Recall 25V490 affects 6 2026 Tesla Model Y vehicles with an improperly secured horn ground wire. Tesla service replaces the steering wheel free.
Tesla is recalling 6 2026 Model Y vehicles because the ring terminal for the horn ground wire was not properly secured, which can open the circuit and stop the horn from sounding. An inoperable horn can keep the driver from warning other road users and increase crash risk; the Tesla dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The horn on the 2026 Tesla Model Y depends on a small ground wire inside the steering wheel assembly. That ground wire completes the electrical circuit, so pressing the horn pad sends power through the horn circuit and lets the horn sound.
On affected vehicles, the ring terminal at the end of that ground wire was not secured properly during assembly. A ring terminal is the metal connector that bolts the wire to its ground point. If it loosens or loses contact, the circuit opens and the horn does not get the electrical path it needs.
What you notice is direct: press the horn pad and the horn does not sound, or it works intermittently. That is the warning sign for this defect, and it means the ground-wire connection needs to be checked and secured.
Who's affected?
| 2026 Tesla Model Y | electrical system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 6 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2026 Tesla Model Y is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An inoperable horn can keep the driver from warning nearby traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. If the horn pad is pressed and no sound comes from the horn, schedule service soon and use extra caution around traffic. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2026 Tesla Model Y is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla service to schedule the free steering-wheel replacement that restores the horn ground-wire connection for the horn.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V490 and Tesla recall SB-25-17-009 when you call.
- Use extra caution until the repair is complete. If the horn does not sound, leave more space and avoid situations where you need to warn another driver.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Tesla technician replaces the steering wheel covered by the recall so the horn ground circuit has the correct connection. 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, since all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask Tesla service how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 28, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 29, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| July 29, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 23, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V490?
Recall 25V490 covers 6 2026 Tesla Model Y vehicles with a horn ground wire ring terminal that was improperly secured. The open circuit can stop the horn from sounding. Tesla service will replace the steering wheel for free.
What should I do if my 2026 Tesla Model Y is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model Y is included in recall 25V490. If it is, contact Tesla service to schedule the steering wheel replacement. Reference Tesla recall number SB-25-17-009 when you call or book service. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. Tesla service will replace the steering wheel free of charge for included 2026 Model Y vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an inoperable horn. If the horn does not sound, the driver cannot alert other drivers when needed, increasing crash risk. The repair path is to have Tesla service replace the steering wheel for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V490000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V490 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V490000 |
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 →