NHTSA Complaint #11508830 — 2022 TESLA MODEL S

1) Lower drivers knee airbag panel improperly installed. Photos available. 2) This could cause malfunction of the airbag in an accident 3) No response from Tesla service when reported in the Tesla App, and in person. 4) No, but I have photos and the EPC identifies the parts in question. 5) Loose trim panel made the problem apparent, noted at delivery. Noted loose and broken lower dash trim panel under the steering Yoke. Upon investigation, noted the panel was designed to be held in place by 4 circular magnets, two on the panel and two on the lower dash support. However, in this case, a 10mm high strength steel bolt with a torque stripe was inserted into the mating magnet on the lower dash structure. The strength of the magnet was such that the bolt was apparently fully seated. The problem was, where did this bolt belong? It was found the adjacent lower panel was the knee airbag panel was designed to be secured by two 10mm bolts, and one was missing! The errant bolt was placed into the proper hole and torqued per the SM. The passenger side panels and bolts were found to be properly installed, and torque striped. I believe the placement of the Yoke makes it difficult for assembly personnel to ensure the airbag bolt is placed into the proper hole, and the magnet keeps the bolt in position when it is incorrectly placed. The problem is this leaves the lower knee airbag secured by a single bolt, and that is a potential safety concern. Please contact me for photos and supporting documents.