2020 Tesla Model 3 air bags problems
30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the air bags on the 2020 Tesla Model 3 — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH in traffic on a sunny day, the vehicle drove over a pothole, and the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The brake pedal was checked; however, fifteen minutes later the vehicle crashed into a…”
filed Sep 3, 2026
“Air bags did not deploy during crash. It is available for inspection upon request My face smashed into the steering wheel resulting in black eyes, swollen nose, cuts on my face and a concussion. Yes, the airbags clearly did not deploy during crash No No”
filed Dec 16, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail…Campaign 21V834000 · Oct 25, 2021
Air Bags problems in other Model 3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model 3 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Model 3 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 Model 3 | 8 | 4% |
| 2023 Model 3 | 18 | 4% |
| 2022 Model 3 | 12 | 2% |
| 2021 Model 3 | 8 | 1% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 83 | 14% |
| 2018 Model 3 | 141 | 14% |
| 2017 Model 3 | 7 | 27% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 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.