Tesla is recalling 15 Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles that were built for the Canadian market and may have been imported into the United States without meeting federal safety standards.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the vehicles were assembled at plants in Berlin or Shanghai and complied with Canadian regulations, but lack certain US-required equipment.
>>> Toyota GR GT: Two Wilder V8 Prototypes Spied Testing at Nurburgring
Noncompliance Details
According to the NHTSA, the affected vehicles are not equipped with a knee airbag, meaning they fail to meet unbelted test requirements.
The Canadian Model 3 also hasn't been tested with US bumper impact resistance procedures.
The Model Y lacks countermeasures required under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, which covers interior occupant protection during impacts.
The vehicles were sold in Canada between December 21, 2023 and February 16, 2026. After purchase, customers requested compliance letters to import them into the US.
>>> Devon and Cornwall Anti-Social Behaviour Drops 10 Percent
Tesla issued letters stating the vehicles complied with all applicable standards except labeling and daytime running lamps.
However, an internal review triggered by a request from an unusual channel revealed the compliance letters should not have been issued.
Tesla is now repurchasing vehicles already imported into the US.
>>> Former Formula 3 Driver Zdenek Chovanec Dies at 21 in Portugal
For those not yet imported, the automaker is rescinding compliance letters and issuing corrected ones describing the vehicles as noncompliant.
