The defect
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
The risk
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by ODI
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Tesla Model X | 2016, 2017, 2018 |
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 2012 | 61 | 8 |
| Tesla Model S | 2013 | 461 | 11 |
| Tesla Model S | 2014 | 366 | 9 |
| Tesla Model S | 2015 | 668 | 9 |
| Tesla Model S | 2016 | 649 | 10 |
| Tesla Model S | 2017 | 428 | 9 |
| Tesla Model S | 2018 | 170 | 11 |
| Tesla Model X | 2016 | 450 | 12 |
| Tesla Model X | 2017 | 268 | 10 |
| Tesla Model X | 2018 | 193 | 9 |
Other visibility recalls in 2021
17 of the 988 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2021 concerned the visibility; Tesla, Inc. filed 85 campaigns in all.
| 21V00M000 28 Dec 2021 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 21V00D000 21 Dec 2021 | Tesla, Inc. |
| 21V977000 16 Dec 2021 | Ford Motor Company |
| 21V871000 10 Nov 2021 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) |
| 21V832000 22 Oct 2021 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC |
| 21V809000 15 Oct 2021 | Ford Motor Company |
| 21V712000 14 Sept 2021 | Ford Motor Company |
| 21V711000 14 Sept 2021 | Ford Motor Company |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2021