Tesla Model S Recalls In The UK: Every Safety Recall By Year And Build Date, And What To Do

The Tesla Model S has 8 UK safety recalls in DVSA records, 3 of them since 2020. The most common faults involve airbags and other airbag inflators. Enter your registration to see which apply to your car; you won't usually pay for a recall repair.¹

The Tesla Model S has been on UK roads since 2014, and its recalls tend to arrive years after the cars were built, so an older Model S is worth checking even if it has been clear. The largest, R/2021/031, replaced the media control unit memory chip on the Model S and Model X, which could wear out and cause a loss of the rear-view camera, demisting controls and other functions, covering 9,475 vehicle-records. R/2022/009 fixed a bonnet latch that could be misaligned so the secondary latch might not hold, and R/2019/006 replaced front passenger airbag inflators whose propellant could degrade. Earlier recalls dealt with a loss of power steering assistance (R/2018/093) and a parking brake that might not release (R/2017/182). In 2025 a firmware update restored post-crash eCall on some cars (R/2025/075). Book any recall that needs a part through the Tesla app; see software recalls.

Model S Recalls By Year And Build Date

Each recall covers Model Ss built between certain dates. Find your car's build date on the V5C or ask a Tesla dealer, then match it below.

Build dates come from DVSA's Build Start and Build End fields. A car built inside the range may be included, and Tesla confirms by VIN. See where to find your VIN.

The Model S Recalls That Matter Most

When the emmc reaches accumulated lifetime wear the customer may experience a blank centre display (R/2021/031) is the largest Model S recall, covering about 9,475 vehicle-records.

What You Might Notice

Many recall faults give no warning at all, so a registration check is the only reliable way to know.² See car recall symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Model S Has Been Fixed?

Ask a Tesla dealer or Tesla's helpline for the recall history on your VIN. See how to get a Tesla recall fixed.

Is The Model S Reliable?

Recalls show faults the maker has agreed to fix, not how often cars break down. Compare models on our compare page.

I'm Buying A Used Model S. What Should I Check?

Run the registration, ask for proof of completed recalls and confirm by VIN. See buying a used car with an outstanding recall.

Other Tesla Models

We also explain recalls for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Every other Tesla model is covered on the Tesla recalls page, and the list of makes covers every other brand.

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Data: DVSA vehicle recall data (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 15 October 2026.