What 592 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Bev

I received an error. - RCM_a056 "front passenger safety restraint system fault" So I scheduled service to review what happened. According to Tesla, and my service center - this is a known and common issue. The issue is a failure of the seat occupancy sensor. This requires replacement of: seat harness assembly, seat belt reminder sensor box clip and the first row occupancy sensor. However, the major issue (and what should be a class action lawsuit) is that Tesla created a new sensor - that now works, however, requires the replacement of the PASSENGER AIRBAG. Tesla's solution to this widely known issue (according to my service center) was to create a sensor that is not compatible with the current airbag system. This cost is astronomical. If the sensor alone could be replaced, this could be around a $400 fix, but because the airbag is an extra (approximate) $1,000. Total cost of repair is $1,329.34, not including the required $100 remote diagnostic fee.

NHTSA ODI 11587952

Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault requiring replacement of airbag and passenger seat sonsor retrofit. If not replaced a danger of airbag failure to deploy. Problem confirmed with dealer and inspected by manufacturer. Warning light appeared to bring car in for repair

NHTSA ODI 11583164

The car's main screen displayed an error message, "front passenger safety restraint fault. service required." According to on line user groups this same safety system fault has occurred in many Tesla Model 3 cars. In my case, Tesla replaced the occupancy sensor harness in the seat and replaced the passenger side air bag, for a total price of $1800. Replacing the air bag was by far the most expensive part of the repair, but it wasn't defective, it was merely incompatible with the new sensor. With a repair this expensive, many car owners will be tempted to forego the entire repair, since the warning doesn't prevent the car's operation. Tesla should recall all Model 3s and repair the problem, otherwise many drivers will be tempted to drive with a defective sensor system.

NHTSA ODI 11575684

The car is showing a system failure of the passenger restraining system, including the airbag. Car is only five years old with 67,000 miles. This condition should be repaired by Tesla at no cost to the consumer for this early failure. Also, the air conditioning compressor has failed, it is part of the battery cooling system which may create hazard of overheating The battery. This repair should also be covered by Tesla since it is a safety feature. These two failures seem to be very common among Tesla owners as evidence by the multiple social media post on these failures, a safety recall should be implemented to provide these repairs, and no cost to the consumer. Thank you so much.

NHTSA ODI 11571500

In July 2023 we started receiving airbag fault messages on the main screen, “Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". Based on our research this meant that in the event of an accident the airbag would most likely not deploy. We tried to schedule service and due to a "bug with the recent update" we could not get the invoice through their app or schedule the actual service for over a week. After contacting Tesla multiple times we got scheduled and had to drive to a service center instead of mobile service coming to us. This turned out to be a known fault due to the lack of an Occupant Classification System (OCS) Filter Module on the 2017-2019 Model 3. We were charged $165.89 to install what should have been provided for free on a recall to all affected model years. Upon arrival to the center they told me it could end up costing thousands of dollars if they had to replace the airbags, wiring harnesses and other components. That car was about 4 years and 1 month old, and just under 70K miles at the time, so the airbag system should not be failing. Those costs could be prohibitive for some owners, causing them to drive with an unsafe car. Luckily the service center tried the cheapest option first, which was installing the filter that is now standard equipment on all 2020 model years and later. The fact that Tesla now installs that filter as standard shows that it is necessary, and should have been provided to all previous model years as a free recall. Details can be found in the service bulletin that Tesla has already submitted to NHTSA at [XXX] . If that link doesn't work it is [XXX] from [XXX], 2019. This is a known issue for the affected year models that is fixed with an OCS filter module on newer models, that can be installed in a short time on older models. The lack of that module puts users at risk of the airbags not deploying as designed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11566767

Warning message regarding passenger safety restraint system. Code RCM_056

NHTSA ODI 11558807

Front right safety restraint system fault. Rear right safety restraint system fault.

NHTSA ODI 11554024

Air bag sensor not functioning as advertised. I have opened 4 service actions with Tesla. I have been told the sensor activates the airbag for passengers weighing 100 lbs or more. My wife weighs approximately 120 lbs, and we are having continual failures of the system to activate the front passenger airbag, despite her occupation of the seat. We have provided time and date information as requested for Tesla service to review the car's log information. Tesla has performed 2 "hands-on" inspections of the vehicle, and one remote inspection, and continue to assert that the system is working as intended. Tesla service is now stating that clothing could cause the problem, but have failed to render a solution to the issue. I find it unreasonable to have a 20% margin of error for a sensor that operates a life-safety system in a modern vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11553021

I get an intermittent error message: RCM_a021 Front left safety restraint system fault service is required Tesla service charges nearly $360 for this repair. I have understood from owners with the same issue that the connector to the seat belt pretensioner is the issue. Several owners have the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11548745

This is a rampant problem with tesla models. You get a seat restraint safety feature has failed. These are being repaired with a make shift repair and the owners are being charged for it.

NHTSA ODI 11545292

The issue pertains to a persistent warning message that displays "front passenger safety restraint system fault" with associated error code "rcm_a056". This warning suggests a potential malfunction in the safety restraint system, which could pose a significant risk to the passenger in the event of an accident. Tesla Service quoted $1180 for the repair including replacing the front passenger airbag and retrofitting SBR in the OCS passenger seat. This issue appears commonly reported among social groups.

NHTSA ODI 11531735

I have a warning sign stating my air bag system on the passenger side is not working. Many drivers have reported this as an issue. Due to the fact that the car is no longer under warranty I am concerned if I get I to an accident and the air bags don’t deploy, my loved ones are in grave danger if they are in the passenger seat.

NHTSA ODI 11531465

The passenger occupancy sensor and airbag failed and needed to be replaced. The system alerted me to the failure. Tesla does not cover this as a manufacturing issue. $1300 for repairs on parts that are designed for safety Tesla is not responsible for the quality of parts used to assemble the vehicle. Per Tesla safety related issues are only covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. There must be a higher standard for safety.

NHTSA ODI 11524324

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Front Passenger Restraint System Fault message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the front passenger’s side seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11500802

I started to having "Faulty Restrain system fault" around 49k miles on Tesla Model 3. Error pop up "service needed". Consult Tesla for repair. First they ask for $384 for repair harness wires attach for driver front seat. Upon checking warranty on Tesla.com, it provides 60000 miles and 5 years warranty for Restrain System coverage so tesla agrees to fix error for "$0". Upon taking car for repair, I was informed I had rodent cause damage (chewed) wires and it's not cover. I had to pay $180 for repair. I live in Phoenix city and where I live we don't have any problem with rodents. It's very shocking to learn that rodent get access to underneath of Tesla and can chewed on wires. Why wires are not covered with better material rather than cheap plastic tapes. Those wires play significant role in vehicle safety as far as restrain system is concern. Question is why Model 3 is so inferiors in quality and design that rodent get access to the wiring. Error cause many driving problems with air bags not working and causing speeding errors. I have read on Tesla Motor Club blog and many customers are experiencing same problem. Is there anything Tesla needs to do to make their car more safer on road? If you need more information please email me at [XXX] I can provide pictures of damage due to rodent provided by Tesla. Thank You,[XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11497767

Major side impact. Vehicle struck 30-35mph perpendicular to direction of travel. Vehicle did a 180 and suffered significant damage. Side Airbags did not deploy and shattered glass projectiles were flung to the head area of rear occupant, as evidenced by glass shards caught in car seat head area.

NHTSA ODI 11494477

I was coming out of the park and getting on the main road, when the Tesla accelerated without warning in huge burst of speed. I don't use AutoPilot. I had to drive the car out of the road to avoid the incoming traffic and the Tesla hit a tree and a parked car. Then it came to a stop. Then the airbags also failed to deploy. I reported to the police .

NHTSA ODI 11473272

Frontal head-on collision - I went too fast while making a left turn (at least 50mph) - vehicle drifted and I lost control and it hit a lamp post - damage was pretty severe in front left drivers side of car but airbag never deployed

NHTSA ODI 11472457

Constantly beeps and makes me think I’m getting into an accident took to tesla they say sensors are ok. But a car shows on my blind side and sometimes there’s no car there, especially big trucks doesn’t bring up sensor correctly

NHTSA ODI 11454290

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the air bags deployed without impact. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was sent to the manufacturer who was investigating the failure however, no resolution had been made. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,100.

NHTSA ODI 11452468

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN AUTO PILOT AT 65 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT TO THE LEFT AND THEN IT SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A MEDIUM GUARD RAIL. THERE WAS NO OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED IN THE CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED, A UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT DID ILLUMINATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED HOWEVER THEY HAD WHIPLASH AROUND THEIR NECK, BUT THERE WAS NO MEDICAL ATTENTION OR TREATMENT FOR THE INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MANUFACTURER DEALER TESLA (7101 GLENWOOD AVE, RALEIGH, NC 27612). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

NHTSA ODI 11403465

AT APPROXIMATELY 1800 HOURS ON JUNE 3 2020 THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. AT A CROSS STREET, AN SUV FAILED TO MAKE A STOP AT A POSTED STOP SIGN AND STRUCK THE VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER REAR QUARTER, SPINNING IT 270 DEGREES AND PROPELLING IT INTO A WALL ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE LANE OF IMPACT. THE DRIVER, THE ONLY OCCUPANT WAS NOT INJURED. THE DRIVER OF THE SUV FLED THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. POLICE WERE CALLED AND RESPONDED TO THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAR WAS EVALUATED AS A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE APPRAISER. IMPORTANTLY, THE REAR PASSENGER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON IMPACT. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11329040

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF A POLICE REPORT BEING FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT AND THEN TO A COLLSION CENTER. THE CONTACT CONTACTED TESLA (811 S SAN FERNANDO BLVD, BURBANK, CA 91502) WHERE THEY WAS INFORMED OF THE CRASH AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ODI 11307548

I AM FEMALE SAFE DRIVER WITH CLEAN DRIVING RECORDS, MY TESLA WAS THIRD CAR STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT ON DEC 19TH IN THE CITY STREET, AND ALL OF SUDDEN, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT IT TRIGGERED UNINTENDED SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION THAT RESULTED IN ACCIDENT WITH TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME, DAMAGED ALL 3 VEHICLES INCLUDING MINE, I PUSHED THE BRAKE IMMEDIATELY & PARKED BEFORE ALL AIRBAGS IN MY CAR DEPLOYED. I TRIED TO PROVE MY POINT TO THE INSURANCE THAT ITS NOT MY FAULT BUT ITS A CAR THAT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE DUE TO PROBABLY SOME KIND OF NIGHTLY AUTOMATIC SOFTWARE UPDATE OR A MECHANICAL PROBLEM BUT INSURANCE DIDN'T AGREE AND FORCED ME TO AGREE THAT I DID IT !

NHTSA ODI 11300156

MY WIFE WAS TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN OUR GARAGE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP AND HIT OUR INNER GARAGE WALL. IT THEN REVERSED BACK AND HIT THE WALL A SECOND TIME. THEN IT AUTOMATICALLY REVERSED AND PARKED ON THE NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY. BOTH THE STERLING AIR BAG AND AIRBAG NEAR THE FEET DEPLOYED. THE CAR'S FRONT WAS SMASHED. OUR GARAGE WALL AND DOOR ARE ALSO BADLY DAMAGED. I HAVE ASKED TESLA TO INVESTIGATE IF IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE AUTOPILOT TAKING OVER BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THEM YET AFTER MORE THAN A WEEK.

NHTSA ODI 11267131