Tesla Model S airbag recall (2012)

Tesla Model S · Model years 2012 · Updated 2026-06-05

Manufacturer
Tesla
Model
Model S
Years affected
2012
Risk type
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Issue
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2012 Model S vehicles. These vehicles are 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 frontal air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Help other owners — file with the regulator

If your vehicle is affected by this defect, filing a complaint with NHTSA, Transport Canada, DVSA, or your regional regulator helps build the data record. Each report contributes to pattern detection that can trigger formal investigations and recalls — protecting other owners of the same vehicle, not just you.

You can file at any time, even if your dealer or manufacturer is already handling repairs. The regulatory complaint is a separate channel that helps every owner of your vehicle.

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