Air Bag Problems of Tesla Model 3 - part 1

I am writing to report an accident involving my son who was driving Tesla 2024 model-3 on July 18th 2026 approximately 10:15 am est. He was returning home from his volunteering with emergency medical service(ems) when the vehicle's steering wheel suddenly froze. While attempting to maneuver the vehicle to safe location , it collided with a roadside barrier. Fortunately , my son was not injured , but the vehicle sustained significant damage, including deployment of airbag and damage to front passenger side. This incident occurred at a speed of approximately 26 mph.

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

I am getting an electrical fault which has disabled my front passenger seat airbags. They need to replace the wiring, which means they also now need to replace the passenger airbag itself because wiring has changed and the old airbag is not compatible with the new wiring. Replace occupant classification system (OCS) of front passenger seat while servicing subcomponents update front passenger airbag to maintain compatibility with front passenger seat I had this same error 4 months ago and it ended up shorting out the entire electrical system, which disabled autosteer and eventually completely disabled power steering which made the car unusable. Tesla service center called it a water intrusion problem and had to replace the entire front electrical harness system and steering rack costing $4500. Now the problem has resurfaced and I'm afraid I might lose power steering again which is extremely dangerous and could happen any time, in addition to my airbags potentially not deploying.

See all problems of the 2019 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Vehicle displayed a “safety restraint system issue - service required” alert (fault codes rcm_a056 and rcm_a032). Tesla diagnosed an open circuit between the driver-side curtain airbag and the left airbag controller, requiring replacement of the left body harness. Tesla quoted approximately $1,800–$2,200 for the out-of-warranty repair. This is a known, recurring pattern — multiple other 2018 Tesla Model 3 owners report experiencing this identical fault at nearly the same mileage (~78,000 miles), suggesting a design or component wear issue rather than isolated damage, similar to a prior Tesla trunk-harness recall (NHTSA campaign 21v-00d) that also stemmed from a wiring/harness defect on this same vehicle. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety-defect trend warranting a recall.

See all problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

In the last 18 months I have had 8 service visits relating to electrical issues. In the last 30 months: - I had my car computer replaced after it shorted out, and then had to have it replaced again the next week. - I had the same taillight short out twice in a row. - I have had the 12v battery replaced three times. - I have had multiple low voltage controllers short out over multiple service visits. - the sound system has shorted out once as well. - one time, I was unable to shift to drive because a heater had shorted out. Now, I have to replace my right headlight and passenger airbag occupancy sensor due to shorts as well. The right headlight goes out intermittently and the passenger airbag alert fires sometimes. Tesla corte madera submitted a buyback request on my behalf after witnessing all these issues, but Tesla corporate denied it. I am sure the electrical issues will continue to affect the safety and drivability of my car. Thank you for your help.

Seats front passenger safety restraint system issue/ service is required/service is required.

See all problems of the 2017 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

It was raining and my passenger got in the car (slightly damp). When he sat down, I reveived an error message on the screen saying "front passenger safety restraint system issue". The airbag light is red indicating that it won't work for my passenger. You should be able to get into a car wet without your airbag no longer working. My understanding is that this is a common problem. Tesla wants > $1000 to replace the seat sensor + requires me to pay to have my airbag replaced so the part matches the sensor. According to Tesla service bulletin sb-23-20-002, the new style of seat sensor is strictly incompatible with the older style of airbag (known as a "full suppression" airbag). $182 (diagnostic fee) $475 (OCS replacement) $318 (airbag update) + labor + tax the internet is full of reports of this issue. Just google "front passenger safety restraint system issue". I do not have an invoice for the repair yet. Tesla's service center's first available appt is in 25 days. This means I have to go 25 days without a passenger in my front seat.

I have received a dashboard warning from telsa that there is a “front passenger safety relevant safety issue”. Upon follow-up with the Tesla service team, I’ve learned that the sensor has failed and since they can only replace it with a new and different type of sensor, they also need to replace the air bag. The initial cost was estimated at some $2,100. I bought the “2018” Tesla Model 3 in 2019. I’ve never had to replace an air bag in my some 40 years of owning a car. I hope this is helpful info for NHTSA to have. Please let me know if you have any questions.

My Tesla repeatedly displayed a “passenger safety restraint” warning related to the front passenger restraint/airbag system. Tesla service center in los gatos, California attempted multiple repairs over several visits. The first repair identified a pinched and improperly routed passenger seat harness associated with the restraint system. Tesla stated the issue was repaired and tested. The warning later returned. Tesla then replaced the front right seat harness assembly and lap pretensioner. The warning later returned again. Tesla subsequently proposed and/or performed additional repairs involving the passenger airbag, occupant classification system (OCS), occupancy sensor components, and additional seat harness components at significant customer expense. Despite multiple repair attempts and approximately $2,100 in repair costs, the same safety restraint warning still exists today. Because this issue involves the supplemental restraint system (srs), airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and occupant classification systems, I am concerned the passenger restraint system may not function properly during a collision.

Within the last 7 days, my 2018 Tesla Model 3 long range awd began displaying active alerts for two separate safety system failures: (1) alert code ui_a020 / gtw_w075 — steering assist reduced, stating steering may require increased effort, and (2) alert code rcm_a056 — front passenger safety restraint system issue, requiring service. The steering alert appeared intermittently, firing at consistent times of day suggesting a possible electrical or sensor fault rather than mechanical failure. On one occasion during startup, the steering system briefly locked up before resuming normal function. No noticeable change in ongoing steering feel has been observed while driving. The passenger restraint system alert indicates the front passenger airbag and occupant classification system (OCS) may not function properly in the event of a collision, directly endangering any front passenger. Both issues have been confirmed by the manufacturer via remote diagnostic review, and two separate service estimates totaling approximately $4,784 have been issued recommending replacement of the steering rack, front passenger airbag, occupant classification sensor, seat harness assembly, and seat cushion assembly. Notably, the manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle — both estimates were generated solely based on alert codes read remotely and "ai" according to a representative. The manufacturer's own customer support system indicated these repairs may qualify for goodwill coverage, yet no formal commitment has been made. The passenger airbag and restraint system failure is of particular concern as it represents a potential inability of a primary safety system to deploy correctly in a crash event. The component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Warning alerts remain active and ongoing.

I am submitting a complaint regarding a “front passenger safety restraint system fault” warning that recently appeared on my Tesla vehicle. My vehicle currently has approximately 45,000 miles. This warning indicates a potential issue with the passenger airbag or related restraint system components, which is a critical safety feature. A malfunction in this system raises serious concerns about whether the passenger airbag would deploy properly in the event of a crash. I contacted Tesla service, and I was informed that the repair would cost over $1,500 out of pocket. Given the relatively low mileage and the importance of the safety system involved, I am concerned that this may represent a broader defect rather than normal wear and tear. Additionally, I have found similar reports online from other Tesla owners experiencing the same warning, which suggests this may not be an isolated incident. A failure or malfunction of the passenger restraint system presents a significant safety risk to occupants. I believe this issue warrants further investigation to determine whether there is a systemic defect affecting Tesla vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue and consider whether further action, including a potential recall or manufacturer responsibility, is appropriate. Vehicle details (VIN, model, year, etc. ) can be provided as needed.

I was involved in a rear-end collision while stopped at an intersection. The impact was significant. During the crash, the front airbags did not deploy. More importantly, the seat belts in both front seats (driver and front passenger) failed to function as expected. Instead of tightening during impact, the seat belts appeared to loosen, allowing excessive forward movement of the occupants. As a result, I was thrown forward and struck the steering wheel. The lack of seat belt pretensioning raises serious concerns about a potential failure of the vehicle’s restraint system. This incident suggests that the seat belt pretensioners and/or related crash detection systems may not have activated properly under a significant collision event. I am concerned that this represents a safety defect that could increase the risk of injury in a crash. I request that this incident be investigated as a possible failure of the restraint system, including seat belt pretensioners and crash sensing mechanisms.

I received a notice onscreen (photo attached) that says "front passenger safety restraint system issue, service is required. " I did some research online and a number of other owners of 2019 Tesla Model 3 vehicles have received this warning, which involves a malfunction that is a combination of the front passenger seat belt, air bag, and seat sensor for the air bag. A number of people with this year and make have gone to Tesla, and Tesla service workers have said "this a known issue" for this year and make. Since this issue involves a number of safety components, and is a known issue, Tesla should be required to fix this as a product defect recall. Instead, they quoted multiple owners, including myself, approximately $2,000 to fix.

Our seatbelts and airbags required replacement as Tesla stated safety equipment on a Tesla is only guaranteed until 60,000 miles and after that they often need repairs. It was quite expensive. The seatbelts and airbags total cost was $1296. 40 and already the Tesla says the front passenger airbag needs to be replaced again.

The components involved are the automatic emergency braking (aeb) system and the airbag system. During the collision, the aeb system did not activate, and the airbags did not deploy. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I was driving on a main roadway with no stop signs or traffic controls in my direction when another driver entered from a side street with a stop sign and pulled directly in front of me. I was unable to avoid the collision, and my vehicle was struck the other vehicle. The failure of the aeb system to engage and the airbags not deploying increased the risk of injury to myself and could have posed a risk to others involved. The issue has not been reproduced, and it has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has been inspected by police and insurance representatives. The other driver was determined to be at fault. I am in the process of addressing the incident with the manufacturer. There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms indicating any issue with the braking or airbag systems before the collision.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

A fatal crash occurred involving a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The vehicle departed the roadway, impacted a guardrail, struck a utility pole on the driver’s side, rolled down an embankment, and came to rest upright. The crash resulted in catastrophic intrusion into the driver’s compartment and a fatal injury to the driver. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the crashworthiness and occupant protection performance of this vehicle, including the structural integrity of the occupant compartment, airbag deployment and effectiveness, and the performance of any advanced driver assistance systems, including collision warnings and automatic emergency braking. I am also requesting review and preservation of all available vehicle data, including event data recorder (edr) information, vehicle telemetry, driver assistance system status, warning notifications, braking data, steering data, and any other information recorded before and during the crash. At this time, I do not know whether a vehicle defect or system malfunction occurred. My concern is whether the vehicle’s safety systems and occupant protection systems functioned as intended and whether additional vehicle data may help determine if any safety-related issues contributed to the severity of the crash.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Safety restraint warning appeared on a 50k miles Tesla Model 3. We are a used electric vehicle dealer in California. This warning has been appearing on parked vehicles repeatedly. Meaning, many of the Model 3's we have listed for sale (over 30 units for sale at any given time) will suddenly have a "safety restraint warning" appear. Tesla is not taking responsibility for this. They always charge the customer. The airbag system is inoperable with this warning. It's a problem on every Model 3 on the road between the year of 2017 to 2020.

System error code rcm_a021 "front left safety restraint system issue" the wiring under the front seat may be damaged due to the "easy entry" function which raises, lowers and moves the seat backward and forwards for easier entry and exit of the car. Safety restraint system or airbags may be compromised in the event of a collision if wiring or controls are damaged. Warning code rcm_a021 appeared every time the easy entry function was automatically started.

The car was giving me a warning "front left restraint system fault" (rcm_a021) approximately for 4 months (Jan 2026?) - I brought the car in for service April 2026 and after researching, the technician found that there was a failure in the wiring harness - this is the wiring harness that is responsible for the seatbelt pretension mechanism that activates in a accident. The technician had to replace the harness for the issue to resolve. However, it's my understanding that, had an accident occurred prior to the repair, that the safety system would not have operated properly.

There's a problem with the airbags, and the steering wheel is hard to turn.

Warranty alignment: this failure occurred at 47. 7k miles, well under the 60,000-mile threshold of the supplemental restraint system limited warranty. Known defect: this repair is the subject of a specific service bulletin (rcm_a078), confirming it is a known manufacturing issue and not standard wear-and-tear. Safety criticality: the srs is a primary safety system. Forcing a customer to pay for a known defect on a life-saving system at such low mileage is inconsistent with Tesla’s safety mission. I have already paid the high invoice to ensure the vehicle was safe to drive. Tesla did not consider the goodwill repair request for known manufacturing defect that puts passenger at risk. Such safety related repair should be part of safety recalls.

I received an error about the occupant classification system and a safety restraint fault. These are due to known manufacturing defects. Addressing these concerns was expensive and also required a replacement of the front passenger airbag.

Air bags did not deploy during crash. It is available for inspection upon request my face smashed into the steering wheel resulting in black eyes, swollen nose, cuts on my face and a concussion. Yes, the airbags clearly did not deploy during crash no no.

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

I received a safety alert on my car screen: front passenger safety restraint system issue. Service is required. The front passenger safety restraint system fault typically involves a malfunctioning occupant weight sensor in the passenger seat, which controls whether the airbag activates or deactivates evgoer. This is a serious safety concern because the airbag may be disabled at that seat location in the event of a crash. The issue is often caused by loose, broken, or unplugged harnesses or connectors under the seat, particularly related to the occupant classification system (OCS) Tesla owners onlinedigital ev doctor. Many owners report this happens because wires under the seat get crimped over time due to Tesla's "easy entry" feature that automatically moves seats. Since this a widespread Tesla Model 3 problem, I believe this should be a recall.

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph through an intersection, another vehicle t-boned the driver's side from the driver's side front bumper to the rear passenger door. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy as intended. Medical attention was needed after the contact sustained lower back, left shoulder, neck, tailbone, and internal bleeding injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where it was currently pending an inspection. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,894.

During a major car accident the airbags for my Tesla, Model 3, 2023 did not deploy airbags although other impacted cars had full airbags deployed. This posed a risk to my safety as a driver due to not having the proper equipment deployed during a major accident. This was noticed by the emergency personnel on the scene who stated that based on my impact the airbags should have been activated from my collision. According to the safety records associated with my car to date there are no safety reports regarding the airbags for my car. There was no warning of my airbags not being able to be fully functioning at the time of impact. This incident happened on November 1st and is in the process of being investigated by the harris county sheriff's department.

Nhtsa complaint narrative (copy & paste) critical safety defect: sale of vehicle with disabled airbags incident: 10/24/2025 | dealer: braman Cadillac (miami, FL) | VIN: [xxx] braman Cadillac sold me this 2024 Tesla Model 3 representing it as "clean/no accidents. " in reality, they released a vehicle with a disabled airbag system resulting from a crash that occurred in their inventory. 1. Disabled restraint system (rcm): Tesla service mode diagnostics confirm the restraint control module (rcm) is in "post replacement" state, displaying the prompt: "post replacement tasks - routine requires service mode plus authentication. " this proves the airbag computer was replaced following a crash/electrical trauma but never calibrated. Consequently, the srs is disabled and will not deploy. The vehicle explicitly warns: "the safety restraint system may not perform as designed. " the dealer released a non-roadworthy vehicle. 2. Evidence of dealer knowledge: internal logs show critical crash fault codes (vcfront_a059 & rcm2_a003) logged on oct 15, 2025. Dealer records confirm the car was in their exclusive inventory on this date (listed since sept 23). These faults were active 9 days before sale. The dealer ignored active safety warnings to facilitate the transaction. 3. Concealed damage: inspection by classic collision confirmed hidden structural damage requiring $9,676. 69 in repairs, consistent with the uncalibrated module. Conclusion: braman Cadillac knowingly sold a vehicle with a lethal safety defect. I demand an investigation into their release of vehicles with uncalibrated safety modules. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Supplement to previous complaint (VIN: . . . Xxx): critical new evidence of multi-point safety failure. On Dec 10, 2025, Tesla service performed a full diagnostic and repair of the airbag safety system. In addition to the previously reported "damaged wires" in the passenger seat (OCS module), the technician also had to replace the steering column control module (sccm) to resolve the active safety faults. Safety implication: the vehicle was sold with simultaneous hardware failures in both the passenger occupant sensing system and the driver's steering column airbag controls. This confirms widespread physical/electrical trauma to the vehicle's supplemental restraint system (srs) that was concealed at the time of sale. The dealer released a vehicle with compromised safety hardware in both the driver and passenger zones. I have attached the official Tesla invoice confirming these replacements. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Supplement to odi # 11702355 and 11698467: validated proof of physical defect: Tesla service diagnosis (Dec 10, 2025) confirms "damaged wires at the OCS module" caused the airbag failure. This finding indicates the vehicle suffered physical trauma that was concealed prior to sale. The presence of damaged internal safety wiring is inconsistent with a factory-condition vehicle and suggests the vehicle was released to the public after substandard repairs to a prior wreck. The airbag system was disabled due to this physical damage.

The "front passenger safety restraint system" is prone to errors because the wiring for it beneath the seat is prone to getting knocked loose and electrical interference.

I have an active alert on the drive side safety restraint system. Alert code rcm_a021. I have noticed this appears to be a common problem. A recall should be issues as this a a safety issues and lives could be at stake.

The car's dashboard display shows an alert "front passenger safety restraint system issue". This puts the front passenger at risk.

Passenger restraint fault message randomly comes on.

My Model 3 was t-boned in an intersection, hitting both the front and rear doors, as a result of a vehicle running a red light. The driver that hit us was speeding and didn’t hit brakes. The impact pushed the Tesla almost in a complete 360 on an adjacent street where the driver side of the car jumped a curb and stopped after hitting a pole slightly on the driver side. Red light etc all substantiated by police report. Airbags deployed on the passenger side from the seat and upper panels. Front airbags failed on both sides. There was also a delayed airbag deployment from the back of the driver seat that only ripped the seat but never deployed fully. The smell of fire / burning and debris was all that happened from the driver seat. I requested a crash report from Tesla which outlines the speed and airbag deployment. The report says that knee level airbags deployed but they never did. I crossed referenced crash test speed data and various complaints about Tesla airbags. The data reviewed seems to indicate that I experienced failed equipment which is currently under review. I’ve also reviewed various sources of information about 7 2024 Model 3 driver side airbag known issues, where Tesla only recalled one vehicle. I’ve been told that other recalls for this issue are u see evaluation and to keep checking my VIN for details. I share this because serious injuries can be caused by this failure, especially when hit by an SUV. The vehicle was totaled, not drivable and towed from the scene. Please be cautious if you have a 2024 Model 3 and demand that Tesla look into the airbag manufacturing issues promptly and issue relative recalls. The collision alert also failed.

My Tesla displayed fault code rcm-a056 (front passenger safety restraint system fault). This error disables or compromises the front passenger airbag/occupant restraint system. The fault appeared without accident or damage, and Tesla has declined to cover the repair because my basic vehicle limited warranty has expired. This is a critical safety defect because it prevents the front passenger airbag system from functioning properly in a crash. Tesla has issued recalls and service campaigns related to restraint control module calibration, and many owners have reported the same fault code. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can investigate whether this is part of a broader safety defect trend and ensure Tesla repairs these failures regardless of warranty status.

My 2018 Tesla Model 3 began showing a "front passenger safety restraint fault" alert within the last week or so. I scheduled service and then received an estimate of almost $1000. When I corresponded with Tesla through their app, they told me the diagnostic code rcm_a056_passengerfrontocs, indicating failure of the passenger occupant classification system (OCS). The OCS controls whether and how the airbag deploys; failure could prevent deployment or cause improper deployment in a crash, creating a serious safety risk. Tesla acknowledges the fault but told me the repair (replacing the OCS and passenger airbag) will not be covered since the car is out of warranty. Tesla has issued service bulletins (sb-19-20-003 r1, sb-23-20-002 r7) for known OCS issues, and many Model 3 owners have reported the same fault. This appears to be a widespread safety defect and should be investigated as a potential recall.