NHTSA Recall 21V035000: Defroster/defogger/hvac system (visibility) and 2 other components
Tesla, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 134,951 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Tesla Model S.
| NHTSA campaign | 21V035000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | SB-21-21-001 |
| Components | VISIBILITY › DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING › TURN SIGNAL; BACK OVER PREVENTION › SOFTWARE |
| Report received | January 29, 2021 |
| Owner notification | March 29, 2021 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Safety risk
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 21V035000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Tesla Model X | 2016, 2017, 2018 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.