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Manufacturer recall number

Tesla recall SB-18-32-002

Tesla calls it SB-18-32-002. NHTSA filed it as campaign 18V204000 on Mar 29, 2018: steering on the 2016 Tesla Model S, 70,421 vehicles potentially affected. One recall, two numbers — the dealer quotes the manufacturer’s, the federal record carries NHTSA’s.

What NHTSA has under this number

Source: 49 CFR Part 573 filings
NHTSA campaignVehiclesComponentFiledAffectedSeverity
18V2040002016 Tesla Model SSteeringMar 29, 201870,421high
Problem Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist. Risk Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash. Fix Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.

The manufacturer’s own words as filed for 18V204000. Every model year it covers, the build window and the filed PDFs →

Two numbers, one recall

Every safety recall carries two identifiers. SB-18-32-002 is the number Tesla assigned in its own system: it is what appears on the owner letter, on the dealer’s service screen and on the repair order. 18V204000 is the number NHTSA filed the same recall under when the manufacturer reported it, and it is the one every federal record, this site included, is keyed on.

The repair is free by federal law for vehicles up to fifteen years old. Whether one particular vehicle is included is settled by its VIN against the manufacturer’s build list, not by its model year.

Check one specific vehicle

Both lookups check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list and say whether the repair is still outstanding on that vehicle.

Common questions

Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR Part 573

Is SB-18-32-002 the same recall as 18V204000?

Yes. SB-18-32-002 is Tesla’s own number for it; 18V204000 is NHTSA’s. One recall, two references.

Which vehicles does SB-18-32-002 cover?

2016 Tesla Model S, 70,421 vehicles by the manufacturer’s count. A recall covers a build range, so the VIN decides whether one particular vehicle is in it.

Does the SB-18-32-002 repair cost anything?

No. The manufacturer must remedy a safety defect at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.