Tire Pressure Below Recommendation — Check and Refill
The TESLA-VCSEC_a221 (VCSEC (Vehicle Controller Security)) EV fault code means: Tire Pressure Below Recommendation — Check and Refill. This is a low severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
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What Are the Symptoms of TESLA-VCSEC_a221?
- Alert that tire pressure is below the recommendation
- Often appears in cold weather
What Causes TESLA-VCSEC_a221? (Most Likely First)
- One or more tires at least 20% below the recommended cold pressure Very Likely
- Cold weather contracting the air in the tires Likely
- A slow leak, if the same tire keeps triggering it Possible
Can I Still Drive with TESLA-VCSEC_a221?
Yes, but fix soon. TESLA-VCSEC_a221 is rated low severity. It is not an immediate stop-driving fault, but it will not clear itself — book the repair rather than ignoring it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tesla alert VCSEC_a221 mean?
The same message as UI_a014 in Tesla's manual: a tire at least 20% below the recommended cold pressure. Not a flat tire; check and refill.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
How Do You Diagnose TESLA-VCSEC_a221?
Tesla says this does NOT indicate a flat tire.
Add air to the recommended cold pressure, even if the alert clears as the tires warm up.
The alert clears once every tire is at the recommended pressure; you may need to drive over 15 mph (25 km/h) for at least 10 minutes.
If the same tire keeps triggering it, have it inspected for a slow leak.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual (2024+, North America, software 2026.20), Troubleshooting Alerts, printed p.303-304: VCSEC_a221, "Air pressure below recommendation for tires / Check pressure and refill air as needed"
- Tesla alert dictionary (canonical firmware alert identifiers)community-maintained dictionary, not an official manufacturer document
Which Vehicles Commonly Get TESLA-VCSEC_a221?
- Tesla Model 3 (RWD, Long Range AWD, Performance)
- Tesla Model Y (LR AWD, Performance)
- Tesla Model S (LR, Plaid)
- Tesla Model X (LR, Plaid)
- Tesla Cybertruck (RWD, AWD, Cyberbeast)
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