2019 Tesla Model S Problems
Compared with other Tesla Model S years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× that of a typical Tesla Model S year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 14 of its 44 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported part: Forward collision avoidance (12 complaints, median 24,500 mi).
- 10 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Open NHTSA investigationFSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions; Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness and 1 more
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 44filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 5,100miles, 18 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 10campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 103 MPGecombined, Electric AWD · 102 city / 105 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Tesla Model S (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2019 Tesla Model S. The part named most often is forward collision avoidance, with 12 complaints (27% of the total), followed by suspension (8) and brakes (7). 18 of the complaints include a mileage, and 89% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 5,100 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 66 technical service bulletins for this model year. Forward collision avoidance complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part. Suspension complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Compared with the other 11 Tesla Model S model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension8 18%
- Brakes7 16%
- Electrical system5 11%
- Other or unknown4 9.1%
- Steering4 9.1%
- Vehicle speed control3 6.8%
- Air bags2 4.5%
Also reported: Back-over prevention (rear camera) (2), Engine (2), Exterior lighting (2), Lane departure (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Body and structure (2), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Forward collision avoidance: “With increasing frequency in recent weeks, my Tesla brakes without warning. It seems to occur while under adaptive cruise control. At times the car is approaching a road sign. At other times there is no reason apparent to me. The adaptive cruise control works well otherwise.”
NHTSA complaint #11491033, filed 2022-10Suspension: “At low speeds (10-30 MPH) there is a rattle that sounds like it is coming from under the front left side of the car. It is triggered by even the slightest of bumps in the road. In 2018, Tesla admitted to the problem and was replacing struts (or even buying back cars), but ever since 2019, they say it's a normal noise. I'm sorry, but any noise that makes me wonder if my wheels or suspension are going to fall off should not be considered a normal noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #11340472, filed 2020-07, 500 milesBrakes: “Vehicle suddenly stopped on highway luckily there were no drivers behind me. The vehicle all of a sudden started beeping even though there was a clear path and no obstructions. Then stopped. I was panicked and in awe at what was happening. I couldn’t get the vehicle to drive I was just stuck for 10-15 seconds. I was finally able to get the car moving again but the problem hasn’t happened since. Any information as to what may have gone wrong may help other Tesla owners who may or may have not experienced this… yet”
NHTSA complaint #11613861, filed 2024-09Electrical system: “Electrical problem associated with software update 2019.28.2 320fbao. Downloaded update and following update one could hear solenoids opening & closing followed by left day time running light illuminating followed by right. Did a soft and hard reset and factory reset to no avail. Took car into service center and update removed and told to re enter update when home. Re installed update and same thing occurs. Spent over an hour trying to find a number to call to talk to someone about the problem. On chat line told to do another hard reset and then was disconnected. …”
NHTSA complaint #11242154, filed 2019-08, 2,730 milesMileage when problems were reported
89% of the 18 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 500 and 24,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Tesla Model S. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S 60D · hatchback AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 5.7% risk |
| Model S 75D · hatchback AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 5.7% risk |
| Model S 90D · hatchback AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 5.7% risk |
| Model S P100D · hatchback AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 5.7% risk |
| Model S P90D · hatchback AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 5.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2019 Tesla Model S version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); for electric versions it is the cost of electricity and the rating is in MPGe.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S 100D AWD | Electric | single-speed | 101 | 102 | 102 MPGe | $750 |
| Model S 75D AWD | Electric | single-speed | 102 | 105 | 103 MPGe | $750 |
| Model S Long Range AWD | Electric | single-speed | 115 | 107 | 111 MPGe | $700 |
| Model S P100D AWD | Electric | single-speed | 92 | 105 | 98 MPGe | $800 |
| Model S Performance (19in Wheels) AWD | Electric | single-speed | 104 | 104 | 104 MPGe | $750 |
| Model S Performance (21in Wheels) AWD | Electric | single-speed | 98 | 96 | 97 MPGe | $800 |
| Model S Standard Range AWD | Electric | single-speed | 113 | 105 | 109 MPGe | $700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V376000May 28, 2024Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devicesCovers: Tesla Model S 2012–2024, Model X 2015–2024, Model 3 2017–2023 +1 more
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these…
- 24V153000Feb 27, 2024Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Tesla Model S 2013, 2018–2021, Model 3 2018–2022, Model Y 2020–2022 +1 more
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
- 24V051000Jan 30, 2024Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelCovers: Tesla Model S 2012–2023, Model X 2016–2024, Model 3 2017–2023 +2 more
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System…
- 23V838000Dec 12, 2023Electrical system › Adas › Driver monitoring › SoftwareCovers: Tesla Model S 2012–2023, Model X 2016–2023, Model 3 2017–2023 +1 more
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when…
- 23V085000Feb 15, 2023Steering › Automated/adaptive steeringCovers: Tesla Model S 2016–2023, Model X 2016–2023, Model 3 2017–2023 +1 more
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe…
- 22V818000Nov 1, 2022Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Tesla Model S 2017–2021, Model X 2017–2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
See all 10 recalls for the 2019 Tesla Model S → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA26002FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility ConditionsOpen · Mar 18, 2026
- PE24033Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.Closed · Jan 6, 2025
- PE24031FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility ConditionsClosed · Oct 17, 2024
- RQ24009Recall 23V838 Remedy EffectivenessOpen · Apr 25, 2024
- DP23002Sudden Unintended AccelerationOpen · Jun 29, 2023
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 66 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020189Jun 3, 2025Electrical system. On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the battery powered Pyrotechnic High Voltage (HV) Battery Disconnect will reach the end of its battery lifespan in the near future, which will trigger alerts…
- 11008831Sep 30, 2024Other or unknown. Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based…
- 11008830Sep 30, 2024Other or unknown. Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based…
- 11008829Sep 30, 2024Other or unknown. Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based…
- 11008827Sep 30, 2024Other or unknown. Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based…
- 11008824Sep 30, 2024Other or unknown. Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based…
- 11008807Sep 30, 2024Other or unknown. Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based…
- 11008806Sep 30, 2024Other or unknown. Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based…
- 11008805Sep 30, 2024Other or unknown. Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based…
- 11008803Sep 30, 2024Other or unknown. Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based…
Other model years of the Tesla Model S
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | — | 0 | — | 110 MPGe | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 6 | — | 2 | — | 104 MPGe | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 38 | 3,500 | 6 | — | 107 MPGe | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 115 | 83,166 | 13 | — | 120 MPGe | 41 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 139 | 6,118 | 20 | — | 116 MPGe | 60 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 179 | 6,000 | 23 | — | 110 MPGe | 78 · More | Stable |
| 2020 | 80 | 2,500 | 11 | — | 109 MPGe | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2019 | 44 | 5,100 | 10 | — | 103 MPGe | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2018 | 170 | 16,000 | 11 | — | 102 MPGe | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 429 | 24,236 | 9 | — | 102 MPGe | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 649 | 26,250 | 10 | 5 | 98 MPGe | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 668 | 49,240 | 9 | 5 | 95 MPGe | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 367 | 52,425 | 9 | 5 | 89 MPGe | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 461 | 70,000 | 11 | 5 | 94 MPGe | 42 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 61 | 68,481 | 8 | — | 89 MPGe | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
All Tesla Model S model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Tesla Model S have?
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2019 Tesla Model S as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 Tesla Model S is reported most often?
Forward collision avoidance is named most often, in 12 complaints (27% of the total), followed by suspension with 8.
Has the 2019 Tesla Model S been recalled?
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How efficient is the 2019 Tesla Model S according to the EPA?
The EPA rates the 2019 Tesla Model S (Model S 75D, Electric) at 103 MPGe combined, 102 city and 105 highway, with an estimated annual electricity cost of $750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other battery and motor versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2019 Tesla Model S reported?
Among the 18 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 5,100 miles and the middle half falls between 500 and 24,500 miles; 89% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.