Model 3 has the following types of airbags:

• Front airbags: The front airbags are designed to reduce injuries if larger children or adults are riding in the front seats. Follow all warnings and instructions related to seating a child on the front passenger seat (if permitted in your market region). See Child Safety Seats.
• Knee airbags: Knee airbags and the front airbags work together. The knee airbags limit the forward motion of the front seat occupants by restricting leg movement, thereby positioning the occupants so that the front airbags work more effectively.
• Seat-mounted side airbags: A seat-mounted side airbag in the front seats helps protect the pelvis and the thorax region of the torso; the seat-mounted far side airbag in the inside portion of the driver’s seat helps protect the head and torso. The seat-mounted side airbags on both the impacted and non-impacted side of the vehicle will inflate in the event of severe side impact or severe offset frontal impact.
• Curtain airbags: Curtain airbags help protect the head. Curtain airbags on both the impacted and non-impacted side of the vehicle will inflate only if a severe side impact occurs, or if the vehicle rolls over.

The status of the passenger front airbag displays in the top corner of the touchscreen:

Before driving with a child seated on the front passenger seat (if legally permitted in your market region), always double-check the status of the passenger front airbag to confirm that it is OFF. When the passenger front airbag is OFF, it will not inflate when a collision occurs. This indicator also displays when the seat is unoccupied.

To protect an adult occupying the front passenger seat, ensure the passenger front airbag is ON. When the passenger front airbag is ON, it may inflate when a collision occurs.

The airbag indicator displays on the touchscreen for a few seconds at the start of every drive while checking the following functionality, as applicable:

• Airbags
• Seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters
• Impact sensors
• Occupant sensors
• Seat belt sensors
• Passive safety component wiring harnesses
• Onboard restraint controlled components (ex: accelerometer and other passive safety components)

After this check, the airbag indicator turns off. If the airbag system detects a fault in any of the previously mentioned components, the airbag warning indicator stays on. In this case contact Tesla service immediately. Do not drive the vehicle until the airbag system is inspected by Tesla.

To help ensure an occupant in the front passenger seat can be accurately classified, the passenger must:

• Wear a seat belt.
• Sit upright on the center of the seat cushion, with shoulders resting against the seat back and legs extended comfortably in front with feet on the floor.
• Remain positioned on the seat cushion and not lift their weight off the seat (for example, by pushing their feet against the floor or pressing on the center console or armrest to lift up).
• Never wear thick, wet, or bulky clothing (such as ski wear or padded clothing).

In addition to the items listed above, the following situations can interfere with the accuracy of the occupant classification system:

• Placing a radio transmitter (for example, a hunting radio or walkie-talkie) on the front passenger seat.
• Placing an AC/DC inverter, or a device that is being powered by the inverter (for example, a cell phone, tablet, or computer) on the front passenger seat cushion.
• Placing liquid (such as a bottled drink) or food containers on a car seat when a child restraint system is present.
• Incorrectly placing a child restraint system so that the entire lower section is not positioned against the seat cushion.
• Objects lodged under the seat or wedged between the seat back and cushion.
• Heavy objects sitting on the seat (briefcase, large purse).
• Cargo interfering with the seat.
• Aftermarket items attached to or placed between the seat and the occupant, such as covers, mats, blankets, etc.

These conditions can interfere with the occupancy sensor. If you have eliminated the above possibilities, and the airbag status is still incorrect, instruct passengers to ride in the rear seats and use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment to have the airbag system checked.

Correct seating position:

Incorrect seating position - the passenger's feet must be on the floor:

Incorrect seating position - the passenger must not slide forward on the seat cushion:

Incorrect seating position - the passenger must not recline the backrest to a laying down position when the vehicle is moving:

After inflation, the airbags deflate to provide a gradual cushioning effect for the occupants and to ensure the driver’s forward vision is not obscured.

If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has been in a collision, your vehicle requires servicing before it will power up. In addition, your airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated components must be checked, and if necessary, replaced. Use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment immediately.

In a collision, in addition to the airbags inflating:

• United States only: Your vehicle automatically dials 911 if Controls > Safety > Automatic 911 calls is enabled. Cancellation instructions as well as a countdown timer display on the touchscreen.
• Doors unlock.
• Hazard warning lights turn on.
• Interior lights turn on.
• High voltage is disabled.
• Windows go to the vent position.
• Vehicle applies the brakes to come to a stop.