Are there airbag problems with the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

Yes. NHTSA lists 30 airbag complaints for the 2020 Model 3, making up 7% of the 451 total complaints filed for that year, with 10 crashes and 11 injuries reported.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 airbags?

Yes, campaign 21V834000 covers 2020-2021 and 2023 Model 3 vehicles where the left and/or right side curtain airbag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, risking a twisted airbag.

Do 2020 Model 3 airbags fail to deploy in crashes?

Multiple NHTSA complaints describe airbags not deploying during collisions, including T-bone and guardrail impacts, with occupants reporting facial injuries from hitting the steering wheel.

At what mileage do airbag issues occur on the 2020 Model 3?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for airbag complaints on the 2020 Model 3 is 38,500 miles.

2020 Tesla Model 3 Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 30 airbag complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 7% of its 451 total complaints for the year, tied to 10 crashes and 11 injuries. A related recall (campaign 21V834000) covers improperly secured curtain airbags on 2020-2021 and 2023 Model 3 vehicles.

Airbags complaints: 30; 7% of 451
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 11
Median mileage: 38,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Owners report airbags failing to deploy during moderate-to-severe collisions, including T-bone impacts and crashes into fixed objects.
Several complaints describe front-seat occupants hitting the steering wheel or dashboard because no airbag deployed, resulting in facial injuries or a broken leg.
One owner reported knee airbags deploying through the glovebox during a frontal crash, causing a broken leg.
Some owners report a front safety restraint system fault warning with no crash involved, and Tesla service centers unable to permanently resolve it after multiple visits.
One complaint involved airbags not deploying after the vehicle crashed into a highway guardrail at over 70 mph, requiring stitches from a head impact.
A separate recall found some curtain airbags were improperly secured to the roof rail, which could cause a twisted airbag.

When 2020 Tesla Model 3 airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 4, 2020, latest Sep 3, 2026.

30 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2024 (2).

Airbags recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model 3

NHTSA 21V834000Oct 25, 2021Airbags3 vehicles
Air bags:side/window:curtain
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk: A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.

Airbags complaints by Model 3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20177 (27%)
2018142 (14%)
201984 (14%)
202030 (7%)
20218 (1%)
202212 (2%)
202318 (4%)
20248 (4%)
20252 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

Are there airbag problems with the 2020 Tesla Model 3?: Yes. NHTSA lists 30 airbag complaints for the 2020 Model 3, making up 7% of the 451 total complaints filed for that year, with 10 crashes and 11 injuries reported.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 airbags?: Yes, campaign 21V834000 covers 2020-2021 and 2023 Model 3 vehicles where the left and/or right side curtain airbag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, risking a twisted airbag.
Do 2020 Model 3 airbags fail to deploy in crashes?: Multiple NHTSA complaints describe airbags not deploying during collisions, including T-bone and guardrail impacts, with occupants reporting facial injuries from hitting the steering wheel.
At what mileage do airbag issues occur on the 2020 Model 3?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for airbag complaints on the 2020 Model 3 is 38,500 miles.