TSB: TESLA MODEL 3, MODEL Y (2017–2023)

Bulletin SB-23-20-002 R2 — March 27, 2023

Bulletin Details

Bulletin IDSB-23-20-002 R2
ManufacturerTESLA
ModelsMODEL 3, MODEL Y
Model Years2017–2023
Date IssuedMarch 27, 2023
Date Added to NHTSAApril 10, 2023
ComponentAIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Vehicles Affected22 combinations

What is a TSB?

A Technical Service Bulletin is a document issued by the vehicle manufacturer to inform dealership technicians about a known issue and the recommended repair procedure. TSBs are not mandatory recalls — they serve as repair guidance for common problems.

If your vehicle has this issue, bring this bulletin ID to your dealer. If under warranty, the repair should be covered at no cost.

Summary

Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.

Affected Vehicles

MakeModelYearComponent
TESLA MODEL 3 2023 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL 3 2023 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL Y 2023 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL Y 2023 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL 3 2022 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL 3 2022 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL Y 2022 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL Y 2022 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL 3 2021 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL 3 2021 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL Y 2021 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL Y 2021 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL 3 2020 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL 3 2020 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL Y 2020 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL Y 2020 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL 3 2019 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL 3 2019 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL 3 2018 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TESLA MODEL 3 2018 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL 3 2017 220000 SEATS
TESLA MODEL 3 2017 143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Related TESLA Recalls

CampaignModelYearComponentSummary
MODEL Y 2026 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The cert...
MODEL Y 2025 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The cert...
MODEL 3 2021 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 M...
MODEL X 2021 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 M...
MODEL 3 2023 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 M...

What Should You Do?

If your vehicle is affected by this TSB, contact your authorized TESLA dealer. Bring this bulletin ID (SB-23-20-002 R2) when you visit. If under warranty, the repair should be free. If your warranty has expired, ask about goodwill coverage — manufacturers sometimes cover TSB-related repairs beyond the warranty period.

Frequently Asked Questions

A recall is a mandatory safety fix — the manufacturer must repair every affected vehicle for free. A TSB is an advisory document that describes a known issue and the recommended fix, but repairs are not required. However, some TSBs eventually lead to recalls if the issue poses a safety risk. TSBs are generally issued for quality or performance problems, while recalls address safety defects.

If your vehicle is still under the manufacturer's warranty, TSB-related repairs are typically covered at no cost. If your warranty has expired, you can ask the dealer about goodwill or customer assistance programs. Many manufacturers will cover or partially cover repairs for well-known issues, especially if the TSB was issued recently or affects a large number of vehicles.

Check the make, model, and model year listed above against your vehicle. If they match, this bulletin likely applies. However, TSBs may only affect vehicles with specific production dates, VIN ranges, or configurations. Your dealer can confirm by entering your VIN into their service system, which will show all applicable TSBs and recalls.

This data comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Manufacturers are required to submit copies of all communications (including TSBs) sent to their dealers to NHTSA. The agency makes this data publicly available as part of its vehicle safety monitoring program.