2021-2023 Tesla Model X Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy Correctly

The restraint control module (RCM) calibration in certain 2021-2023 Tesla Model X vehicles may not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for occupant crash protection.  Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to re-calibrate the RCM.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-015 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-843.  

Tesla became aware of this problem in October 2022 when they conducted a pre-scheduled conformity test to confirm compliance with the FMVSS.  During the test, the vehicle restraint system did not deploy as designed.  Additional tests were conducted and confirmed the results of the original test.  A passenger airbag that does not deploy correctly could increase the risk of injury during a crash.

According to the defect report, on certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) calibration may result in the frontal passenger airbag deploying in an unintended configuration during certain low-speed collisions. This results in noncompliance with FMVSS 208, Sections 21.4 and 23.4.

Earlier last month, Tesla recalled almost 25 thousand 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles after they had been serviced.  According to the defect report, servicing certain components in Model 3 vehicles requires the disassembly of the second-row left seat belt buckle and center seat belt anchor, both of which are fastened with the same bolt. Both components may have been incorrectly reassembled after disassembly during a service action. When the second-row left seat belt buckle and/or center seat belt anchor is not fastened to the correct specifications, one or both components may be loose and pulled away from the second-row seat bench.

Tesla will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-798.