2019 Tesla Model 3 Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 9%of 620 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the seat belts of the 2019 Tesla Model 3, 9% of the 620 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,500 miles. 4 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My wife has a Tesla MODEL 3 car, purchased earlier this year and having about 8000 miles on it. The safety belt buckle is broken and cannot insert the safety belt to the buckle. My wife scheduled a service from the app. The company sent an invoice for over $100 for the repair. She didn't have any knowledge on the warranty and signed the invoice. But after that, I told her that it is a manufacture defect and should be covered by warranty. It is not only covered by the bumper-to-bumper warranty, it is a safety issue and has a longer warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11266831, filed 2019-10, 8,500 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11634054, filed 2025-01“I bought a used 2019 Tesla model 3 and just got a system warning that says “Front passenger safety restraint system fault”. I was researching this and it seems to be a common enough issue that a recall should be issued for it. If the seat belt system fails, someone could be very seriously injured if they’re in an accident”
NHTSA complaint #11587504, filed 2024-05“While driving I received an error on the screen stating “front passenger safety restraint fail -service needed”. This would go on and off randomly. It took over a month to get into Tesla. By the time I got into service the error was gone but Tesla replaced a sensor and airbag to be complaint with the sensor costing over $1300. I have seen a lot of posts of other Tesla owners experiencing the same error.”
NHTSA complaint #11608893, filed 2024-08“I get an intermittent error message: RCM_a021 Front left safety restraint system fault service is required Tesla service charges nearly $360 for this repair. I have understood from owners with the same issue that the connector to the seat belt pretensioner is the issue. Several owners have the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11548745, filed 2023-10Related recalls
- 24V376000May 28, 2024Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2017–2023, Model S 2012–2024, Model X 2015–2024 +1 more
- 22V798000Oct 21, 2022Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2017–2022
- 22V045000Feb 1, 2022Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2017–2022, Model Y 2020–2022, Model S 2021–2022 +1 more
- 21V389000May 25, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2018–2020, Model Y 2019–2021
Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 3 | 1% |
| 2023 | 10 | 2% |
| 2022 | 12 | 2% |
| 2021 | 15 | 2% |
| 2020 | 19 | 4% |
| 2019 | 57 | 9% |
| 2018 | 105 | 10% |
| 2017 | 6 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2019 Tesla Model 3
170 complaintsElectrical system
92 complaintsAir bags
88 complaintsSuspension
82 complaintsOther or unknown
81 complaintsVehicle speed control
71 complaintsLane departure
70 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsSteering
54 complaintsSeats
47 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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