2020 Tesla Model 3 Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 4%of 453 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the seat belts of the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 4% of the 453 complaints for this model year. 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.
“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“After receiving fault RCM_a094 I discovered that the seatbelt wiring harness had detached. When I took the vehicle in for repair, I was told it was caused by the wire being tugged on. Since I have never used the seatbelt in any capacity other than how it was intended, I believe this is a design flaw with the restraint system.”
NHTSA complaint #11578464, 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“Many Tesla owners have received notifications about a Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault . It seems that there might be a defect with the car, given the number of people impacted and the severity of not having proper safety restraint. I am very careful with my car, and it has not been involved in any accidents, so I think Tesla should do a recall to make sure all Front Passenger Safety Restraint System is functional”
NHTSA complaint #11578814, filed 2024-03“I received a proactive service alert from Tesla car stating: Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Issue. Tesla wants to charge me to fix this and said there may be issues with the restraint system, such as seats belts or airbags if I don’t pay out of pocket to fix it. This seems ridiculous I have to pay to fix this safety concern.. please issue a recall for this… seems a lot of people are getting this after researching on google and Reddit. Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #11677060, filed 2025-07Related 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 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 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSeats
23 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