Seat Belt Related Problems of the 2021 Tesla Model S

Table 1 shows one common seat belt related problems of the 2021 Tesla Model S.

Table 1. Seat Belt related problems of Tesla Model S

Problem Category Number of Problems
Seat Belt problems
8

Seat Belt problem #1

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v045000 (electrical system, seat belts); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

Seat Belt problem #2

I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month even considering major safety concern. Some of 2021 vehicles are serviced under the recall Tesla sent. But told me mine doesn’t qualify for same issue for same year, same model cars. It seems like issue is with all Tesla Model S 2021 but Tesla charging big dollar amount to repair the safety concern. They have also mentioned there is on going concern with air suspension and all Tesla starts giving problem between 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles. It costs around $6000 to fix that issue and told me these are not safety concerns.

Seat Belt problem #3

Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S long range VIN: [xxx] I am reporting multiple safety-related defects that existed at delivery or developed shortly thereafter, and Tesla has refused to diagnose or repair them under warranty. These defects create an unsafe driving condition and risk of loss of control or collision. Defect summary: 1. Alignment defect at delivery: on the day I bought the car, the steering wheel pulled to the left and felt unstable. I reported this immediately to Tesla. They dismissed it as “normal. ” 2. Premature tire wear: within months, the left tire wore down to the steel belts on the left side while the right side had normal wear. An independent shop confirmed this was caused by suspension/bushing issues, not road damage. 3. Suspension/bushing failure: a third-party Tesla-certified shop confirmed that the suspension components are bent/tweaked and require replacement for safe driving. Tesla refused to inspect these components properly. 4. Unlatched rear seat at delivery: the rear seat was delivered unlatched, which is a major safety hazard during braking or collision. 5. Broken glass under rear seat: broken glass was found under the rear seat cushion at delivery, raising concerns about vehicle history and delivery inspection standards. 6. New defect while in Tesla’s custody: on Nov 17, 2025, moisture accumulated inside the left taillight while the vehicle was parked outdoors at Tesla’s stockton facility. This can cause electrical shorting or lighting malfunction. Tesla’s response: Tesla has repeatedly refused to inspect the suspension properly, dismissed my complaints, and produced an inaccurate service invoice that did not reflect what was discussed. They told me we are “at an impasse. ” these defects pose a serious safety risk (tire blowout, loss of control, lighting malfunction). I request NHTSA investigate these issues as they may indicate broader problems with Tesla’s suspension, alignment, and delivery inspection processes. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),.

Seat Belt problem #4

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 24v051000 (electrical system), 23v838000 (electrical system), 23v862000 (latches/locks/linkages, electrical system) and 23v488000 (seat belts); however, the part to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall remedies were over-the air (ota) software updates, and ota updates had not been performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla service center, who informed the contact that he needed to pay the diagnostic test fee prior to the recall repairs. The contact declined to pay the fee because recall repairs were free of charge. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Seat Belt problem #5

I have had my Tesla to their shop four times to try to fix a safety airbag issue in the drivers side which they have had my car for weeks and weeks on end, only for me to get it back with the same issue after only a few days of repair! I asked them for a refund and other things and they have done nothing! they still make me pay full price for my lease even though they have had my car in their shop more than I have driving it.

Seat Belt problem #6

Rear passenger seat belt came unattached from receiver on braking. 7 year old in booster seat lunged forward.

Seat Belt problem #7

Oncoming vehicle suddenly turned in front of 2021 Tesla Model S resulting in collision at 34mph. Automatic braking did not engage, collision warning system failed to sound alert. Air bags deployed however seat belt completely spooled out causing the driver to strike the windshield and break the glass by contact with the top of the head. The vehicle was a total loss and the dealer never inspected the car.

Seat Belt problem #8

It is still unknown, but I believe the brakes failed. My wife was driving and making a left turn into a residential neighborhood when she applied the brake and it didn't respond, even when pushing the pedal to the floor. All that resulted was a clicking noise. The brakes failing to respond, and the emergency braking not engaging did cause an impact with a curb and sidewalk. At the same time, the seatbelt did not lock on impact or when pushing the brake pedal to the floor. The safety of the my wife was put at risk as she could not stop the car. With the cars weight and the amount of power that it has, it creates a dangerous situation for anyone around, especially in a residential area. The vehicle is available for inspection and is currently at the Tesla service center. There was a warning light that said something regarding the "hold" not working and another for "regenerative braking. " I do have the four angle dash cam videos from the Tesla of both times that it did occur.


Seat Belt related problems in other Tesla Model S model year vehicles:



Model S Service Bulletins
Model S Defect Investigations