119 of the
7,374 complaints filed about the Tesla Model Y
are about the airbag system —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2023.
I was driving the car inside the parking garage of the UCLA Medical Plaza in Westwood at around 3:10pm on XXX, looking for an appropriate parking spot. When entering the second basement floor and turning the steering wheel right, to follow the road, the steering wheel was unresponsive and the car felt as if in neutral gear. As the car was on a downward slope, it went straight into the car parked in front. It happened so fast, but it seemed as if the brakes were ineffective. The air bags on the sides were deployed. On the front, the airbag in the steering wheel came out but did not inflate. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Description of Safety Incident:The front passenger safety restraint system failed, displaying the warning alert: "Seats - Front passenger safety restraint system fault / Service is required." This alert disables or suppresses the front passenger airbag and seatbelt restraint system, creating a direct safety hazard for front-seat occupants.Service History & Recurring Defect:On February 26, 2025 (at 50,596 miles), Tesla Service Center diagnosed an open circuit in the front passenger seat harness/back frame. Under Service Bulletin / SRS Warranty, Tesla replaced the front seat back, seat harness assembly (PN: 1489060-03-G), occupancy sensor (PN: 1099592-00-F), and SBR sensor clip (PN: 1130363-00-B). On August 1, 2026 (at 63,583 miles)—less than 13,000 miles after the initial replacement—the exact same safety restraint system fault recurred.Safety Concern:The front passenger seat harness and Occupant Classification System (OCS) appear to suffer from design strain, pinching, or premature wiring degradation during normal seat movement. Because this defect disables critical safety restraint components and recurs shortly after replacement, I am submitting this report to request a federal safety review and investigation regarding Tesla Model Y front passenger seat wiring harness integrity.
NHTSA complaint #11755028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving at approximately 30-35 mph on a 30 mph residential road with my son in the front passenger seat. My vehicle unexpectedly collided with a parked, unoccupied car on the right side of the road, impact occurring between my front passenger side and the rear driver side of the parked vehicle. Following the initial collision, the vehicle continued past a small tree, mounted the sidewalk, and struck a second parked car before I was able to manually bring it to a stop 2–3 houses further down near an intersection. Throughout this sequence—with the vehicle traveling at ~35 mph—neither the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) activated nor did any airbags deploy. Fortunately, neither my son nor I sustained catastrophic injuries, though my chest struck the steering wheel during the impact, causing ongoing pain my and mental trauma for my son. I am currently receiving medical advise. Given the speed and sequence of impacts, it is terrifying that the vehicle’s primary safety systems failed to engage before, during, or after the collision. I am seeking a thorough technical investigation into why Automatic Emergency Braking and airbag deployment failed in this scenario with Tesla Model Y
NHTSA complaint #11754177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At I-66 East and 495 Exit in Fairfax/Vienna, another car hit my Tesla car from the side at around 40-50 MPH. My car driver side had a heavy impact - Door scratched badly, rear window broke, rear tail lamp broke, rear tire got damaged, components on top of the front tire came off. Even the car was hit with this heavy force and had heavy damage, Airbags never deployed. Luckily THe driver didn't have any injuries as she was wearing a seat belt. How come the airbags never popped with this heavy impact accident? THe car that hit our car, didn't have as much damage as ours but their airbags deployed. Is this a defect with Tesla airbags?
NHTSA complaint #11752860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 due to the inhalation of toxic fumes and a broken talus on the right foot. In addition, the contact was continuing to receive medical treatment. The contact's wife sustained burns to the face and inhalation of the toxic fumes. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed. The contact stated that the air bags were defective and unsafe. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
**Incident Report — Tesla Model Y Safety System Failure** The subject vehicle, a Tesla Model Y equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology and advanced safety features, was involved in a collision at an estimated impact speed of 40–45 MPH. The vehicle's onboard recording system captured the incident and clearly documents the impact dynamics, vehicle speed at impact, and the contributing actions of the other party involved. **Incident Details:** - **Impact Location:** Left front side of vehicle - **Impact Speed:** 40–45 MPH - **Damage Assessment:** Vehicle declared total loss by insurance - **Recorded Evidence:** Onboard system footage available **Safety System Failures:** Despite the severity of the impact and speed involved, the following safety systems failed to activate: - Emergency braking system did not engage - Forward Collision Warning Failed - Seatbelt pre-tensioning/locking mechanism did not activate - Airbag deployment systems failed (front, side, curtain, and knee airbags) **Concern:** The vehicle's advanced safety features—which are primary design components marketed for collision mitigation—did not function as designed or expected. Given the impact speed and severity, these safety systems should have either mitigated the collision or deployed to protect occupants. The failure of multiple redundant safety systems raises questions regarding the reliability and function of these critical systems at the time of impact. **Available Evidence:** - Onboard system footage (speed, impact angle, timing) - Insurance total loss assessment - Medical records (if applicable) - Vehicle service history
NHTSA complaint #11752329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recurring front passenger safety restraint system fault causing incorrect occupant detection for airbag deployment. Failed and was ‘repaired’ 3 times since 2024, including 2 consecutive failed repairs of the same part within the last 3 months. Tesla service advisor also mentioned informally this is a common issue. Tesla is now refusing further no-cost repair despite both recent repairs remaining under Tesla’s own parts warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11749701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and making a right turn into an alley with another vehicle approaching, the contact stopped to reverse; however, while using the tap feature, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a concrete barrier twice. The vehicle was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The crash was not captured on the camera inside the vehicle. A Police report was filed. There was no injury reported. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot and was next towed to the local dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #11746167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 failure mileage was approximately 57,577.
NHTSA complaint #11741505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
**What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The vehicle experienced a critical failure immediately on the same day of purchase, rendering it not functioning or inoperable. It was deemed to be preexisting from the dealership I bought it from. The battery is malfunctioning affecting the driving capacity and range. --- **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The failure created a significant safety concern, as the vehicle was not operating reliably immediately after purchase. This placed me at risk of being stranded and potentially exposed to hazardous conditions, including loss of transportation in unsafe or uncontrolled environments. Or stopping while driving. --- **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** The issue was immediately reported to the dealership, and they acknowledged the problem by agreeing to an exchange of the vehicle due to its defective condition. It was confirmed by a service center of the car's manufacturer. --- **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?** At this time, the vehicle has inspected by the manufacturer. --- **Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** Yes, although the manufacturer can't pinpoint when they started but said they had been on since ATLEAST March 10. My purchase was made April 1, undisclosed to me of this huge issue.
NHTSA complaint #11730990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On January 12, 2026, I was involved in a multi-vehicle collision on I-4 West near US-27 Off Ramp in Polk County, Florida. My vehicle was struck on the left rear quarter panel causing me to lose control, hit a second vehicle, and travel off the road to the hazard lane. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance company. Despite the severity of the impact, none of the airbags deployed. The Florida state crash report confirms airbags were marked as Not Deployed. The vehicle is currently at a salvage yard and is available for inspection. No warning lamps related to the airbag system were present prior to the crash. The failure of the airbag system to deploy in a total loss collision put the driver at significant risk of serious injury.”
NHTSA complaint #11727855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] 1512PM. Drive on [XXX] with auto pilot driving. Seen on construction and hit some object driver side by front bumper , fender, Side mirror,Door and Wheel. Couldn't avoid crash by control handle. There is none of airbag action. All deployed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11727063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear-end collision. My Tesla impacted the rear of another vehicle at approximately 15–18 mph. No forward collision warning observed. Owner-provided data shows AEB status as SNA. Impact is such that the car is totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11717825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PLAINTIFF: [XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] ] Email: [XXX] ] VS. DEFENDANT(S): 1. [XXX] 2. King Bodyshop [XXX] Phone: [If known] STATEMENT OF CLAIM (File in Duplicate Plus One For Each Defendant) The Plaintiff sues the Defendant(s) for money owed Plaintiff by Defendant(s); and which is past due and unpaid; for: ☐ Work done and materials furnished by Defendant to Plaintiff (or check “Other” below). ☐ Other (Explain): Breach of contract for incomplete auto body repairs. Additional facts: Plaintiff. On or about December 12, 2024 you dropped off the vehicle, Year 2023 Model Y performance VIN [XXX] to Defendant King Bodyshop (operated/owned by [XXX] ) for body repairs pursuant to an agreement/estimate. Plaintiff paid $24.500 amount paid] for the repairs. Defendant agreed to complete the repairs properly but not only failed to do so, but charged over $9000 to fix the problem and damages, still leaving the vehicle with unresolved safety restraint system issues, including active alerts: • RCM2_a203: Safety restraint system issue – Service is required • RCM2_a095: Front left safety restraint system issue – Service is required Despite repeated requests over several months (October 2025] to present), Defendant has not completed the repairs, fixed the faults, or refunded the payment. This constitutes a breach of contract and/or negligent/incomplete workmanship under Florida law (including the Motor Vehicle Repair Act). As a result, Plaintiff has incurred damages including: • Eon paid $24500 amount and [XXX] paid additional $9000 to shop] (refund demanded) • $Tesla estimate to fix the current problems is another 2900 cost from other shop quotes to complete/fix] (additional repair costs) • $[any rental INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11716550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We live on a road with a steep embankment. My wife backed across our driveway and when she put the car from reverse to drive it accelerated uncontrollably. She hit our mailbox, then a power pole across the street, a driveway across the street then over the embankment where she hit a retainer wall another wooden railing and finally came to rest against our neighbors house. If she wouldn’t have caught the edge of the house she would have went down approximately 150 foot embankment. Not only the car accelerated on its own it is supposed to automatically brake, it didn’t and the airbags never deployed. This all this happened right after it went through an automatic update. The car was totaled, with my wife getting a concussion and a lot of muscle injuries. There was no warning lights prior to event and we reported it to Tesla and all they did was send camera images which we had. The car is now in possession of Wawanesa Insurance because it was a total loss
NHTSA complaint #11716189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Passenger side airbag did not deploy. Emergency auto brake did not seem to work. The passenger side of the vehicle was struck by other car at high speed and sustained significant damage
NHTSA complaint #11711221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 left front end had crashed first, and then the driver's door and left front fender had crashed into the dividing wall. The contact stated that the driver's front air bag had deployed and burst; there was a large tear starting from the top of the air bag all the way to the steering wheel. The contact stated that he had burns on his hands due to the air bag explosion, bruises on his chest, and right arm. The contact stated that the police and emergency services arrived. A police report was filed. The contact stated that he was transported to the hospital, and the vehicle was towed to a manufacturer's collision center. The contact stated that the manufacturer's collision center downloaded the collision information from the vehicle's main frame and shared the accident report with the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11708923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving a Tesla vehicle and to document multiple critical system failures that occurred during an accident, resulting in physical injuries to me. On the 12/24/2025, while operating Tesla under rainy conditions, I experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction of the vehicle. During the event, the steering system became unresponsive and appeared to lock, preventing me from maintaining control of the vehicle. Simultaneously, the braking system failed to respond as expected despite my attempt to apply the brakes. These failures significantly impaired my ability to avoid or mitigate the collision. Most concerning, the vehicle’s airbag system did not deploy during the impact. Given the severity of the collision and the resulting injuries, the lack of airbag deployment represents a serious failure of a critical safety system designed to protect occupants in such events. As a direct result of this incident and the apparent malfunction of multiple safety systems, I sustained physical injuries that required medical evaluation and treatment. Beyond the physical harm, the incident caused significant emotional distress and raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle. I am submitting this complaint to formally document these safety failures and to request a thorough investigation into the performance of the steering, braking, and airbag systems involved in this incident. I believe this matter presents a significant safety concern not only for myself but also for other drivers and passengers who rely on these systems to function properly in emergency situations. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and advise me of the next steps in your investigation process. I am prepared to provide additional documentation, including medical records, photographs, vehicle data, and incident details, upon request. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter
NHTSA complaint #11707046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact is a police officer from the Simi police department, who called on behalf of the owner of a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated the owner was driving at 30 MPH with full autopilot mode with direction destination set, the vehicle increased in speed to make a U-turn on the opposite side of a driveway; therefore, the driver attempted to disengage the autopilot and depressed the brake pedal. The vehicle failed to stop and instead increased in speed, causing the driver to crash into a curb, a Dodge Ram truck, a light pole, and an occupied Nissan Maxima vehicle, where the vehicle came to a stop. Both vehicles that were crashed into were occupied by 1 occupant each. The contact stated the owner's air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the owner did not sustain any injuries. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision center; however, the vehicle looked drivable. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11703812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.