Air Bag Problems of Tesla Model Y - part 1

I am writing to raise a serious safety concern regarding my Tesla Model Y premium awd 7-seater which was involved in a significant rear-end collision the vehicle sustained substantial impact and has been determined to be a total loss. Given the severity of the collision, I am concerned that none of the airbags deployed. This is a serious safety concern, and I would appreciate a detailed technical explanation rather than a general statement about airbag deployment criteria. Please let me know what information, photographs, police reports, or other documentation you need from me to conduct the investigation.

On September 23, 2026, the vehicle was being driven at low speed when the driver experienced sudden and unexpected acceleration. The vehicle rapidly accelerated and a collision occurred. The driver reports that she did not intentionally accelerate the vehicle to this degree. Vehicle data and the event data recorder (edr) were subsequently obtained. The data records the vehicle accelerating from approximately 0 mph to approximately 35 mph in about four seconds, with the recorded accelerator-pedal-position signal reaching 100%. The edr does not record brake application before the first crash trigger. Vehicle data records driver brake application shortly after the initial crash trigger, including abs activity. The cause of the accelerator-pedal-position signal is unknown. It has not been determined whether the recorded signal resulted from driver pedal application, the accelerator pedal/sensor system, or another vehicle system. I am reporting this because of the sudden acceleration and severity of the resulting collision and would like the incident reviewed as a potential vehicle safety issue. The edr also indicates that airbag and seat-belt pretensioner deployment was not commanded during either of the two recorded crash events. Given the severity of the collision, I am also reporting the lack of airbag deployment as a safety concern. I do not know whether the collision met the applicable deployment thresholds. The vehicle is available for inspection. The edr report and complete raw vehicle-data csv have been preserved. There were no known warning messages indicating an accelerator problem before the incident.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

Recurring 'front passenger safety restraint system fault' warning on 2023 Tesla Model Y. The fault has appeared 5 times: July 2024, November 2024, December 2024, August 2025, and September 2026. The vehicle was serviced by Tesla after each of the earlier occurrences, but the fault keeps returning. This is a safety concern because the front passenger restraint system (airbag/seat belt) may not function correctly in a crash.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

The autopilot/active safety sensor system and automated emergency braking (aeb) component failed. The vehicle experienced an uncommanded, severe "phantom braking" event and simultaneous steering lock. The vehicle is currently [state if it is at a tow yard, repair shop, or totaled, e. G. , at an insurance-designated salvage yard] and is available for inspection upon request.

The front left safety system issue. Warning light has come on causing the car, unable to deploy airbags in the event of an accident according to what it’s stating.

My Tesla 2026 y was in an accident and was totalled. I sustained a broken tibia and a broken sternum. The airbags did not deploy. There was no warning the airbags were faulty. The car was hauled away from the collision center.

I was driving the car inside the parking garage of the ucla medical plaza in westwood at around 3:10pm on xxx, looking for an appropriate parking spot. When entering the second basement floor and turning the steering wheel right, to follow the road, the steering wheel was unresponsive and the car felt as if in neutral gear. As the car was on a downward slope, it went straight into the car parked in front. It happened so fast, but it seemed as if the brakes were ineffective. The air bags on the sides were deployed. On the front, the airbag in the steering wheel came out but did not inflate. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

At I-66 east and 495 exit in fairfax/vienna, another car hit my Tesla car from the side at around 40-50 mph. My car driver side had a heavy impact - door scratched badly, rear window broke, rear tail lamp broke, rear tire got damaged, components on top of the front tire came off. Even the car was hit with this heavy force and had heavy damage, airbags never deployed. Luckily the driver didn't have any injuries as she was wearing a seat belt. How come the airbags never popped with this heavy impact accident? the car that hit our car, didn't have as much damage as ours but their airbags deployed. Is this a defect with Tesla airbags?.

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

I was driving at approximately 30-35 mph on a 30 mph residential road with my son in the front passenger seat. My vehicle unexpectedly collided with a parked, unoccupied car on the right side of the road, impact occurring between my front passenger side and the rear driver side of the parked vehicle. Following the initial collision, the vehicle continued past a small tree, mounted the sidewalk, and struck a second parked car before I was able to manually bring it to a stop 2–3 houses further down near an intersection. Throughout this sequence—with the vehicle traveling at ~35 mph—neither the automatic emergency braking (aeb) activated nor did any airbags deploy. Fortunately, neither my son nor I sustained catastrophic injuries, though my chest struck the steering wheel during the impact, causing ongoing pain my and mental trauma for my son. I am currently receiving medical advise. Given the speed and sequence of impacts, it is terrifying that the vehicle’s primary safety systems failed to engage before, during, or after the collision. I am seeking a thorough technical investigation into why automatic emergency braking and airbag deployment failed in this scenario with Tesla Model Y.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

**incident report — Tesla Model Y safety system failure** the subject vehicle, a Tesla Model Y equipped with full self-driving (fsd) technology and advanced safety features, was involved in a collision at an estimated impact speed of 40–45 mph. The vehicle's onboard recording system captured the incident and clearly documents the impact dynamics, vehicle speed at impact, and the contributing actions of the other party involved. **incident details:** - **impact location:** left front side of vehicle - **impact speed:** 40–45 mph - **damage assessment:** vehicle declared total loss by insurance - **recorded evidence:** onboard system footage available **safety system failures:** despite the severity of the impact and speed involved, the following safety systems failed to activate: - emergency braking system did not engage - forward collision warning failed - seatbelt pre-tensioning/locking mechanism did not activate - airbag deployment systems failed (front, side, curtain, and knee airbags) **concern:** the vehicle's advanced safety features—which are primary design components marketed for collision mitigation—did not function as designed or expected. Given the impact speed and severity, these safety systems should have either mitigated the collision or deployed to protect occupants. The failure of multiple redundant safety systems raises questions regarding the reliability and function of these critical systems at the time of impact. **available evidence:** - onboard system footage (speed, impact angle, timing) - insurance total loss assessment - medical records (if applicable) - vehicle service history.

Recurring front passenger safety restraint system fault causing incorrect occupant detection for airbag deployment. Failed and was ‘repaired’ 3 times since 2024, including 2 consecutive failed repairs of the same part within the last 3 months. Tesla service advisor also mentioned informally this is a common issue. Tesla is now refusing further no-cost repair despite both recent repairs remaining under Tesla’s own parts warranty.

The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph and making a right turn into an alley with another vehicle approaching, the contact stopped to reverse; however, while using the tap feature, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a concrete barrier twice. The vehicle was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The crash was not captured on the camera inside the vehicle. A police report was filed. There was no injury reported. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot and was next towed to the local dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.

The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving at approximately 58 mph, the vehicle hydroplaned and the front passenger side crashed into a lamp pole however, the air bags were not deployed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was sought. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,577.

**what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** the vehicle experienced a critical failure immediately on the same day of purchase, rendering it not functioning or inoperable. It was deemed to be preexisting from the dealership I bought it from. The battery is malfunctioning affecting the driving capacity and range. --- * was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** the failure created a significant safety concern, as the vehicle was not operating reliably immediately after purchase. This placed me at risk of being stranded and potentially exposed to hazardous conditions, including loss of transportation in unsafe or uncontrolled environments. Or stopping while driving. --- * the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** the issue was immediately reported to the dealership, and they acknowledged the problem by agreeing to an exchange of the vehicle due to its defective condition. It was confirmed by a service center of the car's manufacturer. --- * the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?** at this time, the vehicle has inspected by the manufacturer. --- **were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** yes, although the manufacturer can't pinpoint when they started but said they had been on since atleast March 10. My purchase was made April 1, undisclosed to me of this huge issue.

On [xxx] 1512pm. Drive on [xxx] with auto pilot driving. Seen on construction and hit some object driver side by front bumper , fender, side mirror,door and wheel. Couldn't avoid crash by control handle. There is none of airbag action. All deployed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

We live on a road with a steep embankment. My wife backed across our driveway and when she put the car from reverse to drive it accelerated uncontrollably. She hit our mailbox, then a power pole across the street, a driveway across the street then over the embankment where she hit a retainer wall another wooden railing and finally came to rest against our neighbors house. If she wouldn’t have caught the edge of the house she would have went down approximately 150 foot embankment. Not only the car accelerated on its own it is supposed to automatically brake, it didn’t and the airbags never deployed. This all this happened right after it went through an automatic update. The car was totaled, with my wife getting a concussion and a lot of muscle injuries. There was no warning lights prior to event and we reported it to Tesla and all they did was send camera images which we had. The car is now in possession of wawanesa insurance because it was a total loss.

Rear-end collision. My Tesla impacted the rear of another vehicle at approximately 15–18 mph. No forward collision warning observed. Owner-provided data shows aeb status as sna. Impact is such that the car is totaled.

I am requesting an urgent review of the airbag non-deployment for my 2023 Tesla Model Y involved in a front-impact collision on [Jan 19th 2026]. Because the vehicle has been declared a total loss and may be released to salvage at any time, I urgently request that Tesla preserve and review the vehicle’s crash data (edr/srs) and confirm whether the restraint system performed as designed.

On January 12, 2026, I was involved in a multi-vehicle collision on I-4 west near us-27 off ramp in polk county, florida. My vehicle was struck on the left rear quarter panel causing me to lose control, hit a second vehicle, and travel off the road to the hazard lane. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance company. Despite the severity of the impact, none of the airbags deployed. The florida state crash report confirms airbags were marked as not deployed. The vehicle is currently at a salvage yard and is available for inspection. No warning lamps related to the airbag system were present prior to the crash. The failure of the airbag system to deploy in a total loss collision put the driver at significant risk of serious injury. ”.

I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving a Tesla vehicle and to document multiple critical system failures that occurred during an accident, resulting in physical injuries to me. On the 12/24/2025, while operating Tesla under rainy conditions, I experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction of the vehicle. During the event, the steering system became unresponsive and appeared to lock, preventing me from maintaining control of the vehicle. Simultaneously, the braking system failed to respond as expected despite my attempt to apply the brakes. These failures significantly impaired my ability to avoid or mitigate the collision. Most concerning, the vehicle’s airbag system did not deploy during the impact. Given the severity of the collision and the resulting injuries, the lack of airbag deployment represents a serious failure of a critical safety system designed to protect occupants in such events. As a direct result of this incident and the apparent malfunction of multiple safety systems, I sustained physical injuries that required medical evaluation and treatment. Beyond the physical harm, the incident caused significant emotional distress and raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle. I am submitting this complaint to formally document these safety failures and to request a thorough investigation into the performance of the steering, braking, and airbag systems involved in this incident. I believe this matter presents a significant safety concern not only for myself but also for other drivers and passengers who rely on these systems to function properly in emergency situations. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and advise me of the next steps in your investigation process. I am prepared to provide additional documentation, including medical records, photographs, vehicle data, and incident details, upon request. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.

See all problems of the 2025 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph in light rain, the vehicle suddenly braked and causing the vehicle to lose control. The contact stated that the vehicle was on cruise control and auto drive assist. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the left, crossed two lanes of traffic, and crashed into the highway divider wall. The contact stated that there were no warning lights. The contact stated that the left front end had crashed first, and then the driver's door and left front fender had crashed into the dividing wall. The contact stated that the driver's front air bag had deployed and burst; there was a large tear starting from the top of the air bag all the way to the steering wheel. The contact stated that he had burns on his hands due to the air bag explosion, bruises on his chest, and right arm. The contact stated that the police and emergency services arrived. A police report was filed. The contact stated that he was transported to the hospital, and the vehicle was towed to a manufacturer's collision center. The contact stated that the manufacturer's collision center downloaded the collision information from the vehicle's main frame and shared the accident report with the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Passenger side airbag did not deploy. Emergency auto brake did not seem to work. The passenger side of the vehicle was struck by other car at high speed and sustained significant damage.

The contact is a police officer from the simi police department, who called on behalf of the owner of a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated the owner was driving at 30 mph with full autopilot mode with direction destination set, the vehicle increased in speed to make a u-turn on the opposite side of a driveway; therefore, the driver attempted to disengage the autopilot and depressed the brake pedal. The vehicle failed to stop and instead increased in speed, causing the driver to crash into a curb, a Dodge ram truck, a light pole, and an occupied Nissan maxima vehicle, where the vehicle came to a stop. Both vehicles that were crashed into were occupied by 1 occupant each. The contact stated the owner's air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the owner did not sustain any injuries. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision center; however, the vehicle looked drivable. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact experienced a medical emergency and the vehicle crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed as needed. The contact and wife who was seated in the front passenger seat, were transported to the local medical center. The contact was unconscious when transported. The contact sustained injuries, including burns to the face; both eye corneas were burned, lungs infected due to the inhalation of toxic fumes and a broken talus on the right foot. In addition, the contact was continuing to receive medical treatment. The contact's wife sustained burns to the face and inhalation of the toxic fumes. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the air bags were defective and unsafe. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

I keep getting alerts that there is a front right safety restraint system issue and service is required. Repair note Nov. 14 2024 stated: safety restraint alert has been intermittent over at least the past year. Customer has had previous service visits for same alert (rcm2_a136_sideab1strowropen). Issue seems to be somewhere within the harness affecting the passenger side airbag. Replaced the front right (passenger) seat harness. Alerts are currently cleared. Feb 15, 2024 repair notes: technician verified customer concern. Tech found the alert was for the 1st row passenger side airbag. Tech checked the connector in the seat and it was softset. Tech plugged it back in and made sure it was secure. Tech test drove and verified no alerts present.

Bought a brand new Model Y and I less than a week I received the below two error message warnings and the airbag light comes on. Cabin occupancy radar obstructed. Front passenger safety restraint system issue. Also to engage the fsd, I have to double tab 2-3 times in order for it to engage.

24 hour after taking delivery, operating on full self driving on a residential street at 25-30 mph, the car struck a landscaping trailer parked on the right. The tailgate of the trailer was down and the car struck the left rear upright post of the trailer causing significant damage to my car. No automatic breaking occurred: the car struck the trailer at full speed. The collision alarm sounded just as the vehicle struck the trailer, not before. I requested vehicle status info form Tesla, but the video stops well before the collision and I can't decipher the rest. But I can send it to you if it would be helpful,.

We were t-boned in a serious accident that totaled the car, but none of the airbags deployed and the seat belts did not lock.

“front passenger safety restraint system fault, service required” rcm2_a636 message keeps appearing on the screen. It happened right after I bought the car, so I took it to Tesla to fix. It went away for a few months and now it’s back again. According to Tesla, this fault, “ based on the airbag system's self-diagnostic checks, a persistent fault has been detected in one or more safety restraint components. This could involve seat belts, impact sensors, occupant sensors, or related safety components. • if the airbag warning indicator stays on, the vehicle should not be driven until inspected. • recurring faults require immediate Tesla service attention. • pre-tensioner or sensor damage can compromise proper seat belt functionality. ” this is a serious safety issue that should be addressed in a recall as it could jeopardize occupant safety of the seat belts or air bags do not work. It also appears to be somewhat widespread and persistent. Tesla also does not appear to have a permanent fix as the first time I took it in they made a comment about one repair already having been done on this before I got the car as a certified used one from Tesla.

I was driving the Tesla and coming up my circular drive(note I was driving uphill). The car suddenly accelerated and went out of control. I pumped the brake and took my foot off the accelerator but the car kept going and crashed into our house (sunroom) at end of the driveway at high speed > we went through the casement windows and brick foundation and would have gone through the other side window and down a hill and probably been killed if it were not for a heavy cast iron table that brought us to a stop. The airbags never opened. The car was totaled(the insurance company declared it a total lost and refused to repair and paid us a small amount , less than we paid for the car. This was the second repeat incident, the first one very similar was reported to NHTSA by my erhusband ,reported to NHTSA 0n 1/20/2025, 6. 19 pm; complaint number 11637163 . After the first crash we tried to get Tesla to pick up the car . They refused. Instead they said they would check it remotely. We gave them the opportunity to inspect and repair the car between the first and second incident . They ignored us , do to their negligence we were almost killed. Please open an investigation. We have names and emails to show who we complained to.

While driving, a persistent error appears on the screen with a chime: "front left safety restraint system issue" (error code: rcm2_a128). After researching online, it appears this is a commonly reported issue among Tesla owners and may have serious safety implications. The error code rcm2_a128 indicates a fault in the vehicle’s safety restraint system, specifically related to the seat belt or restraint mechanism on the front left side.

The primary safety restraint system, specifically the driver's side airbag, failed to deploy during a significant frontal impact collision. This severely compromised my personal safety, as my head struck the steering wheel with force, leading to injury and pain. Had the impact been more severe, the lack of airbag deployment could have led to much more serious, potentially life-threatening, injuries. Immediately after the impact, the primary braking system also malfunctioned, and the vehicle's warning and autopilot systems became compromised, posing further safety risks. The specific airbag non-deployment problem has not yet been reproduced or formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, vehicle is currently scheduled for its first post-accident inspection at a Tesla collision center address 6010 richmond Ave, houston TX 77057 on June 11, 2025, and is available for inspection. To date, the vehicle has not been formally inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives for these specific malfunctions. Police responded to the accident scene and filed a report, but no technical inspection was conducted by them. There were no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a malfunction with the airbag system before the collision. However, immediately after the collision, the primary brakes failed and the warning system and autopilot system showed signs of malfunction/disruption; no specific warning lights related to these post-impact issues appeared prior to their malfunction.

I was driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y when another vehicle pulled out from a driveway and struck the front/side of my car. The Tesla failed to initiate automatic emergency braking (aeb) and no airbags deployed. This raises serious concerns about the functionality of Tesla’s safety systems in real-world scenarios. The vehicle has not been modified in any way and was in standard driving mode. I have contacted Tesla support requesting a diagnostic and explanation, but I believe this incident should also be reviewed as a potential safety defect.

The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving at 45 mph, occupied with his with son in the vehicle, another vehicle collided into the front center of the vehicle causing the vehicle to merge into another line. The air bags did not deploy.  the contact sustained injuries to his neck, shoulder, and low back. The contact son sustained injuries to the neck. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to al's towing yard. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The contact mentioned the seat belts did retract. The contact stated that the failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed the contact to call his insurance company. The approximate failure mileage was 30,491.

The vehicle was operating in autopilot mode as it approached a right turn but was in the incorrect lane. The vehicle accelerated in an apparent attempt to merge into the correct lane and initiate the turn, but it approached the turn at an unsafe speed. I pressed the brake pedal, which disengaged autopilot as expected, but the vehicle failed to slow down or stop. I attempted to manually complete the turn, but although I turned the steering wheel, the wheels did not respond. The vehicle continued forward at speed, struck a curb on the opposite side of the road, and then collided with a parked vehicle. The impact with the parked vehicle ultimately brought the car to a stop. Multiple error messages briefly appeared on the screen during the incident before disappearing.