2019 Tesla Model 3 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 8%of 620 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the seats of the 2019 Tesla Model 3, 8% of the 620 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There is an error with my car's Occupant Classification System (OCS) which is giving me an alarm of Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault . Tesla only fix is to replace the OCS with what seems to be a newer version. You can tell it is a new version because they are also telling me I need to replace my airbag as my current airbag is not compatible with the new OCS.”
NHTSA complaint #11682155, filed 2025-08“I get an intermittent error message: RCM_a021 Front left safety restraint system fault service is required Tesla service charges nearly $360 for this repair. I have understood from owners with the same issue that the connector to the seat belt pretensioner is the issue. Several owners have the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11548745, filed 2023-10“Error message from tesla: front passenger safety restraint system fault. Potentially impaired airbag deployment for passenger. Tesla fixed it under warranty in 2021. The issue is appearing again and I am out of warranty. The car will warn me once every 15 minutes (very annoying).”
NHTSA complaint #11607269, filed 2024-08“I have a known safety issue with my Tesla model 3. There is a fault in the clips, requiring a filter clip to allow the safety restraint system to work appropriately. Tesla admits this is a known manufacturer fault but still charges 400$ to correct it.”
NHTSA complaint #11590987, filed 2024-05“Car giving message 'front passenger safety system error'. Scheduled service with Tesla and was given a qoute of $2500. I checked online and found that this is a common problem where seats have been replaced, some harness under seat is issue and in some cases airbags were replaced. Seems to be a common safety issue which is manufacturing defect and should be recalled with no cost fix. Given it is a safety issue, I cannot drive with a passenger on front seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11591006, filed 2024-05Related 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 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 complaintsSeat belts
57 complaintsSteering
54 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 29, 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