2019 Tesla Model S Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 5%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,730miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2019 Tesla Model S, 5% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,730 miles.
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.
“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 miles“Tesla designs a single piece headlight with no serviceable parts. This includes headlights, high beams, and namely daytime running lights. All of these components are on an LED strip that overheats and un-solders due to this high heat, which causes premature failure. Some owners have reported as little as 3 months of life before failing. The day”
NHTSA complaint #11491539, filed 2022-10Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 4% |
| 2022 | 6 | 4% |
| 2021 | 6 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 8 | 5% |
| 2017 | 28 | 7% |
| 2016 | 49 | 8% |
| 2015 | 46 | 7% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 15 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2019 Tesla Model S
12 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsBrakes
7 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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