Recall 25V172 affects 91 2021-2025 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles with incorrect air bag horn pads. Tesla service fixes it free.
Tesla is recalling 91 2021-2025 Model X and Model S vehicles under recall 25V172 because an air bag with the wrong horn pad was installed, preventing the horn from sounding. Without a working horn, the driver cannot use it to alert other drivers; Tesla dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The driver airbag in the 2021-2025 Tesla Model X and Model S sits in the steering wheel. It protects the driver in a crash, and its horn pad or horn switch also has to match the steering wheel's horn design. When the parts match, pressing the horn pad or the steering wheel horn switch sounds the horn.
In recall 25V172, some vehicles received the wrong driver airbag variant during service. A non-mechanical horn pad was installed in a mechanical steering wheel, or a mechanical horn pad was installed in a non-mechanical steering wheel. That mismatch leaves the horn unable to sound from the control the driver is expected to press.
The warning sign is direct: the horn does not sound when you press the horn pad or the steering wheel horn switch. If that happens, the vehicle cannot give an audible warning to other road users.
Who's affected?
Covers Model S and Model X across 2021-2025, with the driver airbag assembly tied to the air bag system and horn.
| 2025 Tesla Model X | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2025 Tesla Model X | electrical system |
| 2024 Tesla Model S | air bag system |
| 2024 Tesla Model S | electrical system |
| 2024 Tesla Model X | air bag system |
| 2024 Tesla Model X | electrical system |
| 2023 Tesla Model S | air bag system |
| 2023 Tesla Model S | electrical system |
| 2023 Tesla Model X | air bag system |
| 2023 Tesla Model X | electrical system |
| 2022 Tesla Model X | air bag system |
| 2022 Tesla Model X | electrical system |
| 2022 Tesla Model S | air bag system |
| 2022 Tesla Model S | electrical system |
| 2021 Tesla Model X | air bag system |
| 2021 Tesla Model X | electrical system |
| 2021 Tesla Model S | air bag system |
| 2021 Tesla Model S | electrical system |
| Units affected | 91 |
| 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?
An inoperative horn can keep the driver from alerting other drivers and raises the risk of a crash. If the horn does not sound when pressed, drive cautiously, leave extra space, and schedule service soon. Tesla service will inspect the horn pad and air bag, then install the correct part if needed. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2025 Tesla Model X or Model S is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla service to schedule the free horn-pad and air bag inspection that fixes the inoperative-horn risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V172 and Tesla recall SB-25-20-001 when you call.
- Use extra following distance and avoid situations where you need to rely on the horn until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At Tesla service, a Tesla technician inspects the driver air bag assembly and installs an air bag with the correct horn pad if the vehicle has the wrong part. The inspection and any replacement are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since all involved vehicles remain covered by that warranty. Ask Tesla service how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 19, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 21, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| March 21, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 20, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 20, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 20, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V172?
Recall 25V172 covers 91 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles with an air bag that has the wrong horn pad. The defect can stop the horn from sounding, which can prevent the driver from warning other drivers and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021-2025 Tesla Model S or Model X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V172. If it is, contact Tesla service to schedule the inspection. Tesla service will install an air bag with the correct horn pad if needed. 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 says its service team will inspect the vehicle and install the correct air bag with horn pad free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the horn fails to sound when the driver presses it. That can keep the driver from alerting nearby drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists, which increases crash risk under NHTSA campaign 25V172.
When were Tesla owners notified?
Tesla mailed owner notification letters on May 20, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN check is the best way to confirm whether your exact Model S or Model X is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V172000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V172 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V172000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →