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#BS-2019-TESMOD-49262019 Tesla Model SProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 73 owners and 10 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 73 complaints, 10 crashes, 0 fires, and 10 recalls. Complaint rate is 2.4x the class average.
Top reported problems
sudden braking false collision reading
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
8 owners reported forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control issues — failures commonly reported around 5K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (23 reports) • Median: 5K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control (8 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2019 Tesla Model S: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2019 Tesla Model S, with 8 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 5,200 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 5K-mile mark.
Suspension Issues
Suspension complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2019 Tesla Model S, with 8 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to suspension-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2019 Tesla Model S, with 7 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2019 Tesla Model S, with 4 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2019 Tesla Model S. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (10 recalls)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Tesla, 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 communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
+ 5 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2019 Tesla Model S NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
Not ratedFrontal crash
Not ratedSide crash
Not ratedRollover
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (15)
6 investigations still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
Battery Management Software Updates
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Pedestrian alert sounds
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Defect Petition Interlock Request
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
+ 10 more in the full report
The worst model year for the Tesla Model S is the 2013 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is electrical.
2019 Tesla Model S vs. Class Average (Large Cars)
This vehicle
73
Class avg
30
2.4x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical large cars vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 73 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 10 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 21, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Tesla Model S Model Years
View all Tesla Model S years →2019 Tesla Model S: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2019 Tesla Model S Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 73 owner reports. Know before you buy.