Diagsheet

2018 Tesla Model 3 · symptom sheet

Passenger airbag sensor problems

  • 40owner reports
  • 39,000median miles
  • $1,257median quote
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 20, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

40 of the 139 reports of airbag on the 2018 Model 3 describe passenger airbag sensor faults.

Part of Airbag warning light or recall (139 reports) · also: Takata airbag recall

Tick what matches of 40 reports

1
21
39
2
6
33

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the occupant sensor (21 reports), the module (7 reports) and the seat cushion (4 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the airbags covers the 2018 model year as of Sep 19, 2026.

What owners paid

32 of the 40 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $1,900.

$1,000$1,257$1,900
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.

120
121
322
823
1724
425
626

What owners wrote

“This is a widespread safety issue that requires a recall! This is not isolated. Model 3 passenger airbags are at risk of not deploying. Car alert: Update Front Passenger Airbag to Maintain Compatibility with Front Passenger Seat Remedy: “Replace Front Passenger Airbag And Update Vehicle Configuration””

Filed Mar 2, 2025

“Passenger Safety Restraint system fault. Faulty wiring under the seat. Cost of repair is $1000. Passenger airbag requires replacement.”

Filed Dec 21, 2024

“My car started giving me an alert for a "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". There has been no accident to cause an issue. I'm being told by the service center that it is a known occurrence and certain models/years, require a new safety vent type front passenger airbag to maintain compatibility between the front passenger seat and the front passenger airbag.”

Filed Jun 3, 2024

“Passenger Airbag and seat are faulty. Received error message on my car “front passenger safety restraint system faulty”. Tesla is wanting to replace the airbag and passenger seat and seat belt and it will cost few thousands dollars.”

Filed May 2, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 40 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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