Are there airbag problems with the 2021 Tesla Model Y?

NHTSA lists 23 airbag-related complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model Y, making up 2% of the 1,076 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for 2021 Tesla Model Y airbags?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for the airbag complaints on the 2021 Tesla Model Y.

Did the airbag issues cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data links these airbag complaints to 8 crashes and 2 injuries, with no fires reported.

At what mileage do airbag problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 24,300 miles.

How does 2021 compare to other Model Y years for airbag complaints?

NHTSA shows 17 airbag complaints for 2020 (6% share), 23 for 2021 (2%), 19 for 2022 (2%), and 40 for 2023 (3%), so 2021's share is on the lower end among these years.

2021 Tesla Model Y Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 23 airbag complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model Y, 2% of the model year's 1,076 total complaints, tied to 8 crashes and 2 injuries. No related recall exists for this component.

Airbags complaints: 23; 2% of 1,076
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 24,300 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Owners report airbags failing to deploy during highway crashes, including collisions involving another vehicle or a median.
Some describe the passenger-side occupant classification system incorrectly reporting the airbag as OFF for smaller adult passengers, even though their weight should trigger it ON.
Several owners report a persistent safety restraint system warning or fault message that Tesla service centers could not fully diagnose or repair, sometimes lacking parts.
One owner reported the driver-side airbag was replaced shortly after delivery due to a safety restraint system failure.
Multiple complaints describe airbags not deploying in low-speed rear-end crashes tied to unintended acceleration.

When 2021 Tesla Model Y airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 15, 2021, latest Sep 24, 2026.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2021 (1).

Airbags recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model Y

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Airbags complaints by Model Y model year

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

20190 (0%)
202017 (6%)
202123 (2%)
202219 (2%)
202340 (3%)
20249 (3%)
20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

Are there airbag problems with the 2021 Tesla Model Y?: NHTSA lists 23 airbag-related complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model Y, making up 2% of the 1,076 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2021 Tesla Model Y airbags?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for the airbag complaints on the 2021 Tesla Model Y.
Did the airbag issues cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data links these airbag complaints to 8 crashes and 2 injuries, with no fires reported.
At what mileage do airbag problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 24,300 miles.
How does 2021 compare to other Model Y years for airbag complaints?: NHTSA shows 17 airbag complaints for 2020 (6% share), 23 for 2021 (2%), 19 for 2022 (2%), and 40 for 2023 (3%), so 2021's share is on the lower end among these years.