Tesla Sends a Software Update to Fix Seat

Feb 24, 2024

A software glitch kept the vehicles out of compliance with federal safety standards

More than 817,000 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and Model 3 vehicles need a software update because their seat-belt chimes may not sound even if the driver’s seat belt isn’t buckled.

The visual seat-belt reminder is not affected by this problem, and the seat-belt chime will still sound in most cases. The chimes are regulated by the federal government under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, so the fix is part of a recall campaign.

Tesla was first alerted to the issue by the South Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute on Jan. 6, 2022, and investigated the problem internally between Jan. 10 and Jan. 22, 2022. On Jan. 25, Tesla voluntarily determined that a recall was necessary, according to documents the automaker provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tesla also told NHTSA it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the issue.

The problem is related to the vehicle’s firmware, so Tesla will automatically send an over-the-air update to affected vehicles, free of charge, in early February.

Such updates are becoming more common as new vehicles increasingly feature built-in wireless connections. Automakers including Tesla, GM, and Mercedes-Benz have previously used over-the-air updates to address product recalls.

Vehicles recalled:

2017-2022 Tesla Model 3 sedans

2020-2022 Tesla Model Y SUVs

2021-2022 Tesla Model S sedans and Model X SUVs

The problem: The vehicles aren’t in compliance with FMVSS 208 because their seat-belt chimes may not activate when the vehicle starts and drivers have not yet buckled their seat belt. This will happen only if the chime was interrupted in the preceding drive cycle and the seat belt wasn’t buckled before that interruption—for example, if the driver exited the vehicle while the chime was active and later returned, creating a new drive cycle.

The fix: Tesla will provide an over-the-air software update free of charge.

How to contact the manufacturer: The new software will be sent to vehicles in early February. Owners may also contact Tesla at 877-798-3752.

NHTSA campaign number: 22V045. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has a recall that needs to be addressed.

If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.

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Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry.