Passenger frontal air bag inflator may explode
Defect Summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling all 2013 model s vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action
Tesla will notify owners, and tesla service centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. the recall is expected to begin in march 2018. owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. tesla's number for this recall is sb-18-20-001.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Tesla, Inc. or involving Air Bags.
FAQ: Recall 18V031000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 18V031000?
NHTSA recall 18V031000 was issued by Tesla, Inc. on January 9, 2018. It addresses: Passenger frontal air bag inflator may explode. The recall affects approximately 17,846 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Tesla, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 18V031000 or the manufacturer campaign number SB-18-20-001. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.