?
| 2024 Tesla Model 3 | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2024 Tesla Model 3 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Without the deflector, the side air bag can deploy improperly and increase injury risk during a crash. No owner warning sign is listed before deployment, so use the VIN result to confirm whether this Model 3 needs recall work. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024 Tesla Model 3 is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla service to confirm the free side air bag replacement is complete or to schedule the repair if the VIN still shows open.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla sent one, and reference recall number 24V284 when you contact Tesla service.
- Call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 with questions about the side air bag replacement that restores proper deployment.
What happens at the repair
At Tesla service, a Tesla technician replaced the driver seat side air bag module, free of charge. The affected 2024 Model 3 was repaired on April 12, 2024. The replacement was free under the recall. Prior out-of-pocket repair costs are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program before the recall notice, because Tesla says the affected vehicle remained under warranty and has already been remedied. Ask Tesla service how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 12, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| April 19, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V284?
Recall 24V284 covers 1 2024 Tesla Model 3 with a driver seat side air bag module assembled without the deflector that directs gas flow during deployment. Without that deflector, the air bag can deploy improperly and increase injury risk in a crash.
What should I do if my 2024 Tesla Model 3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model 3 is included in recall 24V284. If it is, contact Tesla service and reference recall SB-24-13-001. Tesla says the affected vehicle was repaired April 12, 2024, so ask service to confirm the side air bag replacement in your records.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Tesla service replaced the affected side air bag free of charge, and Tesla lists customer service at 1-877-798-3752 for questions about recall 24V284.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is improper driver seat side air bag deployment during a crash. The missing deflector changes how deployment gas is directed, which can increase injury risk. Tesla did not issue a do-not-drive instruction for this recall.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V284000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V284 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V284000 |
Source documents
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 →