2018 Tesla Model 3 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 74about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,035 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 74 complaints about the seats of the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 7% of the 1,035 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Because I hit a small puddle of water on the road, my vc right got water inside and the passenger seat started tilting forward, then move forward then tilt back. All moves to the maximum range. If someone would've been sitting on it, the best case would've been some broken legs, worst case death. I was unable to operate the passenger seat with the controls. Had to go to service for emergency, and they said that 2018 models have a problem that lets outside water inside and shortcuts vc right. They replaced that vc right computer and said they retrofitted it and hope it does happen again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11394496, filed 2021-02, 40,000 miles“Driving on rural dirt road. Dust coming in from rear seat bottom, trunk, seat belt holes. So much dust it is unbearable, can't breathe and hard to keep eyes open while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11365913, filed 2020-10, 48,000 miles“We intermittantly received alerts on the screen showing Front safety restraint system fault (service is required). After many hours of research, we found that other owners also have the same issue and they found that a wire from a electrical connector that connected to the seatbelt pretentension was broken from the seat being moved up and down.”
NHTSA complaint #11565648, filed 2024-01“RCM_a021 Front left safety restraint system fault RCM_a056 Front passenger safety restraint system fault I have been noticing this error on my Tesla Model 3. Also, I researched on it and found out numerous people are having same problem. So, since it’s safety related issue there should be recall to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11611122, filed 2024-08“I had a seat weight sensor error. Took into repair and the replaced sensor and then informed me they need to replace airbag because it’s not compatible with the new sensor. Then was told that it would cost $1100 more than estimate to replace an airbag that is in working condition. Tesla purposely replaced sensor that was not compatible with the way they built the car and expect consumer to pay for it.”
NHTSA complaint #11560787, filed 2023-12Related service bulletins
- 10253654Mar 22, 2024When certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles receive a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) in their front passenger seats during vehicle servicing, they may require…
- 10243084Aug 8, 2023When certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles receive a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) in their front passenger seats during vehicle servicing, they may require…
- 10234057Mar 27, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10234051Mar 11, 2023Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat before servicing its subcomponents.
- 10234050Mar 10, 2023When certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles receive a different Occupant Classification System (OCS) in their front passenger seats during vehicle servicing, they may require…
- 10169819Dec 30, 2019On some Model 3 vehicles, the Occupant Classification System (OCS) signal might be affected by electrical interference in the seat harness, causing the airbag indicator to…
- 10163738Jul 24, 2019The design tolerance of some 1st row seat lift link pivot bolts might be such that the seat slightly rocks while in use. The rocking does not affect vehicle drivability or safety.
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2018 Tesla Model 3
203 complaintsSuspension
192 complaintsOther or unknown
175 complaintsElectrical system
168 complaintsAir bags
143 complaintsSeat belts
105 complaintsVehicle speed control
91 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsSteering
83 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
61 complaintsBody and structure
60 complaintsLane departure
51 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology