Update Vehicle Firmware to Enable Seat Belt Reminder Signal

Tesla has voluntarily issued a recall on certain model year (MY) 2012 – 2024 Model S, MY 2015 – 2024 Model X, MY 2017 – 2023 Model 3 and MY 2020 – 2023 Model Y vehicles that are or were operating with certain seat belt reminder software logic. On affected vehicles, an open trace in the driver seat occupancy switch may result in a loss of the audible and visual seat belt reminder signals when the driver’s seat belt is not fastened after the vehicle ignition is moved to the “on” or “start” position, which does not comply with FMVSS No. 208, S7.3(a)(1).

At no cost to customers, affected vehicles will receive an over-the-air (OTA) software remedy, which is expected to begin deploying to affected vehicles in June 2024. The software remedy will remove dependency on the driver seat occupancy switch from the software logic and only rely on driver seat belt buckle and ignition status to activate the seat belt reminder signals.

Is my car affected by this recall?

All owners can check if their VIN is affected by using either the Tesla VIN Recall Search or NHTSA VIN Recall Search tools. At no cost to customers, affected vehicles will receive an over-the-air (OTA) software remedy, which is expected to begin deploying to affected vehicles in June 2024. The software remedy will remove dependency on the driver seat occupancy switch from the software logic and only rely on driver seat belt buckle and ignition status to activate the seat belt reminder signals. No further action is necessary from owners whose vehicles are equipped with the upcoming software release.

You can confirm your vehicle’s software version by tapping ‘Controls’ > ‘Software’ on your touchscreen or at the bottom of your vehicle’s home screen in the Tesla mobile app.

What is this issue and how does it affect my vehicle?

FMVSS No. 208, S7.3(a)(1), requires short-duration, audible and visual seat belt reminder signals to alert the driver that their seat belt is not fastened. Specifically, when the vehicle ignition is moved to the "on" or "start" position and the driver’s seat belt is not fastened, a continuous or intermittent audible signal must activate for not less than four seconds and a visual signal must display for not less than sixty seconds.

Is my car safe to drive?

A vehicle that does not alert the driver to an unfastened seat belt after the vehicle ignition is moved to the “on” or “start” position does not comply with FMVSS No. 208, S7.3(a)(1), which may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Do I need to make a service appointment for this recall?

No. This recall is addressed by updating the vehicle software, which will be rolled out OTA once it is available, and does not require the customer to schedule a service appointment.