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2021-2023 Tesla Model 3/Y OCS Service Advisory

A manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10240946) from Tesla addresses the need for a specific Occupant Classification System (OCS) installation in the front passenger seat of certain 2021-2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles before servicing OCS subcomponents.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2021 Tesla Model 3
2021 TESLA Model 3 — 2021 TESLA Model 3 manufacturer_communication
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
NHTSA 10240946Tesla Model 3 OCSTesla Model Y OCSOccupant Classification SystemOCS installationfront passenger seatModel 3 serviceModel Y serviceTesla manufacturer communicationOCS subcomponents
Tesla Model 3
2022–2023
Tesla Model Y
2021–2023

Tesla has issued a manufacturer communication, identified as NHTSA ID 10240946, concerning the Occupant Classification System (OCS) in certain 2021-2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. This advisory provides important guidance for technicians regarding the proper procedure for servicing OCS subcomponents.

What's the Issue?

This 2021 TESLA Model 3 manufacturer_communication indicates that some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may need a specific Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the front passenger seat. This installation is a prerequisite before any servicing of the OCS's subcomponents can be performed. The communication ensures that service procedures are followed correctly to maintain the integrity and function of the safety system.

Why This Matters

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is a critical safety feature designed to detect the presence and weight of an occupant in the front passenger seat. This information is used by the vehicle's airbag system to determine whether to deploy airbags and, if so, with what force. Ensuring the OCS is correctly installed and functioning is vital for passenger safety, as it helps prevent unnecessary airbag deployment or ensures proper deployment during a collision.

Owner Action

If your 2021-2023 Tesla Model 3 or Model Y requires service to its front passenger seat's Occupant Classification System (OCS) subcomponents, it is important for the service center to be aware of this manufacturer communication. This ensures that the correct OCS installation procedures are followed before any further work is done. Owners are not required to take any specific action unless instructed by Tesla service personnel or if they are experiencing issues related to the OCS.

For any concerns regarding your vehicle's OCS or other safety systems, it is always recommended to contact an authorized Tesla service center.


Source: NHTSA ID: 10240946

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Occupant Classification System (OCS) in my Tesla?
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is a safety feature in your Tesla that detects if a passenger is in the front seat and their weight. This data helps the vehicle's airbag system deploy correctly during a collision, optimizing safety for the occupant.
Which Tesla models are affected by this OCS service advisory?
This manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10240946) applies to certain 2021-2023 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. It provides guidance for technicians on how to handle OCS servicing.
What should I do if my 2021 TESLA Model 3 manufacturer_communication mentions OCS subcomponent servicing?
If your Model 3 or Model Y needs servicing for its front passenger seat OCS subcomponents, ensure that the service center is aware of this advisory. They will follow the specified procedure to install the correct OCS before proceeding with subcomponent servicing, as outlined in the 2021 TESLA Model 3 manufacturer_communication.
Is this OCS advisory a recall?
No, this is a manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10240946), which provides technical guidance to service centers. It is not a safety recall, but rather an instruction to ensure proper repair procedures are followed for the Occupant Classification System.

What Tesla Model 3 owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 10 model years.

4,387
Owner complaints
36
Recalls
249
Service bulletins
459
Crashes reported
22
Fires reported
256
Injuries reported

The 2021 model year

674 complaints, the 3rd most of 10 model years on file. Owners reported 46 crashes, 5 fires and 19 injuries for this year, which also has 22 recalls on file.

Structure, the system this article covers, accounts for 164 of 4,387 complaints (4%), including 17 for 2021.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the Tesla Model 3
201727
20181,036
2019620
2020453
2021674
2022773
2023429
2024222
2025123
202630

Most-reported systems

  1. Forward Collision Avoidance — 1,751
  2. Vehicle Speed Control — 635
  3. Service Brakes — 571
  4. Electrical System — 566
  5. Steering — 414

Latest recalls for the 2021 model year

  • 26V507000 — Exterior Lighting (Aug 2026)
  • 26V283000 — Back Over Prevention (May 2026)
  • 24V935000 — Tires (Dec 2024)
All 2021 recalls →

Recent owner reports about structure

I am reporting a safety concern regarding the glovebox fascia on my Tesla Model 3. The material on the glovebox trim is peeling and separating, which appears to be caused by prolonged exposure to heat inside the vehicle.

2021 Tesla Model 3 owner, Jul 2026

I wrote several months ago about my 2021 tesla model 3 that the rear doors do not have any mechanical door handle release and is a big safety concern also how can a manufacturer get away with this and also not informing the consumer that anyone sat in the…

2021 Tesla Model 3 owner, Feb 2026
Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

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