Tesla Model S Recall R/2018/057: Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy As Intended, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 31 Jan 2018
- Launched
- 3
- vehicles in the UK
- SB-18-20-001
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Tesla recalled Model S vehicles built between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013. The propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator might degrade over time which could cause the inflator body torture in the event the airbag is deployed. The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicles replace the passenger airbag. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator might degrade over time which could cause the inflator body torture in the event the airbag is deployed. This could cause injury to occupants.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED Defect: The propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator might degrade over time which could cause the inflator body torture in the event the airbag is deployed. This could cause injury to occupants. Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the passenger airbag.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the inflator body torture in the event the airbag is deployed.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicles replace the passenger airbag.
Are You Affected?
Model S built between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013 may be included. Tesla estimates 3 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-18-20-001 or the DVSA reference R/2018/057. 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 S, Model XUpdate vehicle firmware to restore Post-Crash eCall functionality | Book soon | R/2025/075 | |
| Model SMisalignment of the hood latch may prevent latching of the secondary latch | Book soon | R/2022/009 | |
| Model S, Model XWhen the emmc reaches accumulated lifetime wear the customer may experience a blank centre display | Low | R/2021/031 | |
| Model SThe propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator may degrade over time | Urgent | R/2019/006 | |
| Model SLoss of power steering assistance | Urgent | R/2018/093 |
This is one of 26 Tesla recalls in DVSA’s data. The Tesla recall launched before it was R/2017/284 on 12 Oct 2017, for seat may not correctly latch. The one launched after it was R/2018/093 on 30 Mar 2018, for loss of power steering assistance. You can also see every Tesla recall, the Tesla Model S recall history, all recalls launched in 2018 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/057, launched 31 January 2018. 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.