2021 Tesla Model Y airbags problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 24, 2026CACrashTowedAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   On September 23, 2026, the vehicle was being driven at low speed when the driver experienced sudden and unexpected acceleration. The vehicle rapidly accelerated and a collision occurred. The driver reports that she did not intentionally accelerate the vehicle to this degree. Vehicle data and the Event Data Recorder (EDR) were subsequently obtained. The data records the vehicle accelerating from approximately 0 mph to approximately 35 mph in about four seconds, with the…

   NHTSA complaint #11766674 · source
2. Filed Aug 5, 2026VAAirbags

   Description of Safety Incident:The front passenger safety restraint system failed, displaying the warning alert: "Seats - Front passenger safety restraint system fault / Service is required." This alert disables or suppresses the front passenger airbag and seatbelt restraint system, creating a direct safety hazard for front-seat occupants.Service History & Recurring Defect:On February 26, 2025 (at 50,596 miles), Tesla Service Center diagnosed an open circuit in the front…

   NHTSA complaint #11755028 · source
3. Filed Jul 11, 2026NCAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   Recurring front passenger safety restraint system fault causing incorrect occupant detection for airbag deployment. Failed and was ‘repaired’ 3 times since 2024, including 2 consecutive failed repairs of the same part within the last 3 months. Tesla service advisor also mentioned informally this is a common issue. Tesla is now refusing further no-cost repair despite both recent repairs remaining under Tesla’s own parts warranty.

   NHTSA complaint #11749701 · source
4. Filed Apr 13, 2026FLAirbagsElectrical System

   **What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The vehicle experienced a critical failure immediately on the same day of purchase, rendering it not functioning or inoperable. It was deemed to be preexisting from the dealership I bought it from. The battery is malfunctioning affecting the driving capacity and range. --- **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The failure created a significant safety…

   NHTSA complaint #11730990 · source
5. Filed Jun 17, 2025NMAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   “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…

   NHTSA complaint #11667345 · source
6. Filed Apr 14, 202568,400 miCAAirbags

   The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault" was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,400.

   NHTSA complaint #11654477 · source
7. Filed Mar 6, 202539,264 miCACrashTowedAirbagsBrakes

   The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH and depressing the brake pedal; however, the vehicle accelerated independently and failed to brake without warning. The contact assured there were no distractions that could have caused the crash. Due to the failure, the contact crashed into another vehicle as the air bags deployed. Despite the air bag deployment, the vehicle continued to accelerate and repeatedly hit the same vehicle. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11646831 · source
8. Filed Nov 25, 2024TXAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   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. The sensor that is not working…

   NHTSA complaint #11627236 · source
9. Filed Oct 11, 202418,850 miCACrashTowedAirbagsBrakes

   The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that his wife was driving at 5 -10 MPH and traffic ahead was slowing down, the vehicle in front stopped and the driver depressed the brake pedal however the vehicle then unintendedly accelerated. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front. No warning lights were illuminated and no air bags were deployed. No police report was filed due to no injuries being sustained and the insurance company…

   NHTSA complaint #11619375 · source
10. Filed Aug 30, 2024TXAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

    The front passenger safety restrain system keeps switching off and showing an error randomly during driving, especially with younger passengers on the passenger seat. The problem was already fixed by Tesla 4 times and is appearing again.

    NHTSA complaint #11611757 · source
11. Filed Jun 12, 2024CAAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11593968 · source
12. Filed Jan 24, 2024CAAirbags

    The front passenger safety alert system fault warning appears Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat is faulty and Tesla said it’s not covered under warranty.

    NHTSA complaint #11567451 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology