2017–2021 Tesla (4 models) Forward Collision Avoidance Recall 21V846000 (Tesla SB-21-00-004)

NHTSA recall 21V846000 (Tesla recall SB-21-00-004) covers about 11,728 2017–2021 Tesla (4 models) vehicles (forward collision avoidance), filed with NHTSA Oct 29, 2021. There is no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory.

Source: NHTSA campaign 21V846000 · Data as of Nov 6, 2026 · By CarWhere Research

11,728
vehicles affected (potential)
2017–2021
model years
Oct 29, 2021
filed with NHTSA
None
NHTSA advisory

What's recalled

Component: Forward collision avoidance (sensing system, camera)

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.

The risk

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

The remedy and its status

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.

Status: NHTSA lists Oct 25, 2021 as the owner-notification date for this campaign.

Tesla recall number SB-21-00-004

NHTSA lists the manufacturer's own recall number for 21V846000 as SB-21-00-004. Owner letters and dealer service departments often use this code, so a search for "SB-21-00-004 recall" refers to the same campaign.

Affected models and years

Models and model years NHTSA lists for this campaign. Not every vehicle of a listed model and year is included; check by VIN.

VehicleModel yearsMore
Tesla Model 32017–2021All Model 3 recallsYears to avoid
Tesla Model S2017–2021All Model S recallsYears to avoid
Tesla Model X2017–2021All Model X recallsYears to avoid
Tesla Model Y2020–2021All Model Y recallsYears to avoid

Key dates

Report filed with NHTSA
Oct 29, 2021
Owner notification
Oct 25, 2021
Recall initiated by
the manufacturer
Filed by
Tesla, Inc.

Check your VIN for 21V846000

  1. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
  2. Enter it in NHTSA's free VIN recall lookup. It shows every open recall on that exact vehicle, including this one if it applies and hasn't been repaired.
  3. If 21V846000 is open, call any Tesla dealer's service department and give them the recall number (21V846000 or SB-21-00-004). The repair is free.

Not sure of the exact model or year? Decode it first with the free VIN decoder.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 21V846000?

NHTSA recall 21V846000 (Tesla recall SB-21-00-004) covers about 11,728 2017–2021 Tesla (4 models) vehicles (forward collision avoidance), filed with NHTSA Oct 29, 2021. There is no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. It covers certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2.

Is it safe to drive a vehicle with recall 21V846000?

NHTSA's record for 21V846000 carries no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. The risk NHTSA lists is: "Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash." Get the free repair as soon as it is available for your vehicle.

How do I know if my vehicle is affected by 21V846000?

Only a VIN lookup can tell you. Not every vehicle of the listed models and years is included, and repaired vehicles drop off. Enter your 17-character VIN in NHTSA's free recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Tesla dealer to check it.

What is the fix for recall 21V846000, and is it free?

NHTSA's record says: "Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge." NHTSA lists Oct 25, 2021 as the owner-notification date for this campaign. Safety-recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers.

What is the Tesla recall number for 21V846000?

NHTSA lists the manufacturer's own recall number as SB-21-00-004. Dealers and owner letters often use that code (SB-21-00-004) instead of the NHTSA campaign number 21V846000.

Sources and method

  • NHTSA recall record for 21V846000, from NHTSA's public recall campaign database. Problem, risk and remedy text is NHTSA's own wording.
  • "Vehicles affected" is NHTSA's potential-units-affected count for the whole campaign.
  • Data as of Nov 6, 2026. NHTSA updates campaigns as manufacturers file amendments, so check the official record for the latest.

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