2018 Tesla Model 3 seat belts problems
101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the seat belts on the 2018 Tesla Model 3 — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on multiple occasions, the message "Front Left Safety Restraint System Issue RCM_a021" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…”
filed Jul 7, 2026
“Tesla notification that front left safety restraint system has an issue. Service is required. Who isn't going to take their car in when there is an alert saying the safety restraint system has an issue. Then $232 in parts and $484. in labor. After taking in it was diagnosed that seat harness being…”
filed Jun 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not…Campaign 24V376000 · May 28, 2024
- Second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been…Campaign 22V798000 · Oct 21, 2022
- Audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled…Campaign 22V045000 · Feb 1, 2022
- One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be…Campaign 21V389000 · May 25, 2021
Seat Belts problems in other Model 3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Model 3 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 Model 3 | 3 | 1% |
| 2023 Model 3 | 10 | 2% |
| 2022 Model 3 | 12 | 2% |
| 2021 Model 3 | 15 | 2% |
| 2020 Model 3 | 19 | 4% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 50 | 8% |
| 2017 Model 3 | 6 | 23% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Tesla Model 3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.