2020 Tesla Model 3 airbags problems

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · 119,730 miles · NJ · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH in traffic on a sunny day, the vehicle drove over a pothole, and the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The brake pedal was checked; however, fifteen minutes later the vehicle crashed into a 26-foot box truck. The contact stated that the box truck left the scene of the crash. The tire skid marks were 100 feet long. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated there was an electrical failure which caused the brakes to become inoperable. Additionally, the alerts were late. The contact stated that the battery might need to be replaced. The driver and his daughter, who was seated inside the vehicle, sustained back pain, whiplash, and knee injuries. The driver was transported by ambulance. Medical attention was provided. The contact stated that surgery might be needed in the future. The daughter was taken to the hospital, and medical attention was provided. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop. The EDR was requested on the manufacturer website. The failure mileage was approximately 119,730.

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Airbags · CA · crash · 1 injury

Air bags did not deploy during crash. It is available for inspection upon request My face smashed into the steering wheel resulting in black eyes, swollen nose, cuts on my face and a concussion. Yes, the airbags clearly did not deploy during crash No No

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Airbags, Seat belts · SD

I have been getting an alert: Front passenger safety restraint system issue/Service is required. It has come on when there is no one in the seat and goes away shortly after I start to drive. I contacted Tesla and they sent an estimate to repair it which includes a bunch of different bolts, Passenger Airbag, Airbag Harmiss Retaining Clip. Also replacing Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat while Servicing Supcomponents. List of parts for that is First Row Seat Harness Assembly-Right Hand, First Row - Seat Belt Reminder Sensor Box Clip, First Row Occupancy. All of this will cost over $700 . Aren't these items required safety equipment that they should responsible to maintain? I have seen that there are a lot of other people having the same issue, I think that there should be a recall on this that they shoud have to pay for.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Airbags · WA

Summary Complaint – 2020 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) I am reporting a defect with the passenger side airbag system in my 2020 Tesla Model 3. Tesla Service identified the passenger airbag sensor as defective and quoted a $1,600 repair cost. This raises concern that the problem is not isolated, but may represent a broader safety defect affecting other Model 3 vehicles of the same year. Why this is a safety issue: - Airbags are federally required safety systems. A defective sensor risks non-deployment, delayed deployment, or incorrect deployment. - Tesla has already recalled 2020 Model 3 vehicles for airbag issues (twisted side curtain airbags – the federal safety agency Campaign ID 21V834000). - In 2024, a Model 3 recall was issued for a defective driver airbag module. - Other automakers (GM, Hyundai/Kia, Takata) have recalled vehicles for similar airbag sensor/module failures. Requested Action: I respectfully request that the federal safety agency: 1. Open a defect investigation into passenger side airbag sensor/module failures in the 2020 Tesla Model 3. 2. Require Tesla to issue a recall and provide free repairs if systemic defects are confirmed. 3. Ensure reimbursement for owners who have already paid out-of-pocket. Airbag integrity is essential. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate and protect the safety of Tesla Model 3 owners and passengers. Complainant Information: [XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 29, 2025 · Airbags, Seat belts · NE

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

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Airbags · NC · crash · 1 injury

Airbags did not deploy when vehicle hit 75 ft highway guardrail driving over 70 mph. The car was totaled, the driver's head hit the steering wheel, requiring stitches. EMS and police at the scene were surprised to find airbags not deployed. Vehicle has been inspected by insurance. Manufacturer has not yet been informed, to my knowledge. There were no warning lights or messages indicating a problem with airbags or anything else for that matter. Driver was wearing seatbelt.

Filed Apr 13, 2025 · Airbags, Seat belts · MO

My 2020 Tesla Model 3 has displayed a "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault - Service is required" error since June 2023. This error has persisted for well over a year despite troubleshooting attempts, such as restarting the vehicle and checking for obstructions. Tesla service quoted over $400 to repair this issue, but I believe this is a basic safety-related defect that should be covered by the manufacturer, as it likely disables the front passenger airbag, posing an unreasonable risk of injury or death in a crash. This appears to be a widespread issue, as I’ve seen similar complaints from other Tesla owners online. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this as a potential safety defect for a recall.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Airbags · MA

I have to pay over $1444 to Tesla to change the airbag because it is not working properly. Tesla will: Update front passenger Airbag to Maintain compatibility with front passenger seat. Replace Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front passenger Seat. Install OCS filter module.

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Airbags, Seat belts · OR

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.

Filed Dec 28, 2024 · Airbags, Seats · CA

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.