2019 Tesla Model S Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 16%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2019 Tesla Model S, 16% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2022-10“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 2024-09“The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH on autopilot, the vehicle independently activated the brakes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal in order for the vehicle to deactivate the brakes. The contact stated the failure reoccurred without autopilot on the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11477605, filed 2022-08, 59,000 miles“This is my 6th trip with 2019 Tesla S from Chicago to San Francisco / 1st time SO MANY “PHANTOM BRAKING” incidents / FLAT TIRE WARNING error / screen shut off 3 times …..”
NHTSA complaint #11449929, filed 2022-02“Repeated unexpected emergency braking incidents, similar to those described in the recent Washington Post article. The first one happened on the day that I bought the car, and has never improved. One scenario is the same as described in the article - oncoming car/truck on a two-lane road. But it also happens on freeways. If cruise control is on, it's likely that there will be at least one event during a 30 minute or longer session. As others have mentioned, these are often in congested traffic. When a car is following closely, they have to react very quickly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11452524, filed 2022-02Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 | 11 | 8% |
| 2021 | 16 | 9% |
| 2020 | 6 | 8% |
| 2019 | 7 | 16% |
| 2018 | 25 | 15% |
| 2017 | 25 | 6% |
| 2016 | 56 | 9% |
| 2015 | 21 | 3% |
| 2014 | 10 | 3% |
| 2013 | 25 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2019 Tesla Model S
12 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology