TESLA MODEL 3 (2020) recall — Air Bags
Tesla is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model 3 vehicles due to potential side curtain air bag improper deployment during crashes, increasing injury risk. Owners must contact Tesla for free inspection and realignment.
Use caution until it’s fixed
A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Contact the company & request your remedy
What happened, in plain English
Tesla is recalling some 2020-2021 Model 3 vehicles because side curtain air bags might twist and deploy incorrectly during crashes, raising injury or ejection risks. This fix is free and must be done by a Tesla service center. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/80040-tesla-model-3-2020-air-bag-recall-risk-of-improper.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/80040-tesla-model-3-2020-air-bag-recall-risk-of-improper · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #21V834000
Cite this page
“Tesla Model 3 (2020) Air Bag Recall: Risk of Improper Deployment.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80040-tesla-model-3-2020-air-bag-recall-risk-of-improper. Based on NHTSA recall #21V834000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V834000).
Why it’s dangerous
The side curtain air bags may be twisted due to improper installation, causing them to deploy incorrectly during a crash. This could lead to occupant injury or being ejected from the vehicle.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2020-2021 Tesla Model 3 vehicles are affected. Drivers and passengers in these vehicles face the highest risk during crashes.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your Tesla Model 3 was manufactured in 2020 or 2021. The recall covers vehicles that may have improper air bag installation.
- Brand
Tesla- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact Tesla Service
Call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 to schedule a free inspection and air bag realignment.
What NHTSA says to do
Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.
Questions people ask
Why is this recall happening?
The side curtain air bags may be twisted due to improper installation, which could cause them to deploy incorrectly during a crash and increase injury or ejection risk.
How can I check if my vehicle is affected?
Your Tesla Model 3 was manufactured in 2020 or 2021, and the recall covers vehicles with potential improper air bag installation.
Is this fix free?
Yes, Tesla will inspect and realign the air bags at no cost to the owner.
Contact Tesla
We’ve drafted a message you can send Tesla to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 21V834000 — Tesla Tesla Hello, I own a Tesla that is covered by recall 21V834000 from Tesla. The official recall notice states: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #21V834000 (October 25, 2021)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 4, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.