Tesla SRS/Airbag — supplemental restraint fault
The red Airbag/SRS icon on a Tesla is the same as on classic cars — warns about a fault in the passive-safety system. Risk: the airbag may fail to deploy in a crash.
What this indicator means
Tesla uses a standard SRS architecture with impact sensors in the nose, side sensors in the pillars and a central control module under the centre console. Tesla-specific twist — the module is tightly integrated with Autopilot HW (High Voltage Battery contactor control), so SRS issues can affect Autopilot operation.
Common causes
- Broken or oxidised connector under the seat (classic cause, as on ICE cars)
- Seatbelt sensor tripped after a child-seat installation
- Fault after service without SRS reset
- Issue after Autopilot firmware update
- Missing backup power (weak 12V AGM battery)
What to do as a driver
Read B-codes via a Tesla-compatible diagnostic adapter (not a standard ELM327 — Tesla uses power-line CAN, not all adapters are compatible). Often the fault is caused by a weak 12V AGM battery (2–3 year life on Model 3) — replacing it ($100) resolves 30% of cases.
Safety
Critical: do not ignore. In a crash the airbag may fail. Do not manipulate under-seat connectors with ignition on.