2019 Tesla Model S Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 27%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2019 Tesla Model S, 27% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“When driving with AutoPilot enabled, I am experiencing the same issues as many others. Without any warning or reason, the car will sometimes slam on the brakes which puts the occupants in my vehicle and the cars behind me in danger. I have had to punch the throttle quickly to correct the situation but often the car has slowed 20 MPH by that point. My estimate is that it happens ~5 times per hundred miles travelled on freeways.”
NHTSA complaint #11454507, filed 2022-02“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 76 MPH with the adaptive cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and decelerated to 45 MPH. The contact stated that the cruise control function then activated and operated as designed and the vehicle then regained speed and accelerated to the desired speed. The failure occurred twice within 20 miles. The contact stated that during the first failure, there was no other vehicles nearby; however, the contact had passed another vehicle the second time the failure was experienced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11521008, filed 2023-05, 24,500 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 2022-02Related recalls
- 21V846000Oct 29, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A…Covers: Tesla Model S 2017–2021, Model X 2017–2021, Model 3 2017–2021 +1 more
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 29% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 18 | 16% |
| 2022 | 34 | 24% |
| 2021 | 48 | 27% |
| 2020 | 23 | 29% |
| 2019 | 12 | 27% |
| 2018 | 50 | 29% |
| 2017 | 69 | 16% |
| 2016 | 39 | 6% |
| 2015 | 31 | 5% |
| 2014 | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2019 Tesla Model S
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 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 28, 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