Tesla Model X Recall R/2017/191: Passenger Airbag Will Not Deploy, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 8 Jun 2017
- Launched
- 1,501
- vehicles in the UK
- SB-17-20-002
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Tesla recalled Model X vehicles. Due to a firmware error the vehicle's restraint control module will not recognise the passenger seat is occupied. The recall notice describes the fix as: the updated software will be downloaded to the vehicle. However the installation of the software will immobilise the vehicle and the vehicle keepr should install when the vehicle is suitably parked up. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to a firmware error the vehicle's restraint control module will not recognise the passenger seat is occupied. In the event of an accident the passenger airbag will not deploy.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY Defect: Due to a firmware error the vehicle's restraint control module will not recognise the passenger seat is occupied. In the event of an accident the passenger airbag will not deploy Remedy: On affected vehicles the updated software will be downloaded to the vehicle. However the installation of the software will immobilise the vehicle and the vehicle keepr should install when the vehicle is suitably parked up. .
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: passenger airbag will not deploy.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: the updated software will be downloaded to the vehicle. However the installation of the software will immobilise the vehicle and the vehicle keepr should install when the vehicle is suitably parked up. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Model X may be included. Tesla estimates 1,501 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Tesla, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Tesla.
- Book with any franchised Tesla dealer, quoting the campaign code SB-17-20-002 or the DVSA reference R/2017/191. See how to get a Tesla recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3, Model X, Model YLoss of rearview camera display recall | Book soon | R/2025/049 | |
| Model S, Model XUpdate vehicle firmware to restore Post-Crash eCall functionality | Book soon | R/2025/075 | |
| Model XOn certain MY 2021-2023 Model X vehicles the vehicle controller that detects the sensor voltage that indicates brake fluid level may not have a sufficient threshold range at low fluid levels. A vehicle controller that does not correctly indicate low brake fluid levels to the customer | Urgent | R/2023/351 | |
| Model XA first-row seat belt was disconnected from its pretensioner anchor as part of a necessary step to perform a repair during a service visit. After the repair was completed on certain affected vehicles the first-row seat belt may not have been reconnected to its pretensioner anchor to specification | Urgent | R/2023/350 | |
| Model S, Model XWhen the emmc reaches accumulated lifetime wear the customer may experience a blank centre display | Low | R/2021/031 |
This is one of 26 Tesla recalls in DVSA’s data. The Tesla recall launched before it was R/2017/182 on 19 Apr 2017, for parking brake may not release correctly. The one launched after it was R/2017/284 on 12 Oct 2017, for seat may not correctly latch. You can also see every Tesla recall, all recalls launched in 2017 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2017/191, launched 8 June 2017. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.