2023 Tesla Model 3 Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 18 airbag complaints for the 2023 Tesla Model 3, 4% of its 425 total complaints, tied to 13 crashes, 9 injuries, and 1 fire. A related recall (21V834000) covers curtain airbags that may have been improperly secured to the roof rail.
- Airbags complaints
- 18
- 4% of 425
- Crashes reported
- 13
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 9
- Median mileage
- 10,447 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed collisions, including rear-end and intersection crashes.
- Some drivers describe the dashboard display announcing "Air bags deployed" after a crash even though the airbags did not actually inflate.
- Several complaints link non-deploying airbags to broader control-system failures, including brake pedal non-response and steering wheel lock-up during the same crash event.
- One owner reported a recurring SRS system fault code (front passenger sensor) that a service center could not permanently resolve despite software updates.
- Injuries described in these reports include concussion, whiplash, and head impact against the window when airbags did not activate.
When 2023 Tesla Model 3 airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 30, 2023, latest Jun 23, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2023 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.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have an airbag recall?
- Yes. Recall 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, which could cause a twisted airbag. Tesla Service inspects and realigns the curtain airbag free of charge.
- How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2023 Model 3?
- NHTSA lists 18 airbag complaints for the 2023 Model 3, which is 4% of the 425 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Are the airbag complaints linked to crashes or injuries?
- Yes. Of the reports tied to this problem area, 13 involved crashes, 9 involved injuries, and 1 involved a fire.
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically get reported?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2023 Model 3 is 10,447 miles.