May 25, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V387000
Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V387
Manufacturer Tesla
, Inc.
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number of Units Affected 5,974
Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Check if your Tesla has a Recall
Condition
On certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the brake caliper bolts may not be torqued to internal specifications.
Correction
Inspect and confirm that all brake caliper bolts are torqued to internal specifications.
Procedure (Mobile Service)
NOTE: This procedure was designed for correction via Mobile Service. If the vehicle is at the Service Center, skip to the “Procedure (Service Center)” section.
1. Loosen the LH front and LH rear wheel lug nuts.
2. Place the LH front and LH rear corners of the vehicle on jack stands (refer to Service Manual procedure 10000605; Model 3, Model Y).
3. Remove the LH front and LH rear wheels (refer to Service Manual procedure 34015001; Model 3, Model Y).
4. At the LH front corner of the vehicle, inspect the following components for damage. Note any damage found in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
a. Wheel
b. Knuckle
c. Brake shield, caliper, and rotor
d. Brake hoses and brake lines near the brake caliper
e. Electronic parking brake housing and harness (rear corners)
5. Inspect the LH front brake caliper mounting bolts (Figure 1).
a. If a bolt appears to be properly torqued, retorque the bolt (torque 94 Nm) and take note in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
b. If a bolt does not appear to be torqued to specification, remove the bolt, and then inspect the caliper threaded bore and the knuckle bolt hole.
i. If no damage is found on these components, install a new bolt (torque 94 Nm) and take note in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
ii. If damage is found on these components, take note in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity, and then skip to the next step. Do not replace any components.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
6. Repeat steps 4–5 on the LH rear corner of the vehicle (rear brake caliper mounting bolt torque 83 Nm).
7. Install the LH front and rear wheels (refer to Service Manual procedure 34015001; Model 3, Model Y).
8. Repeat steps 1–7 on the RH side of the vehicle.
9. If damage to any parts was noted, create and escalate a Toolbox session to Zone, and then arrange for the vehicle to be towed to the Service Center.
Procedure (Service Center)
1. Loosen the lug nuts on all 4 wheels.
2. Raise and support the vehicle on a 2 post lift (refer to Service Manual procedure 10000205; Model 3, Model Y).
3. Remove all 4 wheels (refer to Service Manual procedure 34015001; Model 3, Model Y).
4. At the LH front corner of the vehicle, inspect the following components for damage. Note any damage found in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
a. Wheel
b. Knuckle
c. Brake shield, caliper, and rotor
d. Brake hoses and brake lines near the brake caliper
e. Electronic parking brake housing and harness (rear corners)
5. Inspect the LH front brake caliper mounting bolts (Figure 2).
a. If a bolt appears to be properly torqued, retorque the bolt (torque 94 Nm) and take note in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
b. If a bolt does not appear to be torqued to specification, remove the bolt, and then inspect the caliper threaded bore and the knuckle bolt hole.
i. If no damage is found on these components, install a new bolt (torque 94 Nm) and take note in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
ii. If damage is found on these components, take note in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity, and then skip to the next step. Do not replace any components.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
6. Repeat steps 4–5 on all other corners of the vehicle.
• Front brake caliper mounting bolt torque 94 Nm
• Rear brake caliper mounting bolt torque 83 Nm
7. If damage to any parts was noted, create and escalate a Toolbox session to Zone. Service Engineering will provide case-by-case repair instructions.
8. Install all 4 wheels when repairs (if any) are complete (refer to Service Manual procedure 34015001; Model 3, Model Y).
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
NHTSA Recall Code: 21V-387
Dear Tesla Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Tesla, Inc., has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles and Model Year 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
REASON FOR THIS RECALL
The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim, which may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
WHAT TESLA WILL DO
At no charge to you, Tesla Service will inspect the bolts and adjust them to internal specification or replace them if necessary. In the unlikely event that related tire damage is found during inspection, we will repair or replace the tire free of charge.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please schedule a service appointment through your Tesla mobile app. Alternatively, if you wish to contact your nearest Tesla Service Center or require technical assistance, please visit www.tesla.com/findus or call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752). For awareness, the appointment will take approximately 30 minutes to perform both the inspection and repair, if necessary.
If you believe that Tesla has failed or is unable to remedy this defect without charge or within a reasonable time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, by calling 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or by visiting www.safercar.gov.
Federal law requires any lessor who receives a notification of a determination of a noncompliance pertaining to any leased motor vehicle to send the notice to the lessee within 10 days.
Thank you for being a Tesla customer. We are committed to ensuring that your vehicle provides the highest possible level of safety.
TESLA, INC.
SEOCONTENT-START
SB-21-33-002 Page 1 of 4
_
Tesla, Inc.
Service Bulletin Inspect Brake Caliper Bolts
SB-21-33-002
May 27, 2021
Classification Section/Group Mobile Service
Recall Bulletin 33 – Brakes Can Perform
(where permitted)
Model Year Model Country/Region Version
2017 – 2021 Model 3, Model Y All All
The model(s) and model year(s) listed are a general approximation of the affected VIN list. Refer to the VIN/Bulletin Tracker or Customer/Vehicle profile to determine
applicability of this bulletin for a particular vehicle.
Recall Bulletin: Recall Bulletins are mandatory service procedures that must be carried out by Tesla-certified Service Centers.
Recall work performed by uncertified technicians could lead to unsafe conditions or voided warranty provisions.
Condition
On certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the brake caliper bolts may not be torqued to internal specifications.
Correction
Inspect and confirm that all brake caliper bolts are torqued to internal specifications.
Correction Description Correction Time
Install Or Retorque Caliper Bolt(s) S012133002 0.50
Part Number Description Quantity
Parts Required
1088969-00-B
1088968-00-B
Model 3:
BOLT,TE,M12x45,STL[109],ZNFL[BLCK]
Model Y:
BOLT,TE,M12x45,STL[109],ZNFL[BLCK]
1–8
1–8
This part number was current at the time of publication. Use the revisions listed or later, unless otherwise
specified in the Parts Catalog.
Special Tools
1054716-01-A
1054717-01-B
1139975-00-A
For Mobile Service
FLOOR JACK, OTC TOOLS, 2 TON, ALUMINUM
JACK STAND, JACKPOINT (SET OF 2)
WHEEL CHOCK, EXTRUDED, WHOLE
Procedure (Mobile Service)
NOTE: This procedure was designed for correction via Mobile Service. If the vehicle is at the Service Center,
skip to the “Procedure (Service Center)” section.
1. Loosen the LH front and LH rear wheel lug nuts.
2. Place the LH front and LH rear corners of the vehicle on jack stands (refer to Service Manual procedure
10000605; Model 3, Model Y).
3. Remove the LH front and LH rear wheels (refer to Service Manual procedure 34015001; Model 3, Model Y).
SB-21-33-002 Page 2 of 4
_
4. At the LH front corner of the vehicle, inspect the following components for damage. Note any damage found in the
“Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
a. Wheel
b. Knuckle
c. Brake shield, caliper, and rotor
d. Brake hoses and brake lines near the brake caliper
e. Electronic parking brake housing and harness (rear corners)
5. Inspect the LH front brake caliper mounting bolts (Figure 1).
Figure 1 – Front caliper shown; rear caliper similar
a. If a bolt appears to be properly torqued, retorque the bolt (torque 94 Nm) and take note in the “Internal
Notes” field of the Service Activity.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
b. If a bolt does not appear to be torqued to specification, remove the bolt, and then inspect the caliper
threaded bore and the knuckle bolt hole.
i. If no damage is found on these components, install a new bolt (torque 94 Nm) and take note in
the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
ii. If damage is found on these components, take note in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service
Activity, and then skip to the next step. Do not replace any components.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
6. Repeat steps 4–5 on the LH rear corner of the vehicle (rear brake caliper mounting bolt torque 83 Nm).
7. Install the LH front and rear wheels (refer to Service Manual procedure 34015001; Model 3, Model Y).
8. Repeat steps 1–7 on the RH side of the vehicle.
9. If damage to any parts was noted, create and escalate a Toolbox session to Zone, and then arrange for the
vehicle to be towed to the Service Center.
SB-21-33-002 Page 3 of 4
_
Procedure (Service Center)
1. Loosen the lug nuts on all 4 wheels.
2. Raise and support the vehicle on a 2 post lift (refer to Service Manual procedure 10000205; Model 3, Model Y).
3. Remove all 4 wheels (refer to Service Manual procedure 34015001; Model 3, Model Y).
4. At the LH front corner of the vehicle, inspect the following components for damage. Note any damage found in the
“Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
a. Wheel
b. Knuckle
c. Brake shield, caliper, and rotor
d. Brake hoses and brake lines near the brake caliper
e. Electronic parking brake housing and harness (rear corners)
5. Inspect the LH front brake caliper mounting bolts (Figure 2).
Figure 2 – Front caliper shown; rear caliper similar
a. If a bolt appears to be properly torqued, retorque the bolt (torque 94 Nm) and take note in the “Internal
Notes” field of the Service Activity.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
b. If a bolt does not appear to be torqued to specification, remove the bolt, and then inspect the caliper
threaded bore and the knuckle bolt hole.
i. If no damage is found on these components, install a new bolt (torque 94 Nm) and take note in
the “Internal Notes” field of the Service Activity.
ii. If damage is found on these components, take note in the “Internal Notes” field of the Service
Activity, and then skip to the next step. Do not replace any components.
NOTE: If using Warp Service, note damage in the “Cause Narrative” field of the Repair Order (RO).
6. Repeat steps 4–5 on all other corners of the vehicle.
• Front brake caliper mounting bolt torque 94 Nm
• Rear brake caliper mounting bolt torque 83 Nm
SB-21-33-002 Page 4 of 4
For feedback on the accuracy of this document, email ServiceBulletinFeedback@tesla.com
7. If damage to any parts was noted, create and escalate a Toolbox session to Zone. Service Engineering will
provide case-by-case repair instructions.
8. Install all 4 wheels when repairs (if any) are complete (refer to Service Manual procedure 34015001; Model 3,
Model Y).
**************************************************************************************************************
3500 Deer Creek Road
Palo Alto CA 94304
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
<Date>
<Name>
<Address>
<Address 2> (if applicable; if not, remove this line)
<City, State, ZIP>
<VIN>
NHTSA Recall Code: 21V-387
Dear Tesla Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Tesla, Inc., has
determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year 2019-2021 Model 3
vehicles and Model Year 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle
affected by this action.
REASON FOR THIS RECALL
The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim, which may
cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
WHAT TESLA WILL DO
At no charge to you, Tesla Service will inspect the bolts and adjust them to internal specification or replace them if
necessary. In the unlikely event that related tire damage is found during inspection, we will repair or replace the tire
free of charge.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please schedule a service appointment through your Tesla mobile app. Alternatively, if you wish to contact your
nearest Tesla Service Center or require technical assistance, please visit www.tesla.com/findus or call 1-877-79-
TESLA (1-877-798-3752). For awareness, the appointment will take approximately 30 minutes to perform both the
inspection and repair, if necessary.
If you believe that Tesla has failed or is unable to remedy this defect without charge or within a reasonable time,
you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, by calling 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or by visiting
www.safercar.gov.
Federal law requires any lessor who receives a notification of a determination of a noncompliance pertaining to any
leased motor vehicle to send the notice to the lessee within 10 days.
Thank you for being a Tesla customer. We are committed to ensuring that your vehicle provides the
highest possible level of safety.
TESLA, INC.
SEOCONTENT-END
5 Affected Products
Vehicles
7 Associated Documents
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-21V387-7012.pdf 219.947KB
Recall 573 Report- Amendment 1
RCLRPT-21V387-8391.PDF 215.704KB
Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-21V387-4169.pdf 18.583KB
Recall Acknowledgement
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-21V387-6066.PDF 215.659KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-3
RCLQRT-21V387-2878.PDF 211.13KB
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-4
RCLQRT-21V387-3777.PDF 211.232KB
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