CarRecallWatch- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES
- Problem
- 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."
- 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.
What this recall means for you
A software error can cause a heat pump valve to open unintentionally, trapping refrigerant inside the evaporator. The result is reduced defrosting performance, so the windshield may not clear of fog or frost as well as it should. The vehicles also fail to meet the federal windshield defrosting and defogging standard (FMVSS 103).
Reduced defrosting can limit the driver's visibility, which raises the risk of a crash. Owners should be aware of this, especially in cold or humid conditions when the defroster is most needed.
Tesla will fix the problem with an over-the-air software update at no cost to owners. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. To check whether your vehicle is covered, look up your VIN for open recalls, or contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 (recall SB-22-18-002).
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Tesla Model 3 | 20212022 |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 20212022 |
| Tesla Model X | 20212022 |
| Tesla Model Y | 202020212022 |