NHTSA Recall 22V050000: Software (electrical system) and air handler/chamber, ducts, and valves (visibility)
Tesla, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 26,681 vehicles. It affects 4 models including the Tesla Model 3.
| NHTSA campaign | 22V050000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | SB-22-18-002 |
| Components | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › SOFTWARE; VISIBILITY › DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM › AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES |
| Report received | February 2, 2022 |
| Owner notification | April 1, 2022 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance |
Defect
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Safety risk
Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 22V050000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 2021, 2022 |
| Tesla Model S | 2021, 2022 |
| Tesla Model X | 2021, 2022 |
| Tesla Model Y | 2020, 2021, 2022 |
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.