2021 Tesla Model 3 Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 2%of 673 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the seat belts of the 2021 Tesla Model 3, 2% of the 673 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 3 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.
“- The rear middle seatbelt became locked and will not unwind or extend. The seatbelt remained stuck in the retracted position, making it unusable. The vehicle and seatbelt assembly are available for inspection upon request. However, Tesla has already fixed the issue, but I feel we were wrongly charged because I believe this should be a recall. I searched this issue online, and others have reported the same issue. Because we rarely have the need to use our rear seats, it wasn't until years later we discovered this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11723723, filed 2026-03“When trying to seat belt on, under normal conditions, seat belt fails to engage. The belt is stuck in full locked mode. Issue happens intermittently. Failure of seat belt forces no occupancy of front passenger seat, as the only alternative would be to not wear a belt. This raises the following concern: 1. Will the belt fail to work properly in case of a crash event? 2. Will the belt disengage when normal driving. TESLA did NOT replace the belt under warranty and out of concern for my passengers, I replaced it under my own cost”
NHTSA complaint #11527361, filed 2023-06“The driver’s side belt makes a “click” sound when latch is inserted into the locking component but at times does NOT remain lock and the belt is released shortly after. The issue is sporadic. The belt is released with a low amount of force i.e. adjusting the body in the seat or twisting body to look over the shoulder”
NHTSA complaint #11713076, filed 2026-01“The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while a family member was attempting to use the rear middle seat belt, the seat belt failed to extend and was unusable. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center, where the seat belt was replaced. The vehicle was repaired as an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11626911, filed 2024-11, 65,000 miles“The rear middle seatbelt has permanently locked and is unusable. It occurred after having the rear seats folded down and was observed when replacing the seat-backs to their normal position. Tesla has refused to repair due to vehicle being out of warranty despite the vehicle not having been involved in any collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11546093, filed 2023-09Related 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
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 2021 Tesla Model 3
411 complaintsBrakes
126 complaintsVehicle speed control
123 complaintsOther or unknown
95 complaintsElectrical system
80 complaintsLane departure
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsFuel system
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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