2020 Tesla Model 3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 7%of 453 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the air bags of the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 7% of the 453 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,500 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1 day after taking delivery of my MODEL 3, I was t-boned on the right side of my car while making a left turn by a driver who beat the red light due to being distracted on her phone. I blacked out as soon as I heard a bang and woke up after I realized what had happened. As I looked around the car, I noticed that no airbags were deployed. I did my research and found out that no airbags will be deployed in the passenger seat area if no one is on the seat, which I understand. My concern is that why did no airbags deploy on my side. The car might now be considered totaled due to this accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #11320208, filed 2020-04, 320 miles“In March 2023, my vehicle was in a major front end collision on the passenger side and the airbag did not deploy. In January 2024, a warning light appeared on my car’s screen that reads “Safety Restraint System Fault” I then took the vehicle to a Tesla service center who determined that the front passenger airbag and OCS needed to be replaced to maintain compatibility….”
NHTSA complaint #11576445, filed 2024-03“I keep receiving an alert: “Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault”. I contacted Tesla and they informed me that my airbag sensor needs to be recalibrated and may jeopardize a child sitting in the seat if the airbag is deployed. I understand that this is a common problem with the Model of Tesla.”
NHTSA complaint #11637173, filed 2025-01“The driver seat occupancy weight sensor has to be replaced twice now. The car does not recognize someone is in the driver seat. It is unclear whether the airbags would deploy if I was in an accident as the car is unsure if someone is even inside. When I get out of the car it stays on. When I put it into reverse without having the seatbelt on it slams on brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11494212, filed 2022-11“Air bags did not deploy during crash. It is available for inspection upon request My face smashed into the steering wheel resulting in black eyes, swollen nose, cuts on my face and a concussion. Yes, the airbags clearly did not deploy during crash No No”
NHTSA complaint #11705237, filed 2025-12Related recalls
- 21V834000Oct 25, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2020–2021, 2023
Related 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…
- 10247400Oct 26, 2023On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the Occupant Classification System (OCS) signal might be affected by electrical interference in the seat electrical harness, causing the…
- 10245515Oct 26, 2023On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the Occupant Classification System (OCS) signal might be affected by electrical interference in the seat electrical harness, causing the…
- 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.
- 10234053Mar 15, 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…
- 10181263Sep 21, 2020On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the Occupant Classification System (OCS) signal might be affected by electrical interference in the seat harness, causing the airbag…
- 10174931Apr 28, 2020On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the Occupant Classification System (OCS) signal might be affected by electrical interference in the seat harness, causing the airbag…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 8 | 4% |
| 2023 | 18 | 4% |
| 2022 | 13 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 1% |
| 2020 | 30 | 7% |
| 2019 | 88 | 14% |
| 2018 | 143 | 14% |
| 2017 | 7 | 26% |
Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model 3
157 complaintsOther or unknown
82 complaintsVehicle speed control
69 complaintsBrakes
48 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsSuspension
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsLane departure
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSeats
23 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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