2018 Tesla Model 3 · symptom sheet
Seat belt or seat problems
- 149owner reports
- 57,000median miles
- $1,000median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Aug 21, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
149 of the 1,011 complaints on this car describe seat belt. Only suspension is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 149 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the buckle (11 reports) and the module (9 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the seat belts cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
What owners paid
69 of the 149 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $450 to $1,700.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 37,000 and 80,000 miles, from the 29 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Front passenger seat restraint safety system fault. My car only has 40,000 miles is out of warranty. $2200+ estimate from Tesla. This safety issue happens often according to Tesla Owner sites.”
Filed Apr 19, 2024 · 40,000 miles
“Tesla is charging me to replace the defective second-row center seatbelt buckle. My car has 47,600 miles today (7/13/23). I've owned several other cars and never had to replace a seatbelt buckle before.”
Filed Jul 13, 2023 · 47,600 miles
“Got an error code "RCM_a056" that indicates that there is a fault with the Front passenger safety restraint system. Looking at this problem online it seems that is not very unique and many owners of 2018 Model 3 have suffered the same issue. I was quoted for a service that changes the OCS sensor, but then they also have to replace the airbag due to "compatibility" reasons.”
Filed Jun 24, 2023
“The rear seatbelt mechanism needed to be replaced due to a computer seatbelt restraint error.”
Filed May 6, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 149 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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.
Other problems on this car
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 180 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 139 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 129 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 100 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 88 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 82 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 32 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 26 reports