2023 Tesla Model Y airbags problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026TXAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   Recurring 'Front passenger safety restraint system fault' warning on 2023 Tesla Model Y. The fault has appeared 5 times: July 2024, November 2024, December 2024, August 2025, and September 2026. The vehicle was serviced by Tesla after each of the earlier occurrences, but the fault keeps returning. This is a safety concern because the front passenger restraint system (airbag/seat belt) may not function correctly in a crash.

   NHTSA complaint #11766257 · source
2. Filed Sep 19, 2026CTCrashFire1 injuredTowedAirbagsBody & StructureOther / Unknown

   The Autopilot/Active Safety sensor system and automated emergency braking (AEB) component failed. The vehicle experienced an uncommanded, severe "phantom braking" event and simultaneous steering lock. The vehicle is currently [State if it is at a tow yard, repair shop, or totaled, e.g., at an insurance-designated salvage yard] and is available for inspection upon request.

   NHTSA complaint #11765505 · source
3. Filed Aug 31, 2026FLAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   The front left safety system issue. Warning light has come on causing the car, unable to deploy airbags in the event of an accident according to what it’s stating.

   NHTSA complaint #11760830 · source
4. Filed Jul 24, 202628,000 miCACrash2 injuredTowedAirbags

   The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact experienced a medical emergency and the vehicle crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed as needed. The contact and wife who was seated in the front passenger seat, were transported to the local medical center. The contact was unconscious when transported. The contact sustained injuries, including burns to the face; both eye corneas were burned, lungs infected…

   NHTSA complaint #11752660 · source
5. Filed Jun 2, 202657,577 miNJCrashTowedAirbags

   The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving at approximately 58 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned and the front passenger side crashed into a lamp pole however, the air bags were not deployed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was sought. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11741505 · source
6. Filed Feb 2, 2026NJCrashTowedAirbags

   I am requesting an urgent review of the airbag non-deployment for my 2023 Tesla Model Y involved in a front-impact collision on [Jan 19th 2026]. Because the vehicle has been declared a total loss and may be released to salvage at any time, I urgently request that Tesla preserve and review the vehicle’s crash data (EDR/SRS) and confirm whether the restraint system performed as designed.

   NHTSA complaint #11715085 · source
7. Filed Jan 5, 202645,000 miCACrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH in light rain, the vehicle suddenly braked and causing the vehicle to lose control. The contact stated that the vehicle was on cruise control and auto drive assist. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the left, crossed two lanes of traffic, and crashed into the highway divider wall. The contact stated that there were no warning lights. The contact stated that the…

   NHTSA complaint #11708923 · source
8. Filed Jun 23, 2025WAAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor Defect – Tesla Vehicle In March 2025, my Tesla vehicle began displaying a warning message indicating a fault in the front passenger seat occupancy sensor system. I brought the car in for service on March 14, 2025, and the system was reportedly replaced. However, in April, the issue recurred — the seat sensor alarm would activate randomly, particularly after going over bumps, falsely indicating that a passenger was present when the seat…

   NHTSA complaint #11668616 · source
9. Filed Jun 12, 2025CAAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   While driving, a persistent error appears on the screen with a chime: "Front left safety restraint system issue" (Error Code: RCM2_a128). After researching online, it appears this is a commonly reported issue among Tesla owners and may have serious safety implications. The error code RCM2_a128 indicates a fault in the vehicle’s safety restraint system, specifically related to the seat belt or restraint mechanism on the front left side.

   NHTSA complaint #11666524 · source
10. Filed Jun 10, 2025TXCrash1 injuredAirbagsDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    The primary safety restraint system, specifically the driver's side airbag, failed to deploy during a significant frontal impact collision. This severely compromised my personal safety, as my head struck the steering wheel with force, leading to injury and pain. Had the impact been more severe, the lack of airbag deployment could have led to much more serious, potentially life-threatening, injuries. Immediately after the impact, the primary braking system also malfunctioned,…

    NHTSA complaint #11666057 · source
11. Filed Apr 28, 202530,491 miMDCrash2 injuredTowedAirbags

    The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, occupied with his son in the vehicle, another vehicle collided into the front center of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to merge into another lane. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to his neck, shoulder, and lower back. The contact son sustained injuries to the neck. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to Al's Towing Yard. The contact…

    NHTSA complaint #11657299 · source
12. Filed Apr 14, 2025CACrashTowedAirbagsDriver Assistance & Safety TechVisibility & Wipers

    My wife was driving the car on March 7th 2025. Before she leaves the house, she had her front defroster on and the windshield was clear before she leaves the house. 5 minutes later, the front windshield became so foggy to the point she could not see anything in front of her and the front defroster was still on. And because of that so foggy windshield she moved out of her lane with no lane departure warning or anything and then she hit the railway pole without any emergency…

    NHTSA complaint #11654625 · 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