2021-2022 Tesla Model Y Defrosting Performance Recall
Tesla has issued a recall (NHTSA ID 22V050000) for certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. A software error can cause decreased defrosting performance, potentially reducing driver visibility. The remedy is a free over-the-air (OTA) software update.
Gilt auch für
- Tesla Model 3
- 2021–2022
- Tesla Model S
- 2021–2022
- Tesla Model X
- 2021–2022
- Tesla Model Y
- 2022
Why This Matters
This recall addresses a critical safety concern related to the defrosting system in affected Tesla vehicles. Decreased defrosting performance can significantly reduce a driver's visibility, especially in cold or humid conditions. This impairment increases the risk of a crash, posing a serious safety hazard to vehicle occupants and others on the road.
What's Being Recalled
Tesla, Inc. is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The issue stems from a software error within the electrical system that may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally. When this occurs, refrigerant can become trapped inside the evaporator, leading to a reduction in the vehicle's defrosting capability. This condition means these vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, which governs "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
This specific recall is identified by NHTSA ID 22V050000 and Tesla's internal recall number SB-22-18-002.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
Tesla mailed owner notification letters regarding this recall on April 1, 2022. If you own a 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, or Model Y and did not receive a letter, you can contact Tesla customer service directly at 1-877-798-3752. For additional information or to verify if your vehicle is included in the 2021 TESLA Model Y recall or other affected models, you may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Manufacturer's Remedy
Tesla will resolve this issue by performing an over-the-air (OTA) software update. This update will be provided free of charge to all affected vehicle owners. The OTA update will correct the software error in the electrical system, ensuring the heat pump valve operates correctly and restores proper defrosting performance.
Source: NHTSA Recall ID: 22V050000
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the specific issue with the 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y?
- The 2021 TESLA Model Y recall (and other affected models) is due to a software error in the electrical system. This error can cause a heat pump valve to open unintentionally, trapping refrigerant and leading to decreased windshield defrosting performance.
- What is the recall number for this Tesla defrosting issue?
- The NHTSA recall identification number is 22V050000. Tesla's internal number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.
- How will Tesla fix the decreased defrosting performance?
- Tesla will provide an over-the-air (OTA) software update to correct the software error. This update will be performed free of charge for all affected vehicles.
- What is the safety risk associated with this recall?
- Decreased defrosting performance can reduce the driver's visibility, especially in adverse weather conditions. This reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
What Tesla Model Y owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 7 model years.
- 4,325
- Owner complaints
- 43
- Recalls
- 146
- Service bulletins
- 588
- Crashes reported
- 26
- Fires reported
- 403
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
1,096 complaints, the 2nd most of 7 model years on file. Owners reported 90 crashes, 6 fires and 26 injuries for this year, which also has 23 recalls on file.
Electrical System, the system this article covers, accounts for 571 of 4,325 complaints (13%), including 153 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2020 | 283 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,096 | |
| 2022 | 874 | |
| 2023 | 1,194 | |
| 2024 | 335 | |
| 2025 | 109 | |
| 2026 | 434 |
Most-reported systems
- Forward Collision Avoidance — 1,975
- Vehicle Speed Control — 589
- Service Brakes — 576
- Electrical System — 571
- Steering — 490
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V507000 — Exterior Lighting (Aug 2026)
- 26V283000 — Back Over Prevention (May 2026)
- 24V935000 — Tires (Dec 2024)
Recent owner reports about electrical system
This vehicle presents a safety risk because it can lose power unexpectedly while driving in traffic. The 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range currently displays alert BMS_a074 and will not charge above approximately 32%.
Read owner complaints →On October 1, 2026, immediately after my 2021 Tesla Model Y installed Tesla software update 2026.32.7, the driver-assist computer entered a continuous boot loop.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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