2019 Tesla Model S recalls and problems

The 2019 Tesla Model S has 9 safety recalls and 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Tesla dealer.

Recalls
9
Complaints
45
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2019 Tesla Model S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 Tesla Model S recalls

Recall 24V-376: Seat Belts

Reported May 28, 2024 · 125,233 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

Recall 24V-153: Forward Collision Avoidance, Electrical System

Reported Feb 27, 2024 · 6,557 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

Recall 24V-051: Electrical System

Reported Jan 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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 (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

Recall 23V-838: Electrical System

Reported Dec 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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 Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Recall 23V-085: Steering

Reported Feb 15, 2023 · 362,758 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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 around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

Recall 22V-818: Steering

Reported Nov 1, 2022 · 40,168 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.

Recall 22V-169: Back Over Prevention

Reported Mar 18, 2022 · 947 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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."

Risk: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.

Recall 22V-037: Steering

Reported Jan 27, 2022 · 53,822 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

Recall 21V-846: Forward Collision Avoidance

Reported Oct 29, 2021 · 11,728 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

2019 Tesla Model S problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Forward Collision Avoidance15
Suspension8
Service Brakes7
Electrical System6
Steering4
Unknown or Other4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Power Train3
Lane Departure3
Visibility/Wiper3
Latches/Locks/Linkages3
Exterior Lighting2

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 8
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 4
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
  • Electrical System › Horn — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch › Emergency Mechanical Release — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 5,200 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2019 Tesla Model S complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 93,198 miles · reported Oct 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was driving in Self Driving Mode at 55 MPH, the vehicle drove off the highway and into oncoming traffic. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,198.
Electrical System · reported Aug 16, 2026
While I have not experienced this issue personally yet, it is highly possible that it affects all 2012–2020 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with the large induction motor. The issue appears to involve a manufacturing/design defect that allows coolant to leak into the motor due to a failed seal. Once coolant enters the motor, it can short electrical components and potentially cause additional electrical issues. In many cases, the failure occurs without warning, immediately disabling the vehicle and potentially leaving the driver stranded without any notice. Tesla is fully aware of this issue…
Seat Belts · reported Jul 1, 2026
Received error message on screen that a left front seat belt error occurred with an error code of rcm2_a564. Indications are that this error then disables the airbag deployment and the seat belt reaction to an accident. Since this is a safety issue, it should be subject to recall.
Visibility/Wiper · reported Nov 27, 2025
After a recent Tesla firmware update, the backup camera (FMVSS 111 rear visibility function) stopped working. When shifting into reverse, the display shows a black/blank screen instead of the required rearview image. However, the rear camera preview feed still functions, indicating the camera hardware is intact and the failure is likely in the MCU/deserializer routing or software handling of the reverse camera mode. Tesla Service refused to investigate the firmware or signal-routing path and instead recommended a full MCU replacement at my expense without providing diagnostic logs or evidence…
Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Sep 19, 2025
Tesla’s software updates have rendered systems useless the vehicle wants to hug and sometimes cross the left double yellow lines. It cannot hold a constant speed and since their implementation of “supervised” full self driving, have made my vehicle unsafe

Other Tesla Model S years

Compare all Tesla Model S years · All Tesla models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Tesla Model S have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2019 Tesla Model S: 24V-376 (seat belts), 24V-153 (forward collision avoidance, electrical system), 24V-051 (electrical system), 23V-838 (electrical system), 23V-085 (steering) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Tesla Model S?

Owners report forward collision avoidance problems most often (15 reports), followed by suspension (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 5,200 miles.

Are Tesla recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Tesla dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.