The problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
The risk
A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
The fix
Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 21V-834 (21V834000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SB-21-20-006 |
| Manufacturer | Tesla, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Side/window › Curtain |
| Report date | October 25, 2021 |
| Owners notified | December 23, 2021 |
| Vehicles affected | 3 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 21V-834 repair free?
Yes. Tesla dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 3 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.