Seat Belt Problems of Tesla Model 3 - part 2

Passenger safety restraint system fault error appears on and off without any correlation to driving conditions or passenger presence. This error is potentially deadly since it will cause the passenger airbag not to deploy in an accident.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

I believe this is a safety issue that warrants a recall notice since the seat restraint system may not work correctly due to an electrical connection issue. I get an error message "front left safety restraint system fault" that comes comes and goes depending on the position of the driver seat - if I raise the seat I get the fault message, if I lower the seat the message goes away. This is clearly due to a loose electrical connection in the seat restraint system. I removed the cover at the side of the seat and have identified a loose yellow/orange plastic connector to the left of the seat (see picture). When you jiggle that connector the error message goes on and off. Tesla will fix the issue for $650, but I believe this is a faulty design issue that causes the connector to get worn every time you adjust the seat, and it should be fixed by Tesla at no charge.

See all problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Got an alert on the Tesla screen on 4/21/2025 indicating "front left safety restraint system fault". Took to Tesla svc center and they replaced seat belt lap pretensioner, seat belt reminder vent, seat belt reminder sensor box and first row occupancy sensor. Cost $650. Alert goes away if I raise the seat and comes back if I lower the seat. I asked Tesla while scheduling an appointment whether it was a safety issue and they said "yes". Vehicle has only 43,500 miles on it.

We received a front passenger safety restraint system fault on our car. When a passenger sits in the seat the fault is not displayed. This was not a software update and the sensor was faulty and could cause the airbags not to go off. The sensor was faulty in the seat but because we were out of warranty we had to pay for the repair. Clearly they have seen this issue and said it was not a recall but a bulletins and bulletins were a caution, they made us pay for the repair.

Tried to put on seatbelt and would not click locked. Have never had issues and nothing has changed that could cause any damage or malfunction. Nothing inside or stuck just won’t lock.

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

The front passenger seat’s OCS required a service bulletin application, involving a retrofit of the seat belt reminder sensor and component replacement, confirmed by a Tesla technician. The repair likely falls under TSB sb-19-20-003 (2017-2019 Model 3), addressing OCS electrical interference causing airbag indicator issues, which can affect seat belt reminder functionality. The TSB involves retrofitting parts my 2019 Model 3 (39,140 miles) needs an OCS repair per sb-19-20-003, a known safety issue from 2019 affecting airbags and seat belts (fmvss 208). Since it’s a manufacturing defect and a safety risk this should be under a recall.

See all problems of the 2019 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Hello. I am following up with the previous safety report I submitted for my vehicle. I just received an updated repair estimate citing the parts that will need replaced (pdf attached). I also confirmed with the service advisor that the functionality of the safety restraint system may be impacted by this issue, however, Tesla still wants to charge drivers $1,300 for this repair.

See all problems of the 2017 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

There is a warning on my car saying “front passenger safety restraint system fault”. The Tesla service center says the fix requires an air bag replacement and to replace the seat sensor. Does this not impact the safety of the passenger? this is the second Model 3 I’ve owned that continuously has this fault. I feel like this model should be recalled since it is such a widespread issue. I dealt with this warning light for 2-3 years because Tesla wants to charge >$1,000 for the replacement of these parts. I’m definitely not the only one. There are plenty of complaints online and most people never get it fixed if the vehicle is out of warranty. On the other hand, some people try to fix the problem themselves which could create a worse problem for the safety restraints system.

Alert message on car "safety restraint system issue".

There has been a consistent warning "safety restraint system fault rcm_a021". My initial investigation pin pointed to the harness pinched by the seat. Tesla service center diagnosed and required to replace first row seat harness assembly - left hand (see attached service estimate). The safety restraint system related issue put every Tesla's driver at risk and thus should be recalled.

* front passenger safety restraint system issue - sensors under passenger seat intermittently failing for months even after taking it in for service. * safety of passenger is at risk as airbags might not fire due to occupant classification system failing. * service center said nothing looks wrong even though car alerts multiple times per drive. Many reports online of alert rcm2_a636 . * has been inspected by service center * alert from car beeps every 30 seconds to 1 minute intermittently, has been occurring for months.

Rcm_a021 alert: front left safety restraint system fault. Seems like an issue caused by seat movement back & forth.

Seatbelt of drivers side won’t latch into compartment, putting myself and others at risk.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Front leftsaftey restraint system fault/service is required Tesla want to charge $351 to start for the service.

The driver side seatbelt/presence sensor intermittently fails due to faulty wiring. This causes a warning stating 'front left safety restraint system fault' and the driver side airbag to turn off when the warning is present causing a severe safety issue. This is a well documented common safety failure of these vehicles.

I keep receiving an alert: “front passenger safety restraint system fault”. I contacted Tesla and they informed me that my airbag sensor needs to be recalibrated and may jeopardize a child sitting in the seat if the airbag is deployed. I understand that this is a common problem with the model of Tesla.

Warning message appeared on center screen stating: "front left safety restraint system fault". This appears to be a safety related problem , Tesla dealer wants $500 to repair because the vehicle is "out of warreanty" . This is the second Model 3 we have had. Previous version also experienced this fault. Is this a safety problem and if so should the car manufacturer be responsible to repair at no cost to owner? I have receoved a notice from NHTSA dated 5-31-2024 stating recall 24v376 may affect my vehicle - seat belt warning sustem. I have not receoved a specific recall from Tesla for this recall. Is it the same as the fault referenced above?.

Vehicle displays front left safety restraint system fault/service is required.

The passenger seat belt no longer latches. The mechanism that pushes out the pin to hold the belt in is no longer working.

The airbag and seat belt system on the driver's side is faulty, which may result in an unsuccessful deployment of the airbag should I get into an accident. This is an immediate safety concern, yet Tesla would like to charge me over $400 to remedy the situation. That's why I'm reporting this as a safety recall so that no other owner/ leasee faces this risk or financial burden.

The error popped up randomly and states "front left safety restraint system fault. " this has been a common problem with Tesla and should be a recall as it's a manufacture defect with a safety system.

Unknown issue with front passanger safety restraint system. Car suddenly notified me of an issue with the restraint system. Before the fault the car was simply just parked in my driveway, then I went into the car and the safety issue appeared. The seat was adjusted for my mom's height the day prior, this might have caused a wire to become pinched and caused the fault due to how the wiring under the seat is set up from manufacturing. Online search results show this to be a common occurrence for cars from 2019-2021 in Tesla.

I along with many people online have reported the occupant safety restraint system having an issue and setting off a fault. I took it back several times on a warranty to Tesla. However, they were unable to replicate the air. Now the air is started again. The car is out of warranty and tessa wants $2000 now to put in a new airbag new occupant sensor and clip. This is absolute ridiculous, and has really undermined my faith in Tesla. They should not be having occupant faults. And not fixing it.

Safety restraint system issue if this is an on-going issue with many Tesla users, shouldn't this covered under a warranty being it is a safety issue?.

I am submitting a complaint regarding an unresolved safety issue with the front passenger restraint system in my 2019 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [xxx] ). Since February 2024, I have encountered recurring alerts for this system, despite multiple service visits to address it. Service history and concerns: the initial repair attempt on February 27, 2024, involved Tesla replacing the occupant classification system (OCS) filter module. However, the alert returned shortly after, showing the issue was not resolved. On October 14, 2024, I returned to Tesla, where they quoted $1,800 for further repairs, claiming my general warranty was expired. Their records indicate that this failure directly impacts the front passenger’s safety restraint, making it a serious defect. During a follow-up visit on October 23, 2024, the issue was confirmed but left unaddressed unless I paid out-of-pocket. This recurring fault poses a critical safety risk, as a defective restraint system compromises passenger protection in a crash. Tesla’s refusal to provide coverage, despite prior similar recalls for restraint systems, suggests a pattern of shifting safety costs onto consumers. I request the NHTSA to investigate this fault’s prevalence and require Tesla to provide a remedy that upholds passenger safety. Thank you for your attention to this serious issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

"front passenger safety restraint system fault?" a safety concern that puts passenger in danger with a faulty restraint system. Problem constantly reproduced every time get into car. It is available for inspection upon request. Car has not been physically inspected, but has been remotely accessed by manufacture and is charging owners $436. 06 to repair. There has been no warning messages nor other symptoms prior to failure. Problem 1st appeared about a month ago.

Car has a passenger safety restraint fault, got quote to replace a sensor for $455 parts and labor. When reading online, this appears to be a common failure in these vehicles and if you don't get repaired, air bags / seat belt restraint may not work properly. Seems like should be a recall for this.

Front left safety restraint system fault alert which requires service from Tesla service center. Tesla is charging $360 before taxes to fix this issue which seems to be an ongoing issue for many Tesla owners. The cost should be on the company since it’s a safety concern.

Front left safety restraint system fault/service is required.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? “front left safety restraint system fault” error code “rcm_a021” how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? it appears as though the seatbelt or airbag may not function properly when needed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? no but it has been on every time I drive. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no, upon requesting inspection, I was quoted 400$ were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, it appeared periodically before but now it’s constant as of 9/29/2024.

Driver seat belt system(front left safety restraint system fault) error code: rcm_a021 with this error, there is a message/symbol showing as no air bag available on driver side. Error message has been showing for a week now.

There is a common warning message on Tesla Model 3 and y that states “front passenger safety restraint system fault” I just received it on mine. Tesla service advised that the passenger airbag and safety system may not function in the event of a crash. I searched online and can see in forums that many people receive this warning. Tesla also confirmed that if someone receives this message while driving and then they get into an accident during that same drive, the airbag may not work. This is a huge safety issue, and Tesla should be held accountable.

The rear driver side passenger seat belt buckle abruptly stopped latching, there is no debris in the the latch mechanism.

Over the last few days, an alert has come and gone numerous times indicating a fault of the front left safety restraint system. As of today, the alert persists and does not go away. The computer reports an error code of “rcm_a021 front left safety restraint system fault. Service is required. ” additionally the airbag indicator is illuminated, which I believe means that it is disabled because of this error.

There have been a number of Tesla’s coming back to the dealership due to a left or right pseat restraint error, which is the seat restraint module failure or even pinched wires that have not been secured properly during manufacturing. This is a safety issue that Tesla needs to correct as they are charging customers between $460 and $1500 to be repaired and these faults end up coming back time after time. Any other car manufacturer would replace on a recall.