2021 Tesla Model 3 Recall: Electrical System (NHTSA 23V838000)

NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) issued a recall affecting 2021 Tesla Model 3 vehicles manufactured by Tesla, Inc.. Below is the official summary, the risk involved, and the fix available at no cost.

Table of contents
  1. What does the official notice say?
  2. Risk if left unaddressed
  3. Manufacturer's fix (remedy)
  4. Additional notes
  5. How to check if your vehicle is affected
  6. Frequently asked questions

What does the official notice say?

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Risk if left unaddressed

In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Manufacturer's fix (remedy)

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Additional 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.

How to check if your vehicle is affected

Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the official NHTSA lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in this campaign (number 23V838000).

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA recall 23V838000?

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

What happens if this recall isn't fixed?

In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Is the repair free, and how do I check my VIN?

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008. Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in campaign 23V838000.

Source: public NHTSA data, campaign 23V838000, reported on 12/12/2023. This content is for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and was compiled from official data with editorial review prior to publication.

Recall Radar

Recall Radar is the editorial team behind RecallRadar, tracking official NHTSA vehicle recalls and translating them into clear, practical guidance — what's affected, what's the risk, and how to get the free fix. Every post is compiled from public NHTSA data and reviewed before publishing.

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