# Tesla Model 3 airbag warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 42 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (20) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 42 owner complaints about the airbag warning light on the Tesla Model 3 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (20). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: The car is mechanically safe to drive, but the airbags may not deploy in a crash, so get it diagnosed soon rather than ignoring it. ## Tesla Model 3 airbag warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the airbag light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2018 | 20 | 1036 | 2% | | 2019 | 12 | 620 | 2% | | 2020 | 4 | 454 | 1% | | 2022 | 5 | 773 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 429 | 0% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Tesla Model 3 recalls related to the airbag warning light **[24V284000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V284000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-04-19): Without a deflector, the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. **Remedy:** Tesla service replaced the side air bag, free of charge. The affected vehicle was repaired April 12, 2024. **[21V834000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V834000)** (2020-2023 models, reported 2021-10-25): 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. Recall repairs are free at any Tesla dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Tesla Model 3 owners report - "There was no warning of my airbags not being able to be fully functioning at the time of impact. This incident happened on November 1st and is in the process of being investigated by the Harris County sheriff's department." -- owner of a 2023 Tesla Model 3, complaint filed 2025 - "Additionally, the passenger's side air bag warning light intermittently illuminated and after a week remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the service App. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000." -- owner of a 2022 Tesla Model 3, complaint filed 2024 - "There were no warning lights or messages indicating a problem with airbags or anything else for that matter. Driver was wearing seatbelt." -- owner of a 2020 Tesla Model 3, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the airbag warning light means The airbag or SRS light means the airbag computer found a fault and may have turned off some or all airbags. The car drives normally, but you may not have airbag protection in a crash. Common causes include a loose connector under a seat, a worn clock spring in the steering wheel, and a seat belt buckle sensor. Have it diagnosed soon and check for open airbag recalls. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose or damaged connector under a seat** (common) 2. **Worn clock spring in the steering wheel** (common) 3. **Passenger occupant sensor fault** (less common) 4. **Seat belt buckle or pretensioner fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Airbag (SRS) warning light](/warning-lights/airbag). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Tesla Model 3 airbag light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (24V284000, 21V834000) covering 2020-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Tesla Model 3 years have the most airbag light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2022 Model 3 model years have the most complaints mentioning the airbag warning light, with 20 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Tesla Model 3 with the airbag light on? Drive to a shop this week. The car is mechanically safe to drive, but the airbags may not deploy in a crash, so get it diagnosed soon rather than ignoring it. Do not try to repair airbag parts yourself, because an accidental deployment can cause serious injury. ### How do I check if my Tesla Model 3 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Tesla dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Tesla Model 3 warning lights - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/tesla-model-3): 118 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/tesla-model-3): 15 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/tesla-model-3): 98 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/tesla-model-3): 7 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/tesla-model-3): 23 complaints ## Airbag (SRS) warning light on other models - [Subaru Forester](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/subaru-forester): 280 complaints - [Nissan Altima](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-altima): 250 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-explorer): 205 complaints - [Nissan Rogue](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-rogue): 163 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-accord): 90 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-wrangler): 88 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ram-1500): 77 complaints - [Volkswagen Tiguan](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/volkswagen-tiguan): 75 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-cherokee): 71 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-traverse): 69 complaints ## Tesla Model 3 - [Tesla Model 3 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/tesla-model-3) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/tesla-model-3 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.