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Safety recall with over-the-air software remedyPrompt inspection

2021 Tesla Model Y · Heating & visibility

Heat-pump software may reduce cabin heat and defrost

Weak cabin heat or windshield defrost in very cold weather is the condition addressed by Tesla's Model Y heat-pump software recall.

Read the source records Repair paths and safe checks
Covered model years
2020–2022
Evidence level
Safety recall with over-the-air software remedy
Source review date
August 2, 2026
Jurisdiction
United States
Record ID
tesla-model-y-2021-heat-pump-defrost

Safety instructions

Do not keep driving when…

Follow the owner's manual and the exact recall notice for immediate instructions.

  • Fog or frost prevents a clear view through the windshield
  • The defroster cannot maintain visibility while weather conditions persist
  • An HVAC warning appears and safe forward visibility cannot be maintained

What the source says

The documented condition

Tesla recalled certain 2020 to 2022 Model Y vehicles with heat pumps that used firmware 2021.44 through 2021.44.30.6. A software command could allow the electronic expansion valve to remain open after communication interruptions, trapping refrigerant and reducing heating and defrost performance, especially at about minus 10°C or colder. Firmware 2021.44.30.7 and later contains the recall correction.

Compare the pattern

Symptoms and vehicle scope

Words owners may use

  • Tesla heat stopped in cold weather
  • Model Y will not defrost
  • windshield keeps fogging
  • cabin heat unavailable warning
  • heat pump stopped working
  • weak defroster in freezing weather

Symptoms in the record

  • Cabin heat becomes limited or unavailable in very cold weather
  • Windshield frost or fog clears too slowly
  • The touchscreen may report limited or unavailable HVAC performance
  • The blower can continue running even when heat output is reduced

Vehicles and limits

  • Certain 2020 to 2022 Tesla Model Y vehicles equipped with a heat pump
  • Vehicles running, or delivered while running, firmware 2021.44 through 2021.44.30.6
  • Applicability depends on Tesla's build and firmware records

Manufacturer position

What the official procedure directs

Tesla's mandatory service bulletin says to inspect the installed firmware and update the vehicle to 2021.44.30.7 or later when needed. The remedy was delivered over the air at no charge.

Mileage context

Recall 22V-050 is based on heat-pump equipment and firmware history, not mileage.

Original evidence

Open the documents behind this record.

Repair paths and safe checks

Match the action to the evidence.

Official repair pathOver-the-air update · Software installation

Install the recall firmware update

Open Controls, then Software, to confirm the installed version. If an affected release remains, connect to Wi-Fi and install the latest offered update. Contact Tesla if no update is available.

Boundary

Do not begin an update when the vehicle is needed for immediate travel because it cannot be driven during installation.

Safe owner checkBasic visibility check · Before each cold-weather trip

Confirm clear glass before setting off

Run the defroster while parked until the full driving view is clear. If it cannot maintain visibility, postpone the trip and arrange service.

Record reviewed in the source on August 2, 2026. Confirm the current document and VIN instructions before arranging work.

How we check a problem · All records for the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Before authorizing work

Read the method beside the problem.

Safety6 min read

Check recalls by VIN

A VIN search checks the displayed NHTSA records for an unrepaired safety recall associated with one vehicle. A model search shows only the wider campaign population.

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Safety and triage8 min read

When a car is unsafe

A warning light does not always mean the same thing, but weak brakes or smoke leave little room for experimentation. Damaged tires and certain recall instructions can do the same.

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Diagnosis and symptoms8 min read

Why symptoms overlap

“It makes a weird noise” is useful human language. Diagnosis begins when that language is tied to the exact vehicle and its operating conditions.

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