About Tesla VINs
How Tesla VINs are built
Tesla vehicles assembled in Fremont, California carry a 5YJ prefix. Newer Model Y units, built in Fremont or at Giga Texas in Austin, carry a 7SA prefix. Tesla vehicles are among the most searched for VIN checks due to frequent ownership transfers, Autopilot-related accident claims, and battery condition questions that are reflected in insurance filings and state DMV records.
The first three characters identify the maker and plant. In NHTSA's vPIC, many Fremont-built Teslas use 5YJ. Newer builds from Fremont and Giga Texas (Austin) often use 7SA. Shanghai and Berlin plants use other WMIs for non-US markets. The 11th character and the full decode confirm the plant.
Tesla vehicles manufactured for the US market carry VIN prefixes of 5YJ (Fremont CA); 7SA (Fremont CA, Austin TX). The VIN number encodes the country of manufacture (USA), production plant, vehicle line, body style, engine type, model year, and a unique production sequence number.
Sources: Brand: Tesla · Plants/WMIs: NHTSA vPIC
NHTSA campaign data
Which model years each recall covers
Drag the year line to your car’s model year. Bars it crosses are the campaigns to confirm on the VIN.
Many Tesla campaigns are closed by over-the-air software update — still confirm the VIN / Tesla app show them complete. A listed year doesn't mean every vehicle from that year is included.
Tesla Recalls: How to Check a Specific VIN
- Enter the full 17-character VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup.
- Then check the Tesla app / Tesla recalls support for OTA completion status.
- On a 2013–2016 Model S, check passenger Takata campaigns before a test drive.
- Many software recalls need no service visit — still verify they are closed.
Full list: every campaign in this timeline
| Campaign | Issue | Models & years |
|---|---|---|
| 23V-838 · 24V-051 · 23V-085 | Autosteer may not reliably detect and respond to hazards | 2012–2023 Model S, 2016–2024 Model X, 2017–2023 Model 3, 2019–2024 Model Y, 2024 Cybertruck. Very large Autosteer / FSD-related software campaigns. Coverage depends on software version and options — the VIN / Tesla app decide. |
| 24V-554 | Hood latch may not detect an unlatched hood | 2021–2024 Model 3, 2021–2024 Model S, 2021–2024 Model X, 2020–2024 Model Y. Large 2020–2024 multi-model hood-latch campaign (~1.8M). |
| 21V-00D | Rearview camera cable may fail (Model 3 trunk) | 2017–2020 Model 3. All 2017–2020 Model 3 — trunk lid can damage the camera harness. |
| 18V-031 · 19V-002 | Passenger air bag inflator may rupture (Takata-era Model S) | 2013–2016 Model S. 2013 Model S (18V-031) and 2014–2016 Model S (19V-002) passenger inflator campaigns. Filed under NHTSA's Takata inflator investigation (EA15-001). |
| 18V-204 · 20V-062 | Power-steering motor bolts may fail | 2012–2016 Model S, 2015–2016 Model X. Bosch steering-rack aluminum bolts on 2012–2016 Model S and 2015–2016 Model X. |
| 22V-702 | Window automatic-reversal (pinch) may not work as designed | 2017–2022 Model 3, 2020–2022 Model Y, 2021–2022 Model S, 2021–2022 Model X. Large multi-model window-reversal campaign (~1.1M). |
| 22V-045 | Audible pedestrian warning chime may not activate | 2017–2022 Model 3, 2020–2022 Model Y, 2021–2022 Model S, 2021–2022 Model X. 2017–2022 Model 3 and related years on S/X/Y — pedestrian warning chime. |
| 24V-718 | Cybertruck rearview camera may be delayed | 2024 Cybertruck. 2024 Cybertruck — delayed camera image when shifting to reverse. |
| 25V-170 | Cybertruck light bar may delaminate and detach | 2024–2025 Cybertruck. 2024–2025 Cybertruck. |
| 25V-690 | Battery pack contactors may fail (loss of drive) | 2025 Model 3, 2026 Model Y. 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y — loss of drive power. |
| 22V-818 | Model S / X EPAS may lose power assist | 2017–2021 Model S, 2017–2021 Model X. 2017–2021 Model S and Model X. |
| 24V-456 | Cybertruck wiper motor controller may fail | 2024 Cybertruck. 2024 Cybertruck — excessive current can fail the wiper motor controller. |
| 21V-389 | Front seat fasteners may be loose (Model 3 / Y) | 2018–2020 Model 3, 2019–2021 Model Y. 2018–2020 Model 3 and 2019–2021 Model Y. |
Highest-volume Tesla campaigns
Autosteer / FSD software and hood-latch campaigns
Confirm Autosteer/FSD software campaigns and hood-latch 24V-554 on the VIN or Tesla app — many close over the air.
Hood latch
24V-554 on 2020–2024 Model 3/Y/S/X (~1.8M).
Model 3 camera
21V-00D on all 2017–2020 Model 3.
What to do
Re-run NHTSA and the Tesla app after any claimed OTA or service repair.
Sources: NHTSA recall records · Tesla recalls
Tesla models
Tesla Models
Open a model for its VIN check, generations, recalls and owner complaints.
About Tesla
Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, stands out as the only American car company to reach mass production since Chrysler emerged in 1925. This remarkable feat underscores the significant impact Tesla has had on the automotive industry, rewriting the rules of what an automaker can achieve in a century dominated by entrenched giants.
Not Founded by Musk (Mostly)
While Elon Musk is often synonymous with Tesla, the company was actually founded in 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. Their vision was primarily focused on proving that electric cars could be better than gasoline vehicles. Initially, Musk wasn't involved in the founding but became a crucial figure after leading Tesla's initial Series A funding round in February 2004. This investment marked the beginning of Musk's prominent and often controversial role within the company. Musk joined the board as chairman and has been instrumental in steering Tesla's strategic direction ever since.
The debut of the Tesla Roadster in 2008 marked a turning point for the company, as it demonstrated the viability of electric vehicles with impressive speed and range. It wasn't just an electric car; it was a statement that electric vehicles could be both desirable and technically advanced.
The Master Plan Unfolds
In August 2006, Elon Musk published a blog post titled "The Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan (just between you and me)." The plan outlined a straightforward strategy: build a sports car, use that money to build a more affordable car, and then build an even more affordable car while providing zero-emission electric power generation options. This vision was ambitious, yet Tesla pursued it with relentless determination.
The introduction of the Model S in 2012 revolutionized the industry's perception of electric cars. It was the first EV that appealed not just as a green alternative, but as a luxury vehicle that could compete with high-end gas-powered cars. With its long range and advanced features, the Model S set new standards for the electric vehicle market.
An integral part of Tesla's strategy was the development of the Supercharger network. These charging stations were strategically placed to enable Tesla drivers to travel long distances with minimal downtime. The network provided Tesla with a significant competitive advantage, removing a common barrier to EV adoption: range anxiety.
Model 3 and the Mass Market
The Model 3, launched in 2017, was Tesla's bid to capture the mass market. Priced to compete with mainstream sedans, it aimed to bring electric vehicles to a broader audience. The launch of the Model 3 was a critical test of Tesla's ability to scale production and manage mass-market demand.
Building on the "Master Plan," the Model 3 had to be not just affordable, but also truly compelling to succeed. Tesla's Gigafactories played a crucial role in this endeavor, bolstering production capacity and securing the required battery supply to meet growing demand.
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities became a hallmark of Tesla's innovation. While still a work in progress, these features showcased Tesla's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. The development of these systems has been both groundbreaking and contentious, highlighting the complex intersection of technology, safety, and regulation.
The unveiling of the Cybertruck in 2019 polarized opinions with its unconventional design. Love it or hate it, the Cybertruck exemplified Tesla's willingness to defy traditional automotive design norms and garnered significant public attention.
What Tesla Changed About Everything
Tesla's influence on the automotive industry is undeniable, spurring a global race among automakers to electrify their fleets. Traditional companies now find themselves scrambling to catch up with Tesla's innovation and market momentum. The shift towards electric vehicles has accelerated, thanks to Tesla's persistent drive to make electric cars the norm rather than the exception.
Notably, Tesla operates without conventional advertising and has no traditional dealership model, choosing instead to sell directly to consumers through its online platform. This approach has reshaped the car-buying experience, removing some of the hassles associated with traditional car dealerships.
As Tesla continues to innovate, it remains at the forefront of automotive technology, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in vehicle design and performance. From software updates to battery advancements, Tesla's influence is felt across the entire industry.
Before You Buy a Used Tesla
Run the VIN through our free VIN decoder to confirm what the car was when it left the factory (model, model year, engine and assembly plant, from NHTSA's vPIC database) and to see NHTSA safety recalls for that model year. The Tesla model pages on this site add owner complaints, service bulletins, defect investigations, EPA fuel economy and crash ratings where NHTSA publishes them. We don't provide vehicle history reports, so accidents, title brands and odometer readings aren't part of the lookup. For title brands, the federal NMVTIS program is the official source, and an independent mechanic's pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Used-car checklist
What to Verify on a Used Tesla
Six checks specific to used Teslas.
Autosteer / FSD
See the Autosteer / FSD section.
Model 3 camera
21V-00D on 2017–2020.
Plant vs title
Match 5YJ (Fremont) or 7SA (Fremont/Austin) to the title.
World Manufacturer Identifier
Tesla VIN prefixes (WMI)
Prefix registrations and example decodes come from NHTSA's vPIC database.
Many Model S / 3 / X / early Y builds decode under 5YJ.
Newer Model Y and other US builds often decode under 7SA.
Worked example
Worked example: reading a Tesla VIN
Example VIN (demo only): 5YJ3E1EA0KF000000
K = 2019FAQ
Common questions about Tesla VINs
What VIN prefix do Tesla vehicles use?
Tesla vehicles assembled in Fremont, California carry VINs beginning with 5YJ. This prefix covers the Model 3, Model S, and Model X. Model Y vehicles were initially also assembled in Fremont with 5YJ prefixes, but as production shifted to the Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, new Model Y VINs began with 7SA, a prefix now used on Model Y units from both Fremont and Austin. Tesla vehicles are not manufactured outside the United States for the domestic market, so a Tesla VIN starting with anything other than 5YJ or 7SA would be unusual for a US-registered vehicle.
What does a free Tesla VIN check on VinNumber.net show?
The free decoder reads the VIN in NHTSA's vPIC database and returns the model, model year, body, engine, drive type and assembly plant. Tesla VINs in vPIC start with prefixes such as 5YJ and 7SA. The same lookup lists NHTSA safety recalls for that make, model and model year. Each of our 5 Tesla model pages adds what NHTSA and the EPA have published: owner complaints, technical service bulletins, defect investigations, fuel economy and, where NHTSA has tested the car, NCAP crash ratings. It is not a vehicle history report: it doesn't show accidents, title brands, odometer readings or theft records.
Where is the VIN on a Tesla?
On Tesla vehicles, the VIN is displayed on the driver side door jamb sticker, which is the most common location for reference. Unlike traditional vehicles, Tesla does not always have a windshield VIN plate in the standard lower-left position. The VIN also appears in the touchscreen interface under Settings and can be accessed through the Tesla mobile app. A physical VIN stamp is present in the vehicle's wheel well and on the firewall, but these are less commonly checked. All locations should display the same 17-character sequence.
Which Tesla models have the most documented recalls?
The Tesla Model 3 has the highest recall count in Tesla's lineup due to its high production volume, which surpassed one million units in the US market. Many of these recalls were completed via over-the-air software updates without requiring the vehicle to visit a service center, a process unique to Tesla among major automakers. Model S has a long recall history covering suspension components, seatbelt pretensioners, and media control unit failures. Model X received recalls related to falcon wing door mechanisms and roof glass retention.
Are Tesla Autosteer / FSD recalls software-only?
Most Autosteer / FSD campaigns such as 23V-838, 24V-051 and 23V-085 are addressed by over-the-air software updates. Still confirm NHTSA and the Tesla app show each campaign closed for that VIN — a listed year does not mean every vehicle is included.
What is the Tesla Model 3 rearview camera recall?
Recall 21V-00D covers all 2017–2020 Model 3 vehicles. Opening and closing the trunk can damage the rearview camera cable harness so the image fails. Confirm the campaign is closed on the VIN.
Do older Model S vehicles have Takata air bag recalls?
Yes. Passenger inflator campaigns 18V-031 (2013 Model S) and 19V-002 (2014–2016 Model S) are filed under NHTSA's Takata investigation. Check both on the VIN before a test drive.
What Cybertruck recalls should buyers check?
Check rearview-camera delay 24V-718, light-bar detachment 25V-170, wiper-controller 24V-456, and any open Autosteer/FSD software campaigns that include 2024 Cybertruck. Confirm each on the VIN / Tesla app.