2021 Tesla Model X

No photo available — body style shown for reference.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Steering

Steering leads by volume: 12 of 40 complaints (30%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Driver Assistance & Speed Control include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Complaints filed fell from 127 in 2020 to 40 in 2021.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.
Category20192020202120222023vs. 2021 electric vehicles
Annual fuel cost ($)800–950700–950700–900750–850750–850
Combined MPGe79–9679–10586–10591–10291–102
City / Highway MPGe80–99 / 77–9580–108 / 77–10189–109 / 83–10194–107 / 88–9794–107 / 88–97
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)00000Every vehicle in this comparison has the identical figure, so there's nothing to show a position within.
Complaints filed10012740126192Not compared
Recalls issued810242217Not compared
Crash-involved complaints131731217Not compared
Fire-involved complaints30022Not compared
Injuries reported662210Not compared
Deaths reported00000Not compared
Configurations compared55333

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model X have?

24 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Tesla Model X?

Steering: 12 of 40 NHTSA complaints (30%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Tesla Model X get?

EPA rates it 86–105 MPGe combined across 3 configurations.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Tesla Model X?

EPA estimates $700–$900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (3)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic (A1)All-Wheel DriveElectricityStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD109 MPGe (high)101 MPGe (high)105 MPGe (high)$700 (low)0 g/mi
Configuration 2Automatic (A1)All-Wheel DriveElectricityStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD100 MPGe95 MPGe97 MPGe$8000 g/mi
Configuration 3Automatic (A1)All-Wheel DriveElectricityStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD89 MPGe (low)83 MPGe (low)86 MPGe (low)$900 (high)0 g/mi

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine00000
Transmission & Drivetrain30000
Fuel System00000
Electrical61010
Brakes10000
Steering120000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires61010
Airbags & Restraints00000
Driver Assistance & Speed Control103020
Body, Seats & Latches40000
Visibility & Lighting30000
Other90000

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (24)

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Campaign 26V283000 · May 5, 2026

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN; AIR BAGS · Campaign 25V172000 · Mar 20, 2025

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.

    Consequence: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION · Campaign 24V967000 · Dec 26, 2024

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."

    Consequence: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.

  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 24V554000 · Jul 25, 2024

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

    Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

  • SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES · Campaign 24V376000 · May 29, 2024

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT · Campaign 24V153000 · Feb 28, 2024

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · Campaign 24V051000 · Jan 31, 2024

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE · Campaign 23V838000 · Dec 12, 2023

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

    Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · Campaign 23V743000 · Nov 6, 2023

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.

    Consequence: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING:SWITCH/SENSOR/FLOAT · Campaign 23V679000 · Oct 12, 2023

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The vehicle controller may fail to detect low brake fluid and will not display a warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Consequence: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-005.

Show 14 earlier campaigns
  • SEAT BELTS:FRONT · Campaign 23V488000 · Jul 17, 2023

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.

    Consequence: A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-004.

  • STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING · Campaign 23V085000 · Feb 16, 2023

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

    Consequence: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · Campaign 22V843000 · Nov 16, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The restraint control module (RCM) calibration may cause the front passenger air bag to deploy incorrectly during certain low speed crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: A passenger air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the RCM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-015.

  • STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 22V818000 · Nov 2, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.

    Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.

  • VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS · Campaign 22V702000 · Sep 20, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

    Consequence: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT · Campaign 22V296000 · May 4, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S, Model X, and 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating certain firmware releases. The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart.

    Consequence: A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will improve CPU temperature management, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-009.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT · Campaign 22V235000 · Apr 13, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

  • AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN · Campaign 22V233000 · Apr 11, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model X vehicles. The left or right front-row side curtain air bags may not deploy as intended when the windows are lowered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

    Consequence: Improper side curtain air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla Service Centers will replace the left and right front-row side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-003.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT · Campaign 22V063000 · Feb 7, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

  • VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 22V050000 · Feb 3, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

    Consequence: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; SEAT BELTS:FRONT · Campaign 22V045000 · Feb 2, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

  • STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING · Campaign 22V037000 · Jan 28, 2022

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

    Consequence: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

  • AIR BAGS; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION · Campaign 21V868000 · Nov 10, 2021

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.

    Consequence: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

    Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-007.

  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:SOFTWARE; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 21V846000 · Nov 1, 2021

    Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

    Consequence: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.