2020 Tesla Model 3 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 5%of 452 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the seats of the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 5% of the 452 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving, the driver's seat will randomly start moving forward, back, up or down with no input from the driver. It is very distracting and can make it difficult to see out of mirrors or reach pedals. Notified Tesla and problem continues to happen occasionally after 2 service visits attempting to remedy the issue. Have numerous videos of this happening while driving. This has happened on at least 6 separate days beginning on october 27th, 2020.”
NHTSA complaint #11385765, filed 2020-12, 19,000 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“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“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 was driving my vehicle. It said there was an issue with code RCM_a056 Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault. Many older model 3's are having this issue and with the quote from tesla, they would need to perform a retrofit for the electrical wiring system.”
NHTSA complaint #11632840, filed 2024-12Related 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…
- 10174927Apr 9, 2020Certain Model Y vehicles might have been built with 2nd row seat back panels (left, center, and right) that did not meet internal specifications, resulting in the panels not…
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model 3
157 complaintsOther or unknown
81 complaintsVehicle speed control
69 complaintsBrakes
48 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsSuspension
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsLane departure
35 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 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 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