2021 Tesla Model S Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 179 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 2021 Tesla Model S, 3% of the 179 complaints for this model year. 4 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had my Tesla to their shop FOUR times to try to fix a safety airbag issue in the drivers side which they have had my car for weeks and weeks on end, only for me to get it back with the same issue after only a few days of repair! I asked them for a refund and other things and they have done nothing! They still make me pay full price for my lease even though they have had my car in their shop more than I have driving it.”
NHTSA complaint #11545272, filed 2023-09“I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month even considering major safety concern. Some of 2021 vehicles are serviced under the recall Tesla sent. But told me mine doesn’t qualify for same issue for same year, same model cars. It seems like issue is with all Tesla Model S 2021 but Tesla charging big dollar amount to repair the safety concern. They have also mentioned there is on going concern with air suspension and all Tesla starts giving problem between 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11711634, filed 2026-01“Safety restraint system malfunction. On January 18, 2022 this brand new car, only 3 days old with 1,000 miles, suffered a malfunction with the safety restraint system and displayed the following warning: Safety restraint system fault - Service is required. This is a safety issue that should be investigated by the NHTSA.”
NHTSA complaint #11449046, filed 2022-01“The airbag module installed in the yoke has popped out while driving. It currently hangs by a wire. This makes the car completely inoperable safely. In fact had the airbag ever gone off in this condition it could cause serious injury and possibly death. Reached out to Tesla for repair and they are estimating 20 days to begin a repair. If cars with this problem get into an accident that activated the airbag I believe there could be very serious consequences for the driver.”
NHTSA complaint #11468099, filed 2022-06“Tesla Service Center canceling appointments to repair driver airbag recall. Numerous attempts to have recall accomplished with Tesla Service Center in Palm Springs, CA. Unsuccessful since November 2021 (3 months).”
NHTSA complaint #11455277, filed 2022-03Related recalls
- 25V172000Mar 19, 2025Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed…Covers: Tesla Model S 2021–2024, Model X 2021–2025
- 24V967000Dec 23, 2024Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles…Covers: Tesla Model S 2021–2025, Model X 2021–2025
- 22V104000Feb 23, 2022Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S vehicles. The right or left side curtain air bag inflators may have been assembled incorrectly.Covers: Tesla Model S 2021–2022
- 21V868000Nov 9, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.Covers: Tesla Model S 2021, Model X 2021
Related service bulletins
- 11018847May 2, 2025Certain Model S and Model X vehicles were equipped with driver airbags that do not meet internal quality standards.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 4 | 3% |
| 2021 | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 4 | 2% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 14 | 2% |
| 2015 | 22 | 3% |
| 2014 | 13 | 4% |
| 2013 | 8 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model S
48 complaintsOther or unknown
45 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsLane departure
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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