2021 Tesla Model Y Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,095 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the air bags of the 2021 Tesla Model Y, 2% of the 1,095 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,300 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Safety restraint system failed a few days after delivery and Tesla repaired after two weeks of reporiithe issue. Consumer stated airbag on the driver's side was changed.”
NHTSA complaint #11396220, filed 2021-02, 250 miles“My wife weighs 108lb the manual says the passenger airbag should be on if a person weighs approximately 100lb. About 80% of the time she sits in the passenger seat the seat does not detect she is there and it says the airbag is off. I took this to Tesla to repair and they said the sensor was working as designs. I feel this is a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11460213, filed 2022-04“I have a notice that a sensor went out in my passenger seat. I took it into Tesla to get a quote to repay rid and was quoted $2,000 to fix it. When I asked why it is so expensive I was told it is be cause Tesla has to retrofit my car to fit the new sensors because they stopped making my years sensors, my car is only a 2021. This is safety issue that should be a recall, I have several other friends that own teslas that have had the same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11627236, filed 2024-11“I recently saw there was a recall update issued by Tesla regarding the seatbelt alert. My driver seat does not sense I’m in the seat, and allows me to drive with out a belt on. Even if they send an update to my car, I won’t be alerted. Someone could use the lack of sensor to not remain in their seat. Inflatable doll with sunglasses could take my spot. My question is, is this included in the recall regarding the seat belt notification when not buckled since it’s part of the safety restraint system?”
NHTSA complaint #11593968, filed 2024-06““Front passenger Safety restraint system fault, service required” RCM2_a636 message keeps appearing on the screen. It happened right after I bought the car, so I took it to Tesla to fix. It went away for a few months and now it’s back again. According to Tesla, this fault, “ Based on the airbag system's self-diagnostic checks, a persistent fault has been detected in one or more safety restraint components. This could involve seat belts, impact sensors, occupant sensors, or related safety components. • If the airbag warning indicator stays on, the vehicle should not be driven until inspected. …”
NHTSA complaint #11667345, filed 2025-06Related service bulletins
- 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.
Air bags: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model Y
583 complaintsBrakes
181 complaintsVehicle speed control
162 complaintsElectrical system
152 complaintsOther or unknown
144 complaintsSteering
96 complaintsSuspension
80 complaintsLane departure
79 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
53 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSeat belts
27 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model Y
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