2026 Tesla Model Y Airbags Problems

I am formally requesting an investigation and corrective software update addressing Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) improperly navigating into closed HOV/express lanes. On October 14, 2026, at approximately 5:19 PM, my Tesla was operating with FSD engaged, Mad Max mode selected, and HOV lane navigation enabled. The vehicle entered a closed Georgia Peach Pass express lane, passed the first security barrier, and subsequently collided with a second barrier despite my attempt to intervene by braking. The collision shattered my windshield, damaged the windshield frame, and caused minor physical injuries. My primary concern is that FSD failed to recognize or appropriately respond to a physically closed express lane. This presents a potentially serious safety hazard for other Tesla drivers and surrounding motorists.

NHTSA ID

11772591

Incident

Oct 14, 2026

I am writing to raise a serious safety concern regarding my Tesla Model Y Premium AWD 7-seater which was involved in a significant rear-end collision The vehicle sustained substantial impact and has been determined to be a total loss. Given the severity of the collision, I am concerned that none of the airbags deployed. This is a serious safety concern, and I would appreciate a detailed technical explanation rather than a general statement about airbag deployment criteria. Please let me know what information, photographs, police reports, or other documentation you need from me to conduct the investigation

NHTSA ID

11767879

Incident

Sep 25, 2026

My Tesla 2026 Y was in an accident and was totalled. I sustained a broken tibia and a broken sternum. The airbags did not deploy. There was no warning the airbags were faulty. The car was hauled away from the collision center.

NHTSA ID

11767400

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

I was driving the car inside the parking garage of the UCLA Medical Plaza in Westwood at around 3:10pm on XXX, looking for an appropriate parking spot. When entering the second basement floor and turning the steering wheel right, to follow the road, the steering wheel was unresponsive and the car felt as if in neutral gear. As the car was on a downward slope, it went straight into the car parked in front. It happened so fast, but it seemed as if the brakes were ineffective. The air bags on the sides were deployed. On the front, the airbag in the steering wheel came out but did not inflate. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11755387

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

On [XXX] 1512PM. Drive on [XXX] with auto pilot driving. Seen on construction and hit some object driver side by front bumper , fender, Side mirror,Door and Wheel. Couldn't avoid crash by control handle. There is none of airbag action. All deployed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11727063

Incident

Mar 12, 2026

Rear-end collision. My Tesla impacted the rear of another vehicle at approximately 15–18 mph. No forward collision warning observed. Owner-provided data shows AEB status as SNA. Impact is such that the car is totaled.

NHTSA ID

11717825

Incident

Jan 21, 2026

The contact is a police officer from the Simi police department, who called on behalf of the owner of a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated the owner was driving at 30 MPH with full autopilot mode with direction destination set, the vehicle increased in speed to make a U-turn on the opposite side of a driveway; therefore, the driver attempted to disengage the autopilot and depressed the brake pedal. The vehicle failed to stop and instead increased in speed, causing the driver to crash into a curb, a Dodge Ram truck, a light pole, and an occupied Nissan Maxima vehicle, where the vehicle came to a stop. Both vehicles that were crashed into were occupied by 1 occupant each. The contact stated the owner's air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the owner did not sustain any injuries. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision center; however, the vehicle looked drivable. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

NHTSA ID

11703812

Incident

Dec 8, 2025

Mileage

5,000 mi

Bought a brand new Model Y and I less than a week I received the below two error message warnings and the airbag light comes on. Cabin occupancy radar obstructed. Front passenger safety restraint system issue. Also to engage the FSD, I have to double tab 2-3 times in order for it to engage.

NHTSA ID

11690258

Incident

Sep 20, 2025

24 hour after taking delivery, operating on Full Self Driving on a residential street at 25-30 mph, the car struck a landscaping trailer parked on the right.The tailgate of the trailer was down and the car struck the left rear upright post of the trailer causing significant damage to my car. No automatic breaking occurred: the car struck the trailer at full speed. The collision alarm sounded just as the vehicle struck the trailer, not before. I requested vehicle status info form Tesla, but the video stops well before the collision and I can't decipher the rest. But I can send it to you if it would be helpful,.

NHTSA ID

11687281

Incident

Sep 4, 2025

I was driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y when another vehicle pulled out from a driveway and struck the front/side of my car. The Tesla failed to initiate Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and no airbags deployed. This raises serious concerns about the functionality of Tesla’s safety systems in real-world scenarios. The vehicle has not been modified in any way and was in standard driving mode. I have contacted Tesla Support requesting a diagnostic and explanation, but I believe this incident should also be reviewed as a potential safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11658970

Incident

May 5, 2025